Salt Run and the Matanzas River

There is a lot to do in North Florida, particularly near the east coast, and whether you are looking to explore a city on the water like St. Augustine or enjoy one of the amazing paddling tours in Jacksonville, there is really something for everyone. With such low-lying areas, North Florida has swamps and rivers everywhere, and you can always count of them to be brimming with wildlife. Some of the most popular of these are the Salt Run and the Matanzas River.

The kayak launch is quick and simple, and then the real magic can begin. The Salt Run is fairly protected by some nearby islands and depending on the time of the day, the water can be shallow in certain areas. But there is no lack of wildlife around here. Porpoises, seagulls, and pelicans are everywhere and they definitely add to the relaxing paddle as you head toward St. Augustine. It’s when you near the mouth of the Matanzas River that you need to start looking out for wind. The waterway dips in and out of the Atlantic offering a good taste of what ocean paddling is like, and the course leads to some pretty nice views of the historical sites in the area, including Castillo San Marco.

Looping around using the San Sebastian River outlet, the road home may leave you with some strong headwinds to power through, but the challenge is part of the fun. The area has a lot to offer in the way of after-paddling activities. There are plenty of parks for picnicking and some fantastic restaurants in downtown St. Augustine. The Salt Run and the Matanzas River, along with the local attractions, definitely provide a full day of fun.