Kayaking at Flamingo in Everglades National Park – the Full Scoop and Tips

We don’t always travel with our own kayaks but always want to get on the water, so kayak rentals in Everglades National Park at the Flamingo area is awesome. With two different routes to go from the Flamingo Marina, you’ve got great opportunities to see and experience the wildlife of Everglades National Park from the water. Yes, there are crocodiles and other wildlife, but don’t worry, we’ve got all the information you need for a safe, fun kayaking adventure at Flamingo.

Have you paddled here or in other parts of Everglades National Park before? I love it and think it’s a really special place to explore. If you have any questions about kayaking or kayak rentals at Flamingo Everglades, please let us know. Leave a comment or send us a note, as we’re always happy to share more and help you plan an awesome adventure!

Highlights of Kayaking at Flamingo

I find that a lot of people come to the Everglades or Florida Keys and don’t have a ton of kayaking experiences, and even fewer have had the opportunity to paddle with wildlife all around. Kayaking at the Flamingo area of Everglades National Park is a great beginner paddling destination because it’s easy, there aren’t technical areas if you stick to the canals and lakes, and the wildlife is present but also used to humans being around. I find that getting on the water at Flamingo is both simple and really wonderful.

For me I’m always excited for the wildlife element, as there is so much wildlife in the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park. Renting kayaks at Flamingo puts you in the perfect spot for getting to see some of Everglades National Park’s prime wildlife species. In just one morning kayaking on the Buttonwood Canal we saw five crocodiles, tri-colored herons, reddish egrets, green egrets, a raccoon and so many more bird species (amazing birdwatching here!). Also, sometimes in the Buttonwood Canal you’ll see manatees and even alligators. It’s such a gem of a kayaking safari spot. Also, from the kayak rental spot to the prime paddling area is just one hundred feet or so. It’s awesome.

Tips for a Great Flamingo Adventures Kayaking Day

When you’re renting kayaks at Flamingo in Everglades National Park, the Flamingo Adventures staff will make suggests about where to go and how long paddling to different areas will take. LISTEN TO THEM. You’ll have the option of kayaking on the Buttonwood Canal up to Coot Bay or you can kayak from the marina out to the Florida Bay. The option for kayaking into Florida Bay is only available if it’s a calm day, as the route can be quite the challenge with a little wind and waves.

Kayaking from the Flamingo Adventures dock and heading up the Buttonwood Canal is actually wonderful, even if you’re an experienced paddler. Being a straight shot up to Coot Bay, you can either take your time or paddle hard to make it all the way up the canal. If you’re heading out early, you’ll have the best chances for wildlife as there are very few boaters that use the canal first thing in the morning, also the Flamingo Backcountry Boat Tour doesn’t begin until 9:00 am or later, so you’ll have the canal mostly to yourself. If you’re planning a full day rental, you’ll be able to make it all the way to Coot Bay. When you get there, head to the right and skirt the shore for more wildlife watching, and there’s even a spot to haul out for a few minutes if you like.

Note: Coot Bay has been a popular spot for the flock of flamingos to hang out since Hurricane Idalia in 2023. They’ve made it part of their home territory.

Gear for Kayaking at Flamingo in Everglades NP

OMG, sunblock yourself up, whether you’re kayaking on Florida Bay or doing the Buttonwood Canal from the Flamingo Adventures dock. If you’re kayaking in the morning you’ll have a bit of shade and filtered light on the canal, but remember how intensely the sun can reflect off the water. With that, I also recommend a sun shirt and a broad brimmed hat.

And polarized sunglasses are important too. One of the thrills of kayaking Flamingo in Everglades National Park is getting to see crocodiles. Polarized sunglasses are really helpful for being able to spot them. Life jackets are provided by Flamingo Adventures if you’re renting through them and they are required for all ages. If you’re bringing your own kayaking or SUP gear, don’t forget your PFDs!

If you want to bring camera gear with your for kayaking at Flamingo in Everglades National Park, do it! Kayaking on Florida Bay tends to be a little more wet than going on the Buttonwood Canal, but if you are smart with your gear and use a dry bag, you should be fine. I like to use a large dry bag so there is plenty of room to easily get my camera gear in and out; a small dry bag that fits your gear exactly is actually very difficult to use while you’re kayaking, and you don’t want to risk either damaging your equipment or missing great wildlife shots because you’re struggling with a dry bag.

Getting to Flamingo Adventures Kayak Rentals

Getting to the Flamingo Adventures kayak rentals, Backcountry Boat Tour or the Flamingo Everglades Marina is easy. You’ll access this part of Everglades National Park from the easternmost entrance and drive an hour on the park road to just before the end of the road. You can’t miss it. You can park directly next to the marina or over by the Flamingo Guy Bradley Visitor Center (it’s the famous pink one). I like the convenience of parking at the marina, but don’t miss the visitor center when you’re here. There are some great exhibits and a beautiful view of the Florida Bay.