So my lady and I are planning for a week in April to head down to the keys to do some kayaking and exploring. We are staying with friends on islamorada. I am looking for advice on interesting places to paddle that aren’t just open water- mangrove stands, creeks, etc. Someone recommended Bahia state park, but that’s all I’ve gotten so far. I will probably bring some rods, but more looking for beautiful / interesting paddling excursions (or snorkel trips), since fl fish licenses are expensive, and she gets bored quickly fishing. thanks in advance. PB
From Marathon Key, there is a 4-5 mile paddle to Sombrero Key Lighthouse, with some great snorkeling. Leave the fishing rods on shore though, as it is a non fishing area.
Also Pennekamp State Park is great for snorkeling too…
YotF
Those who can’t fish, spend too much on seafood!
I know there are some pretty kayaking around Key Largo. I think some is still a protected area but you can find that out when you get down there. I also think either one or two Keys above Key West is Longboat Key and that is a no motor zone can’t quite remember forsure it is been awhile since I was down there. But it is hard to find a bad spot to paddle in the Keys.
I’m living and fishing out of Summerland Key right now. Bahia Honda SP is awesome and plenty of access for kayaking. The BH channel can get rough and the current moves quickly so paddling against the tide may be hard if you don’t time it right. If you’re interested in coming through Summerland I can give you some good spots to kayak and explore. There’s some good snorkeling at the Munson Rocks SPA (only inshore protected reef in the keys) and inshore patch reef fishing just a few miles paddle from the main land on Summerland. I take kids out there fishing and snorkeling a few times a week and if my days off work out right, I’ll paddle out with you and do some fishing and whatnot.
yella bote
black motor