Folks who dream of picnicking or even camping on their own little island can do just that quite easily by kayaking the Indian River Lagoon. There are dozens of spoil islands in the lagoon that make great paddling destinations.
Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Trails
Best kayaking in Florida
Informative articles about the best Florida paddle trails for kayaks, canoes and paddle boards from coastal marshes to scenic rivers and spring runs. These are our favorites:
- Our favorite kayak and paddle trails
- 6 best towns for kayaking in Florida
- The Chaz
- Best tubing in Florida
- Best kayaking near Orlando and Central Florida
- 10 best kayaking spots in South Florida
- 12 awesome outings for kayaking in the Florida Keys
- 5 favorite places to paddleboard in Tampa Bay area
- 3 kayak trails in Southwest Florida you’ll love
Browse our full catalog of kayaking stories below…
Jupiter Lighthouse: Food, fun and five ways to enjoy historic site
Jupiter Lighthouse offers a spectacular view, an interesting history, plus great spots nearby to kayak, hike or relax for a waterfront lunch.
Imperial River: Delightful kayak trail through old Bonita Springs
The kayak trail through old Bonita Springs on the Imperial River is worth discovering for its scenery. If you’re lucky, you may see manatees.
Bulow Plantation Ruins: 5 minutes off I-95 for romantic ruins, picnic & walk
When driving I-95, you can travel five minutes off the highway and find romantic ruins, have a picnic and a walk through the woods in this Flagler County state park. In minutes, you feel like you’re in another world.
Upstream on Estero River is a gem for kayakers near Naples and Fort Myers
The Estero River upstream from Koreshan State Park is a beautiful two-hour round trip with magnificent arching oak trees and wildlife in the Naples/Fort Myers area.
St. Lucie River South Fork deserves discovery, especially by South Florida paddlers
The St. Lucie River is not a well-known kayaking destination — and it should be. It’s wild and gorgeous — a jungly forest of old live oaks thick with airplants and Spanish moss. After paddling about two hours, you reach a remote area where you can picnic and take a hike.
Unsung heritage corridor: Springs, history, scenic byway in Central Florida
This off-the-beaten track region offers springs, history and Florida scenic drives along the St. Johns, the ‘river of lakes.’ It’s centered around the Old Florida city of DeLand, an hour north of Orlando.
Take a perfect trip to Everglades City
Everglades City is at the end of the road in a remote wild, spot. Here you can explore the Everglades, learn fascinating history and feast on stone crabs during the season from Oct. 15 to May 1.
Four great kayak or canoe rivers within 45 minutes of Ocala
You can experience four outstanding Florida rivers in one trip if you base yourself in the Ocala area. In four days of paddling, you have a good chance to see wildlife — from manatees to American eagles to alligators and even monkeys. Three of the four rivers are aquarium-clear spring-fed streams. The fourth is a wild and peaceful place where you can escape the modern world.
Rainbow River gushes with pure spring water; it’s like kayaking in an aquarium
Rainbow Springs and the Rainbow River are among Florida’s top tubing and kayaking spots. People love this waterway because of the pure, clear water and spectacular natural setting. In winter, it’s a peaceful place to kayak and perhaps see otters. In summer, it’s full of tubes floating through a cool paradise.