Download PDF Maps

The blueways of Manatee County comprise 75 miles of paddling trails in marine and fresh waters. Maps and information on the blueways network can be found in Paddle Manatee: A guide to Area Canoe and Kayak Trails.

Paddle Manatee: A Guide to Area Canoe and Kayak Trails is designed to help guide paddlers throughout Manatee County's waters. Thanks to the tireless efforts by the Manatee County Citizen Trail Committee (CTC), the guide also describes local history, camping opportunities, and private launch opportunities, area wildlife, and provides paddler safety information and a resource directory.

The trails all connect to a 75 mile (approximate) paddle trail system. Detailed maps of seven different sections of the trail are included, along with locations of launch points, boat ramps, amenities, parks, preserves, and points of interest. The guide features GPS coordinates for all sites and also includes "short trip" selections to help readers plan their trip.

Publication design and art by Patti Cross. A special thank you to Wayne Douchkoff, Pat Hennen, and Maggie Marr for their help in editing this revised guide. Funding for the 3rd edition was provided by a grant from WCIND.

PLEASE NOTE: The paddle trail markers mentioned in the Paddle Manatee Guide are no longer in place. Please plan your trip accordingly. We recommend utilizing the maps in the guide as well as GPS and leaving a trip plan on the dashboard of your vehicle.