Florida's Inland Waterways: 7 Rivers to Put on Your Boating Bucket List
From gently flowing streams with glass-like conditions to swift-moving currents and Class II rapids, Florida’s rivers and tributaries flow along wide shorelines, grassy marshes and forests filled with cypress, live oak and tupelo trees. These rivers provide recreation, natural scenery and transportation whether they’re heading to the Atlantic, the Gulf or even going south to north.
You can find lots of river activities and excursions in the Panhandle, along the Atlantic ICW or in the southwest and central regions of the state. Wherever your private boat dock rental is, there’s bound to be a river nearby. Keep reading to find some we think you need to add to your boating bucket list.
Chattahoochee and Apalachicola Rivers
Apalachicola River (Courtesy: Doug McGrady/Flickr)
Our first waterway gives us two rivers for the price of one. The Chattahoochee runs along the border of Alabama/Georgia, then along the Florida/Georgia border as it flows south into the Panhandle northwest of Tallahassee. It empties into Lake Seminole and then exits and becomes the Apalachicola River where it winds and snakes its way to Apalachicola Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico.
Fresh seafood, coastal towns and tupelo tree blossoms greet visitors to this scenic region. Apalachicola National Park and Tate’s Hell State Forest feature activities such as fishing, rock climbing, hunting, hiking and nature viewing.
St. Johns River
Airboat on the St. Johns River
The longest in Florida, the St. Johns River flows for 310 miles. It starts the journey in Indian River County, near Vero Beach, and ends in Jacksonville at the Atlantic. It has the unique distinction of flowing from south to north. Not many rivers do that. Serious anglers consider the St. Johns one of the best fishing rivers around.
Hontoon Island State Park is only accessible by a private boat or the park’s ferry, so if you’re seeking peace and serenity, you’ll enjoy this little slice of paradise. There are canoe rentals as well as picnic areas, a playground and overnight boat slip rentals. Visit Blue Springs State Park, spend the day exploring Jacksonville or take an airboat ride through the grassy swamplands as you search for gators.
Suwannee River
Suwannee State Park (Courtesy: Wikimedia)
The Suwannee flows about 246 from southern Georgia into the Florida Panhandle, where it heads west to the Gulf of Mexico. Cypress trees, moss-covered oaks and limestone boulders surround this peaceful river. Gather the kids and go hiking, canoeing or kayaking at Suwannee River State Park. There are natural springs, a boat ramp, a 19th-century steamship, Civil War-era forts and remnants of a ghost town. Other sites along the river include Fanning Springs and the Lower Suwanee National Wildlife Refuge.
Indian River
Courtesy: U.S. Fish and Wildlife/Flickr
The Indian River Lagoon System (which includes the Indian River, the Banana River and Mosquito Lagoon) is a brackish section of the ICW. It contains an incredibly diverse variety of plants and animals and is considered one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the Northern Hemisphere. Take an eco-tour, book a fishing charter or spend the day relaxing at Sebastian Inlet.
Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park, located south of Melbourne, has mangrove wetlands, salt marshes and an array of native birds and other wildlife. If you feel like really getting away from it all, check out the Spoil Islands, which are man-made islands created by channel dredging. The area is only accessible by boats, kayaks, canoes or even SUPs. Small boats can be pulled up onto shore, but you’ll need to anchor out bigger vessels.
The Indian River starts its run near Ponce de Leon Inlet, near New Smyrna Beach, and flows south to Haulover Canal. It continues west of Merritt Island and flows on to St. Lucie Inlet. It’s a convenient area to check out if your boat dock rental is near Titusville, the ICW or Cocoa Beach.
Caloosahatchee River
Courtesy: Wikimedia
Now we head to the Sunshine State’s southwest coast. At 67 miles long, the Caloosahatchee River connects Lake Okeechobee to San Carlos Bay at Sanibel Island. It flows north of the Everglades through Fort Myers and Cape Coral to the Gulf of Mexico.
Along its banks, you’ll discover quaint towns, citrus farms and historic structures. Enjoy the riverfront from the restaurants, outdoor cafes and shops in downtown Fort Myers. Hiking, biking, birding and boating are all popular activities at Caloosahatchee Regional Park. Book a kayak tour or pack your camping gear and spend the weekend.
Hillsborough River
Courtesy: Edward Price/Flickr
The Hillsborough River is approximately 60 miles long. It runs from Tampa Bay to Green Swamp near Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties. This scenic and easily accessible river has a section that’s a designated Florida paddling trail (the Hillsborough River Paddling Trail). It’s within easy access to a private boat dock rental along Tampa Bay or Clearwater Beach. Rent a two-person mini powerboat to explore the river and enjoy the scenery of downtown Tampa.
Hillsborough State Park, open since 1938, is one of Florida’s first state parks. It has the unique feature of Class II rapids running through the park. Fishing, canoeing and kayaking are all popular as well as picnicking, camping and visiting Fort Foster Historic Park.
The next time you need a new waterway to explore from your private boat slip, check out some of these rivers and tributaries. Happy Boating!
