25 Best Kayak & Paddleboard Spots in Southwest Florida

Discover 25 stunning kayak and paddleboard locations in Southwest Florida—from tranquil mangrove tunnels to wildlife-rich estuaries—with all the launch details, visitor tips, and expert advice to help you plan your perfect paddling adventure.

If you’re dreaming of gliding through mangrove tunnels, spotting dolphins along the coast, or paddling to hidden beaches, Southwest Florida is your paradise. With calm Gulf waters, scenic rivers, and wildlife-filled estuaries, this region offers some of the best kayaking and paddleboarding in Florida.

Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or renting for the first time, this guide will take you to

25 unforgettable kayak and SUP spots, complete with launch details, visitor tips, and what to expect.

Why Southwest Florida Is a Paddler’s Dream

Southwest Florida boasts some of the best kayaking and paddleboarding experiences in the Sunshine State. Sheltered by a string of barrier islands and enriched by an intricate network of rivers, bays, and mangrove estuaries, the region offers diverse waterways that are suitable for beginners and adventurous paddlers alike.

Here, you’ll paddle through calm waters teeming with wildlife like manatees, dolphins, roseate spoonbills, and even gators. Explore scenic mangrove tunnels that feel like hidden worlds, glide alongside pristine beaches perfect for a mid-trip picnic, and experience year-round paddling thanks to the region’s warm subtropical climate.

The Top 25 Kayak & Paddleboard Spots in Southwest Florida

To make your planning easier, we’ve highlighted what makes each location special and who it’s best suited for.

1. Bunche Beach Preserve – Fort Myers Beach

Why it’s great: Natural, undeveloped shoreline with mangrove backwaters and easy paddlecraft access — excellent for birding, calm SUP/kayak outings, and sunset paddles.

Category: Beginners · Families · Wildlife Lovers

Address: Bunche Beach Preserve (Lee County parks page).

Launch & parking: Paddlecraft launch area; small parking area (Lee County pay rules / mobile pay may apply).

Hours: Dawn to dusk (county park hours).

First-time tip: Rentals and guided tours operate here — best to go in the morning for calmer winds and more wildlife.

2. Bowditch Point – Fort Myers Beach

Why it’s great: Located at the northern tip of Estero Island — offers both protected bay-side paddling and (for experienced paddlers) short Gulf crossings; lots of shorebirds and shelling.

Category: Beginners (bay side) · Intermediate (Gulf side) · Beach Lovers

Address: 50 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931.

Launch & parking: Small public lot and boardwalk access; carry-in launches to bay and Gulf; picnic areas.

Hours: Dawn to dusk (county park hours).

First-time tip: Use the bay/backside when winds exceed ~10 mph — Gulf can get rough quickly.

3. Matanzas Pass Preserve – Fort Myers Beach

Why it’s great: Quiet mangrove creek and estuary paddling behind Fort Myers Beach — a peaceful, less-crowded mangrove exploration.

Category: Beginners · Nature Lovers

Address: 199 Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931.

Launch & parking: Small roadside pull-ins / carry-in launch; limited facilities.

Hours: Dawn to dusk (preserve access).

First-time tip: Paddle on a mid-to-high tide to avoid exposed oyster flats; bring insect repellent in summer.

4. Lovers Key State Park

Why it’s great: Protected lagoon and mangrove channels with Gulf access — great wildlife viewing (manatees, dolphins, many shorebirds) and easy guided paddles.

Category: Beginners · Families · Wildlife Lovers

Address: 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931.

Launch & parking: Designated kayak/canoe launches; on-site parking (state park vehicle fee applies); rentals and guided tours available.

Hours: Park open 8:00 a.m. to sunset; vehicle entry fee applies.

First-time tip: Book a guided eco-tour if you want a short, informative wildlife paddle with a naturalist.

5. Koreshan State Park

Why it’s great: Historic riverside park with calm Estero River paddling through a scenic, shaded corridor — great for relaxed paddles and combining history with paddling.

Category: Beginners · Families · History Lovers

Address: 3800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL 33928.

Launch & parking: Park boat ramp / canoe launch; on-site parking (vehicle entry fee).

Hours: 8:00 a.m.–sunset daily (check park page for seasonal visitor center hours).

First-time tip: Paddle upriver for more shade and quieter water; then explore the historic settlement ashore.

6. Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve – Cape Coral

Why it’s great: Shaded mangrove boardwalks and calm brackish channels; a compact, wildlife-filled preserve ideal for short family paddles and birding.

Category: Beginners · Families · Birdwatchers

Address: Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve (Cape Coral parks listing).

Launch & parking: Small on-site kayak launch; free parking at preserve; note seasonal rental availability (Nov–May).

