Miami is a beautiful city with plenty of things to do, including kayaking. There are many great places to kayak in Miami, both on the ocean and in the bay. Here are some of the best places to kayak in Miami.
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Fort Pierce, FL
Not every kayaking lover prefers paddling during the daytime. There is a distinct charm in paddling in darkness. If you like evening paddling sessions, a good destination near Miami is Fort Pierce. The experience of watching bioluminescent comb jellies beneath the water is amazing. You will need to carry lights to paddle through the mangroves though. You may start your voyage at the Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. The marine wildlife here is the added bonus.
St. Lucie River
It is typically less crowded than other kayaking destinations in and around Miami and that can be bliss. The St. Lucie River offers plenty of sights for the paddlers to enjoy. If you sail upstream from Hosford Park, the current can be a little unsettling. Otherwise, the 7-mile-long stretch is totally enjoyable. The sight of wildlife species like blue heron, black-bellied whistling ducks and manatees add to the joy.
The Middle River, FL
Miami is close to some ravishing beaches but you can also enjoy paddling in the Middle River. Located in Fort Lauderdale, this river is eyed by all types of kayaking lovers. The added benefit is you can enjoy watching the exotic wildlife species while paddling, including the likes of iguana, herons, pelicans, otters and manatees. There are options for kayak rentals and guided paddling tours. The river is located 42 miles from Miami. You can enjoy kayaking through the stretch that is nearly 3 miles long. The riverside landscape is simply amazing and the clear water of the river adds to the fun quotient.
The Virginia Key Outdoor Center
Do you want to enjoy paddling in a nice setting with plenty of amenities around? Then head to the Virginia Key Outdoor Center. This is located in midtown Miami and the kayaking trail has charming mangroves lagoons with crystal clear water. You will spot marine species like dolphins, sharks, and manatees. Circumnavigating the Island will make you cover 6 miles approx. but this is not recommended for beginners in paddling. Ideally, you should start the voyage at Hobie Beach.
The Matheson Hammock Park
The Matheson Hammock Park is located in the southern section of Miami and it spans 630 acres. The calm waters are alluring for all types of paddling lovers. The sight of mangroves, and swamps is enticing and there are options for kayak rentals too. You can explore the adjacent Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens when you are done with kayaking. It is also a nice place for bird watchers. The popular avian species spotted here include osprey, great blue herons and brown pelicans.
West Lake Park
The West Lake Park is located between Hollywood and Diana Beach, FL. You get a long 85-mile stretch replete with mangrove but the 3-mile stretch is secured for novices in paddling. The White Trail replete with thick mangroves is easy to sail through. There you will spot a lot of birds including vultures, and kingfishers. The trail’s water levels vary throughout the year.
Biscayne National Park
Are you in the mood to enjoy paddling near Miami while evading the urban chaos and crowd? The best destination for you is the Biscayne National Park. The shallow bays are replete with wildlife species. The water is clear and the trails are meant for motorless boats, which is bliss. Two popular kayak launching spots are Adams Key and Jones Lagoon. At these spots, you will see many avian species too. There are mini islands to explore along the trail. Kayak rentals are available from Wednesday to Sunday.
The Loxahatchee River
This river located at the Palm Beach County is ideal for kayaking lovers who prefer an adventurous paddling experience. The 8.5-mile stretch is not hard to navigate but the first 4 miles are preferred more. This section has an amazing landscape dotted with cypress forests and mangroves. At the Riverbend Park, Jupiter Outdoor Center offers kayaks for rent. Advanced paddlers can go ahead and explore the adjacent Jonathon Dickinson State Park as it offers a thrilling kayaking experience.
The Everglades
The Everglades National Park is the USA’s third largest wilderness zone and it is barely 1-hour driving distance from Miami. The Flamingo Bay trail in the park is a popular kayaking destination. The nine-mile trail is ideal for all types of paddling lovers and you may begin the journey from the Flamingo Marina. The canoe trail is better suited for seasoned users and it is only 2 miles long. If you are a novice in paddling, pick the Bear Lake Canoe Trail. At the Everglades, you will come across wildlife species like Manatee, American crocodiles and Florida’s Panther amidst the grassy wetlands and mangrove forests.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Located in Fort Lauderdale, the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is ideal for water sports lovers. You can explore intercostal waterways and skilled paddlers can enjoy ocean paddling too. The maritime tropical hammock forests make the landscape worth drooling over. You can rent kayaking gears here. There are plenty of open-access boat ramps for kayak owners.
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Located at the Dania Becah, the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is known for its beautiful mangrove-lined coastlines. The stunning natural landscape is ideal for paddlers who hate chaotic environments. Once inside the park, you can paddle through the scenic Whiskey Creek. There are biking trails and pristine sandy beaches where you can relax after paddling. Exploring the vast gorgeous mangrove ecosystems is a cherish-worthy experience.
Crandon Park
Crandon Park is a popular beach with amenities like a golf course and picnic shelter. However, it also doubles up as a worthy canoeing and kayaking destination for families in Miami. The calm water of Biscayne Bay is easy to sail through and the landscape is amazing. As you paddle through the shoreline, you will see dolphins and fossilized coral reefs. The Miami Kiteboarding offers rental services. A longer route is there using which you will reach the iconic Cape Florida Lighthouse. When you are done with paddling, explore the bike paths and picnic spots on the shoreline. There are options for barbecuing, golf too.
Oleta River State Park
Located at the scenic and vast Oleta River State Park, the Oleta River State Park is ideal for water sports lovers. The sprawling coastline and the White sand beaches soothe your eyes. You may opt for the guided sunset paddle tour that is arranged every Friday. Then there are enchanting Full Moon kayak tours, held once per month. Of course, you can rent a kayak and explore the coastline personally. The mangroves contain plenty of wildlife species.
Black Point Marina
Located at Miami-Dade County, the Black Point Marina is ideal for paddling amidst tranquillity. You get vast stretches of calm water surrounded by soothing green landscapes. The canoe routes let you enjoy Miami’s diverse marine ecosystems. There are open access ramps from where you can begin your tour and Black Point also rents kayaking gears. You will be able to gorge on delicious dishes at the restaurant here.
