Paddleboarding at St. Augustine Intracoastal

Paddleboarding at St. Augustine Intracoastal

St. Augustine’s Intracoastal Waterway offers an incredible setting for paddleboarding, with calm waters, diverse marine life, and stunning views of the city’s historic coastline. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, the area provides an ideal mix of adventure and relaxation. The waterway’s gentle currents make it accessible for all skill levels, while its scenic surroundings add to the experience. Paddlers often spot dolphins, manatees, and a variety of seabirds, making every trip unique.

Adventure Guide to Paddleboarding at St. Augustine Intracoastal

Salt Run

• Located near Anastasia State Park, Salt Run is a quiet, sheltered waterway perfect for paddleboarding.
• The shallow, clear waters allow for excellent visibility of marine life like stingrays and fish.
• With easy access from Lighthouse Park, this area is ideal for beginners due to the calm conditions.

Vilano Beach to Porpoise Point

• This route offers breathtaking views of the St. Augustine skyline and the Castillo de San Marcos.
• Paddleboarding here provides opportunities to encounter dolphins that frequent the inlet.
• The water can be more dynamic due to tidal changes, making it suited for intermediate paddlers.

Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) Reserve

• A nature lover’s paradise, this protected estuary features winding channels teeming with wildlife.
• The serene environment provides a chance to see manatees and wading birds in their natural habitat.
• Launch from South Guana Outpost for an immersive experience in one of Northeast Florida’s most pristine ecosystems.

Local Insights

• The Matanzas River, part of the Intracoastal, played an essential role in St. Augustine’s history, serving as a navigational route for Spanish explorers.
• The GTM Reserve is a designated research area, which helps protect the region’s delicate ecosystems.

Visitor Tips

• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and calm conditions.
• What to bring: Sunscreen, water shoes, a dry bag for valuables, and polarized sunglasses to reduce glare.
• Directions: From downtown St. Augustine, Salt Run is a quick 10-minute drive via A1A South.