Kayaks and Canoes

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, named after John D. MacArthur, is located between North Palm Beach and Riviera Beach in Florida. It is the only State Park in Palm Beach County and is located at the northern end of Singer Island. The park was opened to the public in 1989 and it covers 225 acres of land and 535 acres of submerged lands. There is a lake which can be crossed by a boardwalk which is 490m in length.

Phil Foster Park is a 15+ acre park in Riviera Beach located just under the Blue Heron Blvd Bridge in Palm Beach County.  This park is most popular for it's snorkeling and scuba diving in the Lake Worth Lagoon aka the Intracoastal Waterways.  Just south of the bridge is a guarded swimming area that is well-marked.  No diving is allowed in that area.  The parking can be found north of the bridge along with the restrooms.

Curry Hammock State Park consists of a bunch of islands in the Middle Keys in Marathon.  Come and enjoy a little bit of Florida's wild side by exploring the hardwood hammocks on these tropical islands, the wetlands, swamps and seagrass beds that are home to diverse wildlife.  The park runs along both sides of US1 for 11 miles all the way to Long Key with the entrance found on the Atlantic Ocean side. The shallow water beach offers up to 1200 feet of sandy shoreline to enjoy.

Long Key State Park can be found at mile marker  67.5 on the Overseas Highway on Long Key.  This wonderful state park allows visitors to engage with nature either on foot along it's 2 paved trails, by kayak, or at your own campsite overnight.  This is a great park for kayaking and canoeing because of it's chain of lagoons filled with plant and animal life.

Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson consists of seven small islands full of natural splendor and historical significance. Located about 70 miles off the coast of Key West these secluded and pristine islands are home to gorgeous sandy beaches, a historic fort, and spectacular native birds and fish. Spend a day excursion from Key West lapping up the sun as you lay on the sandy beaches, exploring the coral reef or by taking in an informative historical tour of Fort Jefferson.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a Florida state park located between 2 bodies of water: Largo Sound and Tarpon Basin on the Atlantic Ocean side of Key Largo. The park consists of about 70 nautical miles and encompasses several types of habitats.  The mangrove swamps, upland areas, and hammocks offer some interesting land exploration opportunities on well-maintained trails. The main draw for the park are its spectacular coral reefs which can be viewed by glass bottom boat or on snorkeling and scuba diving expeditions.

Clarence Higgs Memorial Beach is an over 16 acre beach park located in Monroe County at the end of the Florida Overseas Heritage Trail.  It is just west of Smathers Beach and adjacent to the Key West Wildlife Center in downtown Key West. This beach is more than just a gorgeous place to spend the day under the South Florida sun, it is also a historical site with significant features that date back to the post-Civil War era.

Bahia Honda State Park is located on Bahia Honda Key in the city of Big Pine Key found in central Monroe county. Bahia Honda is renowned for its picturesque beaches with clear water and soft sands. Lay on the shore and watch the spectacular sunsets that frame the old railroad bridge. The shallow waters (4-6 feet) make it a nice place to snorkel or for beginner scuba divers. Snorkel gear can be rented from the park's concession as well as kayaks.

Biscayne National Park is located south of the city of Miami and borders John Pennekamp State Park, Key Largo, and the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary. The park was formed in 1980 after being expanded from a National Monument (1968) into a much larger National Park.  It's goal is to preserve the natural habitats and wildlife of Biscayne Bay, its offshore barrier reefs, and the upper keys (Boca Chita Key, Elliott Key, Adams Key and more).

So much to do that you can plan to spend the entire day!