Fort Lauderdale Kayaking & Paddleboarding Bonnet House Wetlands

Mangrove roots thick enough to shelter manatees and herons most people never see.

Kayak or paddleboard through the saltwater wetlands bordering Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale, a protected ecosystem of mangrove trees and shallow channels where Great Blue Herons, manatees and rare Great White Herons live. The paddle is guided and lasts about two hours. Afterward you walk the grounds and gardens of the 1920 Bonnet House Museum on your own, with access to the Shell Museum, Orchid House and art galleries. Life jacket and board are included. You choose between a single kayak, double kayak or stand-up paddleboard at checkout.

The experience

The paddle starts at 8:30am from the Bartlett boathouse, a private entrance to the property that sits at the center of the grounds. Your guide leads you through the mangrove channels that ring the western border of Bonnet House: a network of intertwined roots that prevents soil erosion and creates shelter for fish, fiddler crabs and the wildlife that depends on this fragile ecosystem. The Great Blue Herons, Green Herons, Egrets and Ibis are common. The rare Great White Heron, found only in this part of Florida, appears here. You paddle for roughly two hours.

After you return and secure your board, the grounds open at 11am. Plan at least 90 minutes to walk the property on your own: start at the Welcome Center for an interactive map, then move through the desert garden, Orchid House, Shell Museum and Fruit Groves. The gardens are a blend of native and exotic plants: Gumbo Limbo, Seagrapes, Sabal Palms, Silver Palms, Coontie Plants and Paradise Trees shade the paths. The 1920 Bonnet House itself sits around a Fountain Garden and holds art, sculptures and collectibles from around the world. A free audio guide loads on your smartphone if you want it.

You choose your paddle craft at checkout: single kayak, double kayak or stand-up paddleboard. All three come with a life jacket and the guided tour. Children are welcome from age 6. The grounds close at 3pm on weekdays and 4pm on weekends, so plan your timing accordingly if you want the full self-guided walk after paddling.

What’s included

• Guided paddle through the mangrove wetlands.
• choice of single kayak, double kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
• life jacket.
• self-guided access to the Bonnet House grounds, gardens, Shell Museum, Orchid House and 1920s Museum Gallery with art and sculptures.
• complimentary photos.

Options for this experience

4 options

Guided paddleboard and kayak outing with a visit to the Bonnet House grounds in Fort LauderdaleGuide in English · 08:30

Single KayakGuide in English · 08:30Gear

Double KayakGuide in English · 08:30Gear

Paddle board, stand upGuide in English · 08:30Gear

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Sunrise Paddleboards/ Live Blue Inc.

Is this one for you?Book the single kayak or paddleboard if you want to paddle independently. Choose the double kayak if you're paddling with a partner and want to share the effort. The 8:30am start means you finish the paddle by mid-morning and have time to walk the full grounds before closing, so the day holds together without rushing either part.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of wildlife will I see on the paddle through the mangrove wetlands?

The mangrove channels are home to Great Blue Herons, Green Herons, Egrets, Ibis and the rare Great White Heron found only in this part of Florida. Manatees, land and sea fiddler crabs, and saltwater fish shelter in the root system, though sightings depend on the day and time.

How long does the kayaking or paddleboarding part take?

The guided paddle lasts about two hours and starts at 8:30am from the Bartlett boathouse on the property.

Can I explore the Bonnet House Museum and gardens after paddling?

Yes. After the paddle, the grounds open at 11am and you can walk the gardens, desert garden, Orchid House, Shell Museum and the 1920 Bonnet House Museum on your own. Plan at least 90 minutes for the self-guided tour. The grounds close at 3pm on weekdays and 4pm on weekends.

What's the difference between the single kayak, double kayak and paddleboard options?

You choose your paddle craft at checkout. A single kayak seats one person. A double kayak accommodates two. The stand-up paddleboard is a different style of propulsion. All three include the guided paddle, life jacket and access to the grounds.

What's included in the price?

The paddle, life jacket, your choice of kayak or paddleboard, the guided tour through the wetlands, and self-guided access to the Bonnet House grounds and gardens including the Shell Museum, Orchid House and art galleries are all included. Complimentary photos are provided.