Top 10 Places to Kayak in Tampa Bay Area

There are many great places to kayak in the Tampa Bay area. Whether you have your own kayak or you need to rent one, you can kayak on one of the many rivers, springs, or mangrove areas around. Let’s look at the Top 10 places to kayak in Tampa Bay area.

1. Shell Key Preserve / Ft. De Soto

Shell Key and Ft. De Soto are in a similar area off Tierra Verde in St. Petersburg.

Shell Key

Shell Key Preserve (more info) is a great place with diverse options. On the east side of the key between Shell Key and the Pinellas Bayway, it is usually calm, flatwater. In this area, you will see all kinds of fish, crabs, dolphins, shells, and more.

Related: Kayaking Shell Key – Tierra Verde FL

Around the key on the gulf side can be pretty choppy depending on the weather and tides, so it is helpful to have a spray skirt. You will see a lot of shells on the beach and in the water. The key is only accessible by boat or on a ferry, so it is less crowded than other beaches, but the whole area can be pretty busy on the weekends with a lot of boaters around. You can camp on Shell Key, too. All you need is a permit, which is free. There is usually a kayak rental right before the toll booth on the Pinellas Bayway.

Ft. De Soto

The Ft. De Soto launch is right across from the dog beach. You start in calm backwaters and paddle out to Mullet Key Bayou. If you are planning to go to Shell Key, it is farther from the Ft. De Soto launch than from the Bayway, but it is still a nice paddle even if you don’t make it that far. There is a paddling trail, too, but I haven’t done the actual trail before.

For both locations, there isn’t a lot of shade. Crossing Bunces Pass between Shell Key and Ft. De Soto can get a bit choppy depending on the weather and tides, so be aware of that and make sure you have your PFD, spray skirt, and other kayak safety accessories.

Why is Shell Key #1 on Top 10 Places to Kayak in Tampa Bay Area?

This is my favorite place to kayak in Tampa Bay because you can explore different places each time. Flatwater and coastal areas are available. The water is nice enough to swim, the beach is fantastic, and there is plenty of wildlife around.

2. Weeki Wachee Springs

What better place to be on a hot summer day than the springs? The water is 70 degrees year-round and the water is crystal clear for the top portion of the paddle with many fish and often manatees towards the end. You can rent kayaks, and a shuttle is provided whether you rent or launch your own kayak.

It is about 5.5 miles downstream to Rogers Park, so it’s an easy, enjoyable paddle. The weekends can get kind of busy and loud, so I definitely prefer a weekday. There is a limited number of kayaks allowed on the water, so make sure to reserve your spot early! You can start from the end at Rogers Park and paddle upstream. Then float back down to the park, but it is a tougher paddle if you’re planning to go all the way to the start. I’ve done this once, but it was very tiring going against the current and the first 1.5 miles probably is affected by the tide too.

Why is Weeki Wachee #2 on Top 10 Places to Kayak in Tampa Bay Area?

This is my favorite river because the water is so clear. There are power boats on the river, but only smaller ones. There is a lot of shade, and the water is great for a swim on a hot day. If you want a relaxing paddle, this is kind of like a lazy river float if you want it to be. The water is great, nature all around you, and relaxation at it’s finest. This is why it’s #2 on top 10 places to kayak in Tampa Bay area.

3. Cockroach Bay Preserve

I know the name may scare some off. There aren’t actually any cockroaches, but it was named after the horseshoe crabs that you’ll find here.

There are 2 different paddling trails, but they aren’t marked very well. Many times you can’t see the next marker, so I prefer to do my own thing here. If you enjoy mangrove trails, there are a number of them on both of these trails.

Full Review: Kayaking Cockroach Bay Ruskin, FL

I like it, because it’s a combination of flatwater mangroves and you can go along the edge of the bay. It is a popular fishing spot, so there may be a lot of boats, but it’s not very popular with recreational boaters, so it’s still pretty quiet even with the fisherman. Kayak fishing is very popular here, too. I’ve seen rays, dolphins, shells, horseshoe crabs, and all kinds of birds here. The south trail didn’t have many places to stop and get out. The north trail itself doesn’t either, but if you get out to Big Pass Key, the bay side has several places to stop even at high tide.

