Florida Kayaker Forum

Please post a picture of your suv and kayak so we can make suggestions.

UTube it. There will probably be several videos

I watched some YouTube videos. Very helpful

buy a Thule Hullavator

I have one of these and it helps a lot.

This could be another option. They fold up for easy storage.

I have the roof rack holders

Struggle is real. After many years, I bought a trailer. Then a modular kayak. I still have all my old kayaks but almost always use the modular. It's real freedom and was life changing for me.

I will try to post a picture

Work out more...😎😎😎 Jkjkjk🤣🤣🤣

Thule Hullavator

My only advice is to get 2 separate ,1 seater kayaks. Have fun and happy kayaking!! 😁

Your best bet is to go to a few kayak shops and try some out on the water. There are a lot of good brands out there (and a lot of el cheapo ones, too) and just because I like a particular make and model doesn't mean it will be what you want. What works for you may not work for your husband. Etc. Try to go with an open mind (not tied to any manufacturer or style) and try out everything the shop has to offer before deciding.

I've had two Perception Pescadors and I loved them. Both sit-ons, bc I'm tall and the sit-ins hurt my knees ... and the weight was good, bc I have to be able to load/unload alone. I started in a 10' then upgraded to a 12'. I paddle the rivers & lakes around Florida, and the coastline around Cedar Key and up around Mantanzas/St Augustine. Best thing to do is spend a few weekends renting different brands and seeing what suits.

If you’re near Sarasota check out economy tackle / dolphin paddlesports. They’ve got a huge assortment of new and even use kayaks and paddleboards. They also do a text day like once a month. It’s a great resource for people in your position.

I work for a kayak shop. Love Perceptions but we can't get them this year. We can't keep other brands in stock too.

Perception.. After renting many kinds we bought three of these. One pro fishing kayak, a single and a tandem. Great kayaks.

Yes. Definitely try out. Even if you have to travel to get to a shop that will let you do on the water test paddle. Ever wonder why there are so many barely used kayaks out there? Also think about what you want to do with your kayak. Touring. Calm creeks. White water...well you get the idea. Also ACA (american canoe association) have some great classes.

Depending on your age consider the weight of the kayak when buying. I have had to move to lighter weight kayaks

Be careful going in the ocean. I would find a feeder creek that leads to the ocean. If you launch from the surf it can be tricky coming back to shore.

Thank you everyone for your advices, they are all very helpful. 😊

There are MeetUp groups, kayak clubs, and kayak shops that often have demo days where you can try out lots of kayaks the same day. I also have found Perception to make good kayaks.

Good luck! Many to choose from.

I’d recommend a sit on top-at least 10 feet. Other than that, they all pretty much do the same thing. Just research the brands and consider weight and price and then go for it! Enjoy!

There are 2 Hurricane 120 Santee listed in St. Augustine on FB Marketplace. $1300 for the pair with paddles. Sit in. 42 lbs.

Silent Sports Outfitters in Nokomis FL is a big Ocean kayak and Eddyline kayak shop

Go several places and rent. Decide where/ what conditions your primary use will be. Consider your height, weight, etc.

Yes great idea to rent first then you could see if you want to sit in or sit on top. Make sure you pick a comfortable seat that is also very important and weight of the kayak is very important also. Just things to consider

What type of vehicle do you drive? 4x4? Sedan? Truck? Van? Like anything else, each kayak is for a purpose.

I have an 8' sit in. It slides into my car with the seats down and I can easily carry it on my own. It's easy to maneuver. Open water; I think sit on. Small rivers and canals; sit in.

I perfer sit on.

I prefer a sit on. I have a great fear of critters nesting in a sit in and popping out at an inopportune moment. I have a 10' and while it's been great, I'm ready for something in the 12' range that will track a bit smoother.

Hahaha. Super fun post. Enjoy!!!!

Summer - Sit on, Winter - Sit in

Personal preference

The one you have

Ha- can of worms there. And the real answer is “it depends”. What are you doing and where are you going? A sit on top is awesome if you’re paddling in a slight or slack current, or going downstream. It’s great for stability, and for fishing. But.....if you hate getting wet (me), paddle into the gulf (me), want to move fast with less effort (me), you want a sit in, the longer the better.

