Summers have finally kicked in, and you’re probably ready to pack your bags and head out for a relaxing vacation. If you enjoy sunny sandy beaches and water sports, give paddle boarding St. George Island a try. The beautiful island is one of the best vacation spots in Florida and ideal for some unforgettable summertime fun.
Let the Adventures Begin
St. George Island is not an alone holiday destination, but it’s home to many segregated areas offering various activities. Here are our picks.
George Island Park
Also known as Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park, this is your first stop. This park joins the island at the east end and is an ideal point for groups and families. It is spread across nine miles of sandy coastline, dunes, and marshland, offering visitors a unique experience. The park is open throughout the year, so activities for every season run 365 days, attracting visitors from all over Florida.
St. George Island Park conjoins the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Apalachicola Bay on the other side. For a relaxed day out in the water, the Gulf side boasts of crystal blue waters and miles of white sand. Bring in your beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, games, food for the ultimate waterside getaway. Also, pack a camera to capture some picturesque moments for that beach vacay photo album.
The bayside is perfect for water sports enthusiasts. You can go kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. The streams are shallow and calm, so you need not worry if you’re new to such activities. This site is also ideal for birdwatching and fishing.
Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System
Situated on St. George/Florida border, the Apalachicola river grasps attention from locals and visitors alike. The river flows over 100 miles of swamp area and ends in the Gulf of Mexico.
It’s divided into 11 smaller trails, where paddlers, kayakers, and canoers of all skill levels can have that one-of-a-kind experience as some of the trails last a few hours while others can take up to a day or more to complete. Choose your path depending on your skills, stamina, and determination.
Apalachicola National Forest
The Apalachicola National Forest covers over 500,000 acres of flourished land, surrounded by pine trees and the last wiregrass habitat within the southeast region. It is the largest park in Florida and features hundreds of miles of hiking trails as well as the Florida scenic trail. Most of the trails are multi-use, so don’t be surprised if you spot people on mountain bikes or enjoying a horseback ride.
The forest comprises four main rivers, all of which are equipped with boat launches for an easy entrance into the stream. More than 700 ponds and lakes welcome visitors into the stunning habitat, allowing smooth canoeing and kayaking. The Apalachicola forest is also an excellent place for fishing.
If you’d like to stay and explore the forest without time limits, the nearby camping sites have all the necessities for a comfortable stay.
Best Places to Rent Paddle Gear in St. George Island
These are our top picks for water sports gear rental at St. George Island.
Journeys of St. George Island
Journeys of St. George Island is one the best outdoor adventure companies offering full-service guided tours, fishing charters, along with kayak, boat, and paddleboard sales and rent. You can choose between single or tandem models. Each kayak and canoe comes with paddles, vests, and tie-down straps. The team at Journey’s is there to help with any questions about the trip as well as insights on the best route, be it via the stream or ocean.
Island Outfitters
Island Outfitters has a varied range of paddleboards, kayaks, surfboards, and bodyboards to accompany you on your trip. You can choose a paddleboard according to your skills and experience level or get help from one of the trained staff members. You can either rent gear per hour or go for a five-day rental to avoid the hassle.
What to Bring?
Packing for vacation is exciting, but we’re also likely to forget something important. Here’s a list of essentials you’ll need for your trip:
- Photo ID
- Health Insurance Card
- Credit Cards
- Prescription Medication, if any
- Licenses (for fishing)
- Accommodation reservation documents
- Digital or DSLR camera for pictures
- Beachwear and gear
- Toiletries
Conclusion
Paddle boarding St. George Island is your ultimate escape to a memorable beach trip, with each day more fun than the previous one. If you can squeeze out a few days for quality time, head to Florida’s forgotten coast.
