I did some sea kayaking in Florida. I'd say it'll be impossible to keep your camera dry without a good dry bag or even an underwater sort of enclosure. I think you are wise not to take your dSLR w/o a real water tight enclosure. Good luck. I think you'll enjoy yourselves. We did. BTW, my wife, before we married, spent a few months kayaking in that area living / camping out. She has nothing but fond memories of the trip.