I have a great friend with an expensive sot- and she loves it. She can jump in and out easily and loves the comfortable seat, brings her dog, can fish, etc. BUT she wants a touring kayak as well to move quickly with less effort and to go into other places. Maybe the right answer is “both!”. But I am a 56 year old weakling, and can leave any SOT in the dust with my 13’ and 14’ SIT.

That all depends on who you are and what you plan to do. I could tell you I love my 12’Hobe (which I do) but if you have to put it on top of a car by yourself and you plan on doing nothing but ocean kayaking that probably the last thing in the world you would want.

One of each. Long sit in for distance and speed. Sit on for fishing and messing around.

Depends on wether you are looking for speed or stability!

Yes, because situations vary.

I personally prefer Sit On Top because I went in a Sit Inside and I would flip over.

I like sit on tops because if you tip over you can climb back on and not have to worry about water getting in, especially if you are on open water. We often paddle with friends who have sit insides and they always struggle to get the water out before loading them back into their vehicle. But here's the big reason why I don't think I'll ever switch to a sit inside: The last time I paddled Juniper Run, I ducked under a big branch and a small branch fell onto my kayak. As I sat back up and was about to reach for the branch to get it off of my boat, the branch swam away!!! It was actually a snake, not a branch, that had fallen onto my boat, and if I had a sit inside, that snake would not have swam away so easily. 😆

Honestly I believe you want something that tracks well and have a good paddle then you’ll be fine sit on top or sit in, as long as you’re comfortable and feel confident in it you should be all right

Don't need a truck for what I have ...and I love it Www.tucktec.com

I like sit on top for stability and easy access. I like to get on and off a lot and to swim. So that’s my choice but I own both types. I rarely use the sit in.

Whatever fits you and your lifestyle ... 😊

We have sit in’s & I’ve never taken on water... We did purchase the hydraulic Thule racks, which helps a lot loading on top of a Tahoe.

SOT for summer. Sit in for “winter”. I have a Chevy Colorado and haul up to 15’.

Following

Dry Tortuga's is Fantastic but I only went for the day I know you'll love it

The real question is, how's the fishing?

Lucky you! Enjoy!

If you haven’t, whatever boat you arrive out to DT on.. make sure to reserve a spot for your yak... limited number on boat I believe when I asked on a day trip out a couple years ago.

Amazing is just 1 word to describe it! You have a kayak spot? The camping spots are reserved and book up quick with kayak spots going first. We have the end of march into april reserved with renting a kayak because we didnt want to bring 2 kayaks of our own (renting a tandem kayak). We reserved for last year and got cancelled and moved it to this year. Look up kayaking over to loggerhead key to see the lighthouse.

I wished I had brought out a snorkel.. I had some basic swim goggles..

Join Dry Tortugas Camping Facebook group. Tons of good information. We are going in May

One of my favorite places i have ever been

You probably have seen this review.. but if not... quirkytravelguy.com/camping-dry-tortugas-national-park/

Watch out for jellyfish.

We just got back. Join the Dry Tortugas camping Facebook page. Lots of helpful information. We did not take our kayaks and the guys really regretted it. Fishing is very limited without a Kayak. Other campers had them and were catching a lot of fish trolling with bomber plugs and other diving plugs trolling behind the kayaks and they were catching grouper and mutton snappers.We ended up giving most of our water away but it was cold and windy so we did not drink a lot of water. All depends on the weather. Hubby said 20-30 lb test, Zarra Spook chrome and black. Lots of big barracuda. Take a tarp, it was rainy and windy. Better safe than sorry. Really saved us. Use the water you drain from your cooler for dish water so you don’t have to take as much. Ice is $7.00 a 10 pound bag on the ferry. Ferry has shower with hot water on the back but it’s in the open and no soap or shampoo. Just for a rinse off. Eat your breakfast on the way out. Save your lunch for the day you return since all of your gear will be packed. We bought some solar charger lights from the garden section and took a couple for outside at night. Put your rod in a rod tube and put it in your kayak. Hope you understand the fishing advice, I typed what he said. Sorry it’s all over the place, but he kept adding as I was typing. Check out the Yankee Freedom page for lots of good information if you are going by the ferry.

