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St. Sebastian River, South Prong, Roseland FL
This page Copyright 1999 Alfonso Vazquez-Cuervo - See Terms of Use

Our Route Summary

  • Submitted by: Al Vazquez
  • Date Submitted: 5/99
  • Email: alvazquez@kayakguide.com
  • Location: Dale Wimbrow Park, Roseland FL
  • Class: Typically flat water
  • Distance Paddled: 7 miles round trip
  • Water: fresh to brackish
  • Wildlife: Many types flowering bromeliads, Egrets, Herons, Ospreys, Eagles, Ibis, Pelicans, alligators

Entry and Exit

  • Directions: Entry/Exit at Dale Wimbrow Park. From I-95, exit at Country Road 512. Drive east about 2 miles to County Road 505 (Roseland Blvd.). Turn left on 505 and proceed 4 miles to the park on the left.
  • GPS: N 27 deg 48.630' W 080 deg 30.319'
  • Fee: none
  • Description: paved boat ramps with adjacent dirt landings
  • Parking: Adjacent, unpaved
  • Facilities: Restrooms, play area, picnic tables

What We Saw

The Sebastian River is my favorite stream to see a variety of plant life. Bromeliads in particular are plentiful in many beautiful varieties.

We paddled upstream (left). Since the stream is no-wake, paddling is quiet and pleasant. Follow the signs to the SR 512 bridge to stay on the main channel.

The River will narrow considerably and the nature of the vegetation will change dramatically up stream.
The Sebastian River is in need of restoration. Years of sediment runoff from have covered the bottom with an organic muck that consumes oxygen and makes it hard for fish to survive. With some attention, this wonderful stream can be restored to the clear waters and abundant fish and wildlife it once had.

We saw an alligator as the stream narrowed. And we understand that manatees sometimes work their way up the river to enjoy the safe harbor of the no-wake river..

The photo at right shows another lesson in ecological damage. In several areas, you'll notice exotic (non-native) vines smothering trees. Though we enjoyed kayaking and canoeing under this tunnel of vines, it's unfortunate that these vines often kill the trees they cover.
You'll probably encounter one log pullover about 3 miles upstream.

We turned back at the County Road 512 bridge shown at left. But one can continue further upstream as the river becomes a creek.