Kayaking in Miami

With some of the finest coasts and beaches in the U.S., it is not surprising that Miami is such a popular spot for water-related activities. From sunbathing to swimming, Miami’s climate is ideal to spend the day outdoors. Kayaking and canoeing in Miami provide a unique way to explore these stunning locations! No matter if you’re seeking an adrenaline-filled water adventure or just a peaceful lake, a day on a kayak in Miami is an amazing way to experience the great outdoors.

Kayaking in Miami

Kayaking around Miami is a fantastic activity for everyone of all age groups and levels. It’s time to make the most of the beautiful blue water and the beaches and enjoy the sun! This is our full guide to the best and most beautiful spots to go kayaking and canoeing in Miami.

Best Places to Go Canoeing and Kayaking in Miami

Crandon Park

Crandon Park

Natural beaches are teeming with wildlife. A great place for families to enjoy is Crandon Park. No matter what level you are at, you can kayak or canoe there! There are two beaches at Crandon Park, North Beach, and South Beach. North Beach provides stunning views, while South Beach kayaks provide a challenge.

It is a popular place for paddlers to explore mangroves and the Rickenbacker Causeway in the vicinity. You can paddle up to Cape Florida Lighthouse from Crandon Park if you’re looking for an extended paddle.

For novice paddlers, the park is ideal for discovering the thrills of paddling, canoeing, or paddling in Miami thanks to its relaxed atmosphere. Featuring beautiful picnic areas, volleyball nets, and bike trails, Crandon Park is sure to be your favorite beach getaway!

Rentals are available near the Marjorie Stoneman Nature Center on the North Beach side of Crandon Park ($25/hour). There is also Miami Kiteboarding nearby ($20/hour) where you can rent equipment. If you own a boat, you are able to launch any time along the beach.

  • Location: Miami, Key Biscayne;
  • Permit required: None;
  • Camping is available: Yes;
  • Kayak and canoe rentals: Yes;
  • Whitewater Quick Classification System: Class 1-2.

Virginia Key

Virginia Key

The perfect blend of urban and natural Miami’s Virginia Key is an island you must visit this summer. With stunning views of the skyline on one side, and the beautiful Key Biscayne on the other, a trip on Virginia Key will amaze all paddling enthusiasts.

Virginia Key has tons of paddling opportunities for all ages and skill levels. Advanced and intermediate paddlers are able to improve their skills in the water by exploring the islands (six miles in total) in the turquoise ocean. For beginners and families, it is easy to paddle along the coastline and view how the Miami skyline.

Particularly for Virginia Key, visitors really appreciate the historical Miami Marine Stadium. It was once a legendary concert venue, and the unique structure of the stadium draws admirers and offers a good distance to paddle from the shores of Virginia Key.

From the elusive wildlife in Key Biscayne to city architecture to the distant cityscape, Virginia Key’s diversity makes it an incredible area to kayak.

Visitors can rent a canoe, paddleboard, kayak, and mountain bike equipment from the Virginia Key Outdoor Center ($25/hour). Also, you can start your own boat at Miami Rowing Center. Miami Rowing Center.

  • Location: Miami, Biscayne Bay;
  • Permit required: None;
  • Camping is available: Yes;
  • Kayak and canoe rentals: Yes;
  • Whitewater Quick Classification System: Class 1-3.

Matheson Hammock Park

Matheson Hammock Park

Blue waters and sandy beaches from Matheson Hammock Park! An undiscovered secret that is perfect for kayaking in Miami, Matheson Hammock Park’s moderate size and tranquil waters are great for children and families.

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It was created to showcase the beautiful Miami landscape Visitors can discover mangroves, swamps, and the stunning Biscayne Bay all in one location!

The man-made atoll is a beautiful spot for swimming and paddling. Skyline views provide the background of a tiny mangrove forest, which is full of wildlife! Matheson Hammock Park is the ideal spot to enjoy a peaceful, tranquil short paddle. Alongside these stunning views, many visitors also go to the close Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens.

Rentals are offered at the Matheson Hammock Marina along with the boating school for children. youngsters. You can also start your own boat anyplace on these stunning beaches.

  • Location: Miami, Coral Gables;
  • Permit required: None;
  • Camping is available: Yes;
  • Kayak and canoe rentals: Yes;
  • Whitewater Quick Classification System: Class 1-5.

Oleta River State Park – Best Kayaking in Miami Beach

Oleta River State Park

Miami’s Oleta River State Park is an outdoor-lovers fantasy! The white sand beaches and the endless coastline are the ideal spots for any water-based adventure you can imagine.

The park itself has a myriad of amazing programs for paddlers of any level and interest. Each Friday the park hosts the opportunity to take guided paddles at sunset that offer stunning views that make you swoon. Other programs that are popular include yoga on the paddleboard on Sundays as well as Full Moon kayak tours.