Bring wetsuit, snorkel and gopro and portable power... watch the currents and dropoffs...it can get rough out there but otherwise beautiful 🙂

Did it in July. We had a tandem kayak and were planning to kayak over to Loggerhead key but decided not to after talking with several people who did. Going over is great with the current they said but it was a battle coming back fighting the current. One couple actually had to get rescued by the park rangers. Plenty of good kayaking near the fort. Next time I’ll go, going to eat lunch when the boat docks so much easier than trying to keep stuff cool. They wanted $7 for a bag of ice. We scored a nice campsite after seeing who was leaving. Night time is absolutely fabulous!

Wow!! What a trip. I hope you share your experience!! It’s on my bucket list.

Enjoy!!!!

Amazing!! It’s been in the 50’s at night this week, bring a blanket

I am SUPER envious! That's on my bucket list

Robert Rees, myself and a few friends will be making this trip again for the 6th time late April into early May.... Somebody else had asked this question a while back and I posted several replies that you might find helpful. when I have time I'll see if I can go find that thread and copy a link in here. I imagine it will probably pop up if you just search "dry tortugas' on this page as well In the meantime, feel free to shoot me a PM and I'm happy to pass on any information that I can that might be helpful. PS, The fishing is awesome!

Found one of my replies to the previous DT post I mentioned a minute ago. Copied and pasted below and hope this helps: So..I am a little late with this info and rather than just send it to the OP directly, since a lot of people are interested and curious about doing this trip some time, here are a few pointers that come to mind at the moment at least and in no particular order. This is more geared toward the camping prep than paddling or fishing to start with... 1. If you are taking the ferry with your yaks to camp for a few days, bring two $20 dollar bills to to tip the crew loading and unloading your gear on the way out and for when you get back. This will go a long way in regards to some lenience on the weight restrictions. The crew busts their a$$ to make sure you have a great time. Treat them accordingly. 2. Water, a 2.5 gallon jug with a spigot should suffice you for 3 nights/4 days per person tops. There usually will be a table with leftover water from previous campers that you can use and share accordingly. There is no need to bring double the recommended amount of water for weight purposes if nothing else. 3. Cooking- for obvious reasons, you cannot bring any combustible fuel accelerant on the ferry. Get a bag of match light charcoal and bring 1-2 cans of sterno. To start your coals in the provided grills at the campsites, slather some of the sterno on a few charcoal briquettes before trying to light them. This will negate issues with the cross-breeze messing with your ability to light charcoal since you cannot bring lighter fluid, etc. Bring a windproof match/lighter etc and light the sterno soaked bricks of charcoal and you will have a much easier time getting a fire going. 4. Depending on how many people are in your group, if everyone has their own cooler, give each cooler a specific function. In our crew, One cooler is for food, one cooler is for beverages and 1 cooler is for ice storage. This limits having to access multiple coolers and letting excess air escape and preserves things longer. Also, when the ferry is in harbor, you can buy ice from them. it is not cheap, but the cost is worth not carrying additional weight. 5. Back to food, if you are fishing, pack some tortillas, make a slaw before you depart and put it in your food cooler. Catch some snapper or grouper, grill them and make fish tacos. 6. Coffee- bring some instant coffee, boil water with your sterno/esbit pot or whatever you have and just drink instant coffee. Don't waste space/weight trying to be a barista on the island. 7. Bring a pack of baby wipes to help wash the sand/grit off of you each day. 8. When the ferry is in harbor, they have freshwater shower spray heads at the stern of the boat. Rinse off with them. You cannot use soap/shampoo etc at the shower basin as it is too slick and would be a hazard due to slipping, etc. 9. You get the lunch that comes with the ferry trip the day you depart. You can buy lunch from the ferry for the days after that if you do not feel like messing with it for the days you are there after that and it is worth it. 10. Breakfast-bring some mountain house style MRE meals that can be cooked with boiling water or oatmeal, etc. Again, think of weight and space and what will take up the least amount of that. 11. Bring a mat of some kind to keep at the entrance to your tent and take your flip flops/shoes whatever off before entering your tent to keep the sand that gets inside to a minimum. Can't stress this enough. 12. Keep a clean camp and pick up any food that may get dropped around your camp otherwise you will wake up to an army of hermit crabs that will be taking over your site. 13. Bring a headlamp for maneuvering around at night that has other colors besides white such as amber or green as white light at night can inadvertently attract turtles in the wrong direction and the white lights are not allowed at night. ...14. If you have one, or the ability to get one, a solar powered charging panel is great to have to charge phones(if your phone is your primary camera), radios, etc. and definitely bring a handheld VHF marine radio just in case poop hits the oscillator while you are paddling. 15. SPF clothing is your best bet if you have it. Depending on the time of year you are going, the sun can and will roast you before you know it. There is very little cover or escape from it. Know your limits and stay hydrated. 16. Fishing-wise ( if you are fishing) east side of long key and bird key bank can be your best bets. Feel free to DM me for more specific info but I am not going to put that here. I hope this is a good start and I will add to it as more comes to mind......

