Paddle on the Water

Top spots for kayaking in Corpus Christi

Coasting like Texan means taking advantage of the miles-long coastal shores and picturesque waterways. Sun-warmed days and perfect blue skies make this an idyllic way to spend a day. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned kayaker, the waters here are welcoming to all levels of experience.

Follow our guide to some of the best kayaking spots around Corpus Christi where you can explore secluded paddling trails. Beautiful Packery Channel Park, which separates Padre Island from Mustang Island, is abundant with freshwater wetlands and saltmarsh that create just the right conditions for a calm afternoon of kayaking and wildlife spotting along the way. For total relaxation, Mustang Island State Park, in the middle of Packery Channel, is a great place to paddle for a while, followed by a trip to the lively restaurants and bars in nearby Port Aransas.

Bird Island Basin is renowned for its steady wind and warm, shallow water, making it a perfect spot for beginners to launch from the boat ramp and learn the basics. If you’re new to the area or a novice kayaker, the experts at Coastal Bend Kayaking can lead you to pristine parts of Redfish Bay. Meandering through shallow channels, between islands and grass flats, you can explore the Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trails and the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail, and even try your hand at kayak fishing.

Book a family-friendly Kayak Adventure Tour led by a certified naturalist at Nature Trails Kayaking. Kayak into nature on a Texas Paddling Trail, a pristine waterway that meanders along the sheltered side of the Gulf coast, or kayak across a shallow saltwater bay to discover an undeveloped island. Experience wildlife up close through hands-on educational activities on every tour.