Routes & Maps - Places we like to paddle
We offer some of our favorite places to paddle. Give them a try sometime and tell us if you liked them!
Rock Harbor Ramble
Rock Harbor - good for medium to high tide. There are lots of interesting mangrove creeks and mazes to get turned around in. Don’t miss the opportunity to see dolphins at Dolphins Plus and Island Dolphin Care. A truly magical place to paddleboard or kayak in Key Largo
Dove Creek/Dove Sound
Dove Creek out to Snappers and back. One of my favorite places to paddle. It is
suitable for a kayak or paddleboard. Start out at the end of Caribbean Lane.
You will be right at the junction of Dove Creek and Dove Sound. Explore the sound if the wind permits, lots to see here. We usually spot sting rays, and have seen seaturtles as well as baby nurse sharks (no they won’t bite you, nurse sharks have very small mouths and small teeth). After exploring the sound, head on down stream through the creek. There are numerous side trails which are all just part of the main creek. Stay to the left in all of them on a paddleboard but feel free to pokearound them on a kayak.
Tavernier Creek Secret Lagoon
Secret lagoon Tavernier Creek –better for kayaks and low tide only for the whole trip other wise just half way back will be open during high tide. You can now start this route from our new location. The wildlife there is usually good and by staying along the edge, you can avoid the short section which has boat traffic. Pull into the first cove on your right too if you have extra time otherwise head straight for the second cove to get to the good stuff. During high tide, you will only be able to get about half way back which is still good, but if you hit it on a low tide, you can get a kayak all the way back to the secret lagoon. At one point you will need to break your kayak paddle down to use it like a canoe paddle since the mangroves are so low overhead. Towards the end, you will need to just give up the paddle and pull your kayak along using the mangrove roots. Your diligence will be greatly rewarded though. At the end of the creek are two lagoons. The first one is not very big but after pulling through, it will feel rather roomy. The second one is the real deal. I don’t want to give away too much as I wouldn’t want to spoil the effect. Just don’t miss this one if you get the chance to kayak the secret lagoon. From Tavernier Creek, you can also access Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Rock Harbor Loop
Mid to high tide. Also known locally as "the race course" This loop is for more adventurous paddlers. It can be done in either direction but use the wind as your guide. If the wind is from the east then go clockwise to keep the wind at your back while doing the ocean leg. On a paddleboard or kayak, this can give some good downwind waves to enjoy. This is a 4.5
mile loop.
Windley Key Circumnavigation
This can be quite a task. 5 miles, two creeks that can be busy at times and lots of open water. Not for the faint at heart. Winds, tidal currents, motor boat traffic, and the elements all play a major role in this route. However, it is also a very rewarding place to kayak or paddleboard. The wind coming down the ocean side will carry you on your kayak or paddleboard right to the finish.
PTFK Raceloop
Also known as the new racecourse, this is a nice trip out to Tavernier Key. This route is suitable for kayaks and paddleboards. This is another good route out of the shop. It goes out to a small mangrove island that has a bit of beach to get out and stretch your legs on. Watch where you step though as it is used as a perching place for many birds and that white gooey stuff is to be avoided. After your break you can return to Key Largo to explore the mangrove trails along the island’s edge or go out around the larger Tavernier Key. From Tavernier Creek one can access Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
PADDLE! the Florida Keys located in Tavernier, Florida is close to Key Largo and Islamorada and between Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. We specialize in Key Largo kayak rental, paddleboard rental, eco-tours, paddleboard sales, kayak sales, skateboards, long boards, swimwear, boardshorts, and everything you need for the paddler lifestyle. Join us for an eco-tour or come and get one of our paddleboard rentals or kayak rentals and enjoy a day on the water! We have the best gear at the best prices so come do a paddleboard rental or kayak rental from us today! We are the best place to go Kayaking in Key Largo.