Our Location
Salty Dog Kayak Rentals is located inside the scenic Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park in Port Richey, just 50 minutes north of Tampa.
With four miles of protected Gulf coastline, the park offers breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities to explore—whether you’re paddling for a couple of hours or spending a full day on the water.
Wildlife encounters are part of the adventure! Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and stingrays gliding through the waters, along with schools of mullet, snook, redfish, sea trout, and more. Above the water, you might spot bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, raptors, wading birds, and shorebirds.
Bring your camera—you never know what you'll see!
Paddle to Salt Springs
Salty Dog Kayak Rentals has something for everyone, whether you're a first-time paddler or a seasoned pro!
Weave through a winding mangrove tunnel to reach the breathtaking 380+ foot deep Salt Spring, or paddle across stunning salt marsh to discover the hidden beauty of Cauldron Spring. While swimming isn’t allowed in the park, ongoing research dives continue to map its intricate underwater cave system. You can catch a glimpse of the interior of Salt Spring thanks to Karst Underwater Research, which explores and documents these submerged wonders.
See Historic Stilt Houses
After about 10 minutes of paddling from our launch inside Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park, you’ll begin to see nine historic stilt houses standing about a mile offshore. Built as early as 1915, these rare structures were originally fish camps, providing local fishermen a place to rest, clean, and salt their catch between mullet runs. Today, these historic structures are privately owned and serve as enduring symbols of Pasco County’s coastal heritage.
While you can enjoy distant views of the stilt houses from the protected waters of Salt Springs Run, more advanced paddlers can venture offshore for a closer look—if conditions allow. This open-water journey offers a chance to experience these historic fish camps up close, making for an unforgettable paddling adventure.
Enjoy Island Time
For experienced paddlers looking to explore beyond the park, Durney Key is a fun island escape, just over a mile offshore.
As the only designated swimming spot in the area, it’s a favorite destination for snorkeling, picnicking, and even bringing your dog along for the adventure. It’s also a great spot to appreciate the nearby historic stilt houses.
This trip requires open-water experience, as reaching the island means paddling unprotected waters and crossing a boat channel. Conditions should be calm for a safe journey, and we strongly recommend reserving a four-hour or full-day rental, as a two-hour rental does not allow enough time for the trip.
