Kayaking in Manatee County

By Sarah Denison, Education and Volunteer Program Manager, Manatee County Parks & Natural Resources

Kayaking at Robinson Preserve 📸. Paige Rogers

Whether you prefer to kayak, canoe or paddleboard, opportunities to get out on the water and enjoy Florida’s natural beauty are plentiful in Manatee County.

Paddlers of all skill levels will enjoy a trip along the waterways of Robinson Preserve. Two launch sites are available at Robinson, giving paddlers access to over three miles of paddle trails, which lead to the Manatee River, Tampa Bay, Palma Sola Bay and Perico Bayou.

Emerson Point Preserve is another great place for paddling in Manatee County. Visitors can traverse mangrove tunnels as they make their way to Terra Ceia Bay, or launch from the Point for exceptional views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

For those looking for a fresh water paddling experience, either Jiggs Landing or Rye Preserve provide excellent starting points for a trip up the Braden or Manatee Rivers. Be sure to look out for wading birds, turtles and alligators along these stretches of classic Florida blackwater river.

For more information on Manatee County’s paddle trails, check out the free Paddle Manatee guide.

Kayakers at Robinson Preserve 📸. Sandra Oliver (top left); Paddleboarders at Robinson Preserve (top middle); Kayaking at Jiggs Landing 📸. Jeanne Miller (top right); Kayaking around Emerson Point Preserve (bottom left); Group of kayakers near at Emerson Point Preserve, with views of the Sunshine Skyway 📸. Jean-Louis Dumaine (bottom right)

What to bring

When packing for your next paddling trip there are a few items you should never leave at home. Items required by the U.S. Coast Guard include a personal flotation device, a whistle and a light or other visual signaling device.

Other necessary items include:

• extra paddle for each boat, in case your paddle becomes lost or broken
• first aid kit
• bow and stern lines
• handheld bilge pump and sponge to remove water in case of a capsize
• paddle float for self-rescue
• chart or map
• compass for navigation
• sun protection
• spare set of dry clothes
• communication device, such as a cell phone or radio, in a waterproof container

Packing the right gear is essential for a safe and successful kayaking trip.

Paddle safely

It’s always a good idea to go paddling with a buddy. Before leaving, write a float plan or description of your trip, including where you will be paddling and your estimated time of return. Give this information to a family member or a friend. If you do not return on time and they don’t hear from you they will know to call for rescue on your behalf.

Always check the weather report and tides, and be aware of any local hazards you may encounter before you depart.

Paddlers should always wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD). Make sure your PFD is properly secured by following these steps:

• Loosen all the straps before putting your jacket on to ensure a custom fit, starting with the lowest buckle
• Secure and tighten the strap so that it’s snug but not so tight that you cannot breathe
• Continue securing the buckles and tightening the straps as you work your way up
• Check to make sure your jacket is secure by firmly tugging on the shoulders and making sure your life jacket cannot go above your ears

When you’re ready to depart, bring your boat into the water and turn it sideways so that you can sit down on top of it like a couch. Grab your paddle and you’re ready to head off on an amazing adventure of Manatee County’s incredible rivers and bays!