Complete Guide to Haulover Canal Kayak Launch

Haulover Canal Kayak Launch is a popular destination for kayaking enthusiasts and nature lovers. Located in Florida, this canal is known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. In this blog post, we will provide a complete guide to the Haulover Canal Kayak Launch, including its history, location, things to do, and nearby attractions.

This complete manual will provide you with all the information you require for a successful kayaking excursion from Haulover Canal. We’ll cover the launch locations, what to expect once you’re on the water, important tidal and weather considerations, helpful gear to pack, and some final tips to ensure a great time kayak launching on the canal. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, read on for your essential information for kayak launching at Haulover Canal.

What is Haulover Canal Kayak Launch?

Haulover Canal Kayak Launch is a man-made canal that connects the Indian River Lagoon and the Mosquito Lagoon in Florida. The canal was built in the early 19th century to provide a shortcut for boats traveling between the two lagoons. Today, it is a popular destination for kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.

History of Haulover Canal Kayak Launch

The history of Haulover Canal Kayak Launch dates back to the early 19th century when it was built as a shortcut for boats traveling between the Indian River Lagoon and the Mosquito Lagoon. The canal was dug by hand by slaves and was completed in 1853. It was used primarily by small boats until the early 20th century when larger boats began using it as well. In 1929, the canal was widened and deepened to accommodate larger boats.

Location of Haulover Canal Kayak Launch

Haulover Canal Kayak Launch is located in Brevard County, Florida, near Titusville. The canal is part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and is surrounded by pristine natural beauty. The launch site is located at the end of Haulover Canal Road.

Features of Haulover Canal Kayak Launch

Haulover Canal Kayak Launch is known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. The canal is home to a variety of fish species, including redfish, snook, tarpon, and trout. It is also home to several bird species such as ospreys, herons, egrets, and pelicans. Visitors can also spot manatees and dolphins swimming in the canal.

Importance of Haulover Canal Kayak Launch as a Fishing Destination

Haulover Canal Kayak Launch is a popular fishing destination due to its diverse fish species. Anglers can catch redfish, snook, tarpon, trout, and other species throughout the year. The canal’s calm waters make it an ideal spot for kayak fishing.

How to Get to Haulover Canal Kayak Launch?

Getting to Haulover Canal Kayak Launch is easy. The launch site is located at the end of Haulover Canal Road in Brevard County, Florida. Visitors can take State Road 3 or State Road 406 to reach the launch site.

Parking Facilities at Haulover Canal Kayak Launch

There are several parking facilities available at Haulover Canal Kayak Launch. Visitors can park their vehicles at the designated parking area near the launch site.

What are the Things to Do at the Haulover Canal Kayak Launch?

Haulover Canal Kayak Launch offers several activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the things you can do at this beautiful destination:

Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the most popular activities at Haulover Canal Kayak Launch. Visitors can rent kayaks from local vendors or bring their kayaks to explore the canal’s calm waters.

Fishing
Fishing is another popular activity at Haulover Canal Kayak Launch. Anglers can catch a variety of fish species throughout the year.

Birdwatching
Haulover Canal Kayak Launch is home to several bird species such as ospreys, herons, egrets, and pelicans. Visitors can spot these birds while kayaking or walking along the canal’s banks.

Wildlife Viewing
Visitors can also spot manatees and dolphins swimming in the canal. These gentle creatures are a delight to watch and are often seen near the launch site.

What Are the Nearby Attractions?

Haulover Canal Kayak Launch is surrounded by several other attractions that visitors can explore. Here are some of them:

Canaveral National Seashore
Canaveral National Seashore is a beautiful beach located near Haulover Canal Kayak Launch. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and fishing at this beach.

Apollo Beach
Apollo Beach is another beautiful beach located near Haulover Canal Kayak Launch. This beach offers several amenities such as restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and grills.

Playalinda Beach
Playalinda Beach is a secluded beach located near Haulover Canal Kayak Launch. This beach offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is an ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming.

Where to Launch Your Kayak for Haulover Canal Access

There are two main launch sites on either side of the Haulover Inlet Bridge, which crosses over the canal connecting the Intracoastal Waterway to the ocean. Each launch area has parking and provides paddler access to the canal for kayak launching.

North Side Haulover Canal Kayak Launch at Haulover Beach Park

On the north side of the bridge, the best launch spot is Haulover Beach Park located just west of the bridge on Collins Avenue. This shaded beach area has a sandy shoreline ideal for sliding sit-on-top kayaks into the water for an easy canal launch. Parking is available in the north lot, where you can unload your kayak and gear right at the launch beach.

