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Latest update: April 2017

Weedon Island Preserve...

Kayaking in Mangrove Tunnels near St. Petersburg

Weedon Island Preserve, near St. Petersburg and Largo, Florida, encompasses 3,190 acres on Tampa Bay. This is a premier kayaking destination with paddling trails through mangrove, small lagoons, and bayous along Tampa Bay. The preserve also has nature trails for hiking, picnic facilities, and a Cultural and Natural History Center. (Detailed map and photos below.)

Weedon Island Paddling Trails

Distance: South trail (most popular) - a 4 mile loop. North trail - under 2 miles one way.
Location: Pinellas County (St. Petersburg)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Tidal: Yes
Launch points: South trail - in preserve, end of Weedon Drive NE, next to the pier. North trail - along southwest side of Gandy Causeway. (See map)
Nearby points of interest: St. Petersburg, Dali Museum, Fort DeSoto Park, St. Petersburg Pier

Rentals/Outfitters/Tours:

Coconut Kayak Tours  (tours)
Sweetwater Kayaks  (rentals, tours - South Trail)
Urban Kai  (paddleboard rentals - North Trail)

 Page Summary:

1. Paddling at Weedon Island
2. South Paddling Trail
   - Launch to Trail
   - Mile 1, Markers 1 - 10
   - Miles 2-3, Markers 10 - 34
   - Mile 4, Marker 34 to Launch
3. North Paddling Trail
   - Masters Bayou
4. Weedon Island Preserve
   - Bay Boardwalk, Tower Boardwalk
5. History
6. More Information and Resources

Paddling at Weedon Island... Comments and Photos

The south trail is the more popular route. Located entirely within the preserve, it features some of the best mangrove tunnels this side of the Everglades. The trail is a four mile loop and well marked (markers #1 through #38). It's mostly shallow water, so we recommend paddling during mid to high tide. We discovered many people avoid the more open portion of the trail by turning around and paddling back through the tunnels. No problem, plus the "backward" paddlers always gave us the right of way.

Wildlife include egrets, herons, spoonbills, white ibis, manatee, dolphins, stingrays, and sharks. If you feel you're being watched, it's the thousands of small black crabs on the mangrove roots.

South Paddling Trail

Launch to Trail

We launched from a small beach next to the fishing pier at the end of Weedon Drive. Parking is limited, more available at the Cultural and Natural History Center. Marker #1 is to the left of launch about 100 yards.

Mile 1, Markers 1 - 10

Beginning at marker #4, the mangrove tunnels begin. They are well trimmed and most are wide enough for easy paddling. There was only one short section where we had to take apart our kayak paddles.

Miles 2-3, Markers 10 - 34

Between #10 and #11 is a picnic area with access to the walking trail. After #12, the trail becomes more open, but still sheltered by mangrove islands.

Mile 4, Marker 34 to Launch

Once past #34 (mile 3), the final mile skirts the outer edge of the preserve on open water to #38 (the last), then back to #1 and launch.

North Paddling Trail

Masters Bayou

The north trail is within Masters Bayou, a popular boat anchorage. Mostly open water, there is virtually no shade and little shelter from the wind. While we did not kayak this section, we provide photos of launch areas for informational purposes. Be sure to observe the high tide line when parking along the causeway.

Weedon Island Preserve... the Boardwalks

Connected by a paved walkway, there are two long boardwalk loops that weave through the preserve; altogether, about 2 miles of (handicap-accessible) boardwalks and pavement. There are viewing platforms that overlook ponds along the paddling trail. In places, the boardwalk crosses mangrove tunnel. A 45' observation tower offers panoramic views of the preserve and Tampa Bay.

Views along Bay Boardwalk

At the Cultural and Natural History Center

Along the boardwalk

View at observation platform

Paddlers on the paddling trail, from observation platform

Shady picnic area off paddling trail and boardwalk

Views along Tower Boardwalk

Onto the boardwalk

Observation platform overlooking paddling trail

45' observation Tower

Boardwalk and view from the tower

Looking west toward fishing pier and launch

History

Weedon Island has a long and colorful history, from early Native American cultures, to a movie studio, airport, and speakeasy. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, and became a State Preserve in 1980 (managed by Pinellas County). The Cultural and Natural History Center has videos and exhibits about the early residents of Weedon Island. An interesting exhibit is the 40-foot long dugout canoe excavated in 2011 - dating from between AD 690-1010, it's the longest ever found in Florida (probably one-half of a large catamaran).

Note: The mangrove tunnels are not natural. They originated as mosquito-control canals dug during the 1950's and 60's. While there are some indian shell mounds within the preserve, the many dirt mounds seen in the mangrove tunnels were left during the dig.

More Information and Resources

Nearby Paddling:

Fort DeSoto Park
See FL West-Central Region for more paddling

Nearby Biking:

North Bay Trail

Related Resources:

Pinellas County - Weedon Island Preserve