So many people overthink this trip. All you need is the basics. We didn't feel the need to bring all the gear for hot food & just brought stuff like cheese, lunch meat, tuna pouches, beef jerky, granola bars, yogurt, nuts, fruit etc. Loved the paddle to logger head- we went there while the ferry was there to avoid the day crowd & had logger head all to ourselves! Bring snorkel gear. Sunset& sunrise from the top of the fort are amazing as well as stargazing at night. You can buy ice & food from the ferry while its there as well as rinse of on the ferry b4 it leaves

grab a shady spot for your tent asap. full sun will turn your tent into an oven. Try to the area to the left of the main entrance of the fort -- the side near the long bird nesting area gets noisy with all those birds shrieking all night long. At dusk dozens of hermit crabs emerge from the leaf litter. They're harmless, but startling when you first see them. Be sure to walk the moat after dark. in spots where the moat water is dark/unlit toss in a pinch of sand to see the bioluminescence.

Check in the rangers before you head out in your kayak. The paddling can be much more challenging than it appears. Love love the Dry Tortugas NP🙌💚

Maybe it's not the nearest to Orlando but crystal river/three sisters spring area

Silver Springs

We were just at Blue Springs on Thursday. Water activities are only shut down in the manatee zone. You could still see a few from outside the zone.

Btw, the count that day was 319.

Blue

Silver Springs

Blue is the best and closest. You can paddle on the river below the springs and there are plenty of manatees there!

Silver Springs, hands down.

We are camping/kayaking Wekiwa SP this weekend and haven’t see any.

Silver springs

Three Sisters

Silver glen springs is wonderful to see them so clear!

Crystal river

Crystal river at hunter springs

You cannot kayak with manatees to my knowledge in any spring but you'll ost likely see them near the springs in a river such as Silver River, Rainbow River, Crystal River.

You can still launch there.

You pay and fill out the waiver at the Kelly park front kiosk and then drive down to camp joy. I’ve been a couple times on the weekdays lately and there was hardly anyone else there. Probably busier when it starts to warm up.

We launched from Camp Joy back in November- we went the day after Thanksgiving, while it wasn't busy when we launched, it was busy where Kings Landing came in where people were just sitting on paddle boards or in kayaks just talking on our way back

I've read it's a bit of a haul from unloading to put in at camp joy. Anybody?

You have to launch by noon and you have to be back/leave by 5.

Is there a shuttle st king's landing yet

Look into a Yakima Rack with the Yakima Showdown. Looking at $800-$1100 depending on the Towers. Another option is a trailer

If you know how to drive a trailer, that’s definitely the easiest. Just get a truck or suv with a hitch or the ability to add a hitch. FYI - not all vehicles can even have after-market hitches added. Learned that the hard way. Make sure you ask a custom body shop if you plan to add hitch after market BEFORE you buy the vehicle

I have a Hullivator. Pricy, but totally worth it

A pickup is probably the most useful. Get one with a receiver hitch and then a truck bed extender for under $100 and you can carry up to a 17-foot boat without having to lift anything above your waist.