If you’re looking to explore the coastline by yourself, Oleta River State Park will provide kayak rentals, and set your journey on the right path. When you go paddling, you’re bound to spot plenty of animals in the mangroves, as well as other stunning natural landscapes.

Oleta River State Park offers everyday canoe and kayak trails, and SUP rental ($18/hour). Also, you can use your personal boat and launch it off on the beach of the park’s beauty.

  • Location: Miami, Biscayne Bay;
  • Permit required: None;
  • Camping is available: No;
  • Kayak and canoe rentals: Yes;
  • Whitewater Quick Classification System: Class 1-2.

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park

From small bays that are brimming with marine life to wide freshwaters, kayaking in Miami Biscayne National Park is the perfect private kayaking spot you’ve been seeking!

The clear, shallow waters that are devoted to boats that are not motorized create the ideal environment for paddlers of all levels. Jones Lagoon and Adams Key are excellent launch areas, particularly for beginners. In these areas that are shallow, the paddlers will see jellyfish as well as rays, fish, and even birds.

Paddlers seeking an adventure can take a trip along the seven-mile stretch that is Biscayne national park Bay to Elliott or Boca Chita Keys. Along the way, the visitors can discover small islands and other hidden treasures.

If you’re seeking a relaxing afternoon paddle or a thrilling water-based adventure, Biscayne Park’s numerous waterways offer some of the most enjoyable kayaking opportunities in Miami! The rental facilities are at Biscayne National Park, from Wednesday through Sunday. If you prefer, you can set up your own boat on Adams Key.

  • Location: Miami, Homestead;
  • Permit required: None;
  • Camping is available: Yes;
  • Kayak and canoe rentals: Yes;
  • Whitewater Quick Classification System: Class 1-5.

Black Point Marina

Black Point Marina

With stunning nature trails and calm waters, Black Point Marina is a wonderful place to start your kayaking journey. An important day-time getaway, Black Point Marina is an ideal spot for all outdoor enthusiasts all year long.

With just a handful of marked canoe routes (ranging from 1-3 miles), The Black Point Marina’s aim is to get you out on the water in a protected and efficient way so that you can experience the diverse marine ecosystems of Miami.

The waters near Black Point Marina are suitable for everyone and all of them are short in length. A peaceful, quiet, and beautiful place for a paddle Black Point Marina is ideal for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The largest marina in Miami, Black Point has all of your kayak and canoe necessities. It is possible to rent equipment at Black Point Marina or launch your own vessel on the ramps that are open 24 hours a day.

  • Location: Miami, Dade County;
  • Permit required: None;
  • Camping is available: Yes;
  • Kayak and canoe rentals: Yes;
  • Whitewater Quick Classification System: Class 1-2.
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The Everglades

The Everglades

The third-largest wilderness region of its kind in the U.S., Everglades National Park is an absolute paradise for paddlers, and also essential for the protection of endangered species like manatees American Crocodiles, and Florida panthers.

The Everglades Winding Canoe and kayak trails can range from a few hours up to several days. Popular destinations for paddlers include Flamingo Bay trails (launch from Flamingo Marina 38 miles south of the main park entrance) that include Nine Mile Pond and Hell’s Bay. These trails are known for their mangrove forest and grassy wetlands. A wide variety of juvenile fish, as well as nurse sharks, bonnethead sharks, southern stingrays, manatees, and sea turtles, will be encountered.

Backcountry kayaking in Miami is another alternative near Florida Bay, where you are able to explore more than 100,000 tiny islands that stretch across 99 miles of waterways. This park area is suitable for experienced kayakers.

Boat and kayak hire is available from Ivey House, however, the park also offers the following guides to guide you through the vast trail system that makes up the Everglades.

  • Location: Miami, Everglades;
  • Permit required: None;
  • Camping is available: No;
  • Kayak and canoe rentals: Yes;
  • Whitewater Quick Classification System: Class 1-3.

Loxahatchee River

Loxahatchee River

The entire 8.5 miles of rough landscape Kayaking on Miami’s Loxahatchee River is a fantastic way to experience the unspoiled natural beauty of Florida. From narrow and twisty passageways to swift water, the Loxahatchee River is the most enjoyable river to paddle in Miami.

Although some kayakers love paddling the entire 8.5 miles of river downstream, it is advised to paddle through both parks which run along the river. The 4 miles of the river run through the stunning mangroves and cypress forests in Riverbend Park. The paddlers here can take pleasure in paddling in peace amid the ancient natural landscapes.

Another park is Jonathon Dickinson State Park is a thrilling kayaking experience. The park is where paddlers can enjoy the swift waters that surround Trapper Nelson’s cabin. The historic structure was once home to an infamous fur trapper who transformed an area that was transformed into a Zoo as well as a botanical garden. The area is now accessible to paddlers who can kayak through the area and observe Nelson’s life.

