Last updated on April 12th, 2022 at 09:08 am
Florida’s best kayaking trails range from paddling through saltwater and mangrove tunnels to kayak trails where you paddle through forests of cypress trees dripping with Spanish moss. Many of our favorite Florida kayak trails involve a destination: Our list includes kayak trips to islands that are now ghost towns.
Here’s a guide to our favorite kayaking trails for each region. For each area, we’ve picked one kayak trail that is less well-known but definitely worth discovering.
Best kayaking in Florida Keys
Favorite kayak spot: Indian Key off Islamorada. If you’ve ever dreamed about exploring a deserted tropical island, here’s your chance: Take your kayak down to the Florida Keys and paddle out to Indian Key State Park. Here, you explore jungly ruins and snorkel along a rocky shoreline. Full story: Indian Key: Kayak to Florida Keys history — and snorkel too
Worth discovering: Kayaking to Little Bahia Honda Island. The popular Lower Keys park is perfect for kayak outings. You can kayak around the island or head out to tiny picturesque Little Bahia Honda Island. Full story: Full story: Kayaking in clear water at Bahia Honda State Park
More places to kayak in the Florida Keys:
12 great kayak outings in the Florida Keys
36 hours in Key Largo: Gilbert’s Resort and kayaking the wreck at Garden Cove
Destination Key Largo: Pennekamp State Park
Long Key State Park: Beach camping in the Florida Keys plus paddling
Camping in the Middle Keys: Curry Hammock State Park
Best kayaking in Southeast Florida
Favorite kayak spot: Loxahatchee River in Jupiter. One of only two federally designation Wild and Scenic Rivers, the Loxahatchee’s scenery is exquisite. Paddlers can take short out-and-back trips of two to three hours or arrange for a shuttle and kayak a more demanding 8.3 mile trip downstream. The latter may require several portages over fallen trees and is for adventurers in good shape. Loxahatchee River in Jupiter: Kayak a wild, scenic river in South Florida
Terrific but only for a limited season: Fisheating Creek in Palmdale. This gorgeous, wild, winding river is well-known in Florida, but can only be paddled when water levels are high enough, which is generally during the hot, buggy rainy season and during only a few weeks in the fall and early winter. This river through a pristine cypress forest belongs on the bucket list of those who love the Florida outdoors. Full story: Legendary Fisheating Creek : Kayak trail lives up to hype, but timing is everything
Worth discovering: The St. Lucie River in Stuart is not a well-known kayaking destination — and it should be. It’s wild and gorgeous — a forest of old live oaks thick with airplants and Spanish moss. There are a few small islands that inspire the imagination and, after paddling about two hours, you reach a remote area where you can picnic and take a hike reachable only by boat. Full story: St. Lucie River: Beautiful kayak trail deserves discovery
More places to kayak in the Southeast Florida
Kayak trail to a hidden beach: St. Lucie Inlet Preserve in Stuart
Peanut Island in Riviera Beach: Snorkeling, historic Kennedy Bunker, even camping
Sebastian Inlet in Melbourne Beach: Getaway for camping, paddle sports, wildlife
Kayaking West Lake in Hollywood Beach: A little bit of nature hiding in Broward
Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound: A Florida treasure
MacArthur State Park in North Palm Beach: Kayak trail to Munyon Island for beaches, mangrove tunnels
Oleta River State Park offers respite from Miami’s urban bustle
Mizell Johnson State Park (formerly Lloyd State Park) in Dania Beach
Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach: Window on the Everglades
Best kayaking in Florida Everglades
Favorite: Turner River. I’ve paddled a lot of trails in the Everglades, but so far, the Turner River is my favorite. It goes from pristine cypress swamp, through mangrove tunnels to sawgrass marsh, and it teems with birds, gators and fish. It’s everything the Everglades can offer in one trip. Full story: Turner River kayak trail: The best in the Everglades
Worth discovering: Sandfly Key. You can explore the wilderness of the Ten Thousand Islands off Florida’s Gulf Coast with this short kayak trail to an uninhabited island full of history. It’s the perfect “starter” kayak trail for an area full of paddling possibilities. Full story: Ten Thousand Islands: Sandfly Island is perfect ‘intro’ kayak trail
More places to kayak in the Everglades:
Fakahatchee Strand: Big, wild and great for Everglades hiking and kayaking
Everglades kayak trail: Halfway Creek off Tamiami Trail is all about the plants
Canoe or kayak Everglades National Park: Coot Bay and Mud Lake trail
Ten Thousand Islands: Ride the tide through Indian Key Pass
Everglades canoe trail: Exploring Nine Mile Pond
Everglades kayak trail: It’s called Hell’s Bay for a reason
More Everglades kayak trails: A roundup from Florida Rambler.