Truck. So much easier than lifting onto the car. Just drop it in the bed, tie it down and go. When you get home you can rinse it off in the bed. No more wearing yourself out putting on the car. It’s a game changer.

I'm 64 also...I bought my kayak for 200. Sit in, 48 lb. I put a packing quilt on top of my car I just put the kayak on my roof and strap it down. You have to make for sure you can lift your kayak whatever you buy.

Truck is so easy!

I LOVE my Tacoma pickup. I don’t use a bed extender, but they are about $60 at Harbor Frieght. I can throw my kayak in my truck, and be on the water in minutes.

My favorite kayak is 39 pounds, but I have another touring kayak that is 50 pounds or a bit more. I can load/unload by myself. I’m 56, weigh 130ish, and no way could I enjoy lifting it higher than my truck bed.

I love my Prius for trunk capacity. Loaded 2 kayaks inside before I bought the rack for the roof. The trunk was open but where there is a will there is a way.

If you're going to buy a vehicle anyways then a Pick up will be your easiest way to transport. No need to buy anything but a tie down strap.

I had. Honda CRV and it was the best vehicle to use a yoga mat on back area and slide the yak up onto the racks! I now own a Toyota 4 runner and can’t load by myself! I’m 63

A truck and then put a tailgate extender on the back. Take it off when you don't need it.

I have a trailer and love it I'm 75 and could no longer put my kayaks on top of my car. After I got my trailer was recommended to me that the jet ski trailers are perfect for hauling one kayak. And much cheaper.. I have a Yakima rack and roll that I bought used from someone and I really like it because I can carry two bicycles and two kayaks simultaneously.

Roof rack

We open the back window of the trailblazer and throw it in

The height of my husbands Explorer makes it harder than when I load on my friend’s Forrester. So, consider height.

Truck with a bed extender. I love it, super easy

Small truck works to

Trailer! I'm 57 and ain't about to HEAVE my 70 lb kayak upon a roof rack!

Hulivators.

What Trey said. I had a Dodge Journey (SUV) and it was difficult for me to load my kayak. I traded it in for a truck and got the truck bed extender. Sooooo much easier and I just turned 50.

Mine also fit in my Chrysler town and country mini van

Pretty easy to navigate tunnels without guide. There are numbered posts at exit/ entrance of tunnels..

No guide needed!

Kayaking Lido Key mangrove tunnels is next on our list..where is the best starting point?

You don't need a guide😊

There are always tours out there. If you feel like you get turned around you can ask someone but it's quieter if you meander on your own and you can explore what you want to without being pressed for time. You can find a map online if you really need one.

I put in at Ted Sperling nature park. Plenty of parking.

Do you paddle one way (and take 2 vehicles), or paddle down and back?

Thanks for the info!

F

Is Lido anything like Weedon Island where you should go a little before high tide?

I normally say go longer but the easier it is to load and carry the more likely you are to use it, and that’s what it’s all about.

Always try before you buy! I have a Skimmer 128.

I would find tips to load the longer easier. Either one is great.

You need to be able to lift the kayak over your head without too much difficulty. But, always go for the longer one.

I have the 11.6 Hurricane Skimmer and quite stable. Love it

Look on YouTube for videos about how to load a kayak on a car or SUV. There are several that show the “tricks” to load it by yourself. I have the 116 and can load it on my Mazda CX-5 by myself. You basically lean the yal up against the side of the car between the roof racks then lift the tail end up and pivot it up onto the roof racks. The videos show it better than my explanation. (I got a rubber-bottomed bathroom mat to lay on the side of my car to protect it when I lean the yak against it to pivot it up onto the roof rack.) Of course it is quicker with a helper!

I can't get my kayak on my car without help. There's always someone willing to help.

Buy a step stool to reach the straps and rubber backed bath mat to protect your car and help tje boat slide up.

If you like the longer one then I say go with it. Loading and unloading isn’t so much about strength, but about learning how to manage the object with the least effort possible. Small stool will help too. I like the comment about the suction cup roller too. Sounds very useful. I put kayaks on top of a van by simply standing it up by the rear bumper, leaning it against the van, then pick up the bottom handle and slide it up on the rack. If you can manage to load it the first time trying, it will only get easier the more you get used to it and figure out little ways to make it easier.

