Indian River Lagoon, FLA, a Paddling Destination
Consisting of The Indian River, the Banana River and Mosquito Lagoon
Boaters, anglers and naturalists alike all enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Indian River Lagoon, which spans more than one-third of the east coast of Florida. It consists of three distinct water bodies: the Indian River, the Banana River, and Mosquito Lagoon. Connecting to the Atlantic Ocean through five different inlets (Jupiter, St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Sebastian and Ponce de Leon), it is both the longest saltwater estuary in Florida and the most extensive barrier-island/tidal inlet system in the United States.
Physical Characteristics of Indian River Lagoon
The Indian River Lagoon is is one of the most important navigational and recreational waterways in the United States. It is 156 miles long and ranges in width from 1/2 mile to approximately 5 miles. It varies in depth, but remains quite shallow, with an average depth of only about 3 feet. The bottom consists of a hard bottom of gravel and rock, a soft bottom of sand and mud and oyster reefs.
Boating in the Lagoon on East Side of Florida
There are numerous boat ramps along the Treasure Coast that provide easy access into the Indian River Lagoon. Good fishing (mullet, redfish, tarpon and various types of snapper and grouper) is usually available almost anywhere and throughout the year as well. Catch and release is popular in the lagoon, with most of the fish that are landed being set free. Birding and photography by boat are also rewarding most of the year, but reach peaks when the winter shorebird and waterfowl migrations occur.
The lagoon is the perfect location for kayaking and canoeing. Without the noise of a motor it is possible to sneak up to the native wildlife for a close up view. The spoil islands make great locations for picnics, a barbeque or simply just a rest from paddling. Non-motorized boats also have great opportunities to explore among the mangroves and paddle into tiny tributaries reaching destinations that the bigger boats do not have access to.
Getting Close to Treasure Coast Wildlife
The Indian River Lagoon boasts a diverse array of habitats. Plant life includes mangrove forests, salt marshes, sea grass flats and algal beds.
Mangrove trees have the unique ability to grow in both salt and fresh water and help to stabilize the shoreline. Their branches are the home to many species of birds including pelicans, ibis, egrets and herons.
In shallow waters abundant sea grass communities often dominate. They are the habitat of small invertebrates, fish, birds and mammals. Some of the most sought after sport fish (redfish, tarpon, bonefish, snook and permit) use the sea grasses as a feeding ground. Boaters are urged to operate their craft cleanly and safely in order to preserve these precarious areas.
It is common to see a variety of shorebirds and mammals during a day's paddle. Pelicans will often swoop down to catch their dinner nearby. Bottle-nose dolphins are known to play around and chase bait in these waters. Manatee are very slow moving and congregate in the warm water.
From the early morning calm to the glorious sunset, the Indian River Lagoon is a wonderful location to paddle along the Treasure Coast.
Source: Littler, Mark Masterton and Diane Scullion Littler, Waterways and Byways of the Indian River Lagoon: Field Guide for Boaters, Anglers and Naturalists, Offshore Graphics, Inc. 2003
Kayaking in the Mangroves of Indian River Lagoon
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Yellow Crowned Night Heron
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Spotting a Dolphin
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A Foraging Raccoon
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Up Close to a Manatee
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