6 Best SUP or Kayak Routes in Fort Lauderdale

Often referred to as the “Venice of America”, Fort Lauderdale is an entire city built around canals and rivers. SUP or kayak routes are scattered throughout the city; you’ll find yourself in a hidden mangrove, gazing at mega-yachts, paddling through downtown, and awing at some of the biggest mansions in America.

SUP or Kayak routes in Fort Lauderdale

Looking for a paddle adventure during your visit to South Florida? We’ve compiled a handy list to give you an idea of the best routes for your SUP or kayak in Fort Lauderdale.

Don’t have your own kayak or paddleboard? No problem! For each location, we’ve included all the information to find an outfitter for any rentals you may need.

1. Middle River and the Wilton Manors Loop

👉 Top Guided Tour | 🛶 Just the Rental | 🗺️ Self-guided Tour

Just north of Fort Lauderdale is the city of Wilton Manors. Aptly named “the island city” as it’s completely encircled by a waterway (Middle River). Lucky for paddlers, the river makes for a perfect 7-mile loop adventure starting at Colohatchee Park.

2. Las Olas Isles and Canals at Victoria Park

👉 Top Guided Tour | 🛶 Just the Rental | 🗺️ Self-guided Tour

Not to be mistaken for the neighborhood of the same name: Victoria Park is a green space within the neighborhood of, you guessed it, Victoria Park! Confusing, right?

The park has an old stone kayak launch serving as the starting point to explore the canals along Las Olas Boulevard. This is the ultimate yacht and mansion gazing experience. We can all dream, right?

A great company for rentals and a guide are SUP PUP. The stand-up paddleboard tour is run by a local and her puppy, Mr. Beaches!

3. Middle River to the Intracoastal at George English Park

👉 Top Guided Tour | 🛶 Just the Rental

George English Park lies just off Sunrise Boulevard near the Galleria. Ample parking, a boat ramp, facilities, and picnic tables are all available.

This is where the Middle River meets the Intracoastal. You could certainly head upriver which would eventually lead you to the Wilton Manors Loop. Or paddle south and end up in the Intracoastal waterway (just be careful of boat traffic). Either or, it’s the perfect spot for a paddling adventure.

Blue Moon Outdoor Center has a booth in the corner of the park to rent kayaks and paddleboards.

4. New River through downtown at Cooley’s Landing Park

👉 Top Guided Tour

A unique experience is starting your paddle at the western tip of downtown: Cooley’s Landing Park. After launching your kayak/SUP head east down the New River to get a view of downtown few has ever seen.

Your paddle back to the park will be upriver. So keep in mind, at times, the New River’s current can be ripping.

Warning: this is a high-traffic boat area. Kayak or paddleboard with caution!

5. The Marina Mile to Pond Apple Slough at Bill Keith Preserve Park

This route will provide you with a glimpse into the industry of yachting. Yachts, yachts, and more yachts! Although, you’ll eventually end up in a hidden slice of nature, Pond Apple Slough.

Unfortunately, as of this writing, no outfitters provide kayak or SUP rentals here.

Warning: This is a high-traffic boat area!

Read our full guide on this route to find out more!

6. The Open Ocean at Loggerhead Park

What better way to paddle than on the turquoise water of the Atlantic? After all, Fort Lauderdale is more than just rivers and canals – it’s an ocean destination.

This park is ideal for launching a kayak or paddleboard into the ocean as the parking lot is close to the water It only has about 10 parking spaces so if it’s full, check the nearby Vista Park for more spots.

No kayak or paddleboard rentals are in the area.

Not only is this park good for paddling, but it’s also one of the best beach scuba dive sites in the area.

Other Kayak Launches in Fort Lauderdale:

On the Middle River and Wilton Manors Loop

• Don Eisele Park: small green space on the western portion of the loop.
• Island City Park Preserve: recreational center with bathroom facilities.
• J. Dewey Hawkins Landing: provides a kayak centric launching dock.
• Snook Creek: to paddle through the mangroves in Wilton Manors.

On the New River

• Riverland Woods Park: for a shorter route to Pond Apple Slough.
• Coontie Hatchee Landings Park: to check out the mansions along New River west of downtown.
• Lewis Landing Park: for a longer paddle to downtown with more mansions and boats to gaze at!

Visiting Fort Lauderdale to Paddle

The Venice of America is a paddler’s paradise. Use the resources below to help plan your trip!