Hours: Park hours generally sunrise to dusk (city page notes visitation hours).

First-time tip: Rentals are seasonal and sometimes require a short portage — call ahead in winter season for kayak availability.

7. Big Hickory Island – Bonita Springs

Why it’s great: Undeveloped barrier-island shoreline and calm back-bay flats — great for shelling, quiet paddles, and wildlife viewing away from crowds.

Category: Beginners (calm flats) · Shelling Lovers

Address: Big Hickory Island Preserve, Bonita Beach Causeway area (Lee County).

Launch & parking: Primitive beach carry-in access; nearby roadside parking at preserve access points; minimal facilities.

Hours: Dawn to dusk (preserve rules).

First-time tip: Launch on a stable tide window; the back bay is best in light winds for shallow-water exploring.

8. Cayo Costa State Park

Why it’s great: A virtually undeveloped barrier island reachable only by boat/kayak — pristine beaches, superb shelling, and remote camping options.

Category: Intermediate · Adventure / Overnight Camping

Address: Cayo Costa State Park (island access via Pineland/boat ramps).

Launch & parking: Accessible from Pineland/boat ramps and concession ferry services (advance reservations highly recommended); island has primitive facilities and campsites.

Hours: Park hours governed by Florida State Parks (generally 8 a.m.–sunset; check ferry schedule and park notices).

First-time tip: If paddling yourself, plan crossings around wind/tide and reserve any campsites or ferry spots well in advance.

9. J.N. “Ding” Darling NWR – Sanibel Island (Tarpon Bay / Commodore Creek)

Why it’s great: World-class wildlife viewing inside a national wildlife refuge — calm mangrove trails, abundant birds and shellfish beds, and a mapped kayak trail (Commodore Creek).

Category: Beginners · Families · Wildlife Photographers

Address: J.N. “Ding” Darling NWR / Tarpon Bay, Sanibel Island (visitor center area).

Launch & parking: Launch at Tarpon Bay Explorers (rentals/tours available); refuge vehicle fees apply for some access.

Hours: Refuge and visitor center have set hours (refuge seasonal variations apply) — check the refuge site.

First-time tip: Go at higher tide for easier navigation of the mangrove creeks and bring binoculars for birdlife.

10. Manatee Park – Fort Myers

Why it’s great: Famous for seasonal manatee sightings (cooler months); calm freshwater/estuarine paddling on the Orange River — very beginner friendly.

Category: Beginners · Families · Wildlife (manatees)

Address: 10901 State Road 80 (Palm Beach Blvd), Fort Myers, FL 33905.

Launch & parking: Concrete public kayak launch; hourly parking/pay station (Lee County); rentals available from local outfitter.

Hours: Open daily — typically 8:00 a.m.–sunset (check county page).

First-time tip: Visit on cool winter mornings (Nov–Mar) for the best manatee viewing; always maintain a respectful distance.

11. Caloosahatchee Regional Park (Alva)

Why it’s great: Riverfront park with direct access to the Caloosahatchee River — good for longer river paddles, camping, and combining land + water activities.

Category: Beginners · Campers · River Paddlers

Address: 19130 N River Rd, Alva, FL 33920.

Launch & parking: Concrete kayak/canoe launch and parking; on-site restrooms; kayak rental options during park hours.

Hours: Park day-use hours / facility hours listed on Lee County site (generally daytime).

First-time tip: Paddle upriver early to avoid stronger afternoon winds and boat traffic on the main channel.

12. Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve – North Fort Myers

Why it’s great: Quiet mangrove creeks along the Caloosahatchee with marked trails — lightly trafficked and scenic for wildlife viewing.

ategory: Beginners · Wildlife Watchers

Address: Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve (17100 McDowell Dr / Bayshore Rd area), North Fort Myers, FL.

Launch & parking: Canoe/kayak launch into Popash Creek; small parking lot; limited facilities.

Hours: Dawn to dusk (county preserve hours).

First-time tip: Best at mid-to-high tide for easier creek navigation; insect repellent recommended in warm months.

13. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve – Naples

Why it’s great: Large protected estuary with oyster bars, mangroves, and guided kayak tours through rich tidal habitats — excellent for nature education and wildlife viewing.

Category: Beginners (with guide) · Wildlife Enthusiasts · Eco-learners

Address: Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd, Naples, FL 34113.

Launch & parking: Launch at Shell Island Rd boat ramp or other reserve launch points; visitor center parking and facilities available.

Hours: Visitor center hours vary (check reserve site); paddling access dawn to dusk.

First-time tip: Book a guided kayak tour through the reserve for the best wildlife interpretation and safer route choices.

14. Caxambas Park – Marco Island

Why it’s great: Gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands — easy access to mangrove channels, shellbars, and island hopping routes; frequent dolphin sightings.

