Many of Florida’s State Parks permit kayaking and Canoeing. Some parks offer Ranger-led guided kayak tours, self-guided tours and kayak rentals.

Listed below are a few Southeast Florida State Parks that we have found that permit kayaking and canoeing.

John D McArthur Beach State Park
10900 S.R. 703 (A1A) North Palm Beach, FL

The park is located in northern Palm Beach County on at the North end of Singer Island.

According to their website: kayaking is one of the most popular activities at the park. The park offers self-guided kayaking and Ranger-led guided kayak tours. For people who do not own a kayak they also offer kayak rentals. You are also permitted to bring your own kayak to the park and launch it from the public kayak/canoe launch area.

If you join the Friends of John D McArthur Beach State Park you get a free kayak rental and free parking.

This sounds like a great place to kayak and canoe whether you live in the area or are just visiting.

Curry Hammock State Park
56200 Overseas Highway
Marathon, Florida

This park is made up of a group of islands in the Middle Keys.

According to the website: The Canoeing and kayaking are outstanding. You can launch your boat from the day-use area and the campground. The shallow waters are usually calm with gentle currents. They have miles of shoreline and a beautiful mangrove creek to explore.

Avalon State Park
Ft. Pierce Inlet State Park Ft. Pierce, FL

This park allows kayaking and canoeing. You can launch you canoe/kayak from the beach side. However, you must carry them 30-40 yards to the water.

Bahia Honda State Park
36850 Overseas Hwy. Big Pine Key, FL

You can paddle in the waters around the park using your own kayak or canoe, launching from either Loggerhead parking lot that is on the ocean side or the boat ramp on the Gulf side. Sit-on-top Ocean kayaks are also available for rental. Kayak and canoes are not permitted in designated buoyed swimming areas.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
1200 S. Crandon Blvd. Key Biscayne, FL

You can launch your kayak or canoe from the new launch available at Beach Access #1 at the north end of “Area A”. They have reserved parking spaces directly adjacent to the walkway. They recommend a boat dolly or extra help because the portage is several hundred feet away. You will need to look for the “V- shaped” set of safety floats, This is the only area on the beach that you are permitted to launch and make land from.

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
905 Shorewinds Drive Fort Pierce, FL

Kayaking and Canoeing on the Indian River Lagoon. This park offers several areas from which you can launch your kayak or canoe. Most areas are 30-40 yards to the water.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
3109 East Sunrise Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL

Canoe rentals are available on the largest of the park’s coastal dune lakes.

Indian Key Historic State Park
Islamorada, FL

This tiny island is only accessible by kayak or canoe.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Key Largo, FL

The first underwater park in the U.S., this park has 2 ½ miles of marked mangrove wilderness trails that can be explored by kayak or canoe.

John U. Lloyd Beach State Park
6503 N. Ocean Drive Dania, FL

Kayak or Canoe through the mangrove-lined waterway. Kayaks and Canoes are also available for rental.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park
16450 S.E. Federal Highway Hobe Sound, FL

Paddling your Kayak and canoe along the river is a great way to see this park. Kayak and canoe rentals are also available.

Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
Islamorada, FL

This island may be accessed by kayak or canoe.

Long Key State Park
Long Key, FL

Paddle leisurely though the parks Long Key Lakes Canoe Trail. A Self – guided brochure is available as well as canoe rentals.

Oleta River State Park
3400 N.E. 163rd Street North Miami, FL

Kayak through the pristine mangrove forest. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent.

San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park
Islamorada, FL

Canoeing is available.

Savannas Preserve State Park
Jensen Beach, FL

Canoeing and kayaking in the wetlands are popular activities. Canoe/kayak tours are also available.

St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park
4810 S.E. Cove Road Stuart, FL

Explore the tidal creek with your own kayak or canoe.

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Many parks require parking fees. Click below to find out more information about the park you are interested in.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/default.cfm

Do you have a great place to paddle your kayak or canoe that you would like to share with other paddlers? Send us an e-mail and we will add it to our places to paddle page.