6 Best Places to Paddle Board in Panama City Beach, FL

Welcome to Panama City Beach, Florida: the paddle boarder’s paradise.

Have you ever imagined discovering the best places to paddle board in Panama City Beach, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches?

Get ready to embark on unforgettable adventures in the Sunshine State, as we unveil Panama City Beach’s top paddle boarding spots. Are you up for the challenge?

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Where to Paddle Board in Panama City 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 St. Andrews State Park

• ????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
• Access Point: St. Andrews State Park Parking Area (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, protected lagoon waters, mild Gulfside waves
• Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, fish, and various bird species
• ????️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Shell Island, jetties, the Gulf of Mexico, and Grand Lagoon
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park guidelines, watch for watercraft in the lagoon area

St. Andrews State Park is a prime paddleboarding spot boasting a sheltered lagoon on one side and the turquoise Gulf of Mexico on the other.

With a diverse range of wildlife and picturesque views, it’s a must-visit for paddleboarding enthusiasts.

#2 Camp Helen State Park

• ????️ ️Location Type: Lake
• Access Point: Phillips Inlet Beach Access (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, gentle currents at inlet
• Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Birds, fish, occasional turtles and dolphins
• ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Lake Powell, sand dunes, coastal forests
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow state park guidelines, be aware of tides and currents

Just west of Panama City Beach, Camp Helen State Park‘s calm waters of Lake Powell and Phillips Inlet offer a serene paddleboarding experience amidst stunning sand dunes, coastal forests, and diverse wildlife.

#3 Shell Island

• ????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
• Access Point: Shell Island Boat Ramp (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Calm Gulfside waters, stronger currents at island pass
• Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, various fish, and bird species
• ????️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Unspoiled beaches, wooded island, Caribbean-like water
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Understand the currents and tides, respect wildlife, take water and supplies

Shell Island, an undeveloped barrier island, offers an unspoiled and remote paddleboarding experience.

Accessible by boat, the island’s crystal-clear waters provide paddlers with ample opportunities to observe marine life and enjoy panoramic views.

#4 Powell Lake

• ????️ ️Location Type: Lake
• Access Point: West Lake Road (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, wind-protected waters
• Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
• Wildlife Encounters: Fish, various bird species, and occasional turtles
• ????️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Surrounding forest and wetland areas
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of alligators, follow local guidelines

Lying just north of Panama City Beach, Powell Lake’s calm, wind-sheltered waters offer a peaceful paddleboarding experience, away from the bustling beaches.

The surrounding wetlands and forest provide a serene backdrop for nature-loving paddlers.

#5 North Lagoon Drive

• ????️ Location Type: Bay
• Access Point: Marina Cove Condos (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Sheltered, calm waters, mild currents
• Popular Seasons: Year-round
• Wildlife Encounters: Fish, pelicans, and occasional dolphins or sea turtles
• ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Grand Lagoon, waterfront homes, and marinas
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow local regulations

North Lagoon Drive offers a relaxed paddleboarding experience along the picturesque Grand Lagoon.

With sheltered waters and sprawling waterfront properties, it’s an ideal spot for a leisurely paddle amidst the scenic bay area.

#6 Bay Point Marina

• ????️ ️Location Type: Bay
• Access Point: Bay Point Marina (Google Maps)
• Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, mild currents
• Popular Seasons: Year-round
• Wildlife Encounters: Fish, various bird species, and occasional dolphins
• ????️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Luxury waterfront homes, marina views
• Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow marina rules

Bay Point Marina provides stunning paddling opportunities along Panama City Beach’s bay shoreline, offering idyllic views of luxury waterfront homes and the beautiful marina.

The calm waters here cater to paddlers of all skill levels, ensuring an enjoyable experience.

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