Paddle Manatee

Download the Paddle Manatee Guide

Paddle Manatee 3rd Edition Cover

The blueways of Manatee County comprise 75 miles of paddling trails in marine and fresh waters. Maps and information on the blueways network can be found in Paddle Manatee: A guide to Area Canoe and Kayak Trails.

Paddle Manatee: A Guide to Area Canoe and Kayak Trails is designed to help guide paddlers throughout Manatee County's waters. Thanks to the tireless efforts by the Manatee County Citizen Trail Committee (CTC), the guide also describes local history, camping opportunities, and private launch opportunities, area wildlife, and provides paddler safety information and a resource directory.

The trails all connect to a 75 mile (approximate) paddle trail system. Detailed maps of seven different sections of the trail are included, along with locations of launch points, boat ramps, amenities, parks, preserves, and points of interest. The guide features GPS coordinates for all sites and also includes "short trip" selections to help readers plan their trip.

Publication design and art by Patti Cross. A special thank you to Wayne Douchkoff, Pat Hennen, and Maggie Marr for their help in editing this revised guide. Funding for the 3rd edition was provided by a grant from WCIND.

PLEASE NOTE: The paddle trail markers mentioned in the Paddle Manatee Guide are no longer in place. Please plan your trip accordingly. We recommend utilizing the maps in the guide as well as GPS and leaving a trip plan on the dashboard of your vehicle.

About this Guide

Long ago, waterways, both fresh and salt, were usable long-distance “trails and highways” prior to other forms of transportation. Water routes played a key role in the exploration and settlement of North America. Water routes are still serious business today, used for transporting goods and products, benefiting commerce and trade. But these waterways also offer an unique opportunity for passive recreational enjoyment and communing with nature.

Manatee County created a series of over 75 miles of paddling trails through wondrous area waterways for recreational canoeing and kayaking enjoyment, creating links to the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, an officially designated National Recreational Trail.

The guide can be used along with designated paddling routes to help guide the canoeist and kayaker through multiple mangrove trails as well as open water terrain.

There are seven area waterways to be explored with the help of this guide. The first and northernmost trail system is the Bishop Harbor Trail. The second trail is the Terra Ceia Trail which includes Miguel Bay and Terra Ceia Bay areas. The third trail is the Manatee River Trail, which includes the Upper Manatee River (easterly tributary), and the Manatee River (westerly tributary). The fourth and fifth trails include the Braden River Trail and Lower Braden River Trail. The Palma Sola Bay Trail is next, followed by the Sarasota Bay/Barrier Islands Trails, completing the Paddle Manatee System.
Clean up on Old Braden River byTerry Longpre
Clean up on Old Braden River
by Terry Longpre
Each trail system is unique and requires different skill levels varying from easy to moderate to difficult. Before setting off on your excursion be sure to read the accompanying paddling trail information to properly assess the skills required and level of difficulty. Additionally, checking local tide and weather information before you begin your day will ensure a safer and more enjoyable outing for all.

Enjoy the area’s most magnificent blueways (paddling trails) as you explore the vast array of wildlife, commune with nature, and learn about the area’s rich heritage.

About the Area

Habitat

Two forms of coastal wetlands are present in the region: tidal marshes and mangrove forests.

Healthy wetlands, including both freshwater and intertidal habitats, are important to the vitality of area waters because they provide food and shelter for marine life. Wetlands also filter pollutants while intertidal habitats, such as salt marshes and mangroves, help protect shorelines from erosion.

Red Mangrove with arching prop roots by Patti Cross
Red Mangrove with arching prop roots
by Patti Cross

There are three different kinds of mangroves found throughout area waters. Red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) are found closest to open water. They have arching prop roots and have seed pods or propagules. Black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) are found growing among red mangroves. Black mangroves “sweat” salt from their leaves and send up twiggy projections from their roots embedded in the soil surrounding the tree trunk, called pneumatophores, which provide oxygen to the tree’s roots. White mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) usually grow above the high tide line. Green buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus), although not a true mangrove, grows in the most landward location of the littoral zone, behind the other mangrove species. It generally has small, elongated leaves and bears round “buttons” that turn brown. Try to identify which types of mangroves you encounter on your paddling excursion.

Seagrass meadows characterize most of the shallow waters of the area. The most common species of grass in the area are shoal grass, widgeon grass, turtle grass, and manatee grass. The grass beds provide protective nursery areas for juvenile fish, shrimp and crabs, and provide surface for growth of algae epiphytes which serve as food for fish and crustaceans, as well as manatees.

frog

Reptiles and Amphibians

Reptiles do call these waters home. The alligator is probably the best known and recognized, but many kinds of turtles, lizards, and snakes abound, along with amphibian frogs and toads. Exercise due caution around these reptiles.

