What to Wear Kayaking (A Guide for Florida and the Everglades)

You don't need special gear for a kayak tour, but what you wear makes a big difference to how comfortable you are. In South Florida the main things to plan for are sun, water, and (at certain times of day) bugs. Here's what we tell our guests.

1. Skip the cotton

Cotton soaks up water and stays wet, and wet clothes pull heat from your body even when the air feels warm. Choose quick-drying synthetics (nylon or polyester) or wool instead: athletic shorts, a swimsuit, a synthetic T-shirt or sun shirt. Leave jeans at home.

A good rule from paddling instructors: dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Cold-water shock can happen in water as warm as about 70°F. In Southwest Florida the Gulf is usually above 70°F from March to November, but it drops into the mid-60s in January and February.

2. Cover up for the sun

On the water you get sun from above and glare bouncing off the surface. Cover up rather than relying on sunscreen alone:

• A lightweight long-sleeve sun shirt rated UPF 50, which blocks about 98% of UV. Note that a plain wet T-shirt protects much less.
• A hat with a brim of 3 inches or more. Add a chin strap if it's windy.
• Sunglasses on a retention strap so they don't end up on the bottom. Polarized lenses also cut glare, which makes it easier to spot manatees and fish.
• Mineral sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher, water resistant) and SPF lip balm. Mineral formulas are considered a better option for reefs and marine life than some chemical sunscreens.

3. Wear shoes that stay on

You'll step into shallow water getting in and out of the kayak, and oyster beds and shells are sharp. Wear closed-toe water shoes, neoprene paddling booties, or sport sandals that strap to your feet. Please don't come in flip-flops; they come off in the mud, and going barefoot is a bad idea.

4. Plan for bugs

Mosquitoes and biting flies are worst in the wet season (May through November). In the drier winter months there are far fewer, but they can still show up around dawn and dusk, and tiny no-see-ums breed in coastal mangroves.

• Loose long sleeves and long pants are your best defense. Clothing treated with permethrin adds protection (apply it to clothes, never skin).
• Bring an EPA-registered repellent such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Put sunscreen on first and repellent on top.
• On dawn and dusk tours, a head net weighs almost nothing and can save the trip.

5. Layer up in winter

Florida winters are mild, with average highs in the upper 70s, but mornings can start in the 50s and a cold front can drop temperatures much lower. Layer so you can peel off clothes as the day warms: a synthetic base layer, a fleece, and a light waterproof shell to block wind and spray. Pack them in a dry bag once you warm up.

6. Wear your life jacket

Florida law requires a Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket on board for every person in a kayak, and children under 6 must wear one. Guided tours supply them, and wearing yours the whole time is the safest choice. Bright colors also make you easier for powerboats to see.

What to pack in your dry bag

• Water (more than you think) and a snack
• Your phone or camera in a waterproof case
• Sunscreen, lip balm, and bug repellent
• A light jacket or extra layer
• A small towel and a dry change of clothes for the ride home

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear kayaking in Florida?
Wear quick-drying synthetic clothing instead of cotton, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses with a strap, and closed-toe water shoes or sandals that strap to your feet. A lightweight long-sleeve sun shirt protects against both sun and bugs. On winter mornings, add a fleece and a windbreaker you can take off.

Should I wear cotton kayaking?
No. Cotton absorbs water and stays wet, which can leave you chilled even on a mild day. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, or wool, dry much faster.

Do you have to wear a life jacket in a kayak in Florida?
Florida law requires a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket on board for every person in a kayak or canoe, and children under 6 must wear one. Wearing yours at all times is the safest choice, and guided tours provide them.

Still nervous? That's normal. Call (239) 695-3633 and we'll talk you through it.