Category: Intermediate · Island / Wilderness Explorers

Address: Caxambas Park, 909 Collier Ct, Marco Island, FL 34145.

Launch & parking: Concrete boat ramp and public parking; ramp typically open sunrise–sunset; park facilities available.

Hours: Ramp/park hours generally sunrise to sunset (check Collier County page).

First-time tip: Launch early for calmer conditions before afternoon winds pick up; bring navigation aids if heading into the Ten Thousand Islands.

15. Clam Pass Park – Naples

Why it’s great: A scenic mangrove boardwalk that leads to a wide sandy beach — the adjacent calm bay makes for easy mangrove paddles and short family trips.

Category: Beginners · Families · Beach Lovers

Address: 465 Seagate Dr, Naples, FL 34103.

Launch & parking: Boardwalk + tram to beach; metered parking ($ fee for non-residents); restrooms and concessions onsite.

Hours: Open year-round 8:00 a.m.–sunset (collier county page).

First-time tip: Launch at high tide for the easiest passage through the mangrove channel; tram service saves a long boardwalk walk on the return.

16. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (near Naples)

Why it’s great: Famous for its ancient bald cypress forest and abundant birds — while the sanctuary itself is boardwalked, nearby freshwater creeks and canals offer adjacent paddling options for combined visits.

Category: Birdwatchers · Beginners (nearby paddles) · Nature Photographers

Address: Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, 375 Sanctuary Rd W, Naples, FL 34120.

Launch & parking: No public kayak ramp inside the boardwalk area — use nearby freshwater launch sites or guided excursions; visitor center parking for boardwalk access (admission fee applies).

Hours: Visitor hours noted on the Audubon site (generally morning–early afternoon; seasonal variations).

First-time tip: Pair a short nearby paddle with the boardwalk visit for best wildlife variety; check sanctuary hours before you go.

17. Myakka River State Park

Why it’s great: One of Florida’s largest and oldest state parks with river paddling through cypress swamp and wetlands — scenic freshwater experience different from coastal paddles.

Category: Beginners · Freshwater Paddlers · Wildlife

Address: Myakka River State Park, 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.

Launch & parking: Canoe/kayak launches and parking; vehicle entry fee applies; recreation rentals offered seasonally.

Hours: Park open 8:00 a.m.–sunset (state park hours).

First-time tip: Expect subtle current and birds/otters — bring insect repellent and plenty of water.

18. Everglades City / Chokoloskee (Ten Thousand Islands access)

Why it’s great: Primary gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands and Everglades paddling — a maze of mangrove islets, backwaters, and remote island beaches ideal for day or multi-day trips.

Category: Intermediate → Advanced · Wilderness / Multi-day Paddling

Address: Everglades City / Chokoloskee launch areas (Gulf Coast Visitor Center, Smallwood Dr causeway, Chokoloskee ramps).

Launch & parking: Several launches in Everglades City and Chokoloskee (Gulf Coast Visitor Center launch, Smallwood Dr. causeway ramp, private ramp options) — check NPS / local ramp status.

Hours: Launch availability dawn to dusk; check Everglades National Park / local sites for current ramp status.

First-time tip: Bring navigation charts/GPS, plan around tides and wind, and consider hiring a local guide for multi-island routes.

19. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park – Naples

Why it’s great: Picturesque barrier island pass with a backbay to explore — good combination of beach time and calm nearshore paddling.

Category: Beginners · Beach Lovers · Families

Address: 11135 Gulfshore Drive, Naples, FL 34108.

Launch & parking: Beach carry-in access; vehicle entry fee applies ($6 typical state park fee); restrooms and picnic areas.

Hours: 8:00 a.m.–sundown, 365 days a year (state park hours).

First-time tip: Launch the protected backbay side on windy days — Gulf side gets exposed quickly.

20. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

Why it’s great: Wild strand swamp (home to orchids, rare wildlife) with East River paddling access — unique, swampy paddles that feel remote and mysterious.

Category: Intermediate · Adventure · Wildlife (rare plants/animals)

Address: Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, trailheads near Copeland / US-41.

Launch & parking: East River canoe launch (off US-41/Tamiami Trail) — limited facilities; vehicle fee applies.

Hours: Park open 8:00 a.m.–sunset (state park hours).

First-time tip: Expect mosquitoes in warm months; bring bug spray and be prepared for a more wilderness experience.

21. Stump Pass Beach State Park

Why it’s great: A scenic pass between islands with shellbars and shallow back-bay paddles — great for sunset paddles and easy launches with on-site rentals available.

Category: Beginners · Families · Shelling Lovers

Address: 900 Gulf Blvd, (south end of Manasota Key / Englewood), FL 34233.

