This is your first step in planning adventures for the coming cooler weather. We’ve paddled dozens of Florida waterways and here’s our pick for the best places to kayak by region plus a few “unsung” favorites we recommend you discover.
Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Trails
Calusa Blueway: Kayak trail with maps, markers so worth exploring
The Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile long paddling trail through the Gulf Coast waters around Fort Myers. It’s not designed to be through-paddled, but it IS designed to be Florida’s best kayak trail. You can get free maps of the various paddling trails sent to you.
Two top campgrounds, pristine beaches, surfing, kayak the lagoon and fab fishing at Sebastian Inlet
Sebastian Inlet has always been a favorite destination, and these two public campgrounds will make your getaway pleasurable.
Fort Lauderdale Air Show: Nov. 20-21, 2020
A kayak paddle in the nearby waterways is a way to reduce traffic hassles and still experience some of the Fort Lauderdale Air Show May 6-7. Here’s how to do it.
Six best towns for kayaking in Florida
If you love kayaking and are planning a getaway, we recommend these six places as the best towns for kayaking in Florida. As we approach a year where travel plans are upended, these small towns will deliver exceptional and authentic experiences.
Paddle Florida: 2020-21 kayak trips explore Florida’s top waterways
Paddle Florida is a non-profit that organizes a few paddling trips each year on Florida’s greatest waterways. Limited in size and carefully researched, these trips are great for solo paddlers or folks who appreciate a little support in undertaking a several day paddling and camping trip.
Telegraph Creek: Unspoiled kayak trail worth discovering
Telegraph Creek, a tributary of the Caloosahatchee River near Fort Myers, is all the things I love about kayaking destinations – out-of-the-way, uncrowded, scenic, full of wildlife. It’s located within a half hour of Fort Myers and is ideal for a shaded two- or three-hour kayak outing.
Kayaking St. Lucie River waterways: Many kayak trails to explore
We’ve spent several great days kayaking the waterways along the St. Lucie River in the Treasure Coast. Here are three kayak trails we like: St. Lucie south branch , St. Lucie Inlet Preserve and Ten Mile Creek.
Long Key State Park: Florida Keys gem but camping limited
Once the site of a luxury resort for the rich and famous, Long Key State Park is a terrific place to spend a few hours hiking, beachcombing, swimming, snorkeling and kayaking in the Florida Keys. While most of its highly prized beachfront campsites are closed, a few tent sites are open.
Lido Key Mangrove Trail: Paddling with cormorants, wildlife
The Lido Key Mangrove Trail is a well-known scenic kayak trail in Sarasota. Guest contributors Ed and Deb Higgins love paddling with friendly cormorants and weaving in and out of mangrove tunnels.
Little Manatee River near Tampa: Great for kayakers, hikers & campers
Just 45 minute from Tampa/St. Pete, the beautiful river, state park and region is a natural haven that can keep you busy exploring for days. There’s an outfitter to make trip-planning easy, plus it offers cabins and camping.