Thank you all! I was able to put the 11.6 on my car by myself! Easy!

Just bought a Skimmer 128 and a 140; haven’t tried them out yet, but did a lot of research and talked to a lot of people before we made the purchase.

Yeah, go for the longer one. It will track better.

I bought the SOT Sweetwater and LOVE IT!! I would go with the bigger one. Better tracking

I did it - got the 11.6 as I didn’t want to have any regrets. Took for a quick spin and it’s going to take a little getting used to because it’s slimmer than my current kayak - but it will be worth it! And, was not nearly as tough as I thought it would be to get on my car! .

I'm glad you went with the longer one. I think you will enjoy it much more for a lot longer. And sometimes longer is easier to load. See if you can get an extender for your front rack - it pulls out to the side making it temp. wider. Place kayak parallel to car with stern between the 2 racks and pad under stern, lift bow of kayak onto extender, lift stern of kayak onto rack, move bow of kayak from extender onto rack, push in extender. You're never lifting more than 1/2 the weight and everything is under control. The lift assists are great, altho they cost almost as much as a small kayak. But you can always add them later if you decide you want them. Also, you'll usually have someone to help you at least unload and reload when you get to your paddling site.

I haven't loaded 2 kayaks but I LOVE my Outback I just slide it in.

Go longer.

At least 14’ I always say. And 16 is ideal.

I put a yoga mat on the back of my car and slide the kayak up onto the roof rack. My kayak felt less stable when I first bought it, but you grow into it.

Buy the one that you can handle best. The 10.6.

Go bigger

No less than 11 ft for someone your height.

Following

Check out the Hydraulic Thule rack for your car....soooo easy to load your yak! Have FUN!!

Everyone have the Go Paddling APP? It’s the very BEST!!

SOT? Or sit-in? Most SOTs are fine in open water. Problem with sit-ins is taking on water, and possibly capsizing.

I take my $250 Pelican out in the Gulf

Mine is a SOT and I take it in the Gulf 90% of the time. I have a fear of alligators, so it just seems safer.

You’ll be perfectly fine, Ski Alley can be busy with boats so lots of wakes but head east to Rag Alley and it’s pretty peaceful

I always kayak there very easy ride sit in never had a problem 3 years my favorite spot very shallow

Im always in the gulf in my SOT. I watch the weather and don't go if it's too windy or rough.

I fish out there all the time you should be fine

So long as the Gulf is as in the photos posted above it won't make much difference. Unfortunately it doesn't stay that way and the Gulf is so shallow for so many miles out that the wind can whip up the waves quickly. Plus you can get big boat wakes, powerful and conflicting currents, ship traffic, tide changes, etc. You definitely do NOT want a sit inside with no bulkheads for big water. The bulkheads and storage compartments both fore and aft provide flotation and keep out most of the water. The cockpit and wells on an SOT can also fill with water which can be unpleasant but usually not life-threatening or requiring a rescue. For all such recreational kayaks it's best to stay in wind-protected waters along the coast where you can get to shore quickly if the wind comes up and not need to be rescued. If you really want to get into big water paddling then you need to look into a touring or sea kayak. Their hulls are designed for big water, they are longer to handle waves better (usually 16-18 feet long), have 2-3 bulkheads, have a smaller cockpit opening which allows you to wear a skirt which will keep out the rest of the water and protect the lower half of your body, and are skinnier (< than 25") for better performance and handling. Whatever boat you use, for coastal paddling and big water you need to hone up on your rescue and reentry skills, carry a bit more safety gear, keep a constant eye on the weather and tides, wear (or at least carry) more protective clothing, and always WEAR your PFD.

We go out on Pelican sit ins everywhere including Matlacha, Wiggins pass etc. This is yesterday off Bokeelia.

I haven't done open Gulf waters with my 8' sit-in, but intercoastal putting in at Stump Pass shouldn't be a problem!

Glue thick foam inside the body where ever it doesn’t cramp you

I have an 8 ft lifetime and it’s good on the gulf if not too choppy

In good conditions yes, but consider tides, wind, waves, currents. You can easily reach your limit.

