Kayaking Fort Lauderdale: One-Way Paddle to Bonnet House

The paddle ends on a tropical island where the museum and gardens wait.

A one-way kayak or stand-up paddle board tour from Fort Lauderdale's riverfront showroom to Bonnet House Nature Trails, Grounds, Gardens and Historical Art Museum, with a live guide in English. The route covers two to four hours of paddling through tropical canals, passing the Gateway Theatre, Port Everglades and the Olympic training facility. Children from age 6 are welcome. You'll need to be a comfortable swimmer and moderate paddler. Return transport to your vehicle or residence costs $5–$10 extra.

Step-by-step itinerary

Paddle tour from showroom to Bonnet House

• Start at Riverfront Showroom
• Paddle along Middle River homes and landscapes
• Pass Gateway Shopping Center and historic Gateway Theatre
• View largest cruise ships near Port Everglades
• See Olympic diving facility with tall dive platform
• Arrive at Bonnet House Nature Trails and Gardens
• Explore Bonnet House Grounds and Museum tours
• Enjoy nearby beach and South Florida purchases

The experience

This is a one-way paddle, not a loop. You travel downriver from the showroom location all the way to Bonnet House on a preserved tropical island, with no backtracking. You choose between a kayak or a stand-up paddle board, and the guide paddles alongside in English. The route passes the homes and landscapes of the Middle River, the Gateway Theatre and shopping center, and the waterway that leads to Port Everglades where the largest cruise ships in the world dock. Along the way you'll see the Olympic training facility, which recently reopened with the tallest dive platform in the northern hemisphere.

Once you reach Bonnet House, your paddling is done but the exploration continues. The grounds and gardens are self-guided, and you get exclusive guided access to the boat house and lagoon. The Historical Art Museum gallery and studio are open to you as well. Bonnet House itself is a 100-year-old preservation, and the operator suggests spending time at both the grounds and the museum to get the full picture. The island sits close to the beach, so if you're staying at a resort nearby, the location works well for a morning or afternoon out on the water.

You'll need to be able to swim and be a willing, able paddler with at least moderate fitness. Children from age 6 can join. The paddle, leash and life jacket (or paddle board) are included, as is access to the Bonnet House trails and museum. Bring your own hydration or purchase it at the showroom. If you need transport back to your vehicle or residence afterward, arrange that separately for $5–$10.

What’s included

• Paddle, paddle leash and life jacket or stand-up paddle board.
• access to Bonnet House Nature Trails, Grounds and Gardens (self-guided).
• exclusive guided access to Bonnet House Boat House and Lagoon.
• Historical Art Museum gallery and studio access.
• live guide in English for the two- to four-hour paddle.

Options for this experience

4 options

Exploration paddle tour in Fort Lauderdale: One Way Ticket to ParadiseGuide in English · 08:30

Single KayakGuide in English · 08:30Equipment

Double KayakGuide in English · 08:30Equipment

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

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) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sunrise Paddleboards/ Live Blue Inc.

Is this one for you?Choose this paddle if you want a one-way route that ends at a destination rather than a loop back to where you started. The island arrival gives you time to explore the museum and gardens without rushing back to the showroom.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (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.

Can I paddle a kayak instead of a stand-up paddle board?

Yes, you choose between a single kayak or a stand-up paddle board at checkout. A double kayak option is also available if you're paddling with someone else.

What happens to my car after I paddle to Bonnet House?

You'll need to arrange return transport to your vehicle or residence. The operator offers this for $5–$10 extra, or you can use public transportation options available nearby.

Are the Bonnet House museum tours included in the paddle price?

Museum and grounds access are included, but Bonnet House offers separate guided tours of the grounds and museum for $10–$30 if you want a deeper look at the 100-year-old preservation.

Is this tour suitable for someone who's never paddled before?

You need to be a comfortable swimmer and a willing, able paddler with at least moderate fitness. If you're new to paddling, let the guide know so they can offer pointers along the way.