Paddle Through Paradise: 100 Can't-Miss Kayak Spots in Florida
The water's calling you....
Kayaking in Florida is a unique and special experience because of the state's abundance of waterways and diverse natural environments. Florida has over 12,000 miles of navigable waterways, including rivers, lakes, springs, and the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, which provide endless opportunities for kayaking enthusiasts.
One of the unique features of kayaking in Florida is the presence of mangrove tunnels. These narrow waterways lined with tangled mangrove roots are a distinctive feature of Florida's coastal areas and provide a breathtaking and immersive experience for kayakers. Florida also has many rivers and springs with crystal-clear water, which allow kayakers to see a variety of marine life, including fish, manatees, and even dolphins in some areas.
Kayaking in Florida also allows paddlers to explore the state's diverse ecosystems, from the Everglades' freshwater marshes and sawgrass prairies to the cypress swamps of the Okefenokee and the barrier islands along the state's coasts.
In addition, Florida's temperate climate allows for year-round kayaking, and the state's parks and protected areas provide many opportunities for kayaking adventures, including guided tours, rentals, and access to launch points.
Overall, kayaking in Florida is a unique and memorable experience, offering a chance to explore the state's beautiful natural landscapes and diverse ecosystems while enjoying a fun and engaging outdoor activity.
1.     Everglades National Park - A vast wilderness area with a maze of waterways, mangrove forests, and diverse wildlife. https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/paddling.htm
2.     Weeki Wachee Springs State Park - A crystal-clear spring-fed river that winds through a lush cypress forest. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/weeki-wachee-springs-state-park
3.     Rainbow Springs State Park - A serene river with crystal-clear water and abundant wildlife. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/rainbow-springs-state-park
4.     St. Joseph Peninsula State Park - A pristine beach and bay area with calm waters and excellent birdwatching opportunities. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/st-joseph-peninsula-state-park
5.     Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - A sprawling wetland complex that is home to thousands of migratory birds and other wildlife. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Merritt_Island/
6.     Chassahowitzka River - A meandering river that winds through a lush cypress swamp and is home to manatees and other wildlife. https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/areas/chassahowitzka-river
7.     Silver River State Park - A clear, spring-fed river that is home to a variety of fish and wildlife, including manatees and alligators. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/silver-river-state-park
8.     Juniper Springs Recreation Area - A tranquil spring-fed river with clear water and lush vegetation. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ocala/recarea/?recid=32260
9.     Big Lagoon State Park - A scenic waterway that offers calm waters and excellent birdwatching opportunities. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/big-lagoon-state-park
10. Ginnie Springs - A popular spot for tubing, kayaking, and swimming in crystal-clear water.
https://ginniespringsoutdoors.com/
11. Weedon Island Preserve - A mangrove-lined estuary that is home to a variety of fish and wildlife, including dolphins and manatees.
https://weedonislandpreserve.org/
12. Little Manatee River State Park - A serene river that winds through a lush forest and offers great opportunities for spotting wildlife. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/little-manatee-river-state-park
13. Tarpon Springs - A picturesque coastal town with calm waters that are perfect for kayaking and exploring the local marine life. https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/tarpon-springs.html
14. Caladesi Island State Park - A barrier island with pristine beaches and clear water that offers great kayaking and snorkeling opportunities. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/caladesi-island-state-park
15. Peace River - A tranquil river that winds through a scenic wilderness area and offers great opportunities for spotting wildlife.
https://www.peaceriverwildlifecenter.com/
16. Tomoka State Park - A scenic river that flows through a lush forest and offers great kayaking and fishing opportunities. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/tomoka-state-park
17. Lovers Key State Park - A pristine beach and bay area that offers great kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lovers-key-state-park
18. Santa Fe River - A clear, spring-fed river that is home to a variety of fish and wildlife and offers great kayaking and tubing opportunities.
https://www.santaferiver.com/
19. Blackwater River State Park - A serene river that winds through a lush forest and offers great kayaking, fishing, and camping opportunities. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blackwater-river-state-park
20. Hillsborough River State Park - A scenic river that flows through a lush forest and offers great kayaking, hiking, and camping opportunities. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/hillsborough-river-state-park
21. Oleta River State Park - A scenic waterway that winds through a mangrove forest and offers great kayaking and fishing opportunities. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/oleta-river-state-park
22. Crystal River - A crystal-clear river that is home to a variety of fish and wildlife, including manatees and dolphins, and offers great kayaking and snorkeling opportunities.
