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Latest update: March 2017

Shipyard Island...

Kayaking at Canaveral National Seashore

Shipyard Island Paddling Trail is located at Canaveral National Seashore, continue south on AIA from New Smyrna Beach to the national seashore's north entrance. A boat ramp and kayak launch are on the right just past the entrance kiosk. The entrance to the paddling trail is directly across Mosquito Lagoon from the launch. (Detailed map and photos below.)

Paddling Map
Canaveral National Seashore
Shipyard Island

Distance: 3 mile trail; unlimited on the lagoon
Location: Volusia County (New Smyrna Beach)
Difficulty: Easy
Tidal: Yes
Launch points: Boat ramp inside the park entrance; behind the Visitor Center; at Eldora Parking Lot 7, and at Beach Parking Lot 5 (See map)
Nearby points of interest: New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Merritt Island, Kennedy Space Center

Rentals/Outfitters/Tours:

JB's Lagooon Adventures  (at JB's Fish Camp; rentals)

 Page Summary:

1. Paddling at Shipyard Island
   - Launch to Shipyard Island
   - Paddling at Shipyard Island
   - Wildlife
2. More Information and Resources

Paddling at Shipyard Island... Comments and Photos

Unlike the creeks and spring runs we prefer, this is salt water and the paddling trail is lined with mangrove hammock, plus much cactus was a notable feature. Exiting the trail, much more paddling is available on Mosquito Lagoon (watch for motor boats) and winding through the islands of the national seashore.

Launch to Shipyard Island

The kayak launch and boat ramp are on the right just inside the north entrance to Canaveral National Seashore along A1A in New Smyrna Beach - the kayak launch is at the northern end of the parking lot. The entrance to the paddling trail is directly across Mosquito Lagoon from the ramp (look for the two PVC pipes, then follow the channel markers).

Paddling at Shipyard Island

The trail is marked, but bringing a GPS and a good map is recommended. Watch the tides, at low tide it will be necessary to pull your kayak or canoe in some areas. The trail is a loop, exit at the same spot - launch/boat ramp directly across the lagoon - or continue paddling on Mosquito Lagoon.

Wildlife

Wildlife include alligators, turtles, and crabs; schools of mullet swam by (and almost jumped in) our kayaks. Good for birdwatching, we saw hawks, eagles, and osprey as well as ibis and other water birds.

More Information and Resources

Nearby Paddling:

Mosquito Lagoon (Canaveral North)
Callalisa Creek (New Smyrna Beach)
See FL East-Central Region for more paddling

Nearby Biking:

Biking at New Smyna Beach

Related Resources:

National Park Service - Canaveral National Seashore