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Learn foundational kayak skills on Biscayne Bay with private or small-group lessons at Pelican Harbor. Expert instruction, bilingual coaching, and calm waters make this an ideal intro to paddling and wildlife viewing.
Learn foundational kayak skills on Biscayne Bay with private or small-group lessons at Pelican Harbor. Expert instruction, bilingual coaching, and calm waters make this an ideal intro to paddling and wildlife viewing.
Book with I Paddle Miami
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
573 ratings
Operated by I Paddle Miami · North Miami Beach, Florida
Pelican Harbor sits on the sheltered reaches of Biscayne Bay in North Miami Beach, Florida, and it’s the launch point for iPaddleMiami’s Kayak Lessons Private Group. In a 90-minute class led by certified instructor Manny Castillo (ACA Level 2: Essentials of Sit-On-Top Kayak), beginners and returning paddlers learn practical strokes, boat control, and water-safety skills on calm bay water. Lessons are offered as one-on-one private instruction or small groups up to four people, and both English and Spanish instruction are available. The setting is a standout: low, mangrove-lined shorelines and shallow seagrass flats give way to wide views of Biscayne Bay, where coastal birdlife—brown pelicans, ospreys—and the occasional dolphin or manatee silhouette make even a basic lesson feel like a nature trip. Geologically, the bay rests on limestone and seagrass ecosystems that support rich marine life; paddlers get close to this fragile habitat without disturbing it when guided correctly. The class focuses on efficient paddle technique, strokes for steering and bracing, basic trip planning, and the safety practices that make subsequent outings more confident and fun. Practical details are straightforward: classes last 90 minutes, require students to be at least 13 years old, and include sit-on-top kayaks, paddles, and all required safety gear. Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early—the team starts on time—and use PayByPhone for parking; if you bring your own gear, you can unload at the ramp before parking. The intimate group sizes and private-format options mean plenty of instructor attention, so even nervous newcomers leave with real progress. What makes this experience special for the area is accessibility. North Miami Beach gives easy urban access to Biscayne Bay’s quieter side without a long boat ride; iPaddleMiami’s local focus and bilingual instruction lower the barrier for families and visitors who want to try paddling but aren’t sure where to begin. The operation emphasizes respect for the bay’s habitats and teaches low-impact paddling techniques so you learn how to enjoy the water responsibly. Who should book: people new to kayaking, anyone wanting to refine basic strokes, and travelers who want a short, guided outdoor activity that combines skill-building with wildlife observation. Book a private lesson to fast-track your confidence on the water, then return to explore longer routes around the bay with the same safety mindset. Instructors introduce rescue awareness and basic re-entry techniques for sit-on-top kayaks, so students know how to manage a flipped boat and assist a partner. Lessons also cover reading tidal flow and choosing sheltered lines between mangrove islands. Because the bay can be deceptively windy in the afternoon, morning sessions often offer the calmest practice conditions and the best chance to spot wildlife close to shore. Book private sessions for faster progress.
easy.
90 minutes.
Light-moderate: suitable for most active people; ability to sit and paddle for 90 minutes required.
Yes—iPaddleMiami supplies sit-on-top kayaks, paddles, and safety gear for all lessons.
No—lessons are designed for beginners but are also useful for paddlers who want to improve technique.
Minimum age is 13 years old.
Group lessons are limited to a maximum of four people to ensure quality instruction.
Lessons are offered in English and Spanish.
Use PayByPhone to pay for parking; you may unload gear at the ramp before parking your vehicle.
Biscayne Bay has been important to local fishing and boating communities for generations and supports extensive seagrass habitats.
iPaddleMiami teaches low-impact paddling and encourages staying clear of mangroves and seagrass to protect fragile bay ecosystems.
I Paddle Miami is a water-sports outfitter based in North Miami Beach, Florida. The company offers guided tours, rentals, and lessons across Biscayne Bay and nearby waterways. Offerings include kayak fishing tours (including peacock bass trips), e‑foil lessons, stand‑up paddleboard (SUP) lessons for kids and adults, private and group kayak lessons, and multi‑hour kayak and SUP rentals at Deering Point and East Greynolds Park. Guides provide gear, safety instruction, and local knowledge for all experience levels. Kayak fishing tours run day or night and target species such as peacock bass and snook; gear and tips are provided on fishing trips. Rentals include single and tandem kayaks and stand‑up paddleboards, with specific 2.5‑hour rentals at Deering Point and 4‑hour rentals at East Greynolds Park. Popular routes pass through Biscayne Bay, mangroves, and scenic islands such as Pelican Island. Lessons are offered as one‑on‑one sessions, private group lessons, and kids’ programs focused on paddling technique, balance, and water safety. E‑foil lessons teach riders to balance and glide on an electric hydrofoil under instructor supervision. All experiences emphasize hands‑on instruction, safety protocols, and accessible launch points from North Miami Beach. I Paddle Miami is featured on The Adventure Collective and serves visitors seeking guided water activities, family‑friendly lessons, and self‑guided rentals in South Florida.
Book with I Paddle Miami