7 Florida Kayaking Spots That'll Show You A Magical Side Of The Sunshine State
Just keep paddling, just keep paddling!
Exploring Florida by water is an amazing way to see the Sunshine State in a whole new light. There’s no better way to do that than by navigating the rivers, springs, backwaters, and more by launching a kayak and paddling off on your watery adventure. For some of the most scenic and beautiful spots for your next paddle, check out this list of magical kayaking spots in Florida.
From mangrove tunnels to crystal clear springs to open salty air, these kayaking spots show off all of Florida’s best angles. And with the maneuverability of a kayak, you’ll get to explore places you’d never see if you were hiking by land.
Admire Florida’s lush flora and keep an eye out for friendly fauna, especially manatees! These places will even lead you to some hidden Florida treasures like underwater caves, jungle-like rivers, and glowing bioluminescent waters.
And while a solo kayak adventure can always be a fun day trip, a tandem kayak with your best adventure buddy just means double the fun.
So, grab your paddles and a waterproof case for your camera so you can capture all the beauty while exploring these gorgeous kayaking spots around Florida.
Chassahowitzka River
Price: $5 parking at the campground
Address: Launch Site at 8600 W. Miss Maggie Dr., Chassahowitzka, FL
Why You Need To Go: This lush river has several offshoots to explore that even lead to hidden underwater caves you can dive through.
Weedon Island Preserve
Price: Free
Address: 1800 Weedon Dr., St. Petersburg, FL
Why You Need To Go: This Florida preserve has many amazing mangrove tunnels to paddle through, and great hiking trails on land, too. An observation tower will give you sweeping views of Tampa Bay.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Price: $6 per vehicle
Address: 3109 East Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL
Why You Need To Go: This stunning park lets you paddle down a historical 60-year-old moat through towering melty-looking banyan trees, and even reach the sea.
Shell Key Preserve
Price: Free admission, though a boat rental, kayak rental, or the ferry to get here may cost a small fee.
Address: 2187 Oceanview Dr., Tierra Verde, FL
Why You Need To Go: This gorgeous barrier island is prime kayaking territory, from tree tunnels to open salt air, not to mention a great shell hunting spot. You can rent a boat, take a ferry, or even paddle your way there by kayak or paddleboard.
Bioluminescence Tour In Titusville
Price: $72
Address: 485 N. Washington Ave., Titusville, FL
Why You Need To Go: See a different side of Florida’s nightlife when you book a kayak tour with BK Adventure and experience the magic of bioluminescence.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Price: $13
Address: 6131 Commercial Way., Weeki Wachee FL
Why You Need To Go: You can see all the way to the bottom at this gorgeous spring, and you might even catch a glimpse of some manatees as well!
Get Up And Go Kayaking At Rainbow Springs
Price: $50
Address: 9435 S.W. 190th Avenue Rd., Dunnellon, FL
Why You Need To Go: Renting a clear kayak from Get Up And Go Kayaking has to be one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Rainbow Springs. Swimming here is super cheap too, costing only $2.
Happy paddling!
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment and obey any local laws.