Last updated: June 1, 2021
Thing to Do
Paddle to Loggerhead Key
Loggerhead is the largest island in the park and offers great snorkeling and nearly empty beaches. A boating permit is required for all vessels in the park, including kayaks and paddle boards. Please visit the dock house information room to complete this free permit. Required equipment for any kayak use includes a PFD (Personal Floatation Device), a signaling device (typically a whistle and/or hand-held mirror) and a portable VHF radio. These items should be brought from the mainland by the kayaker, there are no services at the park.
Before starting your trip:
Please ask staff for any closures of protected zones.
Let staff or a fellow camper know where you are going, as well as an estimated return time. Check the weather, tides, and winds.
You can launch your kayak at the dinghy beach, which is between the main dock and the old south coaling dock.
When you return from paddling, check back in with either a fellow camper or a park ranger.
Before starting your trip:
Please ask staff for any closures of protected zones.
Let staff or a fellow camper know where you are going, as well as an estimated return time. Check the weather, tides, and winds.
You can launch your kayak at the dinghy beach, which is between the main dock and the old south coaling dock.
When you return from paddling, check back in with either a fellow camper or a park ranger.
Details
Activity
Paddling
View incredible underwater worlds while paddling your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
Age(s)
Can be a strenuous paddle for the inexperienced.
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
West Garden Key Dinghy Beach
On the harbor side of Garden Key there are two "dinghy beaches" that serve as small vessel launches. These beaches are outside of the swim zone to avoid collisions with snorkelers. W. Garden Key Dinghy Beach is closest to the campground and shortest distance to Loggerhead.
All small vessels (kayaks, dinghies, canoes) should use the dinghy beach to the West of the dock on Loggerhead to gain safest access to the island.
All small vessels (kayaks, dinghies, canoes) should use the dinghy beach to the West of the dock on Loggerhead to gain safest access to the island.
Reservations
No
Time of Day
Day
Loggerhead Key is only open during daylight hours and it's more difficult to be seen by boaters when paddling before sunrise and after sunset.
Accessibility Information
Loggerhead Key is 3 miles to the west of Garden Key and can take several hours to paddle round trip. This trip involves crossing deep, open water with very strong currents.