Boating and Paddling
Δ Boating and Paddling
Whether you paddle a kayak that can float in a few inches of water or operate a powerboat capable of running several miles offshore, access into the waters in and around SMNWR is available at over a dozen designated launch sites. In addition, several launch sites are found outside the Refuge that provide access into Refuge waters. Kayaks, canoes, and other small boats can be launched at many undesignated access locations.
Boats offer a different perspective to the resources and scenery in the Refuge. Some wildlife, such as sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees are far more likely to be seen well from a boat rather than from land. Oyster bars and salt marshes, inaccessible from land, provide good birding opportunities. Viewing the lighthouse from the bay is a quite different experience than seeing it from the parking lot.
Your time on the water will be most enjoyable if you come prepared with proper equipment and know the water, tide, and weather conditions. The St. Marks NWR Fishing Guide, available at the Visitor Center, has good information on the rules for boating access in the refuge. The most popular and accessible boating access sites are along Lighthouse Road, and a few words about them follows.
From Lighthouse Road
The Refuge pools are open to hand-launched small boats powered by electric trolling motors and paddlecraft from March 15 through October 15; all pools are closed to boat traffic the remainder of the year to protect wildlife. Occasionally, a pool may be closed during the normally open period to protect wildlife. Water levels and salinity vary in the pools in response to rainfall and management decisions.
The parking area at the southern terminus of Lighthouse road provides access directly into Apalachee Bay for boats that can be hand launched. Depending on the winds and tide, you may have water a few feet from the parking area or have to walk quite a way over tidal flats to reach water. Paddling either west or east will take you past miles of undeveloped shoreline with access to numerous tidal creeks.
If you have a larger boat, the salt water boat ramp just north of the lighthouse provides good access to Apalachee Bay and its adjacent creeks and salt marshes. Be aware that this is not an all tides boat ramp and is unusable at low tide. Get a tide chart and plan your trip accordingly. Also, wind can strongly affect tide. A strong north wind will suppress predicted high tide levels. The saltwater boat ramp is for private watercraft only. Commercial boats, personal watercraft (aka “jet-skis”), and air boats are prohibited. Apalachee Bay is a wonderful place to go boating, but it is rife with oyster bars, shallow water, rocks, and submerged pilings. Have a detailed and current navigational chart and proceed slowly until you become familiar with the area.
Know the tides and weather, bring water, sun protection, and life jackets and enjoy your refuge from the water.
"Boating and Paddling at St. Marks" was provided by Matt Johnstone local birder, boater, cyclist and Refuge volunteer
Canoe or Kayak Routes in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge by Jody Walthall is available in the Nature Store Online.
