5 Best Places to Paddle Board in New Smyrna Beach, FL

Discover paradise on Florida’s east coast.

Have you ever imagined gliding through crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush scenery?

Get ready to experience the best places to paddle board in New Smyrna Beach.

Join us as we explore this beautiful coastal haven. Time to hit the water!

Map

Planning Your Paddle in New Smyrna Beach

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs stay above 59 °F right through the year, so there is no closed season. July is the warmest month, averaging 87 °F.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.

Where to Paddle Board in New Smyrna Beach

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 Indian River North

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍️ Access Point: North Causeway Kayak Launch (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light currents, mild breeze
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, manatees, turtles, diverse bird species
🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Riverside Park, scenic river vistas
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Observe boating zones and activity, respect local flora and fauna

Indian River North is a popular spot for paddleboarding in New Smyrna Beach. The calm waters of the river make it easy for both beginners and experienced paddle boarders to enjoy all the natural beauty this tranquil area has to offer.

Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and a variety of local bird species while you paddle along the river’s edge.

#2 Ponce Inlet

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍️ Access Point: Ponce Inlet Beach (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, mild ocean currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, pelicans, sea turtles
🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, New Smyrna Dunes Park, Marine Science Center
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Check surf conditions, respect local regulations

Ponce Inlet, located just south of New Smyrna Beach, offers paddleboarders an exciting oceanfront experience. With moderate waves and mild ocean currents, this spot is perfect for those looking to step up their paddleboarding game.

Keep an eye out for dolphins, pelicans, and occasional sea turtles while taking in the beautiful ocean views and exploring the surrounding coastline.

#3 Mosquito Lagoon

🏖️ Location Type: Lagoon
📍️ Access Point: JB’s Fish Camp (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, shallow waters, mild breeze
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Manatees, dolphins, various fish species
🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Canaveral National Seashore, mangroves, scenic lagoon environment
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local wildlife, observe speed zone regulations

Mosquito Lagoon offers a unique paddleboarding experience in a protected and serene environment. Located just north of Cape Canaveral National Seashore, this shallow lagoon is ideal for exploring the area’s diverse ecosystem and spotting manatees, dolphins, and various fish species.

Navigate the lagoon’s waterways through the mangroves, or venture out to the open waters for a more adventurous paddle.

#4 Callalisa Park

🏖️ ️Location Type: Channel
📍️ Access Point: Callalisa Park (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild currents, occasional breeze
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Manatees, dolphins, various birds
🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Callalisa Creek, mangrove-lined shoreline
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boats, respect local wildlife

Callalisa Park is a picturesque paddleboarding spot located on Callalisa Creek. The calm waters of the creek provide a peaceful environment to enjoy paddleboarding, while taking in the diverse wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and various bird species.

The mangrove-lined shoreline creates a scenic backdrop, making this a popular spot for New Smyrna Beach locals and visitors alike.

#5 Smyrna Dunes Park

🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
📍️ Access Point: Smyrna Dunes Park (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Varying conditions, wave action can be strong
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring and Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, dolphins, occasional sea turtles
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Ponce Inlet, beachside dunes, boardwalk
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of surf conditions, respect beach regulations

Smyrna Dunes Park offers a unique opportunity for paddleboarding along a picturesque stretch of oceanfront, overlooking Ponce Inlet.

The varying surf conditions and wave action can pose a challenge for beginners, but the reward of beautiful beachside views and encounters with dolphins and seabirds make it a worthwhile destination.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case