Paddling Bird Island

Trip Overview

Before making this paddle, be mindful of the tides. For us, it seemed best to take off on the flood tide as it was approaching high tide, so you can finish the paddle at or near high tide. The launch area makes for an easy water entry and exit. There was also ample parking at the launch area. The paddle starts by crossing the Intercoastal Waterway, which can be quite busy with larger boats. However, it is only a quick 100 yard paddle to cross the Intercoastal Waterway, before you enter the reedy areas of Bird Island. I suggest taking your cell phone with maps to help navigate through the maze of water ways. We started out paddling E-NE and worked our way down S-SW, then N back along the shore side of the Intercoastal Waterway, back to the launch point. I estimate we did about 8 miles of paddling, but you can make it shorter of course, if you wish. Along the way, we saw many shore birds, including Pelicans, Blue Heron, Egrets, Sea Gulls, Cormorants, etc. We were also told by a few fisherman that you might see dolphin and otter, but no such luck on the day of our paddle. It was a very nice, relaxing paddle.