By Marcia Biggs. Published August 2013
If you live in the Tampa Bay area, you’re missing out if you have not taken the time to explore our beautiful rivers, bays and coastal areas in a kayak. An abundance of natural beauty lies in wait for those who take this opportunity to get up close (but not too close, please) with nature. While it’s tempting to head right into those mangroves to get a bird’s-eye view of nesting egrets, or snap a photo of a resting gator, paddlers should always keep at a distance that will not disturb the wildlife.
If you feel like dipping a paddle but don’t own a kayak, rental outposts can be found by simply searching the Web for “kayak rentals” and the body of water, such as “Little Manatee River.” Some shops that sell kayaks such as Osprey Bay and Sweetwater Kayaks also offer guided trips and groups such as Sierra Club and a number of online meetups offer regular paddle trips.
I’ve been paddling my way around Tampa Bay since I moved here two decades ago. For those just starting out, you’ll always want to talk to an outfitter, park ranger or someone who has paddled your chosen waterway for a difficulty assessment. Beginners should look for an easy paddle that is generally not in open coastal water where direct winds can easily cause fatigue. Ask about obstructions such as fallen trees which might mean portaging. Slow-moving rivers, bayous or small lakes protected by mangroves or forests are generally a safe bet for easy navigation.
Here are my recommendations for some easy trips, focusing on locations that offer kayak rentals.
Pinellas County
Fort De Soto Park is an excellent place for newbie paddlers. Follow the marked 2.25-mile loop trail from the Kayak Outpost that takes you through calm, protected backwater and into Mullet Key Bayou. It’s about a one-hour paddle on calm, mangrove-protected water. Keep an eye out for dolphins and a treasure trove of shorebirds, osprey and eagles … this is, after all, one of the top birding spots in West Central Florida. Topwater Kayak Outpost at Fort De Soto Park, (727) 864-1991, is open daily. Visit pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm.
Weedon Island Preserve is a favorite of many who enjoy its shady mangrove tunnels that open into small shallow lagoons and bayous. A marked 4-mile loop trail that begins at the boat ramp will take you two to three hours to meander through the tunnels, between the mangrove islands and along the edge of Tampa Bay. Expect to see wading birds, shorebirds and plenty of mullet and other fish.
Be aware that this area is tidally influenced, so it’s imperative to time your paddle during mid to high tides or you risk getting stranded in the tunnels. Tide charts are posted at the launch site and also are available online. It should also be noted that the parking area is quite a hike from the launch site and the sheriff likes to ticket vehicles that choose to park along the roadside. Rentals must be arranged in advance through Sweetwater Kayaks, (727) 570-4844, sweetwaterkayaks.com, www.weedonislandpreserve.org/paddling-launch.htm.
In Safety Harbor, an easy paddle to Philippe Park is perfect for beginners. For a short trip of about three miles round-trip, launch from the City Marina where Tocobaga Tours can provide you with kayaks and basic instruction (guided tours describing the local environment and history of the area are available by reservation). Be sure to look for manatees near the end of the city pier. If you prefer a longer paddle, put in south of the marina at Coopers Bayou where you can leave your car. From here you can paddle into Upper Tampa Bay and explore several mangrove islands, or head north along the shoreline to Philippe Park. Pack a lunch and explore this beautiful waterfront county park with its Indian mound and great oaks. You can also launch from the park’s boat ramp, but there is a $5 fee. Tocobaga Tours, (727)-389-8687, weekends and by reservation only at www.tocobagatour.com.
HILLSBOROUGH
You can’t beat the beautiful Hillsborough River which flows 50 miles from the Green Swamp to Hillsborough Bay for wildlife viewing and that “Old Florida” feel. Sections of the river can vary from easy to adventurous, so be sure to know which section you’re paddling. The north and middle sections are slower moving and well suited for beginners.
Canoe Escape offers rentals and drop-off/pick-up for a variety of downstream paddle trips. The easiest is Sargeant Park to Morris Bridge Park, a mostly shady two-hour paddle along cypress swamp and hardwood hammock. Morris Bridge Park to Trout Creek Park is also an easy and pretty paddle. Look for alligators, great blue herons, red-shouldered hawk and white ibis, turtles, river otters, hawks and anhingas, egrets and raccoons.
Kayak rentals are also available from Lettuce Lake Park in Temple Terrace and Hillsborough River State Park (no transport available, state park fee applies). If you have your own kayak, you can launch from Sargeant Park, Lettuce Lake Park, and Trout Creek Park. Click here to view a complete paddling guide to the Hillsborough River.
Hillsborough County now offers canoe and kayak rentals ($25, first-come, first-served) at seven parks including Alderman’s Ford, EG Simmons, Lake Park, Lithia Springs, Lettuce Lake and Upper Tampa Bay. All surrounding waters are rated easy to moderate paddles.
The Little Manatee River in southeastern Hillsborough County is a pleasant paddle west of Highway 301 where Canoe Outpost in Wimauma maintains navigability. The outpost offers a great 5.5-mile float of just over two hours that passes through the state park; shorter and longer options are available. Look for a variety of birds, turtles, gators and manatees. Make it a weekend by staying at the outpost campground or cabins. Canoe Outpost, www.thecanoeoutpost.com, (813) 634-2228. Rental kayaks are also available at Little Manatee River State Park (813) 671-5005; entrance fee applies. Visit www.floridastateparks.org/littlemanateeriver/default.cfm.
MANATEE
Manatee County’s Robinson Preserve in Bradenton offers exceptional kayaking through a diverse ecosystem on a paddle that is about five miles round-trip. Paddle through pristine coastal habitats including salt marsh, mangrove and coastal hardwood hammocks to Palma Sola Bay. An abundance of wildlife is easy to spot including osprey and eagles, herons, dolphins and mullet. Stop at the 50-foot-tall observation tower for a look around. You will need a map and a good sense of direction at Robinson Preserve, so it’s probably not a good choice for first-time kayakers unless you have a guide. No rentals available in the park, but you can rent from the groovy Surferbus parked along the Manatee Avenue Causeway most weekends (look for the wood-paneled bus loaded with paddleboards). Reservations highly recommended, www.surferbus.com or call (941) 527-6355. Click here for more information on Robinson Preserve.
Marcia Biggs is a freelance writer living in Safety Harbor, FL.