Kayaking the Loxahatchee River is one of the best ways to see what Old Florida may have been like up close.  Kayaking provides a rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of endangered, threatened, and unique animals, such as the bald eagle. It can take five hours or more to make the eight-mile trip from Riverbend Park in Jupiter to Jonathan Dickinson State Park, the largest state park in southeast Florida. You can rent a kayak easily at Riverbend Park Rentals or Canoe and Kayak Rentals at Jonathon Dickinson State Park.

There are kayaking options which are easier and family and kid friendly. There are welcoming 1-2 hour paddle tours as well. The river is lined with cypress trees, ferns, air plants and cypress knees along a narrow, twisty route. Expect to see birds, turtles, and alligators along the way.

On one of the more challenging, longer kayaking trips, you could stop at Trapper Nelson’s camp to explore and enjoy a picnic lunch. If you would rather not kayak and prefer to let someone else do the work, try a pontoon boat ride on the Loxahatchee River. Just book a river ride on the Manatee Queen pontoon boat.