If you’re looking to explore Florida’s natural beauty without leaving the city behind, this North Miami SUP and kayak tour might be just what you need. Set in the expansive Osprey Triangle Nature Preserve, this experience combines gentle paddling with the chance to see local wildlife and enjoy tranquil waters, all within a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re new to paddling or an experienced water enthusiast, the tour offers a smooth, engaging way to connect with nature.
What we really appreciate about this experience is how accessible it is — all skill levels are welcome, and the equipment is provided. Plus, the guides really seem to care about safety and fun, often going the extra mile with drinks and snacks on the island. However, a quick consideration is that it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, so be sure to plan accordingly. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for nature lovers, small groups, or anyone wanting a relaxed but memorable way to explore Miami’s wildlife and waterways.
This tour is particularly perfect if you’re a traveler who loves seeing animals in their natural habitat or simply enjoys peaceful paddling in a lush environment. It’s also a solid pick for those who want a flexible experience with options for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or just soaking up the scenery. Let’s get into the details so you can decide if this adventure matches what you’re after.
Key Points
- All skill levels are accommodated, with equipment and demonstrations included.
- Wildlife sightings such as manatees, dolphins, iguanas, crabs, and more are common, though not guaranteed.
- The tour includes a relaxing island break with snacks, drinks, and opportunities to swim or snorkel.
- It’s a value-packed experience at $99, offering roughly four hours of guided exploration.
- The natural beauty of the mangrove forest is a highlight, perfect for nature lovers.
- Guides are frequently praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and safety awareness.
Miami isn’t just about beaches and nightlife; its natural areas like Osprey Triangle Nature Preserve offer a surprisingly diverse landscape of mangroves, wildlife, and calm waters. This tour provides a window into that world, creatively combining paddling with wildlife observation. It’s about appreciating the quiet, often unnoticed ecosystems right in the city’s backyard.
The experience kicks off at Venetian Marina, where you’re greeted by friendly staff and given all the gear needed for your adventure. The guides do a good job of demonstrating paddling techniques, making sure everyone feels comfortable regardless of prior experience. We loved the way they balanced safety with a relaxed vibe, creating an atmosphere where beginners could enjoy themselves without feeling overwhelmed.
North Miami: Nature & Island Exploration on SUP/Kayak
The Itinerary Breakdown
Starting Point: Venetian Marina
You’ll meet at Venetian Marina about 30 minutes before the scheduled start. The meeting is straightforward, and staff are quick to check in participants and outfit everyone with paddleboards, kayaks, and safety gear. Once everyone is ready, your guide offers a brief demonstration of paddling skills, which is particularly useful if you’re new to the sport.
Paddling Through the Mangroves
Once afloat, your route takes you through the serene canals of the mangrove jungle. The guides lead the group along a peaceful path, giving plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and soak in the scenery. The mangrove forest itself is a highlight — towering roots and thick greenery create a captivating environment that feels worlds away from the city.
More Great Tours NearbyWildlife Encounters
This is the part everyone eagerly anticipates. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed — as with all nature excursions — many guests report seeing manatees, dolphins, iguanas, raccoons, crabs, and a variety of fish. In fact, some reviews mention dolphin sightings during the tour or on the way to the island. One reviewer shared, “On the way to the island, we met two dolphins,” which adds that extra touch of magic to the experience.
Guides are experts at spotting animals and are happy to point out birds, crabs, and other local fauna. Several reviews highlight how guides like Sean or Angie are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about the environment, which enhances the experience.
Island Break & Snacking
Midway through the trip, everyone pulls onto a small island for a well-deserved rest. Here, you can relax, swim, or snorkel in the clear waters. The tour provides delicious snacks and drinks, including fresh fruit and unlimited sodas, bottled water, beer, and wine — a thoughtful touch that keeps everyone refreshed.
Guests often praise the friendly hospitality during this break. One reviewer noted, “The guide cared about our safety and even offered cold drinks on the island,” which adds to the laid-back, enjoyable vibe.
Return Paddle & Exploration
After recharging, everyone paddles back to the marina. The entire journey usually lasts around four hours, which strikes a nice balance between being substantial and not overwhelming, especially if you’re new to paddling. The return trip often offers opportunities for more wildlife sightings or just taking in the tranquil scenery.
Additional Activities & Flexibility
Once back on land, guests are encouraged to explore more of the park or engage in other activities like hiking or snorkeling. Some reviews mention doing extra paddles or simply enjoying the scenery after the tour. It’s a flexible experience that can extend if you wish to stay longer.
