Kayaking in Miami: Paddle Lamar Lake for Manatees

Paddle past manatees and dolphins on Miami's quietest lake

Rent a kayak or paddleboard on Lamar Lake in Miami, a protected waterway where manatees congregate during winter months and dolphins appear year-round. You operate the equipment on tranquil water, taking in both natural wildlife and Downtown Miami's skyline across Biscayne Bay. Coast Guard lifevests, paddles and all gear are provided.

The experience

Lamar Lake sits in Virginia Key, Miami's prime spot for manatee sightings between November and April. Outside those months, the same calm water holds dolphins, spotted eagle rays, great blue herons and other local wildlife. You choose between a single kayak, tandem kayak or stand-up paddleboard: all with paddles, leashes (for boards) and US Coast Guard approved lifevests included. The water stays tranquil enough that you can focus on what moves beneath and around you instead of fighting the paddle.

Weather permitting, the route opens up views of Downtown Miami's skyline across Biscayne Bay, mixing the natural and urban in a way few paddling spots do. You set the pace on the water. There's no fixed itinerary or group schedule. An hour gives you time to explore without feeling rushed, though the exact route depends on what you want to see and where wildlife appears on the day you go.

What’s included

• Paddle board, single kayak, or tandem kayak.
• paddles.
• leashes for paddleboards.
• US Coast Guard approved lifevests.

Options for this experience

3 options

Paddleboard you stand on while paddling17 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 17:00Paddleboard you stand on while paddling

Single Kayak17 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 17:00Kayak built for one rider

Tandem KayakAvailable from 17 Jul 2027Kayak with room for two people

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 1h, runs every day, 17 start times, from US$ 26.75 per person and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day17 departure times: 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 16:30 and 17:00

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (under 18)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by PADL

Is this one for you?Choose a single kayak if you want to paddle solo, a tandem kayak to share the work with a partner, or a stand-up paddleboard if you prefer a different balance and core engagement. All three operate on the same calm water, so the choice depends on how you want to move through it.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 18).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

When is the best time to see manatees while kayaking in Miami?

Manatee season runs from November through April, when Lamar Lake becomes Miami's top location for sightings. Outside those months, dolphins and eagle rays are common on the water.

What equipment do I get with the kayak or paddleboard rental?

Your rental includes a paddle, a US Coast Guard approved lifevest, and a leash if you choose a paddleboard. Single kayaks, tandem kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are all available.

Can I see Downtown Miami from Lamar Lake?

Yes, weather permitting, you paddle with views of Downtown Miami's skyline across Biscayne Bay, combining natural water scenes with the city's urban backdrop.

How long does a kayaking session last?

A session runs about an hour on the water. You control your own pace and can explore at whatever speed suits you.