St. Sebastian River... Florida

Kayaking in East-Central Florida - Freshwater to Saltwater

St. Sebastian River straddles Brevard and Indian River Counties on Florida's Space Coast, one of the Florida east coast's last remaining natural rivers. Feeding into Indian River Lagoon, the river is divided into a North and South Prong; the South is the more popular route. Upstream, the river becomes fresher, more narrow, and scenic, toward the Indian River it gets saltier and wider, with more motor boat traffic. (Detailed map and photos below.)

paddle St. Sebastian River, kayak, canoe

Paddling Map
St. Sebastian River

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Distance: varies
Location: Brevard and Indian River Counties (Sebastian)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Tidal: Yes, especially closer to the Indian River
Launch points: Dale Wimbrow Park, Sebastian Canoe/Kayak Launch (See map)
Nearby points of interest: Melbourne Beach, Vero Beach, Sebastian Inlet State Park, Cape Canaveral

Rentals/Outfitters/Tours:

Adventure Kayaking Tours (tours)

About Kayaks (rentals)

Page Summary:

Paddling on St. Sebastian River
- Paddling on the South Prong
- Dale Wimbrow Park
- Flora and Fauna
More Information and Resources

Paddling on St. Sebastian River... Comments and Photos

The water is brackish to fresh tidal, both salt and fresh water vegetation were observed with marsh and scrub, mangrove, oak, pine, cypress and palm trees. The South Prong is the more popular route, between Dale Wimbrow Park and the Sebastian Canoe/Kayak Launch. The North Prong connects to the C54 Canal and St. Sebastian River State Park (no launch).

Paddling on the South Prong

About Kayaks outfitter shuttled us to the Sebastian Canoe/Kayak Launch and we paddled downstream about six miles to Dale Wimbrow Park. The river upstream is more narrow with many twists and turns and a fairly swift current for the first 1.5 miles. We were there at high water and ran into no obstacles. Approaching and past Dale Wimbrow Park the river gets wider and more motorboat traffic observed. We saw some homes in this section, but much of the shoreline is set aside for conservation.

To the Sebastian Canoe/Kayak Launch, over the bridge

Dock

Launch from the beach next to the dock, a steep drop

On the river

Some narrow spots in this section

Scenic, winding river

At this tree, bear left

The river widens

Homes along the river

Dale Wimbrow Park

Dale Wimbrow Park has parking, restrooms, boat ramp and launch, picnic tables, grills, and playground. Located across from Dale Wimbrow Park, About Kayaks outfitter was very accommodating to paddlers' needs.

Approaching boat ramp / launch at Dale Wimbrow Park

At the boat ramp / launch

Boat launching

To the launch area

Parking

Picnic

Outfitter, across from Dale Wimbrow Park

Flora and Fauna

Wildlife include wading birds, eagles, osprey, otter, alligator, turtles and fish. We didn't see much wildlife, perhaps due to the time of year - turtles, birds, one alligator. We were dodging the jumping mullet. Manatee can be found depending on the season, but we did not see any this trip. We saw signs of wild boar along the riverbanks.