Cockroach Bay can be very calm, or kind of rough depending on the winds and whether you plan to stay in the backwater or venture to the Bay. Pay attention to the weather and make sure you have your safety gear.

Why is Cockroach Bay #3 on Top 10 Places to Kayak in Tampa Bay Area?

I like Cockroach Bay because of it’s variety. You can do calm flatwater or coastal. There are mangroves and open water. There is a lot of diverse wildlife. It’s usually not very busy, except for fisherman who are quiet and stay to themselves. You can follow a trail or blaze your own. You don’t ever have to do the same thing at Cockroach Bay. Just have a GPS, so you don’t get lost.

4. Chassahowitzka River and 7 Sisters Springs

This is a bit of a drive, and a bit past Weeki Wachee, but closer than Rainbow River. The spring runs and creeks are shallow which prevents a lot of motor boat traffic. It is about 7 miles to visit all of the springs depending on the path you take. I really enjoyed The Chaz, because of it’s variety in such a small area. I saw some otters and had a few places to swim and cool off on a hot day.

See Full Review: Kayaking Chassahowitzka River

Why is Chassahowitzka #4 on Top 10 Places to Kayak in Tampa Bay Area?

This is one of the best mixes of natural river mixed with places to swim. Honestly, I debated moving it ahead of Weeki Wachee and Cockroach Bay because of this awesome blend of springs and river. However, in the end I decided that Weeki Wachee is better if you want to swim and enjoy the springs along with an easy paddle. Cockroach Bay is quite different and mainly stayed ahead because it’s so much closer.

5. Alafia River

This one may surprise some people. I really enjoy this river though. It’s not far from my house, which may influence my rank a little, but it is very peaceful and has some unique things about it.

Each time I’ve been on the Alafia, I’ve gone from Alderman’s Ford to Lithia Springs. The canoe outfitters will do a shuttle for you for $10, but make sure to call ahead. Also ask about the water level. (It can be too low or dangerously high depending on recent rain.) Drop your kayak at the launch at Alderman’s Ford, drive to the canoe outfitters, and they will bring you back to the launch. When you finish, your vehicle will be waiting for your at the end.

It’s about 10.5 miles, but it’s all downstream. There are usually very few people on the river and it’s pretty shaded. I like the quiet nature around me. Wildlife is more sparse on this river than some of the others. I have seen fish, turtles, and a few alligators.

One of the unique parts of the river are some smaller riplets/rapids. They are pretty small, but something you don’t find on many rivers around.

There are several other sections of the river that you can paddle, but I haven’t done those yet.

Why is the Alafia River #5 on Top 10 Places to Kayak in Tampa Bay Area?

When I want a quiet, relaxed paddle with very few people around, the Alafia is my choice. I like the shade, the riplets, and the overall peacefulness of this river.

6. Hillsborough River

I debated whether this should be #4, but I personally prefer Alafia by a thin margin. Although I ranked it behind Alafia, Hillsborough River is great, too. My ranking is mainly based on the middle river, which is the most popular.

Middle River

There is a lot of wildlife here. You will see alligators, birds, and much more. There are plenty of parks to put in, take out, and rest. The river is slow enough to paddle upstream if you don’t use a shuttle. John B. Sargeant Park to Trout Creek park is one of the most common paddles. Beware of the Seventeen Runs section (from Dead River Park to John B. Sargeant Park). This section is easy to get lost, due to many side channels and unclear main river. It often has down trees or sections that must be portaged, so this should be for experience paddlers only with a group.

Lower River

There is a dam at Rowlett Park, and the lower river is quite different. I have gone from Lowry Park up to the dam and from Davis Island to Armature Works. From Lowry Park as it was enjoyable and pretty quiet, but also has river homes along much of it. I saw manatees on my trip here and the paddle upstream wasn’t too difficult.