Launch & parking: Beach access with on-site kayak/SUP rentals and carry-in options; small parking lot and state park fee.

Hours: 8:00 a.m.–sundown (state park hours).

First-time tip: The pass exposes sandbars at low tide — plan launches for higher tide windows for easier paddling.

22. Ponce de Leon Park – Punta Gorda

Why it’s great: Harborfront park on Charlotte Harbor with a boat ramp, boardwalk, fishing piers and easy access to harbor paddling and estuary wildlife.

Category: Beginners · Families · Harbor Paddles

Address: 3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.

Launch & parking: Boat ramp and kayak launch, parking and restrooms; free to use (city park).

Hours: Park open sunrise to sunset (city hours).

23. Shell Creek (Hathaway Park launch) – Punta Gorda / Port Charlotte area

Why it’s great: A scenic creek paddle with varied birdlife and a pleasant 6–8 mile paddle options from the Hathaway Park launch — a local hidden gem.

Category: Beginners · Wildlife Watchers · Local Explorers

Address: Launch from Hathaway Park (see Charlotte County / Hathaway Park listing).

Launch & parking: Hathaway Park offers a kayak/canoe launch and parking; restrooms and picnic facilities on site.

Hours: Park hours sunrise to sunset (county park hours).

First-time tip: Use the Hathaway Park (kayak launch) entrance — the upper creek is tidal so check tide tables for best experience.

24. Prairie Creek Preserve – Punta Gorda

Why it’s great: A relatively quiet, wildlife-rich creek/preserve with a shallow waterway perfect for calm morning paddles and birdwatching.

Category: Beginners · Birdwatchers · Quiet Paddles

Address: Prairie Creek Preserve, 1900 Duncan Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33982.

Launch & parking: Park has a small kayak/canoe launch and parking area; minimal facilities.

Hours: Dawn to dusk (county preserve hours).

First-time tip: Morning paddles yield the best bird and wildlife activity; bring binoculars.

25. Charlotte Harbor / Charlotte Harbor Preserve

Why it’s great: One of Florida’s largest and most diverse estuarine systems — miles of mangrove-fringed shoreline, great birdlife, and long-distance paddling opportunities.

Category: Intermediate · Wildlife/Long-Distance Paddles · Sunset Paddles

Address: Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park headquarters / regional access (see Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park info).

Launch & parking: Multiple public launch points around Charlotte Harbor; many access points managed by the state and counties — parking varies by ramp.

Hours: Preserve generally open sunrise to sunset (check specific launch site for exact hours).

First-time tip: Pick a well-marked launch and plan a shorter route for your first visit — bring navigation and tide/weather planning for longer harbor crossings.

Quick-Reference Legend

Here’s where each location shines, so you can pick the right paddle spot:

Great for Beginners

Perfect for calm waters, easy launches, and minimal current.

• Bunche Beach Preserve – Fort Myers Beach

• Manatee Park – Fort Myers

• Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve – Cape Coral

• Clam Pass Park – Naples

• Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve

• Ponce de Leon Park – Punta Gorda

• Shell Creek

Perfect for Families with Kids

Shallow waters, easy-to-reach amenities, restrooms, and short paddle routes.

• Koreshan State Park – Estero

• Bowditch Point – Fort Myers Beach

• Lovers Key State Park

• Manatee Park – Fort Myers

• Clam Pass Park – Naples

• Ponce de Leon Park – Punta Gorda

Scenic Nature & Wildlife Lovers

Best for spotting dolphins, manatees, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

• J.N. “Ding” Darling NWR – Sanibel Island

• Cayo Costa State Park

• Big Hickory Island – Bonita Springs

• Rookery Bay Preserve

• Fakahatchee Strand Preserve

• Stump Pass Beach State Park

• Charlotte Harbor

For Adventurers & Experienced Paddlers

Stronger currents, open waters, or longer paddle trails.

• Everglades City / Chokoloskee

• Myakka River State Park

• Matanzas Preserve – Fort Myers Beach

• Caloosahatchee Regional Park

• Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park – Naples

• Prairie Creek – Punta Gorda

Paddling Safety & Etiquette in Southwest Florida

• Check weather & tides before you go.

• Wear a life jacket—required for children under 6.

• Respect wildlife—keep a safe distance.

• Pack water & sun protection.

• Leave no trace—pack out all trash.

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned paddler, Southwest Florida’s diverse kayak and paddleboard spots provide unforgettable experiences in nature. From calm rivers and shaded mangrove tunnels to wildlife-filled bays and remote islands, there’s something here for everyone.

Plan your trip using this guide, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the beautiful waterways that make Southwest Florida a paddler’s paradise.