A River Runs Through It
Winding its way methodically through the heart of New Port Richey, the Pithlachascotee River (locals call it “The Cotee”) has somehow been overlooked by the tourism community for years…until now.
Recently local business owners Joan and Arden Anderson decided that it was time to afford people the luxury of enjoying the river from the comfort of a kayak or canoe when they recently opened Makai Kayak & Kanoe on Main St. Fittingly he word, Pithlachascotee is of Seminole origin and means “the river where canoes are built”.
“This river boasts some of the best sightseeing opportunities in all of Central Florida,” says manager James Smith, “every day on the river is different, one day you may see a pod of dolphins the next day a family of manatees, and it’s a bird watchers dream out there; eagles, osprey, egrets, and any number of different birds can be seen. Personally, I’m just excited to see people enjoying the river”.
“Our goal as a business is to cater to families. We want locals and tourists to be able to enjoy the river. That’s why we offer hourly rates as well as half and full day trips. As an avid fisherman I am thrilled to be able to offer customers the opportunity to rent a fishing kayak and let them head out in search of ’the big one,’” adds Mr. Anderson.
The Pithlachascotee is a blackwater river that originates in the Cruz Lake area of Pasco County and wends its way over a 20 mile span passing through the Starkey and James E. Grey Wilderness Parks to more residential areas where some spectacular early twentieth century Spanish architecture can be seen. There are also several eateries that can be accessed via the river as it opens toward the Gulf of Mexico at Miller‘s Bayou.
The best thing about paddling a kayak or canoe?
“Anyone can do it, young or old. It’s fun, easy, and affordable. During a time where everything is so expensive its nice to know that you can go have a great day with your family without breaking the budget,” Makai rental manager Mike Jacobs adds, “and if you still find the prospect of kayaking through the wilderness alone intimidating all you have to do is sign up for one of our many guided tours, and we’ll accompany you along the way pointing out the river’s many points of interest.”
“Anyone can do it, young or old. It’s fun, easy, and affordable. During a time where everything is so expensive its nice to know that you can go have a great day with your family without breaking the budget,” Makai rental manager Mike Jacobs adds, “and if you still find the prospect of kayaking through the wilderness alone intimidating all you have to do is sign up for one of our many guided tours, and we’ll accompany you along the way pointing out the river’s many points of interest.”
“Some of the scenery on the river is amazing, every time I paddle upstream I feel like I’m part of postcard or painting, I didn’t think that you could feel so far from civilization while passing right through a city,” says co-owner Joan Anderson, “It’s God at his best.”
Whether you’re looking to escape the tedium of life for an hour or want to get away all day or even all weekend a tour of the Cotee River offers the calm relaxation that you‘re looking for. One of Florida’s best kept secrets is no longer a secret. Join the excitement as locals and tourist alike re-discover the endless beauty of New Port Richey’s own Pithlachascotee River.
-JS
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