You are here > Home

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)

Find Paddling in Florida Regions... Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Too

Florida Panhandle (17)

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

(View all 17...)

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. Most sheltered kayaking in the Keys.

(View all 4...).

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

Our 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, little traffic noise
3. Wildlife - seek quantity and variety
4. Clean Water - clarity, quality
5. Unobstructed - 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 springs, Florida is a kayak / canoe paradise. Using our "7 Quality Factors" as a guide, we seek out the best kayaking and canoeing spots throughout Florida. We paddle sit-on-top kayaks (with comfortable seats!) to report on over 100 half-day paddling trips (2-4 hours), most easily doable for nearly everyone. Today, kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals are common. Rentals and outfitters are listed in our reports. It's always a good idea to call ahead. Weather is key and we find the "My Radar" phone app to be extremely useful. Happy paddling.