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10 Picturesque Places to Go Kayaking in Florida

Truly a paddler’s paradise, Florida has diverse ecosystems and pristine waters that nature lovers can really appreciate. You can spot abundant wildlife in the lush landscapes as you float through miles of pristine beauty in one of Florida’s most picturesque places to go kayaking.

Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon Rainbow Springs State Park
Credit: Rainbow Springs State Park by floridastateparks.org

Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon

Florida’s fourth largest spring is not only impressive, but kayak lovers will be enthusiastic about its crystal clear waters and abundant wildlife. Float through moss-draped cypress trees and soak in the views of stunning aquatic vegetation and limestone formations.

Weeki Wachee Springs, Weeki Wachee Weeki Wachee Springs
Credit: Weeki Wachee Springs by Matthew Pintar via Flickr

Weeki Wachee Springs, Weeki Wachee

With some of the clearest waters in Florida, Weeki Wachee is a fantastic place to cruise in a kayak. Paddle through miles of crystal clear waters and you might even spot a manatee or an otter. Afterward, you can catch the renowned underwater mermaid show.

Juniper Run, Ocala National Forest Juniper Run
Credit: Juniper Run by anoldent via Flickr

Juniper Run, Ocala National Forest

For a pleasant day of paddling, explore Juniper Run’s narrow and winding waterways with crystal clear waters. With a lush landscape of palms, cypress, and southern hardwoods you can spot diverse wildlife in the Ocala National Forest.

Wekiwa Springs State Park, Apopka Wekiwa Springs
Credit: Wekiwa Springs by wikimedia.org

Wekiwa Springs State Park, Apopka

For pristine natural beauty, there is no better way to experience Wekiwa Springs than cruising through it on a kayak. Breeze through the laid-back currents and soak in the stunning views of centuries-old trees and fields of lily pads.

Santa Fe River Santa Fe River
Credit: Santa Fe River by anoldent via Flickr

Santa Fe River

Scenic and laid back, Santa Fe has clear waters and plentiful opportunities to spot the abundant wildlife. For the truly adventurous, join a “full moon paddle” which is hosted once a month for the chance to go night paddling.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Credit: Ichetucknee Springs State Park by anoldent via Flickr

Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White

With crystal clear waters spanning over six miles, it is easy to understand why Ichetucknee is one of the most famous areas to paddle in North Florida. Enjoy a scenic view of rock formations, wetland plants, and lush cypress forest.

Silver Springs State Park, Silver Springs Silver Springs State Park
Credit: Silver Springs State Park by Rain0975 via Flickr

Silver Springs State Park, Silver Springs

If you’re looking for wildlife viewing on your kayak excursion, Silver Springs State Park is your best bet. Here you can regularly spot a variety of tropical birds, alligators, turtles, deer, otter and even a few rhesus monkeys.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Credit: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park by Faungg via Flickr

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo

Relaxing and laid back, John Pennekamp is great for its variety of thick mangroves and open channels. Spot colorful fish and turtles as you paddle through the first undersea state park in the United States.

Cedar Key Cedar Key
Credit: Cedar Key by TimothyJ via Flickr

Cedar Key

One of Florida’s tiniest towns, Cedar Key has it all, including top-notch paddling spots. In the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, you are spoiled for choice of stunning landscapes with pristine islands, saltwater marshes, and winding channels.

Little Manatee River, Wimauma Little Manatee River
Credit: Little Manatee River by floridastateparks.org

Little Manatee River, Wimauma

Truly one of Florida’s unspoiled river gems, Little Manatee River is a designated “Outstanding Florida Water” area with sand pine and oxbow wetlands. Escape from it all in this swampy spot perfect for nature lovers looking for peace and quiet.

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