7 Best Places to Paddle Board in Manatee Springs, FL

Discover tranquility and adventure in Florida’s natural beauty.

Have you imagined gliding through crystal-clear springs alongside manatees?

The best places to paddle board in Manatee Springs are waiting for you.

Embark on a serene journey into Florida’s hidden gems. Are you ready to explore?

Table of Contents

1 Map
2 Where to Paddle Board in Manatee Springs
3 FAQ

Map

Where to Paddle Board in Manatee Springs

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Manatee Springs State Park

????️ ️Location Type: Spring
Access Point: Manatee Springs State Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm and clear spring water, mild currents
Popular Seasons: Year-round, peak manatee sightings in winter
???? Wildlife Encounters: Manatees, turtles, fish, birds
????️ Landmarks & Views: Manatee Spring, boardwalk, nature trails
Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect manatee zones, no diving or jumping

Manatee Springs State Park is a must-visit for paddleboarders seeking to experience the crystal-clear waters of Florida’s springs and the chance to paddle alongside gentle manatees.

The park has an extensive boardwalk system and beautiful nature trails for a complete nature experience.

#2 Suwannee River

????️ ️Location Type: River
Access Point: Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, variable wind
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Manatees, turtles, fish, birds
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Scenic river, dense foliage, wildlife, Fanning Springs
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for motorized vessels, respect wildlife

The Suwannee River, located near Manatee Springs, offers a serene paddleboarding experience. Drift along the iconic river, going past dense foliage and catching glimpses of wildlife.

With easy access from the local campground, this paddleboarding experience is ideal for nature lovers.

#3 Otter Springs

????️ Location Type: Spring
Access Point: Otter Springs Park & Campground (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Clear and calm spring water, little to no current
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, birds
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Otter Springs, nature trails, serene environment
Safety, Environment and Rules: Observe no-swim zones, leave no trace

Otter Springs offers another beautiful spring for paddleboarders looking to explore Florida’s peaceful natural treasures.

This spring, part of Otter Springs Park & Campground, has calm waters perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Soak in the serene environment while enjoying the abundant wildlife.

#4 Fanning Springs State Park

????️ ️Location Type: Spring
Access Point: Fanning Springs State Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Clear and calm spring water, minimal current
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Manatees, fish, turtles, birds
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Fanning Spring, nature trails, old-style swing bridge
Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park rules, respect wildlife zones

Fanning Springs State Park is another excellent spot for paddleboarding in crystal-clear springs. Located just a short distance from Manatee Springs, it’s an ideal location for a day of adventure.

Enjoy the opportunity to spot manatees or explore the beautiful nature trails within the park.

#5 Cedar Key

????️ ️Location Type: Bay
Access Point: Cedar Key City Beach (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, mild tidal currents
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea birds, fish
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Cedar Key islands, historic downtown
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect wildlife

Located a bit further from Manatee Springs, Cedar Key offers a coastal paddleboarding experience on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The calm bay waters surrounding the Cedar Key islands are perfect for all skill levels.

Enjoy scenic views of the historic downtown and the abundance of wildlife inhabiting the area.

#6 Rainbow River

????️ ️Location Type: River
Access Point: K.P. Hole Park (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Clear spring waters, gentle current
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, birds, occasional manatees
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Rainbow Springs, lush riverbanks, wildlife sightings
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, respect wildlife, adhere to park rules

Although it’s not directly in Manatee Springs, Rainbow River is a must-visit spot for paddleboarders looking to explore the area’s beautiful spring-fed rivers.

Launch your board at K.P. Hole Park and enjoy the clear waters and gentle current, teeming with colorful fish and lush vegetation along the riverbanks.

I apologize for the confusion earlier. As per your request, I am providing additional paddleboarding spots near Manatee Springs, FL. However, if any of these spots is incorrect, please disregard it:

#7 Atsena Otie Key

️Location Type: Island
Access Point: Cedar Key Paddleboard and Kayak Launch (Google Maps)
???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, mild tidal currents
Popular Seasons: Year-round
???? Wildlife Encounters: Birds, dolphins, fish
????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Cedar Key island, picturesque beaches
Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow local rules

Atsena Otie Key, located just off Cedar Key, provides an idyllic paddleboarding adventure for those wanting to explore more of Florida’s beautiful coastline.

The calm bay waters make for a perfect day of exploration around the island, and the wildlife and stunning views promise a memorable experience.