Canoeing and Kayaking at Biscayne National Park

Canoeing and Kayaking in Biscayne National Park are a fun way to explore the mangrove coastlines lining the bay.

Canoeing in Biscayne National Park - Mangroves

Along the canals and creeks waters are sheltered and calm which makes it very easy and enjoyable for novice paddlers.

During the winter/spring months, the mangroves are teeming with wildlife, there are many kinds of birds to be seen along the shores and nesting on trees: egrets, herons, ibis, cormorants, osprey...

Canoeing in Biscayne National Park - Birds

Close to shore keep your eyes open for tiny crabs, and underwater you might see snook darting about, rays and even a fleeting view of a manatee snout coming up for air. There's much to see and enjoy if you take the time!

This is a great place also to learn about the mangrove ecosystem, and the different types of mangroves. Here's a quick introduction to the Mangrove Ecosystem and its importance.

Canoeing in Biscayne National Park - Mangrove Forest

Out on the bay, the waters open up to magnificent views, there are many tiny islands with plenty of wildlife as well.

Canoeing in Biscayne National Park - Birds

Canoe, Kayak and SUP Rentals - NOT AVAILABLE AT THE MOMENT

You are free to bring your own canoe, paddleboard or kayak and launch from the Visitor Center jetty or Black Point Marina.

The canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are all kept neatly right next to the launching site for easy in and out of the water, totally hassle free.

Canoeing in Biscayne National Park - Rentals and Launch Site

There are kayaks, paddle boards and canoes available.

Rentals start at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday to Sunday. Last rental is at 2:00 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 3:30 pm Saturdays and Sundays.

Rental rates: $25 for first 1 and a half hours and $10 each additional hour

Reservations are not possible, it is first-come first-served.

For more info call Biscayne National Park Institute at (786) 335-3644.

Guided Paddle Adventures

There are also guided morning or full day paddle tours conducted from the Visitor Center.

A semi-guided kayaking experience where you paddle the mangroves and seagrass meadows is available several times daily at 9:30 am, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm. The program will be led by naturalist for the first 30 minutes and then you will be able to paddle on your own for the next hour. Cost is $39 per person, children 3-7 $19, must be 3+. More info and booking.

The Jones Lagoon Paddle Eco-Adventure combines a 30-minute boat trip to the lagoon and a guided paddle through Jones Lagoon on single or double kayaks or stand up paddleboards where you can look for baby sharks, turtles, and the rare Roseate Spoonbill. Paddle over water that's just inches deep and surrounded by amazing marine life. Runs twice daily at 9:00 am and 1:30 pm, cost is $79 per person, ages 12+ or $395 for a private group for up to 6 people. Ages 8+, any age on private trip. More info and booking.

There is also a Sail, Paddle, and Snorkel Island Visit conducted daily. These are full-day trips that bring you to one of the keys, either Boca Chita or Adams Key where you have lunch ashore and then anchor in a protected area where you can swim, paddle, or snorkel. Note that the snorkeling is NOT in the outside reefs and you must bring your own snorkel gear. Cost is $159 per person. More info and booking.

Let's Paddle Away!

Book with confidence! Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

Canoe and Kayak Trails Within Biscayne National Park

Mowry Canal Paddle - 2 miles round trip, easiest for beginners. Launches from the Visitor Center and paddles north through the mangroves. Then enters the Mowry Canal and heads inland and back out the same way then circling through the islands back to the Visitor Center. Look for Manatees along the canal during the "cold" season, they love the warm protected waters... See Map.
Crocodile Creek Paddle - 3.75 miles round trip. Launches from the Visitor Center and heads out towards the bay and through the mangrove channels circles back towards the mainland and enters Crocodile Creek from the north. Proceed north along the mangrove coast towards Homestead Bayfront Park and back to the Visitor Center. See Map.
Black Point Paddle - 10 miles round trip. Launches from the Visitor Center and paddles north through the mangrove coastline and canals to Black Point Marina and Ocean Grill. See Map.
Deering Point Paddle - 15 miles round trip. Launches from Deering Point/Snowden's Dam at 17350 Old Cutler Rd, Palmetto Bay and paddles south along the mangroves to Black Point Marina and Ocean Grill and back. See Map.
Elliott Key Paddle - 17 miles round trip. Launches from the Visitor Center and heads east out into Biscayne Bay to reach Elliott Key where you dock in the harbor or swim area. There is a visitor center in Elliott Key, restrooms and hiking trails. See Map.
Jones Lagoon Trails - this is the vast area south of Adams Key and Caesar Creek made up of lagoons, creeks and channels, there is even a rookery within Jones Lagoon. The area can be explored using Elliott Key as a base or if you come by boat, there are a handful of anchoring areas. See Map of Jones Lagoon Trails and Anchor Dropoff Points
There is also a full day guided paddle and snorkel trip that brings you to Jones Lagoon from the Visitor Center. Tours start at 10:00 am and return at about 4:30 pm. Kayaks, SUPs and canoes are provided, you can bring your own snorkel gear as this might be on limited supply. Tour groups limited to 6 people. Cost per adult $129 or $690 for a private boat trip for up to 6. Jones Lagoon Paddle and Snorkel Adventure More info and booking.