The north side Haulover canal kayak launch provides quicker access to the ocean inlet, allowing you to paddle east under the bridge and out into the open water. It also tends to be less crowded than the south-side launch area.

South Side Haulover Canal Kayak Launch at Haulover Marine Park

For launching kayaks on the south side of Haulover Canal, head to Haulover Marine Park just east of the bridge. This park has a floating dock launch, picnic tables, and the only public boat ramp on Haulover Canal. The dock launch works well for sit-inside kayaks that you can clip in before getting into the cockpit.

Parking is available in the south lot, with carts to help wheel your kayak and supplies to the launch area. Paddling west from the south Haulover canal kayak launch brings you under the bridge and towards the Intracoastal Waterway.

What to Expect Once You Kayak Launch into Haulover Canal

Once you’ve picked your preferred Haulover canal kayak launch and entered the water, there are a few things you can expect on a typical kayaking excursion from the canal.

Scenic Paddling Towards the Inlet

Paddling east under the bridge from either launch is a beautiful stretch. You’ll have views of the Haulover inlet ahead and can watch boats coming in and out between the Intracoastal and the ocean. The manatee zone signs remind you to keep an eye out for these gentle giants in the canal.

You’ll also want to watch for other kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, motor boats, and jet skis sharing the canal. Stay close to the shoreline when possible to allow others to pass safely in deeper waters.

Wildlife Watching Opportunities

Seen hunting along the shoreline are long-legged wading birds including egrets, herons, wood storks, and ibises. Keep an eye out for long-legged wading birds like egrets, herons, wood storks, and ibises hunting along the shoreline. Pelicans may dive for fish nearby, while gulls call from overhead. Ospreys are also spotted perched on canal markers watching for their next meal.

The canal shorelines provide good viewing for turtles sunning themselves on logs. You may even spot manatees grazing on sea grasses just below the surface. Always give large wildlife adequate space and avoid blocking their paths.

Navigating the Strong Ocean Currents

As you approach the Haulover Inlet connecting to the Atlantic Ocean, be aware that currents here can be very strong. Unless you are an experienced ocean kayaker, best to avoid paddling out into the inlet itself. The choppy swells and swiftly moving currents can quickly sweep you out to sea.

Instead, enjoy the view of the inlet from a safe distance then turn back west to return the same way you came. You can still enjoy the ocean breeze and sights of the beachgoers nearby from inside the canal protected from the strong currents.

Paddling West for More Exploration

If you’re looking for a longer paddle after launching at Haulover Canal, you can head west to further explore the Intracoastal Waterway side of the canal. Paddling west takes you away from the ocean inlet into slightly more sheltered waters.

You’ll have views of the luxury highrises lining the shores of Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles Beach. There are also some smaller boat marinas and private residences with docks along the canals. Heading west allows you to take your time admiring the scenery of Greater Miami.

Paying Attention to Tidal Changes for Haulover Canal Kayak Launching

Since Haulover Canal connects directly to the ocean, tidal fluctuations have a significant impact on conditions for kayak launching. High and low tides affect everything from current strength to launch accessibility along the shorelines.

Paying attention to the tides is key for a smooth and safe kayak launching from Haulover Canal.

Launching at High Tide

Ideally, you’ll want to plan your Haulover Canal kayaking excursion to launch two hours before or after high tide. High tide offers the highest water levels, making it the easiest time to launch kayaks directly from the shore or floating docks.

At high tide, the canal will be deepest allowing you to paddle close to sea walls and docks with less chance of hitting bottom. Stronger tidal currents will also be starting to ease during this interim around the high tide mark.

Checking tide tables for Miami Beach allows you to schedule your Haulover canal kayak launch timing around the high tide for better conditions.

Low Tide Considerations

At low tide, waters in Haulover Canal can become quite shallow especially closer to shorelines. You may need to carry or wheel your kayak a bit farther to reach deep enough water for launching. Floating docks like the south side launch can also be precariously high during extremely low tides.

When paddling during low tide, be aware that some narrower side canals or cuts may be too shallow to pass until the tide comes back in. Avoid paddling over seagrass beds during low tide as well to prevent damaging marine ecosystems.

Portage wheels for your kayak come in handy for longer walks to the water during extra low tides. Just take your time and be cautious at launch when the tides are far out.

Paying Attention to Weather When Kayak Launching at Haulover Canal

In addition to monitoring tidal impacts, it’s also important to keep an eye on weather conditions when planning your Haulover Canal kayaking trip. Strong winds, storms, or high surf can make paddling dangerous.

