Canoe/Kayak Rentals

Are you up the creek without a paddle?  Perhaps without a canoe or kayak?  Not anymore!  Paddlers to Weedon Island Preserve can now rent a canoe or kayak from Sweetwater Kayaks and enjoy natural Florida by leisurely floating along the shores of Riviera Bay or on the South Paddling Trail.  Weekday and weekend rentals are available.  All you supply is the desire to paddle, a few kayak companions and some free time!  Sweetwater Kayaks will supply the rest.

Since 1992, Sweetwater Kayaks has been sharing their expertise with novice and experienced paddlers.  Rental kayaks require no paddling experience and are user friendly.  They are perfect for the gentle shallow waters that surround the beautiful mangroves of the Preserve where wildlife can be seen at almost every turn.

Sweetwater Kayaks is located near the Preserve and whether you are just starting or are an experienced paddler, you will find a selection of kayaks that suits your budget as well as your paddling style.  Select from sit-on-tops, recreational, fishing, touring, adventure racing, surf ski, whitewater, expedition, one person or two person (tandem) kayaks.  Then head for serene quiet waters or the challenging open sea and enjoy!

Paddle beautiful mangrove tunnels that lead through the tidal forests into private lagoons.  The marked South Paddling Trail is easy to follow.  Expect to see an amazing array of wildlife including great blue herons, great egrets, roseate spoonbills, yellow-crowned night herons, white ibis, osprey, and belted kingfishers.  Watch the water for jumping mullet, stingrays, manatees, and Eastern bottlenosed dolphin.  Rental kayaks and canoes do not require paddling experience and are user friendly. 

Monday - Friday Half-Day, Self-guided Tours
Launch Times: 11:30 am or 1:00 pm

Sweetwater Kayaks offers half-day (4-hour long) self-guided tours Monday through Friday. Reservations for the 11:30 am or 1:00 pm launch times are recommended. Please arrive at Sweetwater Kayaks 30 minutes before your reservation. Once payment and paperwork is complete, follow our staff to the Preserve and park your car in the main parking lot. Call Sweetwater Kayaks at (727) 570-4844 to reserve your kayak. 
Single Half-day Fee $40
Double Half-day Fee $56

Saturday and Sunday Half-Day, Self-guided Tours
Launch Times: 9:00 am or 12:30 pm

On weekends, Sweetwater Kayaks' self-guided, half-day tours are 3.5-hours long and launch at 11:30 am or 1:00 pm. Reservations are recommended. Meet us at Weedon Island Preserve at least 15 minutes before your reservation. Please park in the main parking lot. Call Sweetwater Kayaks at (727) 570-4844 to reserve your kayak. 
Single Half-day Fee: $40
Double Half-day Fee $56

Daily Rentals
Launch Anytime: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Are you dealing with a busy schedule and only have time for a short paddle around Riviera Bay? Perhaps our hourly rentals is the best fit. Every weekend, kayaks and canoes are on site at the Preserve for rental by the hour.  To arrange a drop off during the week, call Sweetwater Kayaks at (727) 570-4844. 
Single Hourly Fee: $17
Double Hourly Fee: $25

Kayak Companions

To make your day more enjoyable, we suggest you bring along the following kayak companions each time you paddle at the Preserve.

• Sunscreen, sun glasses and a hat to protect you from the sun

• Towel and change of clothes in case you get wet

• Water shoes or old sneakers

• Drinking water and snacks

• Dry bag to keep your valuables safe

• Soft-sided cooler

• Disposable camera

• Insect repellent

Please Note

• Alcohol and pets (including dogs) are not allowed at Weedon Island Preserve.

• Help us keep the Preserve safe and enjoyable by depositing all trash in the containers provided.

Contact Sweetwater Kayaks

Please contact us to make prior rental arrangements or for current rental fees.  Be sure to ask about our guided kayak outings.

Sweetwater Kayaks
10000 Gandy Boulevard
St. Petersburg, FL 33702

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