MAMMALS

While paddling, you may be lucky enough to see the two species of marine mammals which normally inhabit the area ‑ the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin and the West Indian manatee.

Manatees
Manatees

Manatees, though mammals, are included in the world of water creatures. These endangered “gentle giants” often swim great distances, especially in the winter, looking for warmer waters and can be seen in parts of the Upper Manatee River, Braden River and Palma Sola Bay during cold weather months. Manatees prefer warm, shallow waters or channels that support their food, which consists mainly of seagrasses. Manatee presence and abundance in the area appears to be related, at least in part, to environmental factors such as water temperature and seagrass coverage. The loss of seagrass habitat is a concern for manatees, as they appear to prefer unaltered habitat. Past declines of seagrass meadows in area waters are a concern, but recent improvements in seagrass are encouraging. If you see any harassed or injured manatees, please contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, 1 (888) 404-3922.

Mind Your Manatee Manners 

  • Wear polarized glasses on the waterway as it makes seeing objects below the surface easier to observe.
  • Look for the swirl. This swirl occurs when a manatee dives and looks like a large footprint on the water’s surface or it looks like a half moon, if the manatee is traveling.
  • Practice “passive observation” and watch manatees from a distance.
  • It is illegal to feed or give them water.
  • Stash your trash.

 

Dolphins
Dolphins

Dolphins reside in population units described as “communities.” The bottlenose dolphins of Sarasota Bay, for example, are mostly permanent residents including at least four generations and use much of the same home range now as they did 30 years ago. In general, dolphin density is greater north of Buttonwood Harbor and Long Bar than southern Sarasota Bay. Bottlenose dolphins are opportunistic feeders, taking advantage of a variety of fish species as prey (pinfish, pigfish, and mullet).

Of the other mammals associated with a water habitat, those most likely to be found are raccoons and marsh rabbits. Occasionally, a river otter will surprise an observer on the Braden and Upper Manatee rivers. Bobcats may also be seen, often mistaken for the endangered Florida panther.

FISH

Common fishes include Flounder, Red Grouper, Florida Pompano, Red Drum (Redfish), and Black Grouper by Diane Rome Peebles
Common fishes include Flounder, Red Grouper, Florida Pompano, Red Drum (Redfish), and Black Grouper
by Diane Rome Peebles

Our waters support a wide array of fish and crustaceans such as red drum, spotted seatrout, snook, flounder, blue crab, pompano, mullet, stone crab and shrimp. The west coast of Florida offers some of the finest shallow‑water in season fishing in the world. The trails in this guide and the beautiful clear flats studded with mangrove shoreline, large expanses of grass flats, oyster bars, and sandbars provide access to some of the best fishing holes found in the region. Light tackle, 10 lb. test line with 20-30 lb. test leader works well. Live shrimp can be purchased or live baitfish netted. Artificial lures also work well. A fishing license will be required, except for Florida residents over 65 or those under 16 years of age. For a license visit your county tax collector’s office, ask a local bait and tackle shop operator, or visit www.myfwc.com and click on: “licenses”.

BIRDS

Great Blue Heron by Rose Gatto
Great Blue Heron
by Rose Gatto

Manatee County has many areas essential for waterfowl, both resident and migratory. It is a food source and nesting ground for wading birds like ibis, herons, and wood storks. Diving birds such as cormorants and anhingas are also in the area. Bald eagles, ospreys, hawks, and vultures can be seen at high altitudes riding the winds. Other birds may be observed including egrets, gulls, brown pelicans, roseate spoonbills, kingfisher, terns, frigates, white pelicans, ducks, and coots.

A word about canoeing or kayaking etiquette around bird colonies: Don’t go ashore at any posted islands. Sometimes birds roost or nest in places that are not posted. As a general rule, remain 20‑30 yards offshore. You are too close if the birds stop what they are doing to watch you or begin to move away; you are at their “flushing distance,” and you need to move slowly farther away and keep paddles low. Birds need lots of energy for nesting and migrating. Adding stress could take away their ability to survive.

AREA HISTORY

The shorelines you paddle by, especially Terra Ceia areas, are dotted with shell middens (discarded food remains of shell and bone as well as broken pottery and tools) of the Tocobaga Indians. They inhabited the area from as early as 900 AD to the 1600's. Many of their tribal names and traditions are lost to us.

