Calm waters, scenic shorelines, and miles of waterfront make Panama City one of the best places to kayak and paddleboard in Northwest Florida. Protected by Shell Island, St. Andrews Bay offers smooth conditions that are ideal for first-time paddlers while still providing plenty to explore for experienced adventurers. Paddle along the shoreline, watch dolphins surface nearby, discover hidden coves, or enjoy a colorful sunset from the water.

Whether you’re looking for a guided paddleboard tour, a unique nighttime excursion, or simply a place to launch your own board, Panama City has plenty of ways to get out on the bay. Here’s where to rent a paddleboard, book a tour, and find the best launch points for your next adventure.

Where to Rent a Paddleboard in Panama City

Bayside Rentals

Located next to the Destination Panama City Visitors Center in Downtown Panama City, Bayside Rentals offers one of the easiest ways to get out on the water. Their paddleboards launch directly into the calm waters of St. Andrews Bay, making it simple to start exploring within minutes of arriving. In addition to paddleboards, they also offer hydrobikes and pontoon boat rentals, giving visitors multiple ways to experience the bay. The protected shoreline is especially inviting for beginners, while experienced paddlers can venture farther along the waterfront to enjoy expansive bay views.

Glow Float

Experience paddleboarding from a new perspective with Glow Float’s nighttime tours on St. Andrews Bay. Their guided excursions feature LED illuminated paddleboards that transform the water beneath you into a vibrant display of color as you glide across the bay after sunset. Calm evening waters, star-filled skies, and the chance to spot marine life below make Glow Float one of the most memorable paddleboarding experiences in Panama City.

Best Places to Launch Your Paddleboard in Panama City

Already have your own paddleboard or kayak? Panama City offers several public launch locations with easy access to St. Andrews Bay.

Destination Panama City Visitors Center

Located directly on the waterfront in Downtown Panama City, the Destination Panama City Visitors Center is one of the area’s most popular launch spots. Before heading out, stop inside for free visitor information, local recommendations, maps, and souvenirs. Once you’re on the water, you’ll appreciate convenient amenities including public restrooms and outdoor showers waiting when you return.

Asbell Park

Asbell Park along Beach Drive combines beautiful waterfront scenery with easy bay access. Launch into calm waters while enjoying views of the shoreline, waterfront homes, and passing boats. Dolphins are frequent visitors, making this a favorite location for wildlife watching. After your paddle, relax on the bayside beach, enjoy a picnic beneath the shade trees, or unwind in one of the colorful Adirondack chairs overlooking the water.

Oaks by the Bay Park

Launching from Oaks by the Bay Park means combining outdoor recreation with local history. Before reaching the shoreline, stroll beneath the branches of the historic Old Sentry Oak, admire chainsaw sculptures created by renowned artist Chad Gainey, and pass an original Civil War salt kettle marked by a Florida Historical Marker. Boardwalks lead to the water, where calm bay conditions provide an enjoyable paddle for all experience levels.

Carl Gray Park

Carl Gray Park offers a spacious launch area with sandy shoreline access, making it easy to carry your paddleboard or kayak to the water. The protected bay creates calm paddling conditions, while picnic pavilions and green space make it a great place to spend the entire afternoon. Anglers, birdwatchers, and paddlers alike appreciate this quiet waterfront setting.

St. Andrews State Park

One of Florida’s most popular state parks, St. Andrews State Park offers countless opportunities to explore by paddleboard or kayak. Paddle through the protected lagoon, along the shoreline, or toward the jetties where marine life is often visible beneath the clear water. Dolphins, shorebirds, and seasonal wildlife frequently make appearances throughout the park. When your paddle is complete, enjoy the beaches, hiking trails, and natural beauty that make St. Andrews State Park a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Looking for a Longer Paddle?

For paddlers interested in exploring beyond Panama City, Northwest Florida is home to several designated paddling trails. The Florida Paddling Trails system includes nearby routes through Econfina Creek and Holmes Creek, both known for their natural beauty and diverse ecosystems.

More experienced paddlers can also explore portions of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, a 1,515-mile route that traces Florida’s coastline through state parks, wildlife refuges, aquatic preserves, and scenic waterways. Longer excursions require careful planning, appropriate safety equipment, and knowledge of weather and tides before launching.

Plan Your Paddleboarding Adventure in Panama City

From peaceful morning paddles and guided nature tours to glowing nighttime adventures, paddleboarding is one of the best ways to experience Panama City’s waterfront. Calm bayside waters, abundant wildlife, and convenient launch locations make it easy for paddlers of every skill level to get on the water.

Whether you’re renting a board for the first time or bringing your own equipment, Panama City offers endless opportunities to explore St. Andrews Bay one paddle stroke at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paddleboarding in Panama City

Where is the best place to paddleboard in Panama City?

St. Andrews Bay is one of the best places to paddleboard in Panama City thanks to its calm, protected waters. Popular launch locations include the Destination Panama City Visitors Center, Asbell Park, Oaks by the Bay Park, Carl Gray Park, and St. Andrews State Park.

Can beginners go paddleboarding in Panama City?

Yes. The calm waters of St. Andrews Bay make Panama City an excellent destination for first-time paddleboarders.

Where can I rent a paddleboard in Panama City?

You can rent paddleboards from Bayside Rentals in Downtown Panama City or book a guided experience with Katie’s Paddleboard Adventures. For a unique evening adventure, Glow Float offers guided nighttime paddleboard tours on illuminated boards.

Is paddleboarding better in the bay or the Gulf?

For most visitors, St. Andrews Bay offers the best paddleboarding conditions. The bay is protected by Shell Island, creating calmer waters that are ideal for beginners, families, and anyone looking for a more relaxing paddle.

What wildlife might I see while paddleboarding?

Depending on the season and location, you may spot dolphins, pelicans, herons, osprey, stingrays, schools of fish, and other coastal wildlife while exploring St. Andrews Bay.

Can I paddleboard at sunset?

Absolutely. Sunset is one of the most popular times to paddleboard in Panama City thanks to cooler temperatures and beautiful views across the bay. If you’re looking for an unforgettable evening on the water, Glow Float’s nighttime kayak tours offer a completely different experience after dark.

When is the best time of year to paddleboard in Panama City?

Paddleboarding is enjoyable year-round in Panama City, though spring, summer, and fall typically offer the warmest water and the longest days. Morning and evening paddles often provide the calmest conditions.