Best kayaking along Florida’s Gulf Coast
Favorite: Myakka River. This big state park offers a memorable and beautiful kayak trail, full of wildlife. At some points, big old live oaks draped with Spanish moss line the shores. At others, your view is of broad grassy marshes. We passed uncountable gators and many were among the largest alligators I have ever seen. There was no manmade presence visible and no sounds except nature. Full story: Kayaking on Myakka River at Mayakka River State Park
Worth discovering: Caladesi Island State Park. Off the coast of Clearwater and Dunedin, it has been called the best beach in America. What’s even better? Kayaking to Caladesi and seeing wonderful wildlife along the way. Full story: Caladesi Island: Kayak to a wild beach
More places to kayak along Florida’s Gulf Coast
Manatee Park & the Orange River: Fort Myers kayak trail ideal for winter day
Kayaking from Cabbage Key in Pine Island Sound
Shell Creek: Near Punta Gorda, the prettiest kayak trail you’ve never heard of
Matlacha Pass Preserve: An artsy town is gateway to nature-filled paddling trails
Telegraph Creek: Worth discovering along the Caloosahatchee
The Chaz in Homosassa: Springs & wildlife make this river a special kayak trail
Sarasota’s Lido Key Mangrove Trail: Paddling with cormorants, wildlife
Northport: Kayaking Deer Prairie Creek for hours of paddle heaven
Cayo Costa island: A remote, romantic getaway that is wild Florida at its best
Mound Key in Fort Myers Beach: Take Calusa Blueway to archaeological island
Port Charlotte sea kayaking: White pelicans & mangrove mazes
Imperial River: Nice kayak trail through old Bonita Springs
Collier-Seminole Park in Naples: Kayak trail, camping near Naples
Kayak Sanibel, Captiva: Where to go to enjoy wildlife & beauty
Koreshan State Park in Estero preserves wacky Florida history
Peace River in Arcadia: Florida canoe trip is an easy adventure
Five favorite places to paddleboard in Tampa Bay area
Best kayaking in Central Florida
Favorite: Silver Springs and River in Ocala. If you haven’t experienced Florida’s most famous spring, you’re missing what just might be the most beautiful kayak trail in Florida. The pristine scenery and wildlife are outstanding. Full story: Silver Springs State Park has much to like: Kayaking, cabins, hiking, history
Worth discovering: Blackwater Creek near Eustis, a little-known river near Orlando, has over-the-top scenery where it flows out of Lake Norris. It’s an easy paddle worth seeking out for its great beauty. You can even arrange for free canoes. Full story: Kayaking Blackwater Creek & Lake Norris in Eustis: Splendid waterways to discover
Worth discovering: Arbuckle Creek in Avon Park. We couldn’t name just one great unsung kayaking spot in Central Florida, so here’s a second. Arbuckle Creek is a gorgeous river through an ancient cypress forest. It feels remote and wild but is convenient to Orlando and South Florida. It’s a gem, full of wildlife and magnificent scenery. Full story: Kayaking Arbuckle Creek in Avon Park: Unexpected beauty at a bombing range
More places to kayak in Central Florida
Juniper Springs in Ocala Forest: Fab kayaking at pristine spring run
Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest: Easy scenic paddling; lots of wildlife
Kayaking Blue Cypress Lake: Exceptional scenery, so many ospreys, near Yeehaw Junction
De Leon Springs: State park known for pancakes has much more
Hontoon Island near DeLand: Camping, cabins, great kayak trip in wild setting
Turkey Creek in Palm Bay combines kayaking and hiking
Ocklawaha River in Fort McCoy: Kayak or canoe a river that was saved
Beautiful park, fabulous paddle, shady campground: Rock Springs Run and Kelly Park
Blue Spring State Park in Orange City: Manatees in winter; swimming & tubing in summer
The Withlacoochee River: One of Florida’s most scenic kayak trails
Weeki Wachee Springs: Kayaking, manatees and mermaids
Spruce Creek near New Smyrna Beach: A diamond in the rough
Best kayaking in Northeast Florida
Favorite: Santa Fe River near High Springs. The Santa Fe River near Gainesville is a treasure for its many clear bubbling springs and its unspoiled beauty. It’s one of Florida’s most beautiful places to kayak, canoe, snorkel and swim. It’s way north, but worth making part of a trip. Kayaking Santa Fe River
Unsung but worth discovering: Pellicer Creek in St. Augustine. Full of birds and other wildlife, the waterways in Faver Dykes State Park offer many options for exploring by kayak through wild and beautiful land. Full story: Florida ‘low country’ found at Faver-Dykes State Park
More places to kayak in Northeast Florida
Bulow Plantation Ruins: 5 minutes off I-95 for romantic ruins, picnic & paddle
Tomoka State Park: Gateway to the Ormond Scenic Loop
Exploring the St. Johns River by kayak from Welaka
Best kayaking in Northwest Florida
Favorite: Suwanee River. If you think all there is to the Suwanee River is an old song with problematic lyrics, you’re missing out on one of Florida’s greatest kayaking, canoeing and camping rivers. Full story: Suwanee River: Skip the song; but go for kayaking & camping. Also: Suwanee is one of the best canoe-camping rivers in the country. Full story: Suwannee, one of Florida’s most beautiful rivers, offers comfy screened camping on platforms
Worth discovering: Ichetucknee River in winter. The Ichetucknee is the most pristine spring run in the state. It has eight major springs, crystalline water, lush jungly vegetation plus plentiful birds and wildlife. Full story: Ichetucknee: One of Florida’s most beautiful rivers