Expert Guides & Friendly Atmosphere
Time and again, reviews praise the guides — like Sean, CJ, and Angie — for their friendliness and knowledge. They go out of their way to ensure everyone feels safe and included, regardless of skill level. Their passion for wildlife and the environment is evident and contagious.
Wildlife & Nature
Many guests mention seeing dolphins, manatees, raccoons, crabs, and iguanas. While sightings of dolphins and manatees are not guaranteed — as these are wild animals — the possibility adds excitement. The mangrove environment itself is a calming, beautiful backdrop that makes every paddle worthwhile.
Snacks, Drinks, & Island Relaxation
The inclusion of snacks, bottled water, sodas, beer, and wine sets this apart from many other water tours. Guests love the relaxed island stop, perfect for swimming, feeding raccoons with watermelon (as some have done), or just unwinding in nature.
Suitable for All Skill Levels
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, this tour is designed to accommodate you. The equipment is provided, and guides offer demonstrations to help everyone get comfortable. Several reviews mention how even beginners felt confident after the instructions.
Value for Money
At $99 for roughly four hours, including gear, guide, snacks, and drinks, the cost is reasonable. Guests often comment on the good value, especially considering the wildlife and scenery you experience.
Meeting Point & Timing
The tour begins at Venetian Marina. Arriving 30 minutes early is recommended to find the location and check-in. The activity is usually available in the morning and afternoon, giving you flexibility to fit it into your schedule.
What to Bring
Guests should bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a waterproof bag, and snorkeling gear if they wish to explore underwater during the break. The guides provide all paddling equipment, so no need to worry about rentals.
Duration & Flexibility
The tour lasts about four hours, making it ideal for a half-day adventure. It’s a leisurely pace, perfect for relaxing and taking in the surroundings without feeling rushed.
Not Suitable For
People with mobility impairments should note that this activity is not suitable for those with mobility issues, as paddling and getting in and out of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be challenging.
Weather & Wildlife
Wildlife sightings — especially manatees and dolphins — depend on the day’s conditions. Summer months tend to have fewer sightings, but even without animals, many guests find the mangrove environment itself mesmerizing.
This experience is perfect for nature lovers, small groups, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy calm waters and wildlife watching. It’s also well-suited for those wanting an active but relaxing outdoor activity that doesn’t require advanced skills. Families with older children might find it enjoyable, but it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or very young kids.
If you’re seeking a peaceful paddle in a lush ecosystem with good guides and a relaxed vibe, you’ll likely find this tour rewarding. However, if your main goal is guaranteed wildlife sightings or a more energetic adventure, you might want to explore other options.
This North Miami paddle tour offers a gentle yet immersive look at Florida’s mangrove ecosystems. The blend of wildlife, scenic waterways, and friendly guides makes it a strong choice for anyone wanting to connect with nature in a relaxed, accessible way. The inclusion of snacks, drinks, and island downtime adds to its value, making it more than just a paddle — it’s a small getaway within the city.
While sightings of dolphins and manatees are not guaranteed, the experience itself is often praised as calming, educational, and fun. It’s best suited for those who appreciate gentle outdoor adventures with a chance to see native wildlife up close. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a first-timer, this trip can be a memorable slice of Miami’s natural side.
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, all skill levels are welcome. The guides demonstrate paddling skills and provide all equipment, so beginners can feel confident.
What wildlife might I see?
Common sightings include manatees, dolphins, iguanas, raccoons, crabs, and various fish. However, as with all wildlife, sightings depend on the day.
How long is the tour?
The trip lasts about four hours, including paddling, wildlife spotting, and the island break.
Are food and drinks included?
Yes, snacks, bottled water, sodas, beer, and wine are included. Guests can relax and refresh during the island stop.
Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
Snorkeling gear is recommended if you wish to explore underwater during the break, but it’s not provided.
What should I wear?
Bring swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. Waterproof bags are suggested for personal belongings.
Is transportation included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off. You’ll meet at Venetian Marina.
Can I do this tour if I don’t have paddling experience?
Absolutely. Demonstrations ensure everyone understands how to paddle, and the environment is calm and beginner-friendly.
What happens if the tour is canceled?
There are no refunds, but tickets can be transferred to a future date if the experience is canceled for reasons beyond the provider’s control.
Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s suitable for older children and families who can manage paddling. It’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments.
Whether you’re keen to see wildlife, enjoy peaceful waters, or just want a relaxing outdoor activity, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of Miami’s natural environment. It’s a good pick for travelers seeking an authentic, scenic escape with friendly guides and the chance to unwind in nature’s quiet corners.
You can check availability for your dates here: