Paddleboard Miami mangroves and Raccoon Island with wildlife

Paddle through mangrove tunnels, explore a jungle island, watch for manatees and dolphins

Paddleboard through Miami's hidden natural canals and mangrove forests to Raccoon Island, where you'll explore a jungle-like landscape and watch for wildlife including birds, fish, crabs, manatees and dolphins. Beginners get a 10-minute lesson on the canal before paddling out. The guide photographs the experience and shares images with you. Beer, water and all equipment are included.

The experience

You start on a Miami canal where a live guide gives first-timers 10 minutes of paddleboarding basics before the group heads into the mangroves. These trees create a tunnel effect that feels nothing like the city you left behind: the guide describes them as reminiscent of the Amazon. From there you paddle across the bay to Raccoon Island, a spot dense enough to feel like jungle exploration. The island is where you stop, take in the landscape, and the guide captures photos and videos to send you later.

Wildlife appears throughout: birds and fish are constant, crabs show up in the shallows, and manatees or dolphins sometimes pass through the bay. How far and how long you paddle is up to you: the guide adjusts the pace and distance to match the group's comfort. On the return, you explore different mangrove sections to hunt for more animals. Beer and water are waiting on the island, along with bananas. Life jackets are provided and required.

The experience runs about two hours total. The guide speaks English and Spanish. Service animals are welcome, and the activity suits all fitness levels, though you do need to be at least 18 years old to book.

What’s included

• Life jackets and paddleboards.
• beer and water.
• guide photography and video shared after the trip.
• a 10-minute paddleboarding lesson for beginners on the canal.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs Sunday at 10:30, from US$ 69 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesSundayDeparts at 10:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 10 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

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

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

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

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Vanessa Champion

Is this one for you?The paddle is self-paced and adjusts to your comfort, so you control how far and how long you go. Pick this if you want to move through the water at your own speed rather than follow a fixed itinerary.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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.

What wildlife might I actually see on this paddleboard trip?

Birds, fish and crabs are regular sightings in the canals and around Raccoon Island. Manatees and dolphins pass through the bay sometimes, though they're not guaranteed. The guide watches for them and adjusts the route based on what's moving that day.

Is this paddleboard trip suitable if I've never done it before?

Yes. First-timers get a 10-minute lesson on the canal covering the basics of paddleboarding before the group heads into the mangroves. The guide adjusts the pace to match the group's comfort level.

What happens on Raccoon Island?

Raccoon Island is a jungle-like spot where the group stops to explore and rest. You'll have beer, water and bananas there, and the guide takes photos and videos to share with you afterward.

How long does the whole experience take?

The paddleboard trip runs about two hours, including the lesson, the paddle out to the island, exploration time and the return through different mangrove sections.

What's included in the price?

Life jackets, paddleboards, beer, water and all equipment needed for the experience are included. The guide also provides photos and videos from the outing.