Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Explore St. Augustine from a completely different perspective on the water, where kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding reveal the Ancient City's breathtaking coastal ecosystems in ways impossible to experience from shore. The region's diverse waterways - from the calm protected waters of Salt Run at Anastasia State Park to the tidal creeks and estuaries winding through pristine coastal marshes - provide exceptional paddling environments suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. With abundant wildlife, stunning scenery, and the unique experience of viewing St. Augustine's historic skyline from the water, paddling here delivers memories that endure long after the adventure concludes.
Anastasia Watersports, conveniently located within Anastasia State Park, serves as the premier destination for kayaking and stand-up paddleboard rentals in the area. Salt Run, the protected tidal lagoon running along the park's western edge, provides ideal conditions for paddlers of all skill levels. The calm estuarine waters allow exploration of mangrove-lined shores and shallow flats where fish, birds, and marine life abound. Roseate spoonbills - brilliant pink wading birds - hunt along the shallows while ospreys and bald eagles soar overhead. Dolphins frequently investigate paddlers with curious curiosity. All rentals include USCG-approved life jackets, and instructors provide lessons for beginners that build confidence quickly in the safe, enclosed environment.
Beyond Salt Run, the network of tidal creeks, marshes, and waterways throughout the St. Augustine area offers more adventurous paddling experiences for those seeking exploration beyond beginner-friendly waters. The Tolomato River north of the city winds through spectacular scenery past historic landmarks and wildlife refuges, providing extended paddling adventures for experienced kayakers. Several outfitters offer guided eco-tours that combine paddling with expert interpretation of the coastal ecosystems, making the experience educational as well as exhilarating. Night kayaking tours during summer months offer magical experiences as bioluminescent organisms create glowing wakes around paddles and kayak hulls.
St. Augustine Beach provides additional paddling opportunities with ocean kayaking and paddleboarding for those seeking different challenges. Consistent but manageable wave action makes the beach suitable for intermediate paddlers comfortable on open water, while calmer summer conditions create ideal learning environments for beginners willing to try ocean paddling. The St. Johns County Ocean Pier area provides a convenient launch point with easy beach access, parking, and nearby food options for refueling after water adventures. Whether you're a complete beginner making your first strokes or an experienced paddler seeking multi-hour coastal exploration, St. Augustine's waterways deliver world-class paddling in an incomparably beautiful setting.