Trisha, if you are doing protected waters, size doesn't really have a whole lot to do with it unless you're experiencing rough conditions. Most of the protected waters (meaning those inland of the ocean/gulf) are typically pretty smooth. Boat traffic, weather, and tides are all things you should put into a planning checklist no matter where you go in the intercoastal regions. Each boat is different. I love my Hobie, but it much more difficult in shallow waters than significantly cheaper boats, but it's a fishing boat. There are very capable, and very inexpensive kayaks out there for you to choose from that will handle all types of waters depending upon your skill and experience. I hope you get out there and do it safely. I LOVE LOVE LOVE long mangrove paddles.

Backwater your fine enjoy so much to paddle 😎❤️🇺🇸

paddling among the mangroves means you'll mostly be in calm, shallow water. A small kayak works great.

We have sit in’s and Stump pass is one of our favorites! You’ll be fine! Try Don Pedro...it’s also really beautiful, lots of Dolphins & Manatee!!

You should take a professionally guided manatee tour if you actually want to swim with them...but you can put in and Rogers Park to paddle and see them

Eg Simmons park in Ruskin( just south of Tampa) is a great place to yak and see manatees

We put in at Hunter Springs Park and paddled over to 3 Sisters Springs where there were lots of manatees. Some of them seem to enjoy interactions with humans if you are patient and respect the fact that they are pretty large mammals.

They are everywhere in Crystal River. You will not need a tour. Put in at Hunter Springs and head to Three Sisters.

Amanda Sapp

Isn’t it against the law to touch them??

Yes, launch on the North/West side to explore some spoil islands, or launch on the south/east side to paddle to the lighthouse and beach. This was taken at one of the spoil islands

No

No. We don't do that here... yet.

not unless you have a motor on it.

You do not have to register a human-powered boat in Florida regardless of size. Canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, row boats, racing shells, SUPs, etc. are all exempt. As soon as you put a motor on it tho, even a little trolling or battery operated drill motor then the state calls it a motor boat and it must be registered and you need an annual sticker. You also need to display your registration numbers on the boat as the state specifies and carry your registration with you - just like a motor vehicle.

what for it...a lot of people moving here...sure they will want to change things...although I hope not.

Are you from Indiana? I asked the same question today. 🙂

We offer take away service. Call or text 386-334-5551

Hi I’m new too love kayaking I’m in tarpon springs

Hello I'm in silver springs

Location band what type of yaks do you have?

Nancy's Dad lives there. We will get you a list.

Thank you!! 🤗

Look at Arbuckle Creek.

When will you be there?

Depends on where you launch if you need to pay....

I've never been charged

Only thing I can think of is if you have a motor on it, then it has to be registered with state

Some location have a day use/parking/launch fee. There is no requirement for registration of a kayak itself in Florida unless you add a motor. Other states have registration requirements. In Florida, you must have a USCG approved PFD and sound making device (whistle) onboard.

I'm from Indiana and we have to buy a yearly launch permit for Indiana state owned properties. That's why I asked. To be sure I didn't need one. The wind is finally down today and I would like to take my kayak out.

You do not have to register a human-powered boat in Florida regardless of size. Canoes, kayaks, row boats, racing shells, SUPs, etc. are all exempt. As soon as you put a motor on it tho, even a little trolling or battery operated drill motor then the state calls it a motor boat and it must be registered and you need an annual sticker. You also need to display your registration numbers on the boat as the state specifies and carry your registration with you - just like a motor vehicle. Some boat ramps are free, others charge a fee. Usually the FWC ramps are free of charge. Other ramps and launch areas owned and operated by cities and counties and private campgrounds/marinas there is now usually a $5-$10 fee.

No.

No you don’t, only time u have to pay yearly is if you have a motor on your kayak like a car

North Withlacoochee from State line to Suwannee River state park is my favorite 1 night paddle/camp trip. There are a bunch of others, I’ll let others chime in. Not sure what you mean by Creek but I assume any downstream paddle will do

Oklawaha. Between Gore's Landing and Eurika. Several nice campsites.

