If you are looking for the perfect location for some paddle boarding adventures on the east coast of Florida, New Smyrna Beach is your best bet. From routes along the Intracoastal Waterway to backwater paddle destinations, New Smyrna Beach has so many breath-taking locations to offer, through which you can explore nature and wildlife at its finest.
Here’s a little guide to help you plan your next paddle boarding adventure in New Smyrna Beach:
Hunter Creek Paddle:
If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful setting for your paddleboard experience, check out this 5.42-mile-long route running through the mangrove forest. It is an ideal location to paddle through if you want to enjoy nature and serenity. With very few boats passing during high tide, you don’t have to worry too much about powerboat traffic either.
While paddling you will come across marine life such as stingrays and conch, as well as a variety of birds.
Bird Rookery Paddle:
The 2.90-mile-long Bird Rookery route is ideal for novice paddlers who are just getting started. The initial part of this path goes through the Salt Marsh Restoration Project, which is a Florida Fish and Wildlife commission project. You will be able to enjoy the view of exquisite homes along Riverside Drive, as well as paddle pass a seawall built in 1766 by the Turnbull Settlement. Since you will be along the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway, you will need to keep a look out for big boats.
You will get to see lots of birds, especially Pelicans on the two mangrove rookery islands, which are protected by Presidential order.
Sleepy Hollow to Lighthouse Paddle
If you are an experienced paddler and are looking for some action on the water, this 5-mile route is a great option to check out. It begins at the Sleepy Hollow launch area at the US 1 and Sleepy Hollow Drive intersection and crosses the Ponce de Leon Cut and Intracoastal Waterway. On this route you will get to experience some inlet currents near the lighthouse and be able to observe dolphins, stingrays, and a range of different birds. At the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse, you can enjoy some food and browse through the gift shop and Marine Science Center.
There are several other routes to choose from once you are in the area – each of them offering unique views of nature and wildlife. One of the best parts about paddle boarding is that it requires minimal equipment. Yes, there is a large paddle board to consider but with convenient services available from Dante’s Beach Rentals, you really don’t have to worry about that either. You can rent paddleboards and other gear that you require, have it delivered to a location of your choice and picked up when you’re ready to call it a day! Dante’s Beach Rentals is the most convenient solution for anyone looking for beach, water sports, and bicycle rentals in New Smyrna Beach.