Ponte Vedra Kayaking

Become fully immersed in the diverse ecosystems of Ponte Vedra and Ponte Vedra Beach and get on the water! Slip your kayak or paddle board into calm waters for an opportunity at an up-close view of wildlife and birds. From ocean kayaking to tranquil paddles on the river, Ponte Vedra and its Beaches have a lot to offer.

Explore Guana River with paddling routes that run both north and south.

Launch from the Guana Dam in the GTM Research Reserve (south launch) or use Six Mile Landing (located six miles north of the GTM Research Reserve) for a memorable experience.

Guana Dam offers plenty of parking ($3 day use fee, cash only) and restroom facilities. It’s also home to South Guana Outpost, an outfitter that offers kayak and SUP rentals as well as guided tours. There’s a picnic area just west of the dam at the Guana Trailhead.

Six Mile Landing has a small dirt parking lot with 12 vehicle/trailer parking spaces and no facilities so plan accordingly.

At a Glance Information for Kayaking the GTM

• Fees/Permits: $3 day use fee, cash only paid at Guana Dam
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Restrooms: at Guana Dam and Environmental Education Center
• Open: Daily from 8 AM to sunset
• Other Information: Beat the heat in the summer by getting on the water early. The birds are usually more active in the morning as well.

Bring a hat, sunscreen, camera, phone, water and wear comfortable clothing that can get wet. Also, consider a waterproof phone case and sun protective clothing.

At a Glance Information for Kayaking Six Mile Landing

• Fees/Permits: None
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Restrooms: Portalets
• Open: Daily from 8 AM to sunset
• Other Information: Beat the heat in the summer by getting on the water early. The birds are usually more active in the morning as well.

Bring a hat, sunscreen, camera, phone, water and wear comfortable clothing that can get wet. Also, consider a waterproof phone case and sun protective clothing.

Kayak the Tolomato River from Nocatee Landing or the Nocatee Kayak Launch.

The Nocatee Kayak Launch, situated west of the Intracoastal Waterway at the base of Nocatee Parkway, offers fantastic views of the Tolomato River. Free on-site parking available.

Nocatee Landing is located at the southern trailhead of Nocatee Preserve. To access, go south three miles on Crosswater Parkway to a roundabout taking the eastern exit onto Nocatee Trail. The road is paved for 0.7 miles, then continues as a gravel road for another 1.2 miles to the Landing. Their open-air pavilion offers stunning views of the Tolomato River, with parking and restrooms located on-site.

The Tolomato River allows paddlers to experience this undeveloped natural environment. Paddle around Pine Island and the small tributaries into Deep Creek State Forest. Be mindful of the tidal changes along the waterway and know that the currents may be strong.

At a Glance Information for Kayaking the Nocatee Kayak Launch

• Fees/Permits: None
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Restrooms: None, plan accordingly
• Other Information: Beat the heat in the summer by getting on the water early. The birds are usually more active in the morning as well.

Bring a hat, sunscreen, camera, phone, water and wear comfortable clothing that can get wet. Also, consider a waterproof phone case and sun protective clothing.

At a Glance Information for Kayaking at Nocatee Landing

• Fees/Permits: None
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Facilities: Restroom facilities are available as well as a covered picnic pavilion
• Open: Daily from dawn until dusk
• Other Information: Beat the heat in the summer by getting on the water early. The birds are usually more active in the morning as well.

Bring a hat, sunscreen, camera, phone, water and wear comfortable clothing that can get wet. Also, consider a waterproof phone case and sun protective clothing.

For those looking for a little more adventure, get out on the ocean for an active kayak workout.

The easiest place to launch is Mickler’s Beachfront Landing. Parking is plentiful and there’s a picnic pavilion and restrooms available.

This area provides a gradual shoreline and waves are typically moderate which makes launching easier. It’s easiest to wade knee-deep and position your kayak directly into the oncoming waves before getting in.

At a Glance Information for Kayaking at Mickler's Landing

• Fees/Permits: None
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
• Restrooms: Restrooms and showers
• Open: Mickler's Landing Beachfront Park is currently closed Monday through Friday to allow crews to resume work on the FEMA Dune Enhancement Project, but will remain accessible on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Other Information: Beat the heat in the summer by getting on the water early.

Bring a hat, sunscreen, camera, phone, water and wear comfortable clothing that can get wet. Also, consider a waterproof phone case and sun protective clothing.