Rattlesnake Island is a favorite among local paddlers for several reasons. One, it's very close by and two, it's a great half-day trip. You get to see everything from the white sand beaches of the Matanzas Inlet, to the always intriguing estuaries of the inland waterway. The amount of wildlife you see in this area is almost overwhelming. It's never a dull time kayaking around Rattlesnake Island.

This is a trip, however, that should be planned with the tide in mind. If you don't, you could end up paddling against the currents the whole time. Another reason to work with the tides is so that you can access the estuaries that come out of the flats. High tide gives you better access than low. Plus, when paddling through these estuaries, you're more likely to see wading birds in the grass at high tide. So check those tide tables and make the appropriate corrections before going.

The most popular route seems to be starting at the south end of Rattlesnake, on the inland waterway side, and going north first. There's a little public park in Summer Haven from which to launch (see directions). From the park, you can either head straight up the inland waterway with the current, or cut across the channel and into one of several estuaries that emerge there. Almost directly across from the launch, there is a creek that makes a kind of horseshoe bend through the marsh grass and brings you right back out to the channel a little further south than you started. If you decide to take this short side trip, it will ad less than a mile to the overall cruise.

As you head north with the current, you will find several small creeks to explore should your heart desire. There is one very small creek, in fact, that has a really nice sand beach at its mouth. This makes for a great rest or lunch spot.

Continuing north you'll round the tip of Rattlesnake Island and start to head south towards Fort Matanzas. If you planned your trip well, you will still be riding the current at this point. If the current is flowing fast enough, you'll hardly have to paddle. Just sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Shortly after rounding the northern tip, you will come to Fort Matanzas. This tiny coquina structure was built to guard St. Augustine from invaders trying to sneak in through the Matanzas Inlet and up the inland waterway. Now, when you get to Fort Matanzas, don't make the mistake of trying to get out of your kayak and go ashore. You will be immediately confronted by rangers from the National Park Service. They only allow people to visit the fort who go over on the NPS boat.

At this point, you are getting very close to the Matanzas Inlet and the other potential launch site (see directions). If you look around you will notice lots and lots of white sandy beaches. This is another area where you can get out of your kayak and relax, or swim if you want. It is simply a beautiful place to be.

If you launched from the Summer Haven park, you'll need to find your way back to it. Continue paddling south along the shoreline of Rattlesnake Island until you pick up the Summer Haven Creek. This is where you will probably start paddling against the current. But you won't have to for long. Just cruise up the creek, staying as close to shore as possible, and you'll get there. Of course, you will be on the other side of the park from where you launched, so don't be surprised if it doesn't look familiar. What you are looking for is a spot where people launch jet skis and power boats. It's not a concrete boat ramp, but a boat ramp non the less. Hop out of your kayak there and walk the very short distance to your car. Easy as that!

DIRECTIONS TO PUT-INS:
There are two places to put-in for the Rattlesnake Island trip. The first and closest is the public access point just north of the Matanzas bridge, on the west side of A1A. Just follow the boardwalk over the dune to the water. This put-in is in very close proximity to Fort Matanzas and the inlet itself.

The other put-in is a little south of the Matanzas bridge. After you cross the inlet, there is a second, smaller bridge that crosses Summer Haven Creek. Take the first right after crossing the Summer Haven Creek. Follow that road around to where a dirt road spurs off and follow it until it stops. From there, you have the choice of launching on the inland waterway side or the Summer Haven Creek side.

If you have any questions about Rattlesnake Island or would like help planning your own trip there, please give us a call at 904-471-4144.

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St. Augustine, FL 32080
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