Some of the best kayaking spots in Florida are the Weeki Wachee River, Rainbow River, Arbuckle Creek, Silver River, Lake Toho, Three Sisters, Juniper Run, Santa Fe River, Cedar Key, etc.
Key Takeaways
- The Weeki Wachee River flows 7.4 miles westwards to the Gulf of Mexico
- Rainbow River is the fourth largest spring in Florida and here you will find abundant wildlife and crystal clear waters irresistible
- Arbuckle Creek is situated in a location that is convenient to both South and Central Florida
- Kayakers love floating through the clear waters of Lake Toho while observing hogs, sheep, wild deer, bald eagles, etc.
- Three Sisters Springs is fed by a canopied, narrow inlet on the east side of Kings Bay and it is one of Florida’s most amazing sites
Canoe & Kayak Trail Guide For Florida (Paddling Book)
If you have planned to go out kayaking or canoeing in Florida; then you may need a complete guide to know everything about kayaking in Florida and the fabulous trails; of course.
Here is a guide written by Tim Ohr (the Author of the book), Winston Williams (Editor), and Pete Carmichael (The Photographer who took all the photos inside the book).
Those who do want to paddle in Florida; should get this book as it is beautifully photographed, and contains plenty of pinpointed locations and useful information.
Kayaking In Florida
Florida is widely recognized as the Sunshine State. It is true that Florida offers plenty of Sun. Besides soothing sunshine, Florida keeps a diverse natural landscape hidden. At least, people on their way to see Mickey Mouse are likely to miss this gem of a state.
Kayaking in Florida is nothing like anything! You have miles of pristine water to cover. And, lush landscapes are like an iced top of the cake. You have bays and inlets of South Florida on one end, then you have moss-covered canopies of ancient Cyprus on the other.
For adventure junkies, the reefs of the Keys and mangrove forests will beckon incredible challenges. All in all, the paddling trails in Florida are truly some of the most pristine and beautiful.
When To Kayak In Florida
Florida offers plenty of choices. But, the best time to kayak in Florida is during the dryer, cooler season. Nature pours down all its glory during that time in Florida. Florida has so many choices that a few weekends won’t cut it.
Where To Kayak In Florida
Florida is truly a paddler’s paradise. For many, the “happiest place on earth” can be found in Florida. To dub, the Sunshine State “happiest place on earth” isn’t an overstatement. After all, you can’t be melancholy when surrounded by sparkling gulf waters, trees galore, and lakes.
The Top 10 Places To Go Kayaking In Florida
Florida offers so many impressive opportunities to kayak and canoe that determining a spot to kayak can be a daunting task. With sparkling gulf waters in the West and a deep blue ocean to the East, Florida is a treasure trove.
Florida is waiting to be explored by those looking for thrill, beauty, and adventure. Listed below are some of the best and most picturesque places in Florida. I have generated the list after five years’ worth of traveling through the Sunshine State; lots of memories. So, check them out.
Weeki Wachee River
Weeki Wachee is a dream place to cruise in a kayak. With some of the clearest waters in Florida, the Weeki Wachee River flows 7.4 miles westwards to the Gulf of Mexico.
Main Attractions
1. A canopy of palm trees, oak, and cypress
2. Crystal clear waters
3. First-magnitude spring
4. Old Florida
Rainbow River
This is the fourth largest spring in Florida. Kayak lovers will find abundant wildlife and crystal-clear waters irresistible.
Main Attractions
1. Gin-clear water
2. 100 feet deep underwater visibility
3. Abundant natural beauty, fish, and birds
4. Top destination for scuba diving and snorkeling
Arbuckle Creek
This gorgeous wild river zigzags through an ancient cypress forest. The river is situated in a location that is convenient to both South and Central Florida.
Main Attractions
1. Abundant wildlife
2. Great spot to wage a three or four-hour paddle
Silver River
This magnificent river flows 8 miles bisecting Silver Spring and the Ocklawaha River. The river features the hallmark of Florida’s natural beauty. This historic tourist attraction was reopened for kayaking in 2013.
Main Attractions
1. Magnificent scenery
2. Hiking and camping options
3. Historical landmarks
Lake Toho
Lake Toho is known for birds and bass. Kayak anglers flock to Lake Toho throughout the year. Kayakers love floating through the clear waters of Lake Toho while observing hogs, sheep, wild deer, bald eagles, etc.
Three Sisters
The warmth of the 72-degree water hosts hundreds of manatees in this one of Florida’s most amazing sites. Three Sisters Springs is fed by a canopied, narrow inlet on the east side of Kings Bay.
Juniper Run
Juniper Run in Ocala National Forest offers outstanding paddling through narrow and winding waterways. Crystal-clear waters will no doubt mesmerize you. The lush vegetation of cypress, palms, and southern hardwoods features the diverse wildlife of the National Park.
Santa Fe River
Santa Fe is a scenic and popular tourist destination. What is so thrilling about the spot is that there are opportunities for you to go night paddling. Clear waters and abundant wildlife will keep entertained along the way.
Cedar Key
If you love seclusion, you will love Cedar Key. This is an impressive paddling spot, which will challenge you with saltwater marshes, stunning landscapes, and winding channels. It’s a truly magnificent spot to enjoy seclusion.
Wekiwa Springs, Apopka
Cruising in a kayak is the best medium to enjoy the pristine beauty Wekiwa Springs offers. Laidback currents and outstanding views of centuries-old trees offer an excellent opportunity for kayakers to breeze through.
Final Thought
The diverse natural beauties of Florida are bountiful with outstanding opportunities for kayakers. Florida has a little bit of something for everyone. If you do come here, you will be sure of the experience worth cherishing for the rest of your life.
References:
- https://alwaysontheshore.com/kayaking-with-manatees-in-florida/
- https://www.floridarambler.com/kayaking-in-florida/best-kayaking-in-florida/
- https://www.jackery.com/blogs/news/the-ultimate-guide-on-bioluminescence-kayaking-in-florida-1
Rockey is a kayaking enthusiast who has been kayaking with a local group for the last five years. He loves using kayaks while out on outings on the water or camping when the friends want to have a BBQ party somewhere on the bank of a local lake. More About James R Rockey at About Page Here: Authors
Based on his experiences with the different types of kayaks, he is sharing his opinion about kayaking tricks and required gears so that a beginner can get started right away.
Find his team on Twitter here. Happy reading!