Worth discovering: Kayaking to Atsena Otie from Cedar Key. Atsena Otie island is even older than historic Cedar Key. It’s a half-mile kayak from the town beach. You are rewarded with a sandy beach and an atmosperic historic cemetery to explore. Full story: Atsena Otie: Cedar Key’s easy, fun & scenic kayak trip to an island
More places to kayak in Northwest Florida
Rainbow River: Pure spring water makes kayaking, tubing tops
Springs & the Suwannee: Two northwest Florida parks are great bases for exploring
Crystal River manatees: How to see, kayak or swim with manatees
Best kayaking in the Panhandle
Favorite: Blackwater Creek near Milton: Blackwater River is known as the only pristine white sand bottom river in the United States. This river passes through the wild and natural lands of Blackwater State Forest all the way from the Alabama state line. There are no homes or docks on the river. The current is two to three miles per hour and the water is shallow, making it one of the easiest paddling trips you can take. Blackwater River is a series of big S curves. At every curve, there’s a sandbar – a magical spot ideal for wading, swimming, building sand castles and having picnics. In summer, the Blackwater River is a very popular tubing river. Read more at our story on kayaking near Milton
Worth discovering: Coldwater Creek: One of the most popular tubing and paddling rivers in the Milton area, Coldwater Creek is a swift, cold, clear stream through a beautiful quiet forest, with only a few cottages and docks along its banks. Coldwater Creek’s water is tannic orange and the bottom is largely white sand. The spring-fed river is 80 degrees year around, which means alligators don’t like it, but folks who want to cool down with tube ride in summer sure do. Read more at our story on kayaking near Milton
More places to kayak in the Panhandle
Grayton Beach: Camp, kayak and bike at one of America’s top beaches
Wakulla & St. Marks: Out of the way, this Big Bend area is full of discoveries
Note: There are some good paddling suggestions in our comments section for more Panhandle rivers that I haven’t explored. The Panhandle has some of the best kayaking in the state, unfortunately far from my home in Fort Lauderdale.
Did we miss your favorite? Please add suggestions in our comment field below.
The author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. Florida Rambler was founded in 2010 by Bonnie and fellow journalist Bob Rountree, two long-time Florida residents who have spent decades exploring the Florida outdoors. Their articles have been published in the Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, The Guardian and Visit Florida.
Lacey A Dickson
Sunday 27th of February 2022
This article was so helpful in planning our vacation, thank you! And particularly thanks for the note to refer to the comments about more spots in the panhandle region.
Bob Rountree
Sunday 27th of February 2022
You're welcome! Thank you for visiting. :-)
Mahler, Walter
Monday 29th of November 2021
Gamble Rodgers has monthly 2 hour guided marsh tours that educates participants about the importance of estuaries and what flora and fauna exists in a healthy one.
divid willey
Monday 22nd of June 2020
What was the opinions or guidelines about the canoe which consists of 3 person canoe and good for fishing.
Kay
Monday 2nd of March 2020
You left our Favorite spot out, Glass Bottom Rentals, on Boca Grande! Amazing blue water, and clear kayaks! Such a great trip!
Martin
Friday 28th of February 2020
Hello Bonnie, thanks for the article is great. I've been kayaking for more than 10 years now. But never in the US and mostly in the Patagonian rivers and lakes. I'll be very interested in doing it in Florida in my next US trip. Sorry me asking, but not being from the US, how safe it is kayaking there? I mean, are the areas with dangerous wildlife there (I'm thinking crocks!)? Also, if you had to choose only one of these places for a first time visitor to Florida Kayaking Spots... which would it be? Again, thanks a lot for this great article!
Bonnie Gross
Friday 28th of February 2020
Martin,
It's not dangerous. You might see a croc in Everglades National Park but they are shy and no threat if you leave them alone. Alligators are very common and are similarly more afraid of you than vice versa. (Of course, don't swim where you've seen them! And be careful if you have a dog, because gators do attack dogs.)
I'd say Florida has two really special kayaking experiences:
1. In Central and Northern Florida, the clear, pristine springs are a wonder. If you went to the Ocala area, you can experience Silver Spring, Juniper Spring AND the Rainbow River. Details here:https://www.floridarambler.com/florida-canoeing-kayaking-paddling/ocala-four-great-kayak-or-canoe-rivers-within-45-minutes/
2. The Everglades is unique, and as a journalist I was trained to use that word only when it truly means one of a kind. Kayaking there is special. I'd recommend the Turner River, which I write about here: https://www.floridarambler.com/florida-canoeing-kayaking-paddling/turner-river-kayak-trail-everglades/ and trails in Everglades National Park https://www.floridarambler.com/florida-canoeing-kayaking-paddling/kayak-trails-in-everglades-national-park/ (Probably Nine Miles Pond.) The Everglades, however, extends in areas up to Lake Okeechobee, and another exceptional kayak trip through a cypress swamp is the Loxahatchee River. https://www.floridarambler.com/florida-canoeing-kayaking-paddling/kayak-loxahatchee-river-south-florida/
I hope this helps!
Bonnie