Suwannee. Not a creek but in GA sometimes it looks like one. And it's certainly the easiest river in FL to kayak camp. It offers everything from primitive camping on sandbars, to the River Camps with little screened platforms for sleeping (first come, first serve), flush toilets, hot showers and a picnic shelter for eating out of the rain, to state park campgrounds & cabins to private campgrounds and resorts.

Lots of kayak camps on the suwannee river and they are free

Peace river at Zolfo Spings

There’s a few. Take a look at my Miami Dade Canals map. sites.google.com/view/southfloridakayaking

The one at Riviera Dr and Rt 1 is the most popular.

This time of year you will typically see manatees at the end of the offshoot Mahi Waterway.

Thanks! 🤗

www.facebook.com/66640207299/posts/10158962680297300/?d=n

Birds underwater

Riverventires

Thank you. I’ll call tomorrow.

Crystal River Kayak and Dive Center - crystalriverkayakcompany.com/ 352-794-6398

Explorida has gotten great reviews! Very personable staff! We talked w them while we were kayaking Crystal River to 3 Sisters a couple of weeks ago

They are all pretty well regarded. I think my family went with Hunter Springs Kayak a couple of years ago, but all of the ones I know are well regarded.

Santa Rosa Sound, Blackwater River, Coldwater Creek, Shoal River, few places in Elgin AFB Reservation as well. I’m sure there are other area also

Shell Key, Caladisi Island

Weedon island

Chassahowitzka River during the day and we also had a great grill out and sunset paddle at bird creek beach.

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park - Salt Springs Alliance

Oh you should go to Fort Desoto for sure!

Weeki Wachee!

Alafia River

Beer Can Island if you make it southerly enough.

Rainbow Springs

Look up Silver springs. I haven't done it but have seen awesome pics

Weeki Watchee

tbsk.club/Paddle-Places

You will be between Alafia river and the Withlacoochee River. Both are beautiful.

1:Silver River in Silver Springs 2:Kings Bay ( to 3 Sisters Springs) in Crystal River 3: Weeki Wachee River

Worth driving to Ocala Silver River, Silver Springs, rentals available 💯

Boca Grande is worth the drive South!! Launch from The Boca Grande Fishing Pier

Shell Key, The Chaz, and Weeki Wachee.

There is a kayak launch in the camping loop! Be careful of the 7-foot alligator that likes to sun next to it... we really enjoyed the kayaking there and the walks with the dogs where we saw lots of deer!

Robinson Preserve

Wheedon Island, St. Petersburg. It has a GREAT mangrove trail and is an easy paddle.

Leslie Van Trump how far is Peace River? If it is close enough , I suggest Peace River.

I encourage you to get out in the Gulf if you'll have sea kayaks, gps, and marine radios with you. You can launch at the causeway and circumnavigate Honeymoon Island (know the tides as the channel between Honeymoon and Caladesi can be dicy depending on wind and tides - especially if they are opposing when you go through). Park your vehicle wayyyy up at thr causeway because the tide can come in a good 10 feet there. You can launch at Sunset Beach or Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs and go out to Anclote Key (mind the channel crossings, they criss-cross in an odd way - make sure you know where they are and get across quickly). You can land near the lighthouse and take a walk around. You can take the Chazowitzca all the way out to the Gulf but know your tides and have a good map and GPS because you could get turned around in the Sawgrass channels. A coastal paddle launching from Aripeka and going north and back is nice too.

Also, the trip down to Weedon has some of the best mangrove trails. You won't be sorry for taking the drive to Fort DeSoto either. The outfitter in the park there is amenable to you launching from their launch in the park. You can go over to Shell Island (about 7-8 miles round trip) - the pass - Bunches Pass - is super busy so just mind the traffic). To avoid Bunches Pass, you can launch from just before the park entrance. You'll see a grassy area with lots of vehicles parked there and multiple places between the trees to launch. You can go straight out to Shell Island. It will be shallow, but unless you go out during an unusual low tide, you'll be fine. It's less than 2 miles to Shell Key. You can land and walk over to the Gulf for a swim if you don't want to paddle into the Gulf there.

Silver springs.

Weedon island mangrove trail.