Davis Island to Armature Works wasn’t quite as fun. Although Davis Island isn’t in the Hillsborough River it seemed like a good place to start to get through downtown. First, it’s further than you’d think. Second, if it’s windy, it makes a tough paddle until you get between Davis Island and Harbour Island, which is also further than you’d think. Once in the Hillsborough River downtown, there were a lot of boats. Their wake wasn’t too bad directly, but it was bouncing off the seawalls and making like a washing machine in the middle of the river. I didn’t care for this part and doubt I’d kayak here again. I still want to go from Armature Works to Lowry Park and see how that is.

Why is the Hillsborough River #6 on Top 10 Places to Kayak in Tampa Bay Area?

This river is fun, popular, peaceful, and has shade in many sections. The wildlife is great, and there are many sections to try each time you go. I don’t come here often, because I often paddle alone and prefer less alligators when I’m by myself. It has more people on the water than the Alafia, but is still less crowded than many of the spring-fed rivers.

7. Weedon Island Preserve

Weedon Island is a very popular place to kayak. It is just on the west side of the Gandy bridge, and just south of Gandy Blvd. Although you are close to civilization, when you get into the mangroves, you forget about it. The south trail is a relatively easy paddle and great for beginners. The trail is well marked most of the time (although they are working on new signs and markings may be down at the time of this writing.) On the furthest points from the launch, the flatwater bays are very peaceful. You’ll see plenty of mullet jumping, and you may see dolphins, rays, and more.

There is a launch near the dock if you own your own kayak, and there are rentals available as well. The rental launch is a little further paddle to get to the trail and you will go through the boat channel. This is a little more difficult than the private launch, but it is still fun.

Do you like mangrove tunnels? These tunnels are the main reason I don’t come here that often. I don’t know of a way to avoid the tunnels without doubling back over the way you paddled out. I usually hate doubling back, so I go through the tunnels. 2 things about them:

1. Be aware of the tides when you go. Low tide is not fun through the tunnels at all. You will have a tough time paddling through and may have to portage your boat in some places.
2. Have a paddle that can split in half. The tunnels are pretty narrow. In many places, you can’t fit a full kayak paddle across. You can paddle carefully, and put your paddle down front to back in the narrowest sections to avoid hitting branches. Most paddles also come apart in the middle, and you can use half the paddle in the tunnels.

Why is Weedon Island Preserve #7 on Top 10 Places to Kayak in Tampa Bay Area?

Weedon Island is a place I’d recommend checking out. It’s just not my favorite. It can be busy in the areas surrounding the launches. I personally don’t enjoy these tunnels. However, there is a lot of wildlife for a place that’s so close to Tampa and St. Pete. Once you get past the popular areas and get to the outskirts of the paddling trail, it is very peaceful. Enjoy these areas. This is what I like about Weedon Island. Fish jumping, calm flatwater, a mix of sun and shade. Typing this is making me want to check it out again, as it has been a while for me.

8. Rainbow River

Rainbow River is a beautiful spring-fed river. This river has crystal clear water with amazing visibility. It is wider than the other rivers on our list, and has development along one side of the river most of the way. There weren’t too many places to stop and rest or have lunch. On the weekends it can be very busy with boat traffic and tubes, but when I went during the week it was very quiet and peaceful.

I brought a snorkel to Rainbow Springs, and wow! That was one of the highlights of my day. It was like another world under the water and you could see for so far. There is also a side paddle that you should definitely check out – Indian Creek or Gissy Spring Run. It is shallow, narrow, and very natural.

See Full Review: Kayaking Rainbow River

Wildlife at Rainbow Springs

I saw some wildlife, but less than I expected from the kayak during the weekend. I did see otters, and this is the only place that I’ve ever seen them. That was the other highlight for me, and I probably could have watched them all day. I saw a small alligator up at Rainbow Springs State Park, which also surprised me for such a busy area and colder water. I saw many fish while snorkeling, but I didn’t see too many from the kayak surprisingly.

