5 Great Places to Kayak in St. Augustine

When you have visited many of the historical sites and wandered the brick-lined streets of St. Augustine another not to be missed activity of this coastal town is to get out for some kayaking! You won’t have trouble finding places to kayak in St. Augustine because of the numerous waterways available here. The miles of protected water make this Florida city one of the most kayak-friendly in the nation. Feel the serenity as you glide over shallow-water habitats and look for birds and other wildlife in quiet peace. Here are our favorite 5 places to kayak in St. Augustine.

1. Anastasia State Park is a great place for beginners or those who are just starting out in kayaking. Here you don’t feel like you are too much out in open waters but still get the beach and ocean experience. You can rent single or double kayaks from the park. An estuary tidal marsh called Salt Run is the best place to get out in the water here. If you are feeling adventurous you can head north to the Matanzas River then west through the historic district of St. Augustine, passing by the lighthouse on the way.
2. Near Fort Matanzas is Helen Mellon Schmitt Park where there is an easy, sandy launch site for a kayak in St. Augustine. This is a local favorite where you can go right off into Matanzas Bay or get in the intercoastal waterway and head up north to the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve.
3. Faver Dykes State Park near Pellicer Creek is a Florida Designated Paddling Trail. Here you can go east to the Pellicer Flats area and Matanzas River. It is a pristine estuary tidal marsh with plenty of salt and freshwater fish. This is a great birdwatching and wildlife-watching place to kayak in St. Augustine as well.
4. There are many eco-tours available to kayak in St. Augustine if you prefer an educational and fun way to get out on the water with a guide. Ripple Effects Ecotours are located in Marineland in St. Augustine and will take guests through Faver-Dykes State Park, Anastasia State Park, and the impressive Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. St. Augustine Ecotours offers a 2-hour guided nature tour that will take you past the Bridge of Lions and out into the saltwater marshes.
5. Trout Creek Fish Camp has a launch ramp and excellent access to the St. John’s River and its tributaries. You can rent kayaks here if you don’t have your own and get snacks, bait, and fishing gear here. Paddle up the creek where you’ll be among trees and wildlife at this idyllic place to kayak in St. Augustine.