Afternoon Wind and Waves

One of the most common weather concerns for kayak launching at Haulover Canal is increasing winds and waves in the afternoon hours. Morning is usually the calmest and safest time to paddle.

In the early morning, winds are often light and ocean swell is minimal, providing smooth paddling out towards the inlet. But by afternoon, onshore winds can pick up substantially bringing choppy waves and whitewater right into the canal.

If planning a longer kayaking trip, aim to be off the Florida ater by early afternoon before winds start gusting. This helps avoid fighting winds and waves back to your Haulover canal kayak launch point.

Storms and Surf Hazards

Any storms moving through the Miami area can bring dangerous conditions for kayaking on Haulover Canal. High winds, lightning, and heavy rains create unsafe situations and lower visibility on the water.

Large ocean swells and high surf advisories also require caution when paddling near Haulover Inlet. Big waves can surge well into the canal making it risky to approach the ocean access point. Never attempt to paddle out into rough ocean surf from Haulover.

Check the weather forecast and marine conditions report before launching. Be prepared to postpone your trip if storms or rough surf are imminent.

Gear to Pack for Kayak Launching at Haulover Canal

To have the safest and most enjoyable kayaking experience possible, be sure to pack the proper gear for your Haulover Canal outing and launch.

Safety Essentials

Every kayaker on Haulover Canal is required to wear a US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) like a life jacket. Be sure your PFD fits properly and is adjusted for comfort.

Also, pack a whistle or other audible signal device that can be used to call for help if needed. Many PFDs come equipped with built-in whistles for convenience.

Protection from the Elements

Don’t forget sun protection in the strong South Florida sunshine. Wear a breathable shirt, UV protective hat, and sunglasses, and apply waterproof sunscreen even if you don’t plan to get wet.

Staying cool and hydrated is also important. Pack plenty of water and snacks, and consider wearing moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics. A sun visor on your hat can help shield your face.

Gear for Your Kayak

Your wallet, car keys, and other valuables are well protected from water by a dry bag. Look for waterproof models with roll-down tops to seal out moisture.

Kayaking gloves can help prevent hand blisters and give you a better grip on your paddle. An inflatable seat cushion can make sitting in your kayak more comfortable as well.

Final Tips for Haulover canal kayak launch

Before heading out on the water, keep these last kayaking tips in mind:

• Let someone know your planned Haulover canal kayak launch location, intended route, and estimated return time. This ensures help can find you if needed.

• Be courteous when launching around other boats and paddle craft. Avoid blocking ramps or docks while getting your kayak ready.

• Give ample space when observing wildlife. Never pursue, surround, or touch wild animals.

• Always carry out any trash you bring with you. Help keep the canal clean.

• Check your equipment before each trip and practice self-rescue skills periodically.

• Most importantly relax and enjoy your kayaking adventure launching at scenic Haulover Canal!

Haulover Canal can offer a fantastic kayaking experience for all ability levels with the right preparation utilizing this guide. Just remember to check conditions, pack proper gear, and paddle safely when launching your kayak on the canal.

FAQs

Discover the answers to frequently asked questions about haulover canal kayak launch insights below:

What is Haulover Canal Kayak Launch?

Haulover Canal Kayak Launch is a man-made canal located in Brevard County, Florida, near Titusville. The canal was built in the early 19th century to provide a shortcut for boats traveling between the Indian River Lagoon and the Mosquito Lagoon. Today, it is a popular destination for kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.

What is the Depth of the Haulover Canal?

Haulover Canal was originally dug by hand and completed in time for the 3rd Seminole War (1856-1858). It was 3 feet (0.91 m) deep and 14 feet (4.3 m) wide. Since then, the channel has been dug wider and deeper, and a basin added for launching boats.

What is the History of the Haulover Canal Kayak Launch?

The canal was dug by hand by slaves and was completed in 1853. It was used primarily by small boats until the early 20th century when larger boats began using it as well. In 1929, the canal was widened and deepened to accommodate larger boats.

What are Some Features of the Haulover Canal Kayak Launch?

Haulover Canal Kayak Launch is known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. The canal is home to a variety of fish species, including redfish, snook, tarpon, and trout. It is also home to several bird species such as ospreys, herons, egrets, and pelicans. Visitors can also spot manatees and dolphins swimming in the canal.

Can I Fish While Kayaking at the Haulover Canal Kayak Launch?

Yes, you can fish while kayaking at the Haulover Canal Kayak Launch. The canal provides an important habitat for many different types of fish, including redfish, snook, and spotted sea trout. Anglers can be seen casting their lines from the banks of the canal or boats on the water.