Where to Paddle / Paddling Weedon Island Preserve
Paddling Weedon Island Preserve
Mangrove tunnels, open bay water, and a marked paddling trail through a 3,000-acre preserve between St. Petersburg and Tampa.
Access & parking
Weedon Island Preserve is on the west shore of Tampa Bay, reached from Gandy Boulevard. The preserve has a public launch area near the end of Weedon Drive SE. Entry is free. The preserve is managed by Pinellas County; check their page for current hours and any closures.
Launching
The dedicated hand-launch area serves kayaks and paddleboards. From the launch, the South Paddling Trail loops roughly 4 miles through mangroves and open water; sections are marked with trail signs. A map or GPS track is strongly recommended — the mangrove tunnels can disorient first-timers.
Beginner suitability
The trail is beginner-friendly on calm days, but it is a longer loop than most first-timers expect. Winds across the open bay sections can make the return leg work. Go at a comfortable tide — very low tides can leave sections shallow.
Facilities
The preserve has a cultural and natural history center, boardwalks, an observation tower, restrooms, and picnic areas. There is no fresh water on the trail.
Safety & restrictions
Mangrove sections have limited phone signal and no quick exit — tell someone your plan. Summer heat and bugs are serious; bring water and repellent. Check tides and weather before launching. Verify preserve hours and any trail closures on the county site.
Nearby alternatives
Riviera Bay and the Coffeepot Bayou area for shorter sheltered paddles; Fort De Soto for open-water options.
Official information
Rules, hours, fees, and closures change. Always verify with the official source before you go:
This guide was last verified on 2026-09-06. We do not guarantee this location is open or conditions are safe on any particular day.
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