Things to do / Travel Guide
Freshwater Kayaking and Paddling around Tampa and Orlando
Some popular freshwater paddling routes are:
- Hillsborough River at Tampa - Different routes, anywhere from 5-14 miles long, and appropriate for paddlers of all skill levels. Hardwood and cypress trees as well as small rapids can be seen while paddling.
- Myakka River State Park in Sarasota - This paddling route stretches from Myakka Outpost Concession to the Park Drive Bridge. About 6 miles roundtrip, the route is suitable for paddlers of all skill levels, and is teeming with wildlife.
- Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run in Apopka - This 8-mile route stretches from Rock Springs Run to the Wekiva Marina. This route is suitable for paddlers of moderate skill levels. Nice scenery and lush plant life can be enjoyed throughout the paddle.
Check out the Water Sports Florida website for a full list of places from which to rent canoes.
Saltwater Kayaking and Paddling around Tampa and Orlando
You can kayak in many different locations around Central Florida. Some popular saltwater kayaking routes are listed below.
- Caladesi Island State Park by Dunedin - This route extends between the Dunedin Causeway and Caladesi Marina. At 5 miles roundtrip, it is suitable for kayakers of every skill level.
- Honeymoon Island State Park by Dunedin - This route extends from the Dunedin Causeway to a bird observation area. At 6 miles roundtrip, it is suitable for kayakers of moderate skill levels.
- Fort DeSoto Park at St. Petersburg - This 10-mile-long route around Mullet Key is suitable for kayakers of moderate skill levels, and features mangroves and a historic fort.
- Philippe Park and Cooper's Bayou by Clearwater - This route extends from Philippe Park to Courtney Campbell Causeway. At 8 miles roundtrip, it is suitable for kayakers of moderate skill level, and along with many species of birds.
- Upper Tampa Bay Park at Oldsmar - This route extends from a nature center to a railroad bridge. At 6½ miles roundtrip, it is suitable for kayakers of all skill levels, and features mangroves and coastal wetlands.
- Weedon Island Preserve at St. Petersburg - The South Paddling Trail here is 4 miles long, is suitable for kayakers of every skill level, and features mangrove tunnels and shallow water.
Kayak rentals are reasonably priced. For a list of places to rent kayaks, see Water Sports Florida.
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