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PALM BEACH KAYAKING & CANOEING GUIDE
Places To Paddle In South Florida, Pictures, Tips & Information
West Palm Beach Kayaking, Canoeing Tours & Rentals - Copyrighted
Incredible paddling adventures await you in South Florida.


  Welcome to Palm Beach Kayaking And Canoeing Guide.  Thank you for visiting. 

  This web site highlights the various places to paddle in Florida's West Palm Beach area and other great paddling destinations around South Florida.  It also provides current local weather, tide and sea condition information.
  This site provides online pictures, maps, local knowledge and "how to" information needed to enjoy the area waterways.

WEST PALM BEACH AREA PADDLING DESTINATIONS
  Click on the links below to explore the West Palm Beach area's top paddling destinations:
        # 1   Loxahatchee River (Jupiter, Florida) Freshwater River
        # 2   Munyon Island - MacArthur Park (Singer Island, Florida) Estuary
        # 3   Peanut Island (Riviera Beach, Florida) Intracoastal Waterway
        # 4   St. Lucie Inlet Preserve Park (St. Lucie Inlet, Florida) Estuary
        # 5   Coral Cove Park (South Jupiter Island) Ocean
        # 6   Loxahatchee Sandbar (Jupiter, Florida)  Brackish River
        # 7   Peck Lake (Martin County, Florida) Intracoastal Waterway
        # 8   Jupiter Rope Swings (Jupiter, Florida) Fun Destination
        # 9   C-18 Canal (Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens) Freshwater Canal
   You can find additional South Florida paddling destinations listed below.


ON THE WATER TODAY: LOCAL PADDLING FORECAST
  Click below to see today's paddling conditions in the West Palm Beach area:

    Today's Marine Forecast
    Today's Tides
    Today's Sea Conditions: Live Jupiter Inlet Camera
    Current Weather Radar: Live Local Doppler Radar
    Current Area Lightning:  Live Lightning Strike Information For South Florida

  Bookmark this page in your web browser's "favorites" so check conditions before each paddle trip.


A VARIETY OF PADDLING DESTINATIONS
  Few places offer as many diverse paddling experiences as South Florida.  The types of kayak and canoe destinations in Florida include:

        The Everglades:  Shallow freshwater inland marshes with abundant wildlife.
        Rivers: Freshwater slow moving rivers lined with ancient Cypress trees.
        Lakes: Large and small water containment areas at parks and in most Florida urban developments.
        Estuaries:  Brackish mangrove coves that are havens for marine life and birds.
        Intracoastal Waterway: Long, protected north-south waterway between the barrier islands and Florida's main peninsula.
       Ocean: Clear blue water from the gulf stream affords excellent snorkeling and reef views.

     To enhance the enjoyment of your kayaking or canoeing adventure, why not consider a sunset, full moon or star gazing paddling trip?


KAYAKING & CANOEING: LOCAL DANGERS
  The area is not without its dangers.  Kayakers and canoers should be aware of the following:

       Alligators:  It's safe to assume that any freshwater lake, river or canal in South Florida is home to alligators.  Alligators are naturally afraid of people.  However, alligators occasionally attack swimmers when they mistake swimmers for prey.  A sick alligator may also attack humans without cause.
       Fear of alligators shouldn't keep you from enjoying Florida's freshwater destinations.  However you should be aware of your surroundings.  Be careful when launching your boat (alligators may be resting on the bottom or camouflaged on a nearby bank.)  Don't swim or splash around in fresh water area unless you know it's safe to do so.  Don't wear flashy jewelry in the water.  Spring is alligator mating season.  This is when most problems between alligators and humans occur.  Click here for more on alligator safety.

    Sharks:  It's also safe to assume that during any ocean kayak trip you will be in the proximity of sharks.  Sharks like the same near shore reefs that ocean kayakers like.  Reefs are havens for fish.  Sharks are of greatest concern during periods of migration.  They generally do not attack humans unless provoked or they mistake humans for food (in rough or murky water conditions.)  Kayak near beaches with lifeguards.  Ask the lifeguard about the presence of sharks before you start your paddle.  Click here for more on kayaking near sharks.

    Mosquito-Borne Illness:  Florida's abundant rainfall creates a lot of standing water.  That standing water is the perfect environment for mosquitos.  Mosquito-borne illnesses (such as West Nile Virus) are a problem in South Florida, especially during the rainy season (April-October.)  The problem gets worse the further inland you paddle.  Protect yourself by wearing long sleeved clothing and using bug spray that contains DEET.   Apply bug spray on all exposed skin and clothing.  Click here for more on protecting yourself from mosquito-borne illness.

    Extreme UV Exposure:  South Florida's sun is intense.  Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and long sleeve shirts are a must.  Polarized sunglasses are recommended so that you can better see obstructions and sea life under the water.  Carry plenty of water to prevent dehydration while paddling in the strong Florida sun.

