10 Amazing Kayaking Spots to Explore in Tampa

Experience the year-round beauty of the Sunshine State with a thrilling kayaking adventure in Tampa Bay! With numerous access points and stunning waterways, there are endless opportunities to explore this picturesque region. Whether you prefer a guided tour or renting your own kayak, discover the top kayaking destinations in Tampa Bay, Clearwater, and St. Pete. Don’t miss out on the chance to create unforgettable memories on the water with your loved ones. Dive into our handpicked selection of the best kayaking spots in Tampa Bay below.

DOWNTOWN TAMPA KAYAKING

Experience the beauty of the Hillsborough River against the stunning Tampa skyline. Urban Kai offers a variety of paddleboard and kayak rentals, including the exciting 8-seater inflatable SUP called Starship.

What sets Urban Kai apart is their convenience – you can rent a kayak at their Tampa or St. Pete locations, or they can bring the equipment to a designated spot for a small fee. For just $45, you and your partner can enjoy a two-hour tandem kayak adventure, giving you ample time to explore the river.

If you’re looking for other options, Tampa Bay SUP and WhatSUP Paddle Sports also offer tandem kayak rentals at competitive prices. Don’t miss out on a memorable kayaking experience in downtown Tampa!

LITTLE MANATEE RIVER KAYAK TOUR

The best kayaking adventures just 30 minutes from downtown Tampa at Canoe Outpost – Little Manatee River. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, we have something for everyone. Choose from various levels of difficulty and enjoy the thrill of paddling out and back or embarking on a longer journey with a shuttle bus return.

For a truly unique experience, join our monthly moonlight kayak paddle tours. Enjoy snacks and music around a campfire, complete with s’mores! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure. While reservations for kayak rentals are recommended, they are not required. Tandem kayak rental rates range from $49 to $79, depending on the self-guided trip you choose.

WEEKI WACHEE RIVER

Escape to a magical world on the crystal-clear waters of the Weeki Wachee River. Discover adventure and serenity with a kayak or paddle board rental from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park or the nearby Kayak Shack in Spring Hill.

Choose your vessel: single kayak, paddle board, tandem kayak, or canoe. Prices start at $35. Launch times are from 8 am to 12 pm, and all boats must be returned by 5 pm.

Please be mindful of the environment and refrain from swimming or trampling the riverbed, as it can harm the delicate vegetation that sustains the ecosystem.

HONEYMOON ISLAND/CALADESI ISLAND

Escape to a pristine paradise just a stone’s throw away from trendy downtown Dunedin. Honeymoon Island State Park offers unparalleled natural beauty, with its breathtaking beaches, stunning sunsets, and perfect spots for shelling. Just a short trip across the Dunedin Causeway and for a small fee of $8, you can enter this untouched oasis.

While relaxing on the beach and hiking the trails are popular pastimes in the park, you can also unleash your adventurous side with kayak rentals available at the park concession. Don’t have your own kayak? No worries! You can rent a tandem kayak from Sail Honeymoon, located just outside the park. Set your sights on the picturesque Caladesi Island for a day of seclusion and tranquility. Make the most of your experience by splurging on a full day kayak rental, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

LONGBOAT KEY

Longboat Key, just south of Anna Maria Island. With its stunning shorelines and exceptional dining, this ritzy haven is a must-visit destination. Explore the area from a unique perspective on the water, allowing you to see both Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key while also giving you the chance to visit a sandbar or explore the mangroves.

For the best kayak rental experience, look no further than Happy Paddler Kayak. With multiple rental locations available, we highly recommend Longboat Pass. Once you board your vessel, you can paddle your way to the sandbar near Jewfish Key, offering spectacular views near Longboat Pass. Feeling adventurous? Venture under the Longboat Pass bridge and head out into the gulf for breathtaking views of both AMI and Longboat Key, all from the crystal-clear water. Tandem rentals for a half day (4 hours) are $65.

FORT DE SOTO

The beauty of Fort De Soto and Shell Key on a daily tour with See Through Adventures. Our glass-bottom kayak experience guarantees sightings of friendly Florida wildlife. Choose between a 1.5 or 2.5-hour tour option and keep an eye out for manatees and dolphins in the calm waters. Make sure to reserve your spot as pricing varies per tour, with the 1.5-hour tour priced at $69 per person and the 2.5-hour tour at $99 per person. For an unforgettable adventure, try our illuminated glow kayaks for a nighttime paddle.

TARPON SPRINGS

The thrill of kayaking alongside majestic manatees with Get Up and Go Kayaking’s guided tour. Cruise through crystal-clear waters in a tandem kayak and marvel at the beauty of these gentle giants.

Imagine sitting back and relaxing in your kayak, awaiting the magical moment when a manatee pops up right in front of you. It’s an encounter you won’t soon forget!

After your unforgettable kayak adventure, make sure to explore the charming and lively Tarpon Springs. Known for its sponges and mouthwatering Greek cuisine, this tourist hotspot is the perfect way to end your day.

This incredible tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and is only available during manatee season, from December to March.

SHELL KEY PRESERVE

Experience the wonders of nature with Coastal Kayak Charters in the breathtaking Shell Key Preserve near Tampa Bay and St. Pete! From manatees to dolphins, starfish, and birds, encounter a variety of marine life on our guided kayak tours.

Navigate through magical mangrove tunnels, allowing the tides to guide your adventure. Prepare for an unforgettable moment as a friendly dolphin glides alongside your kayak, adding a touch of romance to your journey.

Join us on this extraordinary tour for only $49 per person.

ROBINSON PRESERVE

Ready for a relaxing beach day on Anna Maria Island? Make it even better by starting your day with a refreshing kayak trip through the beautiful mangroves and tranquil waters of Robinson Preserve.

Just before you reach the island, you’ll spot the iconic Surfer Bus parked along Manatee Ave. From there, you can rent a kayak and easily paddle to the preserve’s entrance. Along your journey, you’ll navigate through short mangrove tunnels and open waters, immersing yourself in nature’s beauty. Don’t miss the preserve’s lookout tour, where you can marvel at picturesque views of Anna Maria Island and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

Kayak rentals are available for singles at $35 and tandems at around $52. The tours last for 2.5 hours, and please remember to be out of the water by 6pm.

WEEDON ISLAND PRESERVE

Experience an exhilarating paddle through breathtaking mangrove tunnels with ECOmersion. Located at Weedon Island Preserve, we offer unforgettable kayak tours and rentals. Rent a kayak for one, two, or four hours, with singles starting at just $25 and tandems at only $35. Looking for a different adventure? Try our stand up paddleboards, starting at $25, or rent a canoe starting at $40. For a truly immersive experience, embark on a two-hour guided tour in a tandem kayak for just $80.

Every time you choose ECOmersion, you’re making a difference. We donate a percentage of all profits to local and national groups, including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the Audobon Society, and the Tampa Bay Watch. In addition, we coordinate weekly cleanups along our local shorelines.