Boating

Kayaking Mosquito Lagoon

NPS/Photo Steele

 

Kayaking Mosquito Lagoon

Looking for a serene place to paddle? Mosquito Lagoon offers 156 miles of recreational opportunities. One things folks like to do is to kayak the lagoon. There are boat ramps on either side of the lagoon and in multiple areas outside of the seashore. You may choose to launch at the Apollo Beach 24 hour boat ramp. 2/3 of Canaveral National Seashore is in Mosquito Lagoon. Experience your park from a whole new perspective! Just a few minutes from shore and you can experience complete solitude. But before you put into the water, please plan for a safe trip. Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your outdoor adventure.

Tips for Kayaking Smart:

1. Check the weather before you go: wind direction and speed, the temperature and rain/lightening forecast.
2. Wear sunscreen or sunscreen clothing.
3. Follow boating rules such as having a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II or III life jacket and wear it. Bring a whistle.
4. Bring water, stay hydrated. Don't mix alcohol and boating.
5. Tell someone your paddle plan, i.e. where you are going and when you will be back.
6. Bring your cell phone in a dry bag.
7. Plan your route on a map. The mangrove islands are one giant maze if you don't know the local area. Stay in open areas if unfamiliar with the area.

 

 

NPS/Photo

 

Weather Check

• Be Prepared

Boat launching locations within the Seashore:

 

Apollo Beach

1. Apollo Beach boat ramp - located just before the park gates this 24 hour boat ramp offers launching for kayaks and canoes as well as motor boats such as flats boats tailored for lagoon navigation. Note there is separate parking for vehicles with trailors and without trailors. It is on the east side of the lagoon. 
2. Apollo Beach parking area 6 & 7 has an opening for kayak launching and is only accessible during park operating hours. It is on the east side of the lagoon.
3. Apollo Beach parking area 5 has a ramps available for motor boats and canoes/kayaks. It is only accessible during park operating hours located on the east side of the lagoon. 

For more information call the Apollo Visitor Center: [phone] ext. 0.

Seminole Rest Historic Site - There is a canoe/kayak launch area just a short walk from the parking area down the trail on the west side of the lagoon. Note is is only accessible from sunrise to sunset. There is no fee.

 

• Playalinda Beach - There is one boat launch at the Eddy Creek parking lot. Note it is only accessible during park operating hours. 

Boat Launch Areas Outside of the Seashore

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - The refuge is located on the edge of Mosquito Lagoon as well. There is a $10 cash daily fee for improved boat ramps. They have a few boat launches.

 

1. Beacon 42 boat ramp - is a 24 hour boat ramp. It is a 24 hour boat ramp for motor boat and canoe/kayak.
2. Bair's Cove boat ramp - is currently closed for repair. It is a 24 hour boat ramp for motor boat and canoe/kayak.
3. Biolab boat ramp - is accessble sunrise to sunset for motor boats or canoe/kayaks.
4. WSEG boat ramp - is accessible sunrise to sunset for motor boats as well as canoe/kayaks.

Volusia County Boat Launches - There are various boat launch areas located througout Volusia County.

 

1. River Breeze Park - is located in Oak Hill on the west side on Mosquito Lagoon and a free 24 hour boat ramp.
2. Menard-May Park -  Is a City of Edgewater park that has a free primitve boat launch accessible from sunrise to sunset.