Tampa's Untouched Paddleboard Trails
Paddle Into The Wild
Paddleboard Rentals & Tours In Tampa Bay, FL
Three Ways To Paddle The Mangroves
Rental
Includes:
- Paddleboard w/ leash
- Adjustable Paddle
- Lifejacket
- Quick Start Tips
Private Tour
Includes:
- Tour guide
- Paddleboards w/ leashes
- Adjustable Paddles
- Lifejackets
Membership
Includes:
- 4 boards at a time
- 4 adjustable paddles
- 4 Lifejackets
- Anytime Scheduling
Best for: Families who paddle too much to rent, too little to own. Pays for itself the first time.
Rider Limit: 250 LBS
Adventures Await!
Explore 400 acres of wild Florida mangroves at the top of Tampa Bay. Spot dolphins, ospreys, and manatees. Navigate mangrove tunnels to the opening of the bay. This is what Florida is all about.
Rent a board and chart your own course, or join a guided tour and learn the ecosystem from people who actually paddle it. Calm water. Real wildlife. No crowds.
First time on a board? Good. The water’s flat, the trail is protected, and you’ll be standing in five minutes.
Itinerary
At Empower Adventures, we go above and beyond to provide a memorable paddle boarding experience. Here’s why our adventure stands out:
- Expert Guides: Our knowledgeable and friendly guides are passionate about paddle boarding and the local environment. They’ll provide you with tips, safety instructions, and fascinating insights into the area.
- Top-Quality Equipment: We provide premium paddle boards and safety gear, ensuring you have the best experience possible.
- Stunning Scenery: Paddle through pristine waters and explore hidden gems that only locals know. Witness breathtaking sunsets, spot diverse wildlife, and soak in the natural beauty.
Never paddled before? No problem.
Old Tampa Bay is calm, shallow, and forgiving… exactly the kind of water that makes first-timers feel like naturals. No waves. No experience needed.
Basic instructions are included with every guided tour.
- Professional Guidance: From beginners to advanced paddlers, our guides tailor the experience to suit your skill level.
- Safety First: We prioritize your safety with comprehensive briefings and top-notch equipment.
- Scenic Routes: Explore picturesque routes that highlight the best of Tampa Bay’s waterways.
- Wildlife Encounters: Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
- Awesome Photos – Your guide captures the adventure so you can enjoy!
Navigate
Paddle Boarding in Tampa Bay: What to Know Before You Go
Mobbly Bayou sits on the protected upper end of Old Tampa Bay, tucked behind mangroves and sheltered from the chop that makes open-water paddling hard for beginners. That is why most of our paddlers have never stood on a board before, and why most of them are standing within the first few minutes.
What to bring
Water, more than you think you need. Sunscreen, put on before you arrive. A hat, and sunglasses with a strap. Clothes that can get wet, plus a dry change for the drive home. Water shoes or sandals that stay on your feet. A dry bag or phone pouch if your phone is coming with you. We supply the board, the paddle and the life jacket.
The best time to paddle in Tampa Bay
October through April is the sweet spot. The air cools off, the afternoon storms mostly disappear, and the bayou is calm most mornings. In summer, book an early slot: storms build over Tampa Bay most afternoons from June to September, and the water is flattest before they do.
What you’ll see out there
The trails wind through red mangroves where herons, egrets and ospreys work the shallows, and mullet jump around your board the whole way. Some days the bay brings in dolphins or manatees. Never on a schedule, which is what makes it good. Here is a longer look at the wildlife you can spot in Mobbly Bayou.
Where can I go paddle boarding in Tampa?
Empower Adventures runs guided paddle board tours and rentals on Mobbly Bayou in Oldsmar, about 25 minutes from downtown Tampa and 20 minutes from Clearwater. The water is protected, the trails are marked, and no experience is needed.
Should I book a guided tour or a rental?
Book a guided tour if it is your first time or you want someone who knows the mangrove trails. Rent a board if you have paddled before and want to set your own pace.
What if I fall in?
You are wearing a life jacket and the water is calm. Kneel on the board first, then stand. Most people fall once, laugh, and do not fall again.