Why is Rainbow River #8 on Top 10 Places to Kayak in Tampa Bay Area?

The water is amazing, and would definitely be higher if we were going just by water quality. It is quite a drive from the Tampa area. This is by far the furthest on the list so far. Personally, I think I’d rather tube and snorkel here than kayak. Weeki Wachee is quite a bit closer, and I enjoy just kayaking more there.

9. Little Manatee River

I have only done a small section of this river. The pictures I’ve seen look like the Alafia and Hillsborough-normal Florida river, I guess. There seems to be a fair amount of wildlife and there are several different sections you can kayak on. Closer to the bay, the river opens into the northern tip of Cockroach Bay Preserve. Further upstream looks more interesting to me, so that was where I went for my only trip so far.

Upper Little Manatee River

Everywhere I read online said this section was a little more challenging and should be more experienced paddlers. This sounds like it should be more natural, so I decided to head here for my first trip on the Little Manatee River.

Related: Kayaking Little Manatee River US-301 to Seaboard Air Line Bridge

I set off from a launch under the 301 overpass, and headed upstream. The river had a decent current on this day, and the trees were fairly overgrown on the river. This made for slow progress up the river while dodging tree branches and going against the current. I paddled up just past the railroad trestle and then back to the 301 launch.

The banks were pretty steep for most of the section, and there weren’t a lot of places to stop. I figured with less kayaks, this section would probably have more wildlife, which is what I enjoy when kayaking. I was wrong. The water was very dark. I’m sure the tannin plays a big part in that, but it was quite a bit darker than the other rivers in the area. I saw a few fish come to the top of the water, butterflies and a few giant spiders – that’s about it today.

I don’t know that I’d do this section again. It was too overgrown to be much fun. I heard that you can kayak camp in certain parts of this and the canoe outfitter can provide shuttles. I may look into that when the weather cools down, and that might convince me to paddle this section again. Otherwise, for a day trip, I’ll try downstream next.

Lower Little Manatee River

This will be updated when I have paddled this section, but it appears to be wider, used more often so it’s not overgrown, and I read that there is more wildlife here.

Why is Little Manatee River #9 on Top 10 Places to Kayak in Tampa Bay Area?

The Little Manatee River is a natural Florida river. It has a good amount of wildlife, but is a little further than some of the similar rivers in the area.

10. Caladesi Island / Honeymoon Island

Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island are beautiful beaches. I left from the Dunedin Causeway to go to Caladesi Island both times I’ve been out there. It can only be reached by boat, where Honeymoon Island is more crowded, since it can be reached by car. On the weekend, there are boats and jet skis everywhere. This took away some of my enjoyment. There is also a channel to cross that was pretty choppy.

Related: Kayaking Caladesi Island

The east side of Caladesi is calm flatwater and less busy than the channel and gulf side. I didn’t see much wildlife though, and it was in the direct sun with very few places to get out of the sun.

The gulf side was choppy, but it was fun if you like coastal kayaking. The waves definitely make for a challenge and I’d recommend having your spray skirt. I went down the shoreline a good ways and stopped at a place with a few swimmers. It was quite a bit better than the channel which was packed with boaters.

Why is Caladesi Island #10 on Top 10 Places to Kayak in Tampa Bay Area?

The water here is pretty, and the beach is beautiful. If you are going to enjoy a lot of time on the beach, I’d totally come here. If you want a nice day of kayaking, there are a lot of other places I’d rather go.

Conclusion

There are a lot of great places to kayak in the Tampa Bay area. We hope that this has been helpful when you are planning where to go. Another great resource for kayak locations across Florida is Paddle Florida, and the Tampa area is in West-Central. They don’t rank each spot, but have detailed info on each trip.

Do you agree with our list? Leave a comment below!