Loxahatchee River Kayaking: Cypress Swamp & Wildlife

Cypress forest, wildlife, and two hours on the water

A guided kayak tour on the Loxahatchee River takes you downstream from Riverbend Park through a cypress swamp and sandy stretches, paddling under a canopy of trees for roughly 2 hours. The tour includes kayak, paddle and personal flotation device. A live English-speaking guide leads groups of all fitness levels, and children from age 6 are welcome. Water levels and currents shift with the seasons, and portage may be necessary depending on conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided Loxahatchee River tour

• Start at Riverbend Park
• Navigate narrow, twisty river
• Pass through cypress swamp canopy
• Observe diverse wildlife and plants
• Return to Riverbend Park

The experience

The Loxahatchee River starts narrow and twisty as it winds downstream from Riverbend Park toward the Atlantic. You paddle through cypress swamp, sandy areas and thousands of plant and animal species, mostly under the shade of the cypress canopy itself. The round-trip takes approximately 2 hours, though water and weather conditions can shift the timing. A live guide in English leads the way and points out what you're moving through. The river is known for its cypress forest and the wildlife that lives in it.

Currents and water levels vary with the seasons, so conditions change the paddle itself. Portage may be necessary depending on when you go, which is why the operator asks you to review specific tour details with staff before you book. The kayak, paddle and PFD are all included, so you show up ready to get on the water. Children from age 6 can join. Younger children can ride along with an adult.

What’s included

• The tour includes kayak, paddle and personal flotation device.
• a live guide in English leads the group through the river.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

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

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Jupiter Outdoor Center

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guided paddle through the cypress forest in a single morning or afternoon: the 2-hour round-trip fits a half-day schedule, and your guide handles route decisions on water that shifts with seasons.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (6 to 10 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 wildlife might I see on the Loxahatchee River kayak tour?

The Loxahatchee River is home to thousands of species of plants and animals within its cypress forest ecosystem. The guide will point out what lives in and around the water as you paddle downstream.

How long does the Loxahatchee River kayak tour take?

The round-trip tour lasts approximately 2 hours from Riverbend Park, though water and weather conditions can affect the exact timing.

What's included in the kayak tour?

The tour includes the kayak, paddle and personal flotation device (PFD). A live English-speaking guide leads the group.

What happens if water levels are low or conditions change?

Currents and water levels vary with the seasons, and portage may be necessary depending on conditions. The operator recommends reviewing specific tour details with staff before booking so you know what to expect on the day you go.