NOCATEE PADDLE LAUNCH
Want to experience one of the newest ways to get on the water, try the Paddle Launch at Nocatee Landing. The launch provides easy kayak or paddle board access to the Tolomato River, with a great mix of surrounding amenities.
Nocatee Paddle Launch Experience
Opened in 2019, Nocatee Landing is located at the southern trailhead of the Nocatee Preserve, adjacent to the Tolomato River. You access the launch via Tolomato Road, the road is partially paved and then continues as gravel. There is convenient on-site parking and solar-powered restrooms and any non-motorized water sport can be launched from this location.
Before you launch, take in the open-air pavilion that provides amazing views of the river and surrounding areas. You can bring your own equipment or use one of the area’s outfitters that can deliver kayaks and additional equipment directly to the launch.
A great thing about the Tolomato River is that you can have a quick hour or two experience or go for an experience that takes the better part of a day. The undeveloped nature of much of the area allows you to see a great diversity of natural environments and you’ll likely see a mix of wildlife.
Take your time looking around Pine Island, there are lots of small inlets to discover or try some of the smaller tributaries into Deep Creek State Forest. You need to be aware that there can be significant tidal changes along the waterway and currents can be strong.
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.
- Stick to sunscreens that are free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, two of the most common ingredients found in chemical formulas.
- Be careful when launching your kayak, or when entering or exiting waters along the way – make sure you are not disturbing sensitive vegetation or habitat used by area wildlife.
- Keep the “natural” in “natural areas” by packing in what you pack out.
Details
Experience: Nocatee Paddle Launch
Address: 2015 Nocatee Landing Trail, Nocatee, Florida 32081
From Nocatee Parkway, head south on Crosswater Parkway about 3 miles to a roundabout. Take the eastern exit of the roundabout onto Nocatee Landing Trail. The road is paved for 0.7 miles, then continues as a gravel road for another 1.2 miles to the Landing.
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Website: https://www.nocatee.com/lifestyle/nocatee-landing
Facilities Available: Nocatee Landing has a great open-air pavilion, on-site parking, restrooms, bike racks and launch facilities.
Level of Difficulty: Easy to challenging – waters on the Tolomato River can have significant tidal changes and currents can be strong
Other Information: As one of the newest launch facilities in the area many are not aware of the great time you can have at this location.
Visit the Ponte Vedra Visitor Information Center to learn more about the area.
Tips From The Experts
- Beat the heat in the summer by getting on the water early. The birds are usually more active in the morning as well.
- 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.
- 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!