Gorgeously warm year-round weather. Stunningly colorful neighborhoods spruced up with patches of green and jigging palm trees. All set in an incredible party culture reaching back almost a century. Miami is the place to be, especially if you’re looking for some water sport action.
Miami’s waters are warm enough to go canoeing and kayaking any time of year. And what better way to explore the best US beaches and coastlines than to go out in the water?
But there’s something you have to know.
Kayaking in Miami Beach can get taxing. And only because you have to choose between the dozen-plus places you could decide to launch a boat from.
Kayak rentals in Miami are just as common as its beaches. But for the best kayaking in Miami, you need to know the right spots.
Here’s our shortlist of the best spots to go kayaking in Miami:
1. Oleta River State Park
There’s no better way to tap into your inner athlete than to visit Oleta River State Park. The endless coastline and almost shiny-white beaches make it the perfect spot for any water adventure you want to get into.
Located at Biscayne Bay, the park offers many programs for paddlers of all ages, abilities, and interests.
For some of the best kayaking in Miami Beach, you must visit the park on a Friday when they hold guided sunset paddle tours. The beautiful sights will take your breath away – there’s no question about it. On Sundays, the park offers a paddleboard yoga program that will leave you totally refreshed.
You could also explore on your own, launching off at any of the park’s beaches. But if you’re in Miami on a full moon night, make sure you don’t miss the full moon kayak tours.
You can get to Oleta River State Park by taking the I-95 N and exiting at 10B for FL-916. Keep going till Interama Blvd. and go further till you see the park.
If you don’t have a boat, there’s nothing to worry about. The park rents kayaks, canoes, and SUPs at $17/hour.
2. Crandon Park
Crandon Park is a nice family spot on Key Biscayne with a lot of wildlife. It’s split into the North and South beaches.
For some of the best views while kayaking in Miami Beach, head to North Beach. If you want to face some of the more challenging waters, visit South Beach.
The closeby mangroves get a lot of attention from kayakers and canoers. You can launch your boat at any point along the coastline. If you’re in Miami Beach for a long and worthwhile paddle, you can’t miss taking the stunning Crandon Park route that reaches the Cape Florida Lighthouse.
You can rent a boat on the North Beach side of Crandon Park. The rentals are available next to the Marjorie Stoneman Nature Center for $25/hour.
The next-best place for kayak rentals in Miami that’s close to the park is Miami Kiteboarding. They offer kayaks and canoes for rent at $20/hour.
To get to Crandon Park, take FL-913 S. Keep left on the Rickenbacker Causeway, and you’ll find the park.
3. South Beach
The main party hotspot of Miami, South Beach has swanky nightclubs and lively restaurants everywhere. Seeing South Beach from the water at a relaxed pace will allow you to see SoBe from a different perspective.
Kayaking in South Beach is a great way to explore many iconic parts of the city.
You can paddle your way to Sunset Islands – four islands with gorgeous multi-million-dollar mansions and stunning canals. Your route will open up to a remote lake, where you might find some cute manatees enjoying the ocean.
You can also paddle around Biscayne Bay, stopping at Flagler Memorial Island for a nice picnic. The waterways between Venetian Islands are also attractive and worth exploring.
If you own a boat, you can launch at any point at South Beach. South Beach Kayak is one of the best kayak rentals in Miami, offering kayaks and canoes for $20 and $30 an hour. The family-run rental business also offers guided tours, and if you rent for over an hour, you will get a discount.
To get to Miami Beach, get on the I-195 E and take exit 5 using the right lane. You’ll find yourself on Alton Rd/FL-907 S. Keep going till you reach 17th St, and take a right onto Collins Ave to reach this tropical paradise.
4. Virginia Key
Situated perfectly on Biscayne Bay, Virginia Key is a beautiful island that melds the urban and the outdoors. It’s arguably the best spot for kayaking in Miami because you’ll see a stunning skyline on one side and the scenic Key Biscayne on another as you paddle.
If you’re new to kayaking or want to visit with your family, there’s nothing better than paddling along the coast and seeing the Miami skyline.
Many visitors prefer paddling to the Miami Marine Stadium, launching off at any point on Virginia Key. Locals prefer launching off at the Miami Rowing Center.
If you’re up for a challenge, you could paddle around the island (six miles), enjoying the blue waters and incredible sights of Key Biscayne.
You can get your hands on a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard by renting it from the Virginia Key Outdoor Center for $25/hour.
Getting to Virginia Key is as simple as taking the FL-913 S and keeping left on Rickenbacker Causeway. Exit at Arther Lamb Jr. Rd., and you’re there.
5. Matheson Hammock Park
Built to show off all of Miami’s beautiful landscapes, Matheson Hammock Park is an artificial atoll set in the sparkling Biscayne Bay and surrounded by mangroves and swamps.
Home to tons of wildlife, the park will offer you the best kayaking in Miami if you’re looking to go on a short and relaxing paddle. You can reach the park by taking the US-1 S and continuing to get to Matheson Park Rd.
You can launch your boat anywhere along the beautiful beaches. Rentals are available at the Matheson Hammock Marina.
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About The Author
Hi, my name is Andy and I am the creator and owner of Canoe-Kayaks.com. I’ve been into water sports for as long as I can remember and I love nothing more than spending a day on the water with my family. This website is a way for me to share my passion with everyone, through providing some helpful guides and tips for canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding.
