What to Bring Kayaking in Florida: A Packing List for Cape Coral Paddlers

By Justin Lammers, owner of Grab N Go Kayaks and creator of the KayakDIY YouTube channel

Last updated: October 13, 2026

When I deliver a kayak to a canal home in southwest Cape, the first thing I notice is what people are wearing. Cotton tee, flip-flops, no hat, one small water bottle for a three-hour paddle. They are about to sit for hours on water that bounces the sun straight back up at them.

You do not need much to kayak well in Florida, but the few things that matter really matter. This list starts with what is already in your rental, so you do not pack what you have.

What is already included with a Grab N Go rental

Item	Included?	Notes
Paddle (or paddles for tandems)	Yes	Pedal kayaks include the pedal drive
Life vest (one per paddler)	Yes	Wear it the whole time
Dry bag	Yes	For phone, keys and wallet
Safety whistle	Yes	Clip it to your vest
Sunscreen, hat, water, snacks	No	Bring your own
Light for after dark	No	Bring your own
Fishing gear and license	No	See the fishing section

The legal side of that gear is in our guide to Florida kayak laws. Vest sizing matters, especially for kids, so text us before delivery and we will confirm what we can bring.

Sun protection

Florida sun on open water is stronger than most visitors expect: sun from above, glare off the water, and no shade on a canal. Cover up first, then use sunscreen on what is left.

• Sunscreen. Broad-spectrum, water-resistant, SPF 30 or higher. Many paddlers choose a mineral sunscreen labeled reef safe. Put it on 15 to 20 minutes before launch, bring it along to reapply, and remember the tops of your feet, knees, ears and neck.
• Lip balm with SPF. You will burn your lips without noticing.
• Hat. A wide brim works better than a ball cap. Use a chin strap or clip it to your vest, because a hat in the canal is gone.
• Polarized sunglasses with a strap. Polarized lenses cut glare so you can see into the water, which helps you spot fish, rays and shallow spots. The strap keeps them from sinking.
• Sun hoodie or long-sleeve UPF shirt. Lightweight, breathable, rated UPF 30 to 50. It is cooler than bare skin in direct sun and one less thing to reapply.

Heat is also a safety issue. The National Weather Service lists the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and our Cape Coral kayak safety guide covers what to do on the water.

What to wear kayaking in Florida

Dress for getting wet. The right clothes dry fast and do not rub.

• Top. A UPF sun hoodie or synthetic long-sleeve. Avoid heavy cotton, which holds water. In winter, bring a light windbreaker or fleece for mornings after a cold front, then take it off as the sun climbs.
• Bottoms. Quick-dry shorts, or lightweight quick-dry pants for leg coverage. Skip jeans.
• Shoes. Water shoes or closed-toe sport sandals with a heel strap. Flip-flops slip off and sink. Oysters grow on seawalls, pilings and mangrove roots in our brackish water, and the shells slice bare feet.
• Swimsuit. Wear one under your shorts if you plan to swim, and stay out of boat lanes.

Our month-by-month guide to the best time to kayak in Cape Coral explains how the season changes what you need.

Water and food

Water is the one thing I would never skimp on. A common rule of thumb is about a liter per person for each hour you are out, plus extra on hot days. Use an insulated bottle you can reach without turning around, and drink before you are thirsty.

• Electrolytes. Tablets or a sports drink and a salty snack help on a hot day.
• Snacks. Trail mix, granola bars, pretzels, nuts, fruit in a hard container. Skip chocolate that melts.
• Small cooler. A small soft cooler works if it fits behind your seat and straps down. Space varies by model, so text us your plans and we will say what fits. A big hard cooler is not a kayak accessory.

Keep trash in a sealed bag and bring back whatever you take out.

Phone, camera and valuables

• Dry bag for the phone. Keep it clipped or tucked into the kayak, never loose.
• Waterproof pouch with a lanyard if you want photos while paddling. Put it in the dry bag in chop or near boats.
• Charged phone. A small power bank is worth carrying.
• Leave valuables at the house. A good watch, loose jewelry and your best camera are the first things to end up in a canal.
• Text someone your plan. See the float plan advice in our safety guide.

An action camera on a chest mount is fun for pelicans, ospreys and dolphins. Our guide to Cape Coral wildlife from a kayak shows what to look for.

Bug spray, towel and small extras

Mosquitoes and biting midges (no-see-ums) are most active around dawn and dusk, especially near mangroves and calm canals. If you paddle at sunset, pack repellent and keep the bottle in your dry bag. Our post on sunset and sunrise kayaking in Cape Coral covers timing.

Leave a towel and a dry shirt on the dock or in the car. Other small extras worth carrying:

• Waterproof bandages for scrapes, kept in the dry bag
• A white flashlight or headlamp if you might be out near sunset (Florida requires a white light between sunset and sunrise)
• A bandana you can wet to cool your neck
• A resealable bag for trash

If you are fishing

A rod adds a few lines to the list. Our fishing kayak rental has rod holders, and the fishing guides cover species and setup: kayak fishing in Cape Coral canals and the Matlacha Pass and Pine Island Sound guide.

