Best Places to Kayak in Fort Lauderdale
With over 300 miles of nearby navigable waterways, Fort Lauderdale is called the “Venice of America.” The Atlantic coastal city is built around canals and rivers, making it perfect for kayaking. You can peruse canals, get lost in mangrove tunnels, explore the Intracoastal Waterway or even venture out into the Atlantic.
Top Rated Kayaking Destinations in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
You’ll find kayaking routes throughout the entire city of Fort Lauderdale that can take you deep into mangrove forests, out into the Atlantic Ocean, past mega-yachts and mansions or through downtown. Here are five top rated places to get your paddle on in Fort Lauderdale.
Whiskey Creek / Dr. Von D. Mizell — Eula Johnson State Park
Dania Beach, FL
The hidden gem of Fort Lauderdale, Whiskey Creek is a mangrove lined waterway and one of the most scenic places for a paddle in Fort Lauderdale. It winds through the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park and you can paddle the entire creek. Multiple paths will take you to the sandy Dania Beach. Or you can head past the beach through the mangroves to the Intercoastal Waterway. There’s also a variety of tours available.
New River / Cooley’s Landing Park
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Find the best urban kayaking across from the Broward Center for Performing Arts at Cooley’s Landing. Travel down the New River past bustling shops and trendy restaurants of Las Olas Boulevard, and out into Las Olas Isles. You’ll catch magnificent views of the Fort Lauderdale skyline and the bridges over the river. Keep in mind, the paddle back will be upriver and the New River’s current can be a little fast. Or you can head south past all the mega-yachts and into the mangrove-lined urban wilderness. Manatees cluster here in the winter and if you keep going you can find the picturesque Pond Apple Swamp.
Deerfield Island Park
Deerfield Beach, FL
Deerfield Island Park is a preserve featuring mangrove swamps and nature trails. Completely surrounded by water, it’s accessible only by boat. The natural refuge is smack in the middle of the Intracoastal Waterway, near the Hillsboro Boulevard Bridge in Deerfield Beach. Circling the island makes for an excellent paddle.
Loggerhead Park
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Paddle the turquoise waters of the Atlantic from Loggerhead Park in Fort Lauderdale. Named after the threatened loggerhead turtles that frequent the waters and lay their eggs on the beach, Loggerhead Park is a great launch point for kayaking in the Atlantic Ocean. It has all the amenities you’d want for a day of paddling including ample parking, picnic areas and restrooms. You’ll also have amazing views of the Vista Park Reef. Which is why, Loggerhead Park is also one of the best beaches for scuba diving and snorkeling in the area.
West Lake Park
Hollywood, FL
West Lake Park offers a slice of natural Florida within the cities of Hollywood and Dania Beach. It’s a three-mile strip of mangrove estuary and uplands just west of the Intracoastal Waterway. There are several separate kayaking trails that will take you under mangroves, past birds and into the expansive lake. One of the routes will take you through the Anne Kolb Nature Center.
Kayak Storage Racks Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is surrounded by stunning waters and amazing kayaking adventures. Make sure you’re ready with an exquisitely crafted kayak storage rack from Log Kayak Rack. Our kayak, canoe and SUP storage racks are made from durable, naturally weather-resistant 100% norther cedar logs. The beautiful racks will keep your shoreline neat and orderly, and your kayaks at the ready. Shop our kayak racks online now and enjoy free shipping to Fort Lauderdale, Florida or contact us for a custom design to meet your unique storage needs.