The Tocobaga Indians, named after a high chief, primarily inhabited the area between Tarpon Springs and Sarasota. The village typically consisted of a configuration of mounds. The man‑made mound summit served as a foundation for structures like temples, ceremonial stages, village residences, and the chief’s residence.

On Snead Island, within the boundaries of Emerson Point Preserve, the Portavant Mound (or Snead Island Temple Mound) is noted for its size and is the largest temple mound in the Tampa Bay area. Excavations of Tocobaga mounds have revealed a myriad of artifacts suggesting they subsisted mainly on fish and shellfish, practiced limited agriculture, and hunted game. The pottery fragments indicate a culture rich with art. Disturbance or collection of artifacts from these areas is prohibited by state and federal laws. Please take only photos, leave only footprints.

Native Fishing Practices by Larry May
Native Fishing Practices
by Larry May

Manatee County Paddle Trail Segments

Google Paddle Maps

PADDLING SAFETY & TRIP PREPARATION

To ensure you have a safe and pleasurable trip please note the following paddle trip and safety information.

REQUIRED BY LAW

Take a first aid kit when kayaking
  • Flotation Gear - Florida law requires a United States Coast Guard (USCG) approved, readily accessible and wearable personal flotation device (PFD) for each occupant. PFD’s must be worn by all occupants under six years of age.
  • Marine whistle, bell, or horn (USCG approved).
  • Visual Distress Signal USCG approved flag, S-O-S light, orange smoke signals, or red flares (only required at night). Flashlight and extra batteries are recommended.
  • A Florida fishing license is required for persons 16 years of age and older.
  • All canoes and kayaks with motors must be registered.
  • All canoes and kayaks longer than 16 feet must be titled and display a white light with 360º visibility from the watercraft when on the water dusk to dawn.

OTHER NECESSARY ITEMS

  • Extra paddle per boat.
  • First Aid kit, insect repellent and sunscreen.
  • Bow and stern lines (about 15 feet long is best).
  • Anchoring device with rope (length of rope should be 5 to 7 times depth of water).
  • Hand bilge pump and large sponge to remove water from boat.
  • Inflatable bladders in open spaces of kayak or canoe for flotation of craft if taking on water.
  • Navigation - trail map, marine map and/or nautical chart of the Tampa and Sarasota Bay areas, and compass at a minimum. A handheld GPS unit is recommended for trips on open water.
  • Hat and sunglasses.
  • Waterproof storage bags.
  • Shoes.

PADDLING TIPS: PLAY IT SAFE & KNOW THE WATER

  • CHECK THE MARINE FORECAST - If your trip is on Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay or any non-inland coastal waters, be sure to heed any Small Craft Advisories.
  • KNOW CURRENT CONDITIONS - Wind, tides, river level, etc. Paddling against strong winds and tides can make the trip very difficult and non-enjoyable. And, some trails may be impassible at low tide. Check tide tables and plan your trip accordingly so as not to get stranded in a backwater area at low tide.
  • EQUIPMENT - CANOES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR OPEN WATER TRAILS. Sea kayaks with spray skirts and sit-a-tops are the recommended equipment for open water trips in Tampa Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), and coastal areas especially in winter months where wind and waves can be higher.
  • USE CAUTION IN OPEN WATER - Coastal area in and around Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay can be subject to fast approaching thunderstorms and lightning in summer months and high winds and waves in winter months. Stay close to shore. BRIDGES - Use extreme caution when traveling under a bridge - currents can be very swift and watch for fishing lines.
  • MOTORBOATS AND PERSONAL WATERCRAFT - Watch for motorboats and personal watercraft and stay to the right and turn the bow (front) into the wake.
  • TRIP LENGTH - Allow a minimum of two miles per hour paddling time under normal conditions.
  • PLANNING - Let someone know your plans, where you are going, who’s with you, and when you plan to be back. Paddle in a group or with a buddy. Last boat should be the
  • most experienced paddler.
  • BRING DRINKING WATER - Bring at least 1 gallon per person/per day.
  • FOOD - Bring food and gear in watertight containers tied to your boat.
  • Secure your car and take your keys with you.
  • HYPOTHERMIA - Warning signs include uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, lack of coordination, and poor concentration. Get victim into a shelter and remove wet clothes. Give fluids and food until warmed. Hypothermia can occur in summer with wind and rain.
Sunset Paddling by Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Sunset Paddling
by Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Enjoy life and nature! Go out paddling!