The Best Places To Kayak Around St. Augustine Florida

Salt Run / Anastasia State Park / Lighthouse Park

This is without a doubt the go to spot if it's your first time in St Augustine. The "Salt Run" is a roughly 4 mile long lagoon. It connects to the St. Augustine inlet in the north and closes off in the Anastasia State Park in the south. Not only are you surrounded by breathtaking scenic views and the lighthouse, this is also an awesome place to spot some wildlife.

For the best experience you'll want to go out in the morning. Avoiding super low tides and high winds also makes the experience better. I recommend launching from the Lighthouse Boat Ramp and not the state park. The boat ramp is in the middle of the run which means you can adjust course to start upwind for an easy and safe return. And as always Watch out for oysters!

Hospital Creek / Downtown St. Augustine

This dope paddle route will take you past the coolest spots In St. Aug. It is a tidal creek that flows into the Matanzas River, which is a part of the Intracoastal Waterway. The creek is named for the Spanish colonial-era hospital that was built on its banks in the early 1700s. The hospital, which was called the Hospital de San Juan de Dios, was used to treat the sick and injured soldiers and sailors who were stationed in St. Augustine. 

There's 2 ways to launch here. The first will be the kayak launch off of A1A before the boat launch heading to Vilano. This is the easier, preferred way. The 2nd is starting from the Boat Ramp near by. Your options will change depending on the tides. Salt marshes are not traversable at low tide, even though the creek is. They are also riddled with oysters so keep your inflatables out of there!

Deep Creek

This is a unique and beautiful experience. The creek is located in a secluded and natural area, surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife. The water is clear and calm, making it perfect for kayaking and canoeing. The creek winds its way through a maze of cypress swamps and marshes, providing an ever-changing landscape to explore. Along the way, you may spot a variety of birds such as herons, egrets, and ospreys, as well as alligators, turtles, and other aquatic life. Kayaking in Deep Creek is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It's also important to be aware of the tide schedule, as the creek is tidal and the water level can vary. The Launch can be tricky to find, best use satellite view on your map app. The easiest way is right off the junction of FL-206 and FL-207.

Mataznas / Tolomato Rivers

Kayaking in the Rivers is amazing. There are many launch points / boat ramps up and down both. All have their own unique salt marshes and smaller details. The rivers are tidal and run parallel to the Atlantic coast. Kayaking in the Matanzas River is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area and learn about its rich history and culture. It is best to check the tide schedule and weather conditions before embarking on a kayaking trip, as the tide can affect the water level and wind and weather can affect the conditions of the water. There are also several inlets along the way. make sure to  watch out for currents and as always, OYSTERS!

That's It for the closest spots around downtown. For a more detailed info you can always reach out directly!