This page is dedicated to sharing various maps I have created for paddling highlights in South Florida. All of the maps have multiple layers that can be turned on and off in the map legends. Join me on Facebook at the South Florida Paddlers to connect with other local paddlers.

It is always important to pay attention to the weather and honestly evaluate your abilities before heading out on the water. There is no guarantee of accuracy for the information on this page and its use is at the your sole discretion.

Biscayne Bay / East Coast

Points of Interest in Biscayne Bay

There are some good areas for beginners to paddle near Matheson Hammock, Chapman Field, Deering Estate and Black Point Marina. Turn off all the other layers to find these areas and then turn them back on to see points of interest.

Yellow - Rental Locations
Red - Launch Sights
Blue - Points of Interest
Orange - Paddle Routes
Yellow - Navigation Markers
Small Red - Bathrooms

Miami Dade Canals

Various canals in Miami-Dade County that I have kayaked. Includes layers for Canals, Launch Points, Obstructions, and just in case, golf course holes. The main channel of each canal is broken into segments between launches and/or obstructions. Side channels are included separately. Generally the canals east of Route 1 have yards right on the canal with occasional private launches. The canals west of Route 1 have wide grass shoulders on both sides.

For beginners I recommend the launch at Coral Reef Park. The launch is right next to the parking lot and the Cutler Drain Canal has almost no boat traffic as it runs through the back of yards in Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, and Cutler Bay. The best parts are you are isolated from wind and waves and you are never more than a few feet from the shore. In many areas the walls of the canal are steep and you may not be able to get out so it is advisable that you where your PFD.

Everglades

Various paddles I have done in the Everglades region of Florida. I have not been to most of the camping sites but I have included the available information in the comments.

Florida Keys

Various paddles I have done in the Florida Keys

Southeast Florida Snorkeling

This is a work in progress. I do not snorkel but some other kayakers requested a map for snokeling locations. I do not confirm the accuracy of the provided information. A great resource for looking up locations can be found at: http://sinkfloridasink.com/

Useful Links

Nautical Charts

The NOAA no longer provides PDF versions of nautical maps. These were last updated in 2016.

Upper Biscayne Bay - 11465

Lower Biscayne Bay - 11463

Contact Me

If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact me at mark_graesser@yahoo.com or through Facebook Messenger