Weedon Island Preserve in Florida

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Weedon Island Preserve is over 3,000 acres of natural habitats including mangrove swamps, inter-tidal flats and pine flatwood uplands. They have hiking trails, paddling trails, picnic areas and a cultural and natural history center. The major paddling trail is the South Paddling Trail. It will take you through lush mangroves and over open shallow waters and productive sea grass beds. However, the trail is inaccessible at low tide. So, check the tide chart before planning your trip. I like to have at the very least 1.0 feet above normal low tide.

The trail is about 4 miles long, takes any where from 1.5 to 5 hours (depending on your paddling speed and the stops you take) and has about 35 signs marking the trail.

Outfitting:

There is a wonderful kayak shop in the neighborhood, just two miles from the park entrance. You can rent kayaks from them and they will even deliver them for you and pick them up when you are done. They have scheduled drop-offs (tides permitting) every day at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. They add another drop off at 9:00 am on weekends and holidays. If the tides are too low they will take the kayaks to nearby Snug Harbor instead. They are:

Sweetwater Kayaks and Outdoor Center
10,000 Gandy Blvd
St Petersburg, FL 33702
727/570-4844

Fees:

There are no fees or permits required for paddling.

Directions:

Get to Gandy Blvd in NE St Petersburg. East of 4th St, and east of the dog track, go south on San Martin Road. From either direction you should see a brown sign directing you on to San Martin and to the preserve. Go south until you see another brown sign marking the entrance to the preserve. Take the park road until it ends in a circle drive at the fishing pier and canoe launching facility.

Contact:

Weedon Island Preserve

Cultural and Natural History Center

1800 Weedon Island Drive NE

St Petersburg, FL 33702

727/453-6500

Resources:

Get a paper map from the wooden box next to the rest rooms near the canoe launch. Or buy a laminated map from Sweetwater Kayaks.

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: Open Water/Ocean

Trip Location