• Fishing license. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says a saltwater license is required to take saltwater fish, and its free shoreline license does not cover fishing from a boat. A kayak is a vessel, so plan on a regular saltwater license unless you are exempt, such as a Florida resident 65 or older or a child under 16. Start at FWC’s saltwater fishing license page.
• Rod leash and small tackle box. Tether the rod and keep the box small enough to strap down.
• Pliers, hook remover and a measuring tape. Check FWC size and bag limits before keeping a fish.
• Line bag. Take your line home, since discarded line traps birds and marine life.

Bringing a dog

If your dog is comfortable on a kayak, bring a canine life vest sized for them, with a handle on the back, plus a collapsible bowl and fresh water. Dogs overheat faster than people, and a hot deck can burn their paws. Text us before delivery and we will confirm what works for your rental. More in kayaking with your dog in Cape Coral.

What not to bring kayaking

• Glass bottles. Use cans or plastic or steel bottles.
• Alcohol. Florida’s boating under the influence law applies to vessels, and a kayak is a vessel. See Florida kayak laws.
• Cotton and jeans. They hold water and chafe.
• Flip-flops. They slide off wet decks and sink.
• Big hard coolers. They do not fit and they can tip the kayak.
• Loose items. Anything not clipped or bagged is one wake from the bottom.
• Heavy extras. Individual paddlers are generally 250 pounds or less, and capacity varies by kayak.
• Food for wildlife. FWC says offering food or water to manatees is prohibited. See where to see manatees in Cape Coral.

Printable kayak packing checklist

Item	Included in rental	You bring	Packed
Paddle(s)	Yes		□
Life vest(s)	Yes		□
Dry bag	Yes		□
Safety whistle	Yes		□
Sunscreen and lip balm		Yes	□
Hat with a strap		Yes	□
Polarized sunglasses with a strap		Yes	□
Sun hoodie or UPF long-sleeve		Yes	□
Quick-dry shorts or pants		Yes	□
Water shoes		Yes	□
Water and snacks		Yes	□
Phone pouch with a lanyard		Yes	□
Bug spray (dusk and dawn)		Yes	□
Towel and dry clothes		Yes	□
Small soft cooler (if it fits)		Optional	□
Waterproof bandages		Yes	□
White light (if near sunset)		Yes	□
Fishing license and gear		If fishing	□
Dog life vest and bowl		If bringing a dog	□

Match the pack to the kayak. A single kayak has room for a dry bag, a bottle and a small bag, while a tandem kayak gives two paddlers more combined space. Our guide to choosing a kayak compares them. First rental? The first-time kayaker’s guide walks through delivery day.

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring on a kayak trip in Florida?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses with a strap, a UPF shirt, water shoes, plenty of water, snacks, a waterproof phone pouch and bug spray for dusk. With a Grab N Go rental, the paddle, life vest, dry bag and whistle are already included.

What should I wear kayaking in Florida?

Wear quick-dry clothes: a UPF sun hoodie or synthetic long-sleeve, shorts or lightweight pants, a wide-brim hat and water shoes with a heel strap. Skip cotton and flip-flops. In winter, add a light windbreaker or fleece for cool mornings.

Do I need water shoes for kayaking?

They are a smart choice. Oysters grow on seawalls, pilings and mangrove roots in southwest Florida’s brackish water, and their shells are sharp. Water shoes with a heel strap protect your feet on docks and in the shallows, and they do not slide off like flip-flops.

How much water should I bring kayaking?

A common rule of thumb is about a liter per person for each hour on the water, and more on hot days. Start drinking before you launch and keep a bottle within reach. For several hours out, add electrolytes or a salty snack.

Is a dry bag necessary for kayaking?

Yes, for your phone, keys and wallet. Splashes, wakes and a capsize can all soak a kayak. The dry bag is included in every Grab N Go rental, so clip it to the kayak or keep it between your feet.

Can I bring a cooler on a kayak?

A small soft cooler or insulated bag that fits behind your seat and straps down is fine. Space varies by kayak. Large hard coolers are too big and can tip a kayak. Text us your plans and we will say what fits the model you booked.

Do I need bug spray for kayaking in Cape Coral?

Often, near dusk and dawn. Mosquitoes and biting midges are most active then, especially near mangroves and calm canals. Pack repellent for a sunset paddle and keep it in your dry bag so it does not leak onto the kayak.

Do I need a fishing license to fish from a kayak?

For saltwater, generally yes. FWC’s free shoreline license does not cover fishing from a boat, and a kayak is a vessel. Exemptions exist, such as Florida residents 65 or older and children under 16. Check FWC for current rules and prices before you go.