Imagine paddling through gently-flowing blackwater under towering 1,000-year-old cypress trees as a naturalist safely leads you deep into the heart of an old-growth forest. That’s the experience on a Beidler Forest kayak trip. You’ll treasure this unique view of the swamp for the rest of your life!

2024-2025 Kayak Schedule:

All paddling trips at Beidler Forest are guided and require advanced registration. Trips are offered when water levels in the swamp are above a minimum level. As of July 2024, the water in the swamp is very low and no kayak trips are planned at this time. This page (and our social media pages) will be updated once trips are being offered again. To be the first to know, sign up using our Kayak & Canoe Interest Form to secure your tickets once trips are available. Spaces are limited and trips sell out fast.

Kayak Trip Pricing:

• Adults (13 and up) - $50.00
• Children (8-12 years old) - $25.00
• Note: this program is not recommended for children under 8 years old.

Details, Itinerary, and Other Information

Trip Length & Itinerary: Kayak trips generally last 3-4 hours, though note that you will not be on the water this entire time. Trip participants meet their guide(s) at the scheduled start time in Beidler Forest Visitor Center to sign-in, fill out liability waivers, and go through a trip itinerary. After this, participants will caravan to the launch point approximately four miles away. NOTE: the access road for our boat launch can be muddy depending on recent weather conditions; please be advised and prepare accordingly. Once participants reach the launch point, our guides will provide a paddling overview and safety instructions, after which guides will assign each participant to a boat and the kayak trip will begin. Approximate time on the water is two hours.

Reservations Required: Seasonal trips must be reserved online at least 24 hours in advance. Follow this link to make your reservation today. We suggest that you sign up early - our canoe trips are very popular attractions, so they fill up fast! Call 843-487-9988 or email beidler@audubon.org with any questions.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees for kayak trips are non-refundable. However, if we decide to cancel the trip due to inclement weather, you will be fully reimbursed, and we will notify you at least 24 hours in advance.

Availability: As stated above, kayak trips are subject to having enough water in the swamp from recent rains. Based on historic water levels, trip conditions become increasingly unlikely from June through September.

Equipment: We have several single kayaks, one 2-person kayak, and five 2-person canoes. What boats are used depends on the number of participants and will be determined by the guide on the day of your tour. We also provide life vests and paddles, which are included in your trip registration fee.

Your Own Equipment: We allow you to bring your own kayaks, paddles, and life vests, but we require you to be able to transport your boat(s) atop your vehicle instead of on a pull-behind trailer. We do not recommend bringing a kayak with a rudder unless you want to become more acquainted with every fallen tree just under the water!

Experience: We recommend that you arrive with some kayaking/canoeing experience. Our trips require you to maneuver between cypress knees, through narrow creek channels, and play around POISON IVY.

Clothing & Shoes: Bring clothing appropriate for the day's weather conditions. Wear shoes that can get wet, and keep in mind that paddles can dribble water onto your lap. Pads for your back are okay to bring.

Outdoor Gear: Binoculars and cameras are welcome! A waterproof bag is recommended since there's no guarantee that you’ll be dry the entire trip.

Food & Drink: We suggest planning to eat before or after your trip. While we do pause at several places along the trail, we do not exit boats to eat lunch. Bringing snacks along to munch during a pause is a great idea, and we definitely recommend bringing plenty of water.

No: Alcoholic beverages, firearms, or pets allowed.