    Sea Lice:  Tiny jellyfish larva (don't worry, they're not lice) are found in South Florida ocean water from March until August (they're only found in saltwater.)  Sea lice are mostly a problem between Mother's Day and Father's day.  The unseen sea lice get trapped in your swimsuit and sting.  They cause skin irritation similar to poison ivy.  There are preventative lotions available at dive shops.  There are also treatments available if you should encounter sea lice.  The best advice is to simply avoid swimming in saltwater areas between Mother's Day and Father's day.  Click here to read more about sea lice.

    Jellyfish & Portuguese Man-of-War:  These stinging sea creatures can be found at local beaches and in the Intracoastal Waterway.  They are not always here.  Their presence depends on the season, wind direction and the location of the Gulf Stream.  Stings are painful and can cause an allergic reaction.  Remedies should be included in your paddling first aid kit.  Click here for information on treating jellyfish stings. 

    Lightning & Extreme Thunderstorms:  Florida's wet season runs from May until October.  It's common for a nice day to quickly turn dangerous with lightning and strong thunderstorms.  Watch the forecast carefully.  Get off the water if you see lightning in the area.  Click here for local real-time lightning strike information displayed on a South Florida map.

    Rip tides:  Ocean rip tides usually claim several lives each year locally.  They are caused when winds drive a lot of water (waves) on to the beach.  The excess water needs a way to exit the shore area.  Excess water gathers as a strong current (rip tide) heading away from shore.   Kayak near beaches with lifeguards.  Ask the lifeguard about the presence of rip tides before you enter the water.  If you find yourself getting sucked out to sea in a rip tide, simply swim (or paddle) parallel to shore until you exit the rip tide current.  Click here for more on surviving rip tides.

    Power Boats:  South Florida waterways are congested.  Power boats move quickly and frequently can't see paddle boats.  Boat captains may be distracted by their passengers, music, beers or cell phones.  Paddlers can increase their visibility by wearing bright colored clothing, using paddles with bright colored blades and selecting bright colored kayaks/canoes.  Paddle boats are required by law to have navigation lights at night.  Keep a flashlight with you in case you must paddle after dark.

    Propeller Strikes:  The law requires use of a dive flag when diving or snorkeling.   Diving flags will help you avoid the serious consequences of being struck by a propeller.


PERSONAL SAFETY
  Palm Beach Kayaking and Canoeing Guide urges you to make your personal safety a priority.  Bring a cell phone (preprogrammed with local emergency numbers) or handheld VHF marine radio.  Wear a life jacket.  Carry a first aid kit.  Select brightly colored clothing and equipment.  Paddle defensively.  Carry plenty of drinking water to avoid dehydration.  Bring sunscreen and bug spray.  Bring maps and charts of the areas you paddle.  Carry a flashlight so you can be seen paddling after dark.  You may also consider carrying an emergency strobe light (found at boating stores) to signal help after dark.
  TIP:  Many old cell phones can still can call 9-1-1, even if they doesn't currently have monthly service.  Keep fully charged old cell phones in your car and dry bag in case you need to call for help.  If you don't have an old phone, buy one at a yard sale or thrift store.
  TIP: Wilderness paddlers should carry an old compact disc.  The shiny side of old CDs can make an excellent signaling mirror.
  TIP: Wrap reflective tape on your paddle (near the base of the blade) to be better seen at night.  The alternating motion of the paddle helps catch the light and makes you easier to see.
  Click here to see some good "how to" articles on paddling safety.


OTHER SOUTH FLORIDA KAYAK AND CANOE DESTINATIONS
   These paddling destinations are found in Southeast Florida listed from north to south.  Click on a highlighted link for more information about a specific destination:

1000 Islands, Cocoa Beach

Blue Cypress Lake (West Of Vero Beach)

Indian River

Grassy Waters Preserve (West Palm Beach) - Access Limited To Park Guided Tours

Everglades - Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (Boca Raton, Boynton Beach)

West Lake Wildlife Refuge (Broward)

John Lloyd State Recreation Area (Dania)

Oleta River State Recreational Area (North Miami)

Peace River (Arcadia - South Central Florida)

10,000 Islands - Florida Everglades

Coral Gables Waterway (Miami Area)

Biscayne Bay - Chicken Key

John Pennekamp State Park, Key Largo:  Click this link for Pennekamp Canoe/Kayak Trail photo pages!

