Lake Okeechobee, Florida's largest freshwater lake, offers a unique paddling experience for adventurous kayakers. The lake is surrounded by a levee with a channel dredged around the outer perimeter for larger boats. Paddlers can access the lake through various locks, including the Port Mayaca Lock on the eastern side.

Crossing Lake Okeechobee by kayak is a significant undertaking, with the lake spanning approximately 25 miles across. A group of experienced paddlers completed the crossing in about 6 hours and 24 minutes, averaging 4.6 mph. The lake's vast expanse creates an otherworldly paddling environment, with paddlers reporting the horizon seeming to disappear as sky and water merge visually.

Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with paddlers reporting sightings of alligators, ospreys, various duck species, and other birds. The lake is also home to manatees, though encounters may be rare. Along the lake's edges, paddlers will notice a layer of trees and islands separating the main lake from the perimeter channel.

Safety is a primary concern when paddling Lake Okeechobee. The lake can become dangerous in poor weather conditions, so paddlers should carefully monitor forecasts and have a backup plan, such as using the rim canal. Paddlers should carry ample water and be prepared for long stretches without opportunities to exit the water.

The lake's water is generally calm in good weather, but can become choppy with wind. Paddlers should be aware of boat traffic, especially in the dredged channel. The lake's size and exposure make it susceptible to rapid weather changes, requiring vigilance and preparedness.

Camping options exist around the lake, with some paddlers reporting stays at Roland Martin's Marina in Clewiston. For those attempting a cross-lake journey, careful planning and support are essential, as demonstrated by the group who completed the crossing as part of a larger trek across Florida via the Okeechobee Waterway.