Paddle Lamar Lake on Virginia Key for 60-minute kayak or paddleboard rentals that put you close to manatees, dolphins, and skyline views of Downtown Miami. Ideal for beginners and wildlife spotters, rentals come with paddles, leashes, and USCG life vests.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The water in Lamar Lake holds a quiet intensity at first light — glassy channels threading through mangroves, the downtown skyline a distant cluster of glass that seems to float on the horizon. On a paddleboard or in a single or tandem kayak you move through Miami’s edge where urban and wild meet: manatees glide near seagrass beds, rays flick under shallow flats, and great blue herons stalk the shoreline with prehistoric patience.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness — able to paddle for an hour and get in/out of boats from a low shoreline
Wildlife
History
Virginia Key Beach Park was developed in the 1940s and has a complex civil-rights history as a designated beach for Black residents during segregation; the site later evolved into a public recreational area.
Conservation
Avoid paddling over seagrass, adhere to wildlife distancing rules during manatee season, and use reef-safe sunscreen to reduce chemical impact on the bay.
Reserve your spot on the Miami Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals in Virginia Key today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Go at dawn for calm water
Morning winds are usually light and the bay is glassy — arrive early to maximize smooth paddling and wildlife sightings.
Manatee etiquette
If you see manatees, stop and stay at least 50 feet away; never chase or touch marine mammals and avoid shallow seagrass beds.
Protect electronics
Bring a dry bag or waterproof case — phones and cameras can be dropped during entry, exit, or when balancing on a SUP.
Footwear and traction
Wear water shoes or sandals with a good sole for launching from rocky or muddy edges and for walking to parking areas.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated in Miami heat — refill before or after your rental.
summer
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protect skin and local marine life from chemical sunscreens.
summer
Dry bag or waterproof phone case
Keeps electronics and keys safe from splashes and accidental drops.
Water shoes
Protect feet during launches and when walking across rocky or muddy shorelines.
spring