About us
Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center
Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center (AUOC) began with two canoes on top of a 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass, then expanded to 30 canoes and a 1972 GMC three-quarter ton pickup (affectionately referred to as “Old Blue”). The Blackwater River State Park was the main point of debarkation and phones were answered from the Sanborn family residence in Bagdad, Florida.
In 1978, the original Tomahawk Landing was purchased on the Santa Rosa County courthouse steps. It started out as one building and over the years developed into a complete lodging and water recreation resort. By 1982, Adventures Unlimited began adding lodging to further expand its services. Currently there are three rustic camping cabins, the School House Inn (8 separate rooms, similar to hotel rooms), 20 furnished cottages/cabins (which includes the Lorax Loft unique treehouse) added in 2013, Katie’s Kaboose (2016) and Louisville/Nashville (Pullman car accommodations, 2020). Two rustic camping cabins and eight cottages are designated as “pet friendly.”
In the summer of 1994, the Adventures Unlimited Low and High Challenge Courses were completed. As a result, Adventures Unlimited has been a favored site for retreats of all kinds – schools, military, churches, non-profits, sports teams, corporations, scouts and many others – utilizing the challenges presented by these courses, lead AUOC to become one of the premiere courses in the Southeastern United States.
In 2010, we proudly unveiled the Zip Adventures Canopy Tour, offering adventure seekers the ability to soar through the glorious tree tops of Northwest Florida and over Coldwater Creek on nearly a mile of zip lines, some as high as 65′ in the air.
These programs and activities complement our fleet of 250 canoes, 100 kayaks, 500 tubes and 10 stand-up paddle boards for aquatic enjoyment. Adventures Unlimited also has nearly 100 acres on its Wilderness Resort location campgrounds for groups and individuals, a catering facility, group retreat cabins (which holds up to 70 people), private cabins, a playground, a nature trail, sports fields and a volleyball court.
Adventures Unlimited continues to expand to meet the needs of all of our guests – families, honeymooners, friends and many more! If there is anything Adventures Unlimited can do to meet your specific requests, please let us know! Your input is essential to the growth and development of Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center, and has helped to make our resort what it is today.
Interested in working at Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center?
Jack Sanborn
Job title: President
Jack was born in Ohio. He moved to Florida in 1958 and grew up in Gainesville and Ocala National Forest area. Jack began canoeing at the age of 10. He spent his boyhood hunting, fishing and collecting artifacts. Jack received a Bachelors degree from the University of Florida and then he spent 21 years in the Marine Corp and Marine Corp Reserve as a helicopter pilot and instructor. When Jack is not working, he enjoys white water kayaking, mountain climbing, hiking, canoeing, snorkeling, and traveling. Jack started Adventures Unlimited with his wife Esther in 1974. After being a widower for some time, some staff encouraged Jack to meet a long-time guest and widow. Jack and Katie are now happily married and continue to seek out ways to make Adventures Unlimited the best it can be!
Suzanne Roberts
Job title: Business Manager
Suzanne worked for Adventures Unlimited as a teenager, came back as a 30-something adult with a degree in Leisure Services from Florida State University. She has been married to the same wonderful guy for 30 years. She has two grown children, two grandsons and three granddaughters. In her free time Suzanne enjoys walking the beach, gardening and traveling.