Fort Lauderdale: Kayak rental in mangroves & waterways

Summary

Glide past yachts & mangroves on a laid-back Fort Lauderdale paddle

You’ll paddle your own kayak through Fort Lauderdale’s winding waterways, passing grand homes and tangled mangroves while spotting fish or maybe even manatees. With free parking and photos included, plus easygoing local help if you need it, this is one of those slow afternoons you’ll remember long after your arms stop aching.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the quiet — not total silence, but that soft hush you get when you’re floating just above the water in a kayak. We’d picked up our paddles right off the deck behind this house (the backyard opens straight onto the canal, which is wild if you’re used to fences and lawns). The guy who handed us our life jackets — I think his name was Mike? — gave us a quick rundown, pointed out where the river bends into the mangroves, and told us to keep an eye out for manatees. I honestly thought he was joking about the manatees, but apparently they really do hang out here.

Paddling felt easier than I expected. The water was calm, with these little ripples that caught the sun in weird patterns. We drifted past some huge houses — like, actual mansions with their own docks and shiny yachts bobbing around. Sometimes someone would wave from a patio or shout something friendly (or maybe at their dog, hard to tell). The air smelled salty-sweet, kind of green from all the mangrove leaves. At one point we stopped paddling just to watch a school of silvery fish dart under us. My friend tried to take a photo but only got blurry water and her own paddle — still makes me laugh thinking about it.

I liked that there wasn’t any rush. You could go as far as you wanted along the river or just float near the edge and listen to birds arguing overhead. There were families with little kids in double kayaks and even someone with a tiny dog wearing its own life vest (no joke). When we finally headed back, Mike snapped a few photos for us on his phone — said he’d send them over later so we wouldn’t have to risk dropping ours in the water. Not sure if I’ll ever get used to how casual people are here about living on the water; it’s kind of contagious though.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak Rental and Eco Paddle

• Rent kayak and explore waterways
• View mansions, yachts, and mangroves
• Observe marine life from kayak

Top questions

Is this kayak rental in Fort Lauderdale suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and beginners are welcome.

Are children allowed on this kayak tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Is there free parking available at the kayak rental location?

Yes, free guest parking is included with your rental.

Can I bring my service animal on this kayak trip?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this experience.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the starting point.

Do I need to bring my own life jacket for kayaking?

No, life jackets are provided as part of your rental.

Will someone take photos during our kayak experience?

Yes, complimentary photos and videos are included with your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a kayak and paddle, life jacket for safety, complimentary photos and videos taken by staff so you don’t have to risk your phone near water, plus free guest parking right at the launch spot before you set off into Fort Lauderdale’s waterways.