Bonnet House Ground, Gardens, Museum & Kayak/SUP Paddle Adventure
Overview
Coconut Cove was once a mangrove and buttonwood swamp until the late 1920's, when the U.S. Army Corp. of engineers was granted permission to deposit the fill while dredging the Intracoastal. The fill caused the swamp to perish, which prompted Mr. Bartlett to plant rows of Coconut Palms where the current Bonnet House parking lot exists. The property is a blend of native and exotic flora including a desert garden, Orchid House, Shell Museum, Fruit Groves, Freshwater Slough, Wild Coffee, Silver Palms, Coontie Plants shaded by Gumbo Limbo, Seagrapes, Sabal Palms, and Paradise Trees to name just a few splendors in addition to the 1920 Bonnet House Museum with it's incredible architecture built around a Fountain Garden and displaying art, sculptures, and collectibles from all over the world. It is truly the last of Old Florida in the present day and a celebration of the protected history and the legacy of Frederic Clay and Evelyn Barlett's vision and talent.
What's Included
- Complimentary Photos
- Historical Art Museum Gallery & Studio Access
- Seashell Museum and Orchid House
- Paddle
- Life Jacket
- Paddle Board or Kayak
- Guided Paddle Tour
- Bonnet House Self Guided Grounds & Gardens Access
- Water (Bring something for staying Hydration)
- Waterproof Bag and Waterproof Phone Case: Available for separate rental or purchase ($5 - $28)
Meeting Location
900 North Birch Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Fort Lauderdale Adventures is proud to offer this exploration of the Bonnet House western border for the first time ever. Celebrating over 100 years, we are able to exhibit these saltwater wetlands that support a fragile ecosystem vital to south Florida's ever endangered habitat. The jungle of mangrove trees produces a thick network of intertwined roots to prevent soil erosion and provide shelter and food for fish and wildlife. Manatee, land and sea fiddler crabs, and a variety of saltwater fish find a secure home in this ecosystem. The Cove is the perfect home for our Great Blue Heron, Green Herons, Egrett's, Ibis, and the rare Great White Heron that can only be found in this part of the world.
The center of the property features the Bartlett's protected boathouse which was a private entrance to the property. Great for Celebrations!
After your Paddle, enjoy a self-guided tour of the Bonnet House and Gardens. We recommend planning for at least 90 minutes:
• Start at the Welcome Center to get interactive maps
• For Audio use your Smartphone for the free mobile-friendly website bonnethouse.stqry.app/1
Paddle starts at 8:30am
Grounds open at 11 and closes at 3pm & 4pm on weekends
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-89173P15
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 20 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is Cool Shore Excursions’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- Complimentary Photos.
- Historical Art Museum Gallery & Studio Access.
- Seashell Museum and Orchid House.
- Paddle.
- Life Jacket.
- Paddle Board or Kayak.
- Guided Paddle Tour.
- Bonnet House Self Guided Grounds & Gardens Access.
- Water (Bring something for staying Hydration).
- Waterproof Bag and Waterproof Phone Case: Available for separate rental or purchase ($5 - $28).
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 6. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Bonnet House Ground, Gardens, Museum & Kayak/SUP Paddle Adventure is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Bonnet House Ground, Gardens, Museum & Kayak/SUP Paddle Adventure will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Complimentary Photos
- Historical Art Museum Gallery & Studio Access
- Seashell Museum and Orchid House
- Paddle
- Life Jacket
- Paddle Board or Kayak
- Guided Paddle Tour
- Bonnet House Self Guided Grounds & Gardens Access
- Water (Bring something for staying Hydration)
- Waterproof Bag and Waterproof Phone Case: Available for separate rental or purchase ($5 - $28)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