https://www.discovercrystalriverfl.com/
23. Fort De Soto Park - A scenic beach and bay area that offers great kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities. https://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm
24. Three Sisters Springs - A crystal-clear spring-fed river that is home to a large population of manatees and offers great kayaking and snorkeling opportunities.
https://www.threesistersspringsvisitor.org/
25. Biscayne National Park - A vast marine park with a variety of ecosystems and abundant marine life, including colorful corals and fish. https://www.nps.gov/bisc/planyourvisit/paddling.htm
26. Paddle Florida - A non-profit organization that hosts multi-day kayaking trips on various waterways throughout Florida.
https://paddleflorida.org/
27. Devil's Den - A unique underground spring with crystal-clear water and a network of caves that are accessible to experienced divers.
https://www.devilsden.com/
28. Myakka River State Park - A scenic river that winds through a lush forest and offers great kayaking and fishing opportunities. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/myakka-river-state-park
29. Cape Coral - A coastal city with a network of canals and waterways that are perfect for kayaking and exploring the local marine life.
https://www.capecoral.net/
30. Palm Beach - A popular coastal destination with calm waters that are great for kayaking and snorkeling.
https://www.thepalmbeaches.com/
31. Manatee Springs State Park - A clear, spring-fed river that is home to a variety of fish and wildlife, including manatees, and offers great kayaking and snorkeling opportunities. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/manatee-springs-state-park
32. Robinson Preserve - A scenic nature preserve with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and spotting wildlife. https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/parks___natural_resources/parks_and_preserves/robinson_preserve
33. Lake Istokpoga - A large lake with calm waters that are great for kayaking and fishing. https://www.highlandssports.com/lake-istokpoga/
34. Hontoon Island State Park - A scenic island with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and spotting wildlife. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/hontoon-island-state-park
35. Gulf Islands National Seashore - A scenic coastal area with a variety of waterways and abundant marine life, including dolphins and sea turtles. https://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/paddling.htm
36. St. Augustine - A historic city with a network of waterways that are perfect for kayaking and exploring the local history and architecture. https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/
37. Lake Louisa State Park - A scenic park with a network of lakes and waterways that are great for kayaking and fishing. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lake-louisa-state-park
38. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fort-pierce-inlet-state-park
39. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and spotting wildlife, including alligators and panthers. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fakahatchee-strand-preserve-state-park
40. Tampa Bay - A large bay with a variety of waterways that are perfect for kayaking and exploring the local marine life.
https://www.visittampabay.com/
41. Dunedin - A coastal city with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and exploring the local marine life.
https://www.dunedingov.com/
42. Tomoka State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and fishing, and offer views of a historic Native American site. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/tomoka-state-park
43. Oscar Scherer State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and fishing, and offer views of a diverse ecosystem of plants and animals. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/oscar-scherer-state-park
44. Southwest Florida Water Management District - A government agency that manages a network of waterways throughout Southwest Florida and offers opportunities for kayaking and other outdoor activities. https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/
45. Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway - A scenic greenway with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife and plants. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/marjorie-harris-carr-cross-florida-greenway
46. Lake Talquin State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and fishing, and offer views of a historic dam and hydroelectric plant. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lake-talquin-state-park
47. Fort Myers Beach - A popular beach destination with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and exploring the local marine life.
https://fortmyersbeach.org/
48. Grayton Beach State Park - A scenic beach and bay area that offers great kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/grayton-beach-state-park
49. Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge - A scenic wildlife refuge with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and spotting local wildlife, including alligators and birds. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Lower_Suwannee/
50. Pensacola - A historic coastal city with a network of waterways that are perfect for kayaking and exploring the local history and architecture
https://www.visitpensacola.com/
51. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and fishing, and offer views of a diverse ecosystem of plants and animals. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/topsail-hill-preserve-state-park
52. Gulf Islands National Seashore - A scenic national seashore with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and exploring local wildlife and marine life. https://www.nps.gov/guis/index.htm
53. Crystal River - A network of waterways that are great for kayaking and exploring the local marine life, including manatees.