The two sections that run along the River, each around 4 miles, offer numerous ways to view the natural beauty of Miami. The returning paddlers enjoy exploring the two sections Loxahatchee’s breathtaking scenery draws visitors back.

Rentals are offered in Riverbend Park at the Jupiter Outdoor Center. There are numerous outfitters who will help you navigate the river and shuttle you across the parks. You can also set up your own boat along the coast.

  • Location: Miami, Palm Beach County;
  • Permit required: None;
  • Camping is available: Yes;
  • Kayak and canoe rentals: Yes;
  • Whitewater Quick Classification System: Class 1-4.

Sandfly Island

Sandfly Island

Ten Thousand Islands Ten Thousand Islands are home to some of the most vivid vegetation and wildlife that can be found in Southern Florida. Although many of these islands are far from recreational paddling, Sandfly Island provides the perfect opportunity to take a look at the beautiful tropical islands.

The ideal location to launch your boat is the Gulf Coast Visitors Center in Everglades National Park. From there, paddlers are able to navigate the vast, open ocean that flows into Chokoloskee Bay and pass many sandy beaches before reaching Sandy Island.

With a rich history of pioneers (with houses to explore) as well as tropical wildlife, paddling in the vicinity of Sandfly Island is one of the most memorable paddling experiences within the Miami region. The paddle, which is roundtrip, is comparatively short (about five miles) however it is full of stunning views, stunning trees, and plenty of spots to discover.

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Rentals and guided excursions for trips to Sandfly Island from Everglades Park are available at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center. It is also possible to start your own boat to explore this hidden treasure in your own time. Sandfly’s size is manageable and its flat water makes it a great water-based adventure that you can try by yourself.

  • Location: Miami;
  • Permit required: None;
  • Camping is available: Yes;
  • Kayak and canoe rentals: Yes;
  • Whitewater Quick Classification System: Class 1-3.

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

Dr. Von D. Mizell Eula Johnson State Park

The park was previously named John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is among the most stunning mangrove-lined shorelines in Miami. It has a long and rich history of the Civil Rights Movement, the visit to Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park provides a unique mix of history and culture in a breathtaking natural setting.

In the park, kayakers can take in the beautiful waterways along Whiskey Creek. This area is perfect for paddlers who are just beginning their journey and want to observe wildlife in the calm, flat waters. If you’re canoeing, paddling, kayaking, or floating, Whiskey Creek is a great place to escape and away from city life city to reconnect with nature.

Apart from paddling, visitors can enjoy a relaxing day on the beach or enjoy a full day on the many cycling and running trails. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboard gear are available for rental from the Park. If you prefer, you can start your own vessel and enjoy miles of stunning mangrove ecosystems on your own.

  • Location: MiamiDania Beach;
  • Permit required: None;
  • Camping is available: No;
  • Kayak and canoe rentals: Yes;
  • Whitewater Quick Classification System: Class 1-3.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

A bustling center for the local community, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers numerous water sports and green spaces to explore. Accessible to the Atlantic Ocean and intercoastal waterways This park offers excellent paddling conditions year-round.

From mangrove-lined beaches to open water, enthusiastic canoe and kayakers will be enthralled by Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. In the waters, paddlers enjoy a unique view of the dune ecosystems that line the beach. The stunning natural scenery is complemented by unique coastal tropical hammocks. Between relaxing hikes through the forest to thrilling ocean kayaking, there’s no shortage of things to discover here!

Rentals are available at the park. Visitors can also take guided tours of the coast region, and many people particularly love paddling on the Full Moon Paddle. It is also possible to start your own boat from one of the many accessible boat ramps located in the park.

  • Location: Miami, Fort Lauderdale;
  • Permit required: None;
  • Camping is available: Yes;
  • Kayak and canoe rentals: Yes;
  • Whitewater Quick Classification System: Class 1-2.

Additional Resources

What to Pack for Kayaking In & Around Miami Beach

  • Swimsuits: Wearing a swimsuit is vital for going into the ocean! If you are kayaking or canoeing there is a good chance that you are likely to get wet, so be well-prepared!
  • Glasses for the sun: Being out on the water is gorgeous, however, the water really reflects the light! It is important to have the right set of sunglasses and Croakies to stop the glasses from falling.
  • Cape: It’s best to keep the sun off your head to stay cool. No matter, if you’re looking for a chic bucket hat or a classic baseball cap, being cool, will guarantee a great excursion.
  • Drinking Bottle Hydration is not a joke! Paddling is an excellent way to relax and exercise however that it will require lots of energy! Be sure to drink plenty of water during your journey by using these water bottles that are cool.
  • Sunscreen, bug spray: Be prepared for the weather, and don’t allow it to prevent you from having an incredible time on the water! I suggest bringing sunblock along with insect spray on board to protect yourself from sunburns, bugs, and other pests.

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