OCEAN KAYAKING AT MICKLER’S BEACHFRONT PARK

For those looking for a little more adventurous kayaking experience, get out on the ocean and get a real active kayak workout.

Ocean Kayaking Experience

For many visitors and residents alike, a Ponte Vedra Beach water experience has to include the ocean. By combining kayaking and the ocean, you get the best of both worlds. You might even try Standup Paddle Boarding on the ocean if your really adventurous.

There are many spots that you can try this ocean experience but give Micklers Landing Beach a try. It’s located on the southern end of Ponte Vedra Beach, just north of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve. You can park at the adjacent lot and there are restrooms, showers and a mix of pavilions, picnic tables and grills if you want to extend your stay after your kayaking experience.

Micklers Beach provides a relatively gradual shoreline and waves are typically moderate, so it is easier to launch your kayak. As you are launching, pull the kayak into knee-deep water before getting in and position the kayak directly into oncoming waves. It is a good idea to stay close to the shoreline so that if you do capsize and can’t get back into the kayak, it’s easy to get back to land.

As you are out kayaking, remember these waters are very sensitive ecosystems that can easily be damaged. You can be a “Sustainable PVB Guest” by keeping these tips in mind.

  • Bring a refillable water bottle that can be attached to your vessel to eliminate any plastics from accidentally entering the water.
  • Take advantage of the water bottle filling station to refill reusable water bottles at Mickler’s Landing Park.
  • Use the trash station to discard garbage and visitors and residents are encouraged to recycle—look for recycling bins at Mickler’s Park.
  • Enjoy the water by wearing a hat and ocean safe sunscreens. Stick to sunscreens that are free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, two of the most common ingredients found in chemical formulas.

Details

Experience: Ocean Kayaking at Mickler’s Beachfront Park

Address: 1109 Ponte Vedra Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082

Hours: Sunrise to sunset

Website: http://www.sjcfl.us/Beaches/Access.aspx

Facilities Available: Off-beach parking, walkover from the parking area, restrooms, showers, bike racks, benches, pavilion, picnic tables, grills, lifeguards staffed seasonally

Level of Difficulty: Can vary significantly depending on weather and wave size

Other Information: Visit the Ponte Vedra Visitor Information Center to learn more about the area.

Tips From The Experts

  1. Beat the heat in the summer by getting on the water early.  This is a popular park so by going earlier in the day you’ll have more of the beach to yourself and have an easier time parking.
  2. Bring a hat, sunscreen, camera, phone, water and wear comfortable clothing for paddling that can get wet. Also think about getting waterproof phone cases and sun protective clothing.
  3. If you are renting equipment, book ahead! By making a reservation for your rentals ahead of time, all you have to do is show up and get on the water faster!
  4. Plan for a picnic after your kayaking experience, there are great picnic tables and pavilions for use.