The Best Places to Go Kayaking in Tampa Bay

Shell Key Preserve

Located in Pinellas County is one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands. Shell Key Preserve holds about 1,800 acres of preserve to explore.  Since so much beach space in the area is developed with condominiums and commercial buildings, Shell Key is a hidden gem of untouched land.

Kayaking in Tampa Bay with the experts at Get Up and Go is the best way to go! While making your way around the preserve, you’ll get to explore mangrove trees, sea grass, and Florida wildlife.

Tarpon Springs Bayou

📸 Tarpon Springs Bayou

The Tarpon Springs Bayou is a great place to go kayaking in Tampa Bay, and has been recommended as great for kids! Here you can see manatees in the lake and other Florida wildlife! Enjoy over 2.5 miles of canoe trails through overarching mangrove trees. Tarpon Springs Bayou offers calm waters, perfect for a late Sunday afternoon trip.

Open 24 Hours

📍 Lake Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Hillsborough River through Downtown Tampa

📸 @urban_kai

Kayaking in Tampa Bay – through the Hillsborough River through Downtown Tampa is a surreal experience. On one side you’re viewing The University of Tampa and viewing all of Tampa’s most iconic entertainment spots on the other!

If you’re looking for a place to start, we recommend Julian B. Lane park. Not only is it a beautiful starting point, but they also have great parking and ample pier space to jet off. Don’t have your own kayak equipment? Check out Urban Kai at Armature Works for kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals!

Fort de Soto

📸 Fort De Soto

As the largest park in Pinellas County, Fort de Soto is home to unique plant life and easily one of the best spots to go kayaking in Tampa Bay. Here you will see beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, and other plants native to the area. If you are into bird watching in Tampa, Fort de Soto is home to over 328 species of birds – which you can spot while kayaking on Fort de Soto’s water edge!

This home away from home is an escape from city life for locals and tourists alike. Definitely make Fort de Soto your next trip if you are looking for a kayaking location with a lot of greenery and wildlife.

Open 24 Hours

📍 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, St. Petersburg, FL 33715

Tarpon Springs

📸 @iamoyster

Kayaking near Tarpon Springs is a great idea for a weekend staycation. This small Greek town has so much to offer. Stop by their sea sponge docks and traditional Greek restaurants before making your way onto the water. We recommend reserving one of Get Up and Go Kayaking’s crystal clear kayaks. Follow their special trails to see manatees and more!

Check out Get Up and Go Kayaking’s website for reservations and scheduling.

📍 1 Bayou Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

Longboat Key

📸 Town of LBK

Go kayaking in Tampa Bay for a serene trip at Longboat Key, full of great beaches and picnic areas. Their 12 miles of white sand beaches are the perfect place to get some time on the water. Check out some of their kayak rental locations like the Happy Paddler!

They offer guided tours and rentals so you can chart your own course! Longboat Key is a great place for first-timers because of the open space and calm waters.

Open 24 Hours

📍 4134 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228

Honeymoon Island

📸 @honeymoon_island

Honeymoon Island is a hideaway spot, mainly frequented by locals and residents. This natural state park offers tourists an escape from city life. Here you can find eagles, osprey, horned owl, and tortoises while exploring the park.

We recommend kayaking from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island – not too far off their coast! There you’ll be greeted by a marina, concession area, and picnic tables.