Topwater Kayaks is top notch! It is conveniently located conveniently inside Fort DeSoto with…read moredirect water access (no hauling kayaks to a launch spot, no dredging through a crowded/murky marina). We rented 2 paddle boards and 3 single kayaks this morning and headed out for a very lovely morning on the water!
This was our first trip out of this area, and it appears to be quite popular with kayakers and paddle boarders. The scenery is all nature and all beautiful, shallow water that was a little on the murky side today until we got out of the mangroves and into more open water where the bottom was visible. The launch area is secluded and surrounded by mangroves, and the sights are beautiful from the minute you launch. On our way out, we saw a bright red water snake and some crabs along the shore. Along our kayaking route, we spotted lots of small fish, friendly cormorants, manatees, and (possibly) a large tarpon.
We saw a quite a few manatee snouts poking up from the water along our route, which was very cool...to see them, you kind of have to sit quietly and still for a bit and skim the water. Something very large got spooked under my son's kayak causing a huge stir in the shallow water, which scared him half to death and for a moment we thought he'd actually tipped over.
The guys at the rental counter said it was most likely a large tarpon. They (the staff) were GREAT...super helpful and super friendly. They provide all the equipment you need, single or double kayaks, paddle boards, oars, life jackets, bottled water available. Don't forget to bring a water resistant Bluetooth speaker, towels, and some sunblock.
We will definitely be returning to Topwater soon!