Things to do
On the water
The Indian River Lagoon is shallow, warm and mostly calm, which makes it the easiest water on the coast to get onto. Kayaks and boards launch from the causeway parks, a sunset cruise leaves the Riverwalk most evenings in season, and the wind on the island beaches is reliable enough for a kite school.
Three of the four listings here are fictional businesses placed at real launches. The Jensen Beach causeway is real and public: a boat ramp, catwalks for fishing, picnic tables and a beach on the lagoon side.
The lagoon has no surf but it does have wind, tide and boat traffic. Go out early, wear the life jacket, and know where the channel markers are before you cross them.
Paddle, cruise, learn to fly a kite, or just fish the causeway
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On the water
Sandbar Paddle Company
Kayaks and boards from the Jensen Beach causeway, with guided sunrise trips to the sandbars before the wind comes up.
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On the water
Driftline Sunset Cruises
Ninety minutes on the St. Lucie at sunset from the Riverwalk docks, on a quiet pontoon that goes where the dolphins are.
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On the water
Crosswind Kite School
Learn to kiteboard on the island beaches with the ocean wind, in three-hour lessons from October to April.
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On the water
Jensen Beach causeway
Boat ramps, fishing catwalks under the bridges, a lagoon beach, picnic tables and the sunset view everyone comes for.
Manatees use the lagoon all year and gather near the warm water in winter. Slow down, look twice before you paddle over a shadow, and never touch or feed one.