https://www.discovercrystalriverfl.com/
54. Manatee Springs State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including manatees. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/manatee-springs-state-park
55. Rainbow River - A scenic river that is great for kayaking and offers views of local wildlife, including turtles and fish. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/rainbow-river-state-park
56. Biscayne Bay - A large bay with a variety of waterways that are perfect for kayaking and exploring the local marine life. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/biscayne-bay-aquatic-preserve
57. Big Lagoon State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including dolphins and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/big-lagoon-state-park
58. Hillsborough River State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including turtles and alligators. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/hillsborough-river-state-park
59. Juniper Springs Recreation Area - A scenic recreation area with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including otters and fish. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ocala/recarea/?recid=34064
60. Myakka River State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including alligators and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/myakka-river-state-park
61. Navarre Beach - A scenic beach area with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including dolphins and birds. https://www.getrelaxing.com/Navarre-Beach
62. Oleta River State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including manatees and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/oleta-river-state-park
63. Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve - A scenic preserve with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including dolphins and manatees. https://floridadep.gov/rcp/pine-island-sound-aquatic-preserve
64. Weedon Island Preserve - A scenic preserve with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including manatees and birds.
https://weedonislandpreserve.org/
65. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including alligators and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fakahatchee-strand-preserve-state-park
66. Wekiwa Springs State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including alligators and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/wekiwa-springs-state-park
67. Honeymoon Island State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including dolphins and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/honeymoon-island-state-park
68. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including sea turtles and dolphins. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/st-joseph-peninsula-state-park
69. Everglades National Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including alligators and birds. https://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm
70. Lake Louisa State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including alligators and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lake-louisa-state-park
71. Bahia Honda State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local marine life, including dolphins and sea turtles. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/bahia-honda-state-park
72. Faver-Dykes State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including manatees and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/faver-dykes-state-park
73. Little Manatee River State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including alligators and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/little-manatee-river-state-park
74. Blue Spring State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including manatees and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park
75. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge - A scenic refuge with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including alligators and birds. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/St_Marks/
76. Tomoka State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including manatees and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks
77. Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail - A paddling trail that offers over 190 miles of waterways for kayaking and canoeing through diverse habitats and wildlife, including manatees and dolphins. https://www.leeparks.org/facility-info/facility-details.cfm?Project_Num=0133
78. Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area - A wildlife management area with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including alligators and birds. https://myfwc.com/viewing/recreation/wmas/lead/fisheating-creek/
79. Henderson Beach State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including dolphins and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/henderson-beach-state-park
80. Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including manatees and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/werner-boyce-salt-springs-state-park
81. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including manatees and birds.
https://www.macarthurbeach.org/
82. Juniper Springs Recreation Area - A scenic recreation area with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including alligators and birds. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ocala/recarea/?recid=40292
83. Cape Romano - A scenic area that is great for kayaking and offers views of local wildlife, including dolphins and birds. https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/romano-island.htm
84. Manatee Springs State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including manatees and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/manatee-springs-state-park
85. Three Sisters Springs - A scenic area that is great for kayaking and offers views of local wildlife, including manatees and birds. https://www.discovercrystalriverfl.com/listing/three-sisters-springs/219/
86. Biscayne National Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local marine life, including dolphins and sea turtles. https://www.nps.gov/bisc/index.htm
87. Silver Springs State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including alligators and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/silver-springs-state-park
88. Terra Ceia Preserve State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including manatees and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/terra-ceia-preserve-state-park
89. Venetian Pool - A unique pool that is great for kayaking and offers scenic views of local wildlife, including turtles and fish. https://www.coralgables.com/venetian-pool
90. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge - A wildlife refuge with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including manatees and dolphins. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ten_thousand_islands/
91. Little Manatee River State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including alligators and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/little-manatee-river-state-park
92. Rock Springs Run State Reserve - A scenic reserve with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including alligators and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/rock-springs-run-state-reserve
93. Weedon Island Preserve - A scenic preserve with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including dolphins and birds. https://www.pinellascounty.org/preserve/weedon-island/
94. Myakka River State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including alligators and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/myakka-river-state-park
95. Anastasia State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including dolphins and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/anastasia-state-park
96. Rainbow River - A scenic river that is great for kayaking and offers views of local wildlife, including manatees and turtles. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/rainbow-springs-state-park
97. Lovers Key State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including dolphins and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lovers-key-state-park
98. Oscar Scherer State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including alligators and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/oscar-scherer-state-park
99. Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including manatees and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/tarkiln-bayou-preserve-state-park
100.                     Jonathan Dickinson State Park - A scenic park with a network of waterways that are great for kayaking and offer views of local wildlife, including manatees and birds. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/jonathan-dickinson-state-park