Bahia Honda, Marathon (Florida Keys)



FLORIDA CANOE & KAYAK TRIP INFORMATION WEB SITES
  These are good "guide book" type web sites that highlight Florida paddling destinations:

Florida Kayak Trips: "Put Ins" From PaddleFlorida.com

Florida Kayak Trips: From Paddling.net

Florida Kayak Trips: From KayakGuide.com

Central Florida Kayak Trips: From ClubKayak.com

Florida Kayak Trips: From EcoFlorida.com

Tampa Bay Area Trips: From Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers

Florida Keys Kayaking

Florida Paddling Locations:  From Wildernet.  Choose "Florida" and "Paddle Sports" from the home page menu.



WEST PALM BEACH KAYAK - CANOE RENTALS, GUIDED TOURS
   Where to rent boats and find guided tours:

Adventure Times (Outfitter): West Palm Beach Area Kayak Tours, Lessons, Rentals & Sales

Canoe & Kayak Rentals At Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Canoe & Kayak Rentals: River Bend Park - Wild & Scenic Portion Of Loxahatchee River

Jupiter Outdoor Center (Outfitter): Tours, Instruction, Rentals, & Sales

Florida Outfitters:  Listing Of Outfitters Found Throughout The State.



FLORIDA KAYAKING & CANOEING RESOURCES
  Florida paddling information and clubs:

Freshwater Ramps In Palm Beach, Broward, Dade & Other South Florida Counties

Outdoor Adventures Klub:  South Florida recreation enthusiasts club

Palm Beach Pack and Paddle Club

Fort Lauderdale Yakfishing Club: Southeast Florida Kayaking Fishing

Gulf Area Sea Paddlers: Gulf Of Mexico and Caribbean Sea Kayaking

West Florida Canoe Club

Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers

Timucuan Paddle Page: Jacksonville, Florida area Kayaking

Seminole Canoe and Kayak Club: Jacksonville, Florida area

Sea Kayak Florida:  North Florida and the Big Bend Coast

Paddle Tallahassee:  Bigbend Area Paddler's Network

Florida Kayak Fishing

Florida Sea Kayaking Association

Red Tide FAQ:  Water condition in the Gulf of Mexico

Listing Of Florida Canoe & Kayak Outfitters:  Tours, equipment, rentals and instruction throughout Florida.



KAYAK & CANOE LINKS
   These are useful sites for any paddler:

Sea Kayaking FAQ:  Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about sea kayaking

Kayak Diving: How to use your kayak for scuba diving

Lost, Found & Stolen Kayaks:  International database of missing kayaks

American Canoe Association:  Great general paddling information

The Kayak Forum

Go Kayaking: General Kayaking Information

Paddling.net: Canoeing and kayaking information

Sit On Top Kayaking:  Sit-on-top kayak articles, equipment and forums

Paddler Magazine:  Articles online from current and past issues.

Best Kayak & Canoe Shopping Sites:  Online stores that sell paddling equipment from Kayak Online.

SEE Kayak:  Extensive listing of sea kayak links.

The Ultimate Directory Of Kayaking Links



ARTICLES

Getting Started:  Several great articles on paddling technique, equipment selection.

How To Choose The Right Kayak:  A good primer for people buying their first kayak.

How To Choose The Right Paddle:  Informative discussion of blades, shafts and materials.

Paddling Instruction:  Series of articles on how to paddle, use equipment.

Paddling Safety:  Collection of useful articles on personal safety while on the water.

Steering:  How to get your boat to stop zigzagging and go in a straight line.

Tandem Paddling:  How to paddle with a partner in a canoe or double kayak.

What To Bring With You When You Paddle:  Checklist of what you need before putting in.



OTHER SITES OF LOCAL INTEREST
  Related web sites that may be of interest to paddlers:

Canoe & Kayak Trail At John Pennekamp State Park, Key Largo

 Boating Guide: West Palm Beach Area

Florida Boating Links

Biking & Running Trails: West Palm Beach Area

Peanut Island Camping

Alan Jackson's "5 O'Clock Somewhere" Bar - Jupiter, FL

Water Parks: Palm Beach County Area

Clematis Street Fountain Information - West Palm Beach

Palm Beach Princess Casino Cruise Ship

Free Florida Keys Wallpaper For Your Computer Desktop

Key West Photos: Sunset At Mallory Square

Key West "Must See" Attractions

Cruise Ship Vacation Tips

Disney World: Tips From A Season Pass Holder

Disney's Magic Kingdom Virtual Tour

Disney-MGM Studios Virtual Tour

Moving To Florida Tips


CONTACT
  Please feel free to be in touch with any questions or to share your local paddling knowledge on this web site.  Click here for contact information.
Thank you for visiting Palm Beach Kayaking & Canoeing Guide.



NEXT:
Paddling The Loxahatchee River



NEXT:
Cycling & Running In West Palm Beach


NEXT:
Pennekamp Park Canoe & Kayak Trail



NEXT:
Palm Beach Boating Guide



NEXT:
Cruise Ship Vacation Tips




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