Paddle ball: where to score kayak fun

Because canoes are for sissies.

By Elaine Phillips

Kayaking in South Florida is as good as it gets - whether dodging gators on Everglades trails or paddling by the back of mini-mansions on Coral Gables' waterways. There are many options for rentals, conveniently positioned to get you right on the water on easy-to-navigate trails. If paddling along the ocean shore floats your boat, read on. And, if you're a local lucky enough to own your own, we've included some trails you may not have discovered yet. Happy paddling.

Key Biscayne
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area
1200 Crandon Blvd.; 305-361-5811
Single kayak $10/30 minutes or $15/1 hour
Double kayak $15/30 minutes or $25/1 hour
With just a few short strokes, you'll be paddling by one of Florida's historic lighthouses, originally built in 1825, (making it the oldest building in South Florida). If history isn't your thing, simply enjoy the glorious vistas and beautiful beaches.

Sailboards Miami
Rickenbacker Causeway (south side of Causeway, 3/10 of a mile past toll plaza); 305-361-7245
Single kayak: $15/hr or $40/3 hours
Double kayak: $20/hr or $55/3 hours
Paddle out into the bay or go further and head toward Vizcaya for a whole new perspective on this magnificent Florida landmark. Either way, this is one super location to start your trip.

Miami Beach
Water Sports Stand (directly behind the Loew's Hotel at Collins and 16th Street)
Single kayak: $25/hour
Double kayak: $35/hour
Forget veggin' out on the sand. See South Beach from the sea and get a new look at the Art Deco hotels on Ocean Drive while paddling by scores of envious sunbathers.

North Miami
Blue Moon Outdoor Center
Oleta River State Park
3400 NE 163 St; 305-957-3040
Single kayak: $18/1-1/2hrs or $25/3 hours
Double kayak: 25.50/1-1/2hrs or $40/3 hours
Easy to get to from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, you'll paddle through mangroves out into Biscayne Bay. The adventurous (and the strong) can even try to make it out into the ocean at Haulover Inlet. If you're planning to be there on the weekend, make sure to get there early, as kayaks may be all rented by the afternoon.

Deering Estate at Cutler
16701 SW 72 Ave, Palmetto Bay; 305-235-1668
Saturdays and Sundays only, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Double Kayak: $10/hour
Built between 1916 and 1922 as the winter home of the Deering family, the Estate is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Paddle through hundreds of acres of pine rockland habitat, then out to scenic islands in the Bay.

Everglades National Park
Flamingo Visitor Center Area; 239-695-3101 x101
Single kayak: $35/4 hours or $45/full day
Double kayak: $45/4 hours or $55/full day
The only way to really experience the River of Grass, take the Buttonwood Canal up to Coot Bay or Whitewater Bay (just not in summer, when the mosquitoes will paddle for you). Or, do some ocean kayaking out into Florida Bay (mostly mosquito free, any time of year.) Either way, you'll encounter bird and wild life you'd never see from a car. Later, gator!

Key Largo
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Mile Marker 102.5 Overseas Hwy; 305-451-6325
Single kayak: $12/hour
Double kayak: $17/hour
Okay, so you can't paddle 3 miles out to the coral reefs that make this park famous, but rent a kayak here and you'll be in easy reach of some lovely mangrove trails. Bring a snorkel along anyway. You'll find plenty of fish-friendly spots.

Hollywood
West Lake Park
Anne Kolb Nature Center, 751 Sheridan St; 954-926-2480
Single or Double kayak $7/hour or $13/4 hours
If bird watching is a special pleasure, follow the mangrove trails through a lovely bird sanctuary.

Got your own kayak?
Coral Gables
Sure, we've all seen the Biltmore, but not from this spectacular vantage point. Launch at the park on Granada at Bird Road and head for the Biltmore, or paddle toward the stately Mediterranean revival homes that line the waterways. Either way, the miles of Coral Gables waterways make for fun day trips.

Matheson Hammock
9610 Old Cutler Road; 305-665-5475
Spectacular to explore. You'll cruise through mangroves into Biscayne Bay, past brown pelicans, ospreys and great blue herons.

Everglades National Park, Flamingo Area
Nine Mile Pond
5.2 mile loop
Follow the numbered white poles across a lake, into shallow grassy marshes and through scattered mangrove islands. Make sure to first ask the rangers about water levels -- you don't want to be dragging the kayak through miles of mud.

Noble Hammock
2 mile loop
Calm on windy days, this trail winds through a series of creeks and ponds. Want to polish your maneuvering skills? This trail definitely puts you through your paces.

Design your own trip
There are several mobile kayak companies that take you on saltwater fishing trips or back country tours. Tour locations include Matheson Hammock, Virginia Key, South Beach and more. One company we found (but there are more), offering guided tours or rentals: Reel Kayaking 786-356-4159.

Published: 10/08

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Jeff Morris and daughter Jordan, enjoy the beauty of Key Biscayne while kayaking. Photo: C.M. Guerrero.