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Mudfish & Bobcat present...

Best Florida Paddling...

By Kayak or Canoe, Over 100 Destinations

Welcome. Explore 100+ Florida paddling destinations by Region (below), or by name listed A-Z, and find the best options near you.

• quick-view Google maps*
• first-hand reports, and 1000's of photos
• See launches, watercraft rentals, and points of interest

(*no memberships, no sign-ins, your privacy respected)

Paddle Florida by Region... by Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Too

Florida Panhandle (16)

16 destinations. 450+ photos. Maps.  Blackwater River, Coldwater Creek. Chipola River and more. Some of the best paddling. Watch the seasons.

(View all 16...)

North Florida (16)

16 destinations. 450+ photos. Maps. Gulf to Atlantic, Cedar Key, Suwannee River,  clear springs in Ocala Nat'l Forest. Old Florida still exists here.

(View all 16...)

East-Central Florida (21)

21 destinations. 650+ photos. Maps. Space Coast tidal creeks. Rivers, springs. Alligators, manatees, and more. Eco-tourism near Disney.

(View all 21...)

West-Central Florida (19)

19 destinations. 800+ photos. Maps. Tampa Bay preserves and coastal rivers. Wildlife viewing. See manatee at springs.

(View all 19...)

South Florida (28)

28 destinations. 500+ photos. Maps. Gulf to Atlantic, Sanibel Island, Hollywood, Everglades. Find your beach.

(View all 28...)

Florida Keys (4)

4 "Escape the Wind" destinations, 90+ photos, maps. On-site rentals. Best sheltered kayaking in the Keys.

(View all 4...).

See Florida Paddling Destinations Listed by Name A - Z  (alphabetically)

7 Paddling "Quality Factors"

Here are 7 "Quality Factors" we look for when seeking out the best places to kayak or canoe in Florida.

1. Scenery - prefer natural environments
2. Tranquility - few or no motorboats
3. Wildlife - seek quantity and variety
4. Clean Water - clarity, quality
5. Unobstructed Water - no dragging or carrying, just paddling
6. Shelter - from wind, sun, tide
7. Launch - ease of access, parking

Fun Paddling in Florida for Everyone

With a temperate climate, over 1000 miles of coastline, and over 1700 miles of rivers, creeks, and spring runs, Florida is a kayak and canoe paradise. So where's the best paddling to be found? With our 7 Quality Factors as a guide, we paddle 12' sit-on-top kayaks, with comfortable seats, to report on over 100 fun half-day trips (2-4 hours), most doable for nearly everyone. Today, kayak and canoe rentals on-site are common. Rentals and outfitters are listed in our reports. It's always a good idea to call ahead. Weather is key. We find the "My Radar" weather app to be very useful. Happy paddling.