Do I need prior kayaking experience?

No prior experience is required; basic instructions are provided at launch, and the calm waters make it beginner-friendly.

Are manatee sightings guaranteed?

Manatees are wild animals, so sightings can’t be guaranteed, but Round Island is known for frequent visits from these gentle creatures.

What safety equipment is provided?

Life jackets (PFDs) are provided for all paddlers and properly fitted before launch.

Can I rent the kayak for longer than 1 hour?

Yes, rentals can be booked for up to 3 hours, allowing for a more leisurely exploration.

Where do we launch and return the kayak?

All launches and returns take place at Round Island Riverside Park’s kayak launch area.

Is this activity suitable for children?

Yes, children accompanied by adults can participate, but life jackets are required for all ages.

Paddling the Indian River Lagoon: Tandem Kayak Adventures from Round Island | Attraction | Kayak

Located along Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Vero Beach offers access to the serene Indian River Lagoon, a vast estuary brimming with wildlife and quiet waters. One of the best ways to explore this unique ecosystem is via the Round Island Riverside Park tandem kayak rental. Ideal for beginners and anyone looking for a peaceful paddle, this adventure delivers a chance to glide across calm, protected waters while keeping an eye out for the gentle presence of manatees. Round Island Riverside Park serves as your launch point for exploring the winding waterways of the lagoon. The flat sit-on-top tandem kayaks are stable and easy to maneuver, making them perfect for couples, parent-child pairs, or friends hoping to share the experience on the water. The Indian River Lagoon itself is an important habitat, with its brackish waters supporting diverse bird species, fish, and the occasional curious manatee. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, many paddlers have found themselves paddling quietly alongside these majestic creatures—always from a respectful distance. What sets this experience apart is its accessibility and ease. All equipment—including paddles and properly fitted life jackets—is provided upon arrival. The team at Round Island offers a quick tutorial on basic paddling techniques and route suggestions so you can make the most of your 1-to-3-hour rental. Since the water is calm and sheltered, even those new to kayaking feel confident setting out. Beyond the water, the park’s location means you’re just minutes from Vero Beach’s charming downtown area, where visitors can enjoy local eateries and boutique shopping after their paddle. This tandem kayak rental offers a perfect blend of low-key outdoor adventure and laid-back coastal ambiance. Remember to bring sun protection and water-friendly footwear, and consider packing water and snacks for a leisurely outing. The kayak setup caters to two paddlers, with the stronger companion best positioned in the rear to help steer. In addition to manatees, paddlers may spot osprey, herons, and other birds native to the lagoon’s marshy edges. To protect this fragile environment, guests are encouraged to follow manatee viewing guidelines closely—never touching or feeding wildlife—and to practice Leave No Trace principles. If you’re looking to reconnect with nature in a familiar Florida setting without the crowds, this tandem kayak experience on the Indian River Lagoon is a standout choice. It’s as much about enjoying easy paddling and fresh air as it is about discovering a special ecosystem that many overlook in favor of busier beaches or parks.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

1–3 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for all fitness levels; basic paddling ability recommended.

Wildlife

Manatees
Ospreys

History

The Indian River Lagoon has been a vital waterway for native peoples and early settlers, supporting fishing and transport for centuries.

Conservation

Efforts to protect the lagoon focus on water quality and protecting endangered manatees, with visitors encouraged to follow wildlife viewing guidelines.

Vero Tackle & Watersports is a Vero Beach, Florida-based outfitter specializing in guided fishing charters, boat tours, and paddle experiences on the Indian River Lagoon. The company coordinates a range of half-day and multi-hour trips including pontoon boat fishing charters for up to six anglers, specialty skiff charters with guides Tom Fredrickson, Jon Lewis, and TJ Powell, guided kayak and paddleboard tours, Tiki Boat sunset cruises, sightseeing and stargazing eco-tours aboard an all-electric Fantail, and paddleboard rentals from Round Island Riverside Park. Trips are designed to serve anglers and outdoor enthusiasts across skill levels. The pontoon fishing charter supplies all equipment, bait, and licenses for a hassle-free outing. Tom Fredrickson operates under a Six-Pack Captain's license aboard an 18' Maverick for personalized half-day trips up to three anglers. Jon Lewis runs 4-hour adventures on an 18’ Beavertail Vengeance Skiff tailored for fly fishing or bait tactics. TJ Powell guides two-angler trips from an 18’ Hell’s Bay Waterman skiff that access remote backwaters. Dana Bryan leads two-hour guided kayak and paddleboard tours emphasizing wildlife viewing and local ecology. Additional offerings include a family-friendly sightseeing tour, a 90-minute Tiki Boat sunset cruise with BYOB, a Paddle Dash race that donates proceeds to charity, and Round Island stand-up paddleboard rentals. All publicly described trips focus on small groups, experienced local guides, and the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem. Trips accommodate beginners and experienced anglers, offering fly-fishing and bait techniques, family-friendly sightseeing, and options suited to different skill levels and group sizes.

Base locationVero Beach, Florida

Tours offered24+

Specialtywater-activities

StewardshipLeave No Trace

My Trip

My Trip

Paddling the Indian River Lagoon: Tandem Kayak Adventures from Round Island

A full day in Vero Beach.

More experiences with Vero Tackle & Watersports