Water sports are a way of life for many Floridians, from riding waves on a skimboard to exhilarating jet-skiing and relaxing paddling adventures. There are Florida water sports for every type of adventurer, and for those looking for a laidback day on the water, we invite you to kayak the calm waters surrounding Tampa Bay. Kayaking in the Tampa Bay Area is an excellent way to get active and immerse yourself in nature during vacation. Stay with us at Plumlee Gulf Beach Realty and choose from our collection of beachfront rentals in the Tampa Bay Area.
Weedon Island Preserve, St. Petersburg
Weedon Island Preserve is a 3,000-acre natural area on Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg. The preserve is excellent for kayakers with various unique ecosystems to explore and wildlife to encounter. The most popular route is the South Paddling Trail, which launches from the fishing pier on Weedon Drive. This four-mile loop will take you under the thick canopy of mangrove trees, where you can spot wading birds like egrets and spoonbills. If you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent one from Ecomersion.
Caladesi Island, Dunedin
Caladesi Island is one of the few pristine islands on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The island is only accessible by private boat or the Caladesi Connection Ferry. The ferry will drop you off at the marina next to The Caladesi Cafe, where you can begin your paddling journey. Take the one-mile loop through the mangrove tunnel for a short trip. Or you can continue to follow the numbered signs for a three-mile loop to the Scharer Homestead Ruins. Keep an eye out for wading birds, dolphins, manatees, and bald eagles during your trip.
Fort De Soto Park, Tierra Verde
Fort De Soto is the largest park in Pinellas County and offers fantastic kayaking in the Tampa Bay Area. The park included five islands and 1,000 acres of mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, and native plants. There is a 2.25-mile self-guided paddling trail available for those who want a short trip on the water. More ambitious paddlers can paddle the routes around Egmont Key and Mullet Key.
Pinellas County Blueways Guide
There are many fantastic places to paddle in Pinellas County through Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The Blueways Paddling Trail provides detailed information and maps for all the kayaking routes in the county. There are also resources for local points of interest, safety tips, and plants and animals you can see in the area.
Florida Beachfront Vacation Rentals
After you have spent time kayaking Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, return to your private beach retreat with Plumlee Gulf Beach Realty. Relax on the beach or watch the sunset from the balcony of your rental property. Browse all of our vacation rentals in Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores. Discover the natural beauty of Florida this summer with a fantastic paddling adventure!
