By: Elizabeth Rakow
Published On: 4/30/2026
WE TRIED IT:
Kayaking in The Everglades
Gliding (slowly) through open waters is as serene as it sounds.
Sawgrass marshes, tree islands, and slow-moving critters dappled the scene as we took to our kayaks and entered the waters of Biscayne National Park. A mixed group of first-timers and seasoned paddlers set off on a first for all of them: kayaking in a national park known for its immense biodiversity. “I’ve been kayaking before on vacation but this was totally unique given the location!” said Eloise, an influencer who joined us for our NPF trip.
And she’s right, even if you’ve been kayaking before, you probably haven’t been kayaking like this.
In fact, ‘unique’ was one of the terms that came up a lot. A few of the others? ‘Fun,’ ‘peaceful,’ and ‘surprisingly good workout.’
Keep reading to find out how we spent a calm April morning in the Everglades and why kayaking (in a national park or elsewhere) might be the spring activity you’ve been searching for.
In fact, ‘unique’ was one of the terms that came up a lot. A few of the others? ‘Fun,’ ‘peaceful,’ and ‘surprisingly good workout.’
Keep reading to find out how we spent a calm April morning in the Everglades and why kayaking (in a national park or elsewhere) might be the spring activity you’ve been searching for.
WHERE WE WENT
Established in 1947, Everglades National Park was the first national park created specifically for its biodiversity. Protecting over 1.5 million acres of wetland, forest, and marine habitats, the park is home to thousands of native plants and animals, including endangered species like the Florida panther and manatee, along with over 350 types of birds. The park also provides a major source of drinking water for residents of South Florida and recreational opportunities for all.
We took our kayaking endeavor in Biscayne National Park, a premier destination for boating, snorkeling, diving, and fishing. 95% of the park is underwater and it’s home to the third largest coral reef in the world.
A proud partner of the National Parks Foundation, FP Movement was more than happy to explore the Everglades for a wide range of activities and hit the waters of Biscayne for a kayaking experience all our own.
We took our kayaking endeavor in Biscayne National Park, a premier destination for boating, snorkeling, diving, and fishing. 95% of the park is underwater and it’s home to the third largest coral reef in the world.
A proud partner of the National Parks Foundation, FP Movement was more than happy to explore the Everglades for a wide range of activities and hit the waters of Biscayne for a kayaking experience all our own.
WHAT WE DID
The thing about kayaking is that there aren’t a ton of prerequisites. As long as you feel physically comfortable getting into the boat and moving yourself through the water, kayaking is a great way to get outside and explore your environment in a new, interesting way.
For our kayaking trip, we spent the morning gliding through the water and taking in all of the interesting wildlife the Everglades had to offer. With lots of birds and fish surrounding us, we set our sights on some beautifully colored birds and even a few baby critters.
“We actually saw quite a few alligators (on our trip),” said Diana, “But my favorite close encounter were the pink birds in the Everglades.”
For our kayaking trip, we spent the morning gliding through the water and taking in all of the interesting wildlife the Everglades had to offer. With lots of birds and fish surrounding us, we set our sights on some beautifully colored birds and even a few baby critters.
“We actually saw quite a few alligators (on our trip),” said Diana, “But my favorite close encounter were the pink birds in the Everglades.”
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“Overall this experience was so fun, I would have loved to spend more time in the mangroves to try and see more animals!”
-Eloise
“So much fun! So peaceful and relaxing being out on the water early in the morning”
-Abby
“I thought it was such a cool experience. These are all activities I would be open to doing, but maybe wouldn't take the leap to do them myself, so I'm grateful to have done it all with FP Movement.”
-Diana
“I loved it!! Way easier than I expected and SO peaceful, I could’ve stayed out on the water for hours!”
-Tay
-Eloise
“So much fun! So peaceful and relaxing being out on the water early in the morning”
-Abby
“I thought it was such a cool experience. These are all activities I would be open to doing, but maybe wouldn't take the leap to do them myself, so I'm grateful to have done it all with FP Movement.”
-Diana
“I loved it!! Way easier than I expected and SO peaceful, I could’ve stayed out on the water for hours!”
-Tay
HOW WE MOVED
As you’d expect, kayaking is quite the arm workout, but it also requires a lot of core work and engages the back and shoulder muscles.
“Paddling back against the wind was definitely the hardest part - it was a good workout!” said Abby.
For some of us, the trick to the activity came from staying consistent with our boat partner. “We kept paddling on the same side and getting stuck,” said Tay, “turning around was a little tricky too!”
“Paddling back against the wind was definitely the hardest part - it was a good workout!” said Abby.
For some of us, the trick to the activity came from staying consistent with our boat partner. “We kept paddling on the same side and getting stuck,” said Tay, “turning around was a little tricky too!”
Think you’d like to try kayaking for yourself?
Here’s a few tips to get you started:
Find Your Center!
It may seem simple, but it’s important to keep your body upright and engaged so you avoid flipping. Hot tip: use your core muscles to twist and propel the boat so that you don’t tire out your arms!
Chart Your Course
Okay, since we’re talking basics: to turn right, paddle on the left side only. To turn left, paddle on the right side. To stop, place your paddle in the water and hold it steady, dragging it along to help you brake.
Easy Does It
Want to avoid falling into the water when getting in and out of your kayak? Always start in calm, shallow water close to shore, maintain a low center of gravity as you sit, and use your paddle for balance as necessary.
It may seem simple, but it’s important to keep your body upright and engaged so you avoid flipping. Hot tip: use your core muscles to twist and propel the boat so that you don’t tire out your arms!
Chart Your Course
Okay, since we’re talking basics: to turn right, paddle on the left side only. To turn left, paddle on the right side. To stop, place your paddle in the water and hold it steady, dragging it along to help you brake.
Easy Does It
Want to avoid falling into the water when getting in and out of your kayak? Always start in calm, shallow water close to shore, maintain a low center of gravity as you sit, and use your paddle for balance as necessary.
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