From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Spend your three-day weekend kayaking

Forget the party at home, try something new this Memorial Day weekend

By Justin Young
Sun-Sentinel

You don't have to drive for hours or head into the wild to enjoy a kayak outing. In South Florida, there are neighborhood kayaking spots that are close to home and give you a new view of the area. Here are nine great urban kayak outings:

Coastal Biscayne Bay

There are several ways to kayak Biscayne Bay -- either via a tour or a self-guided rental. Guided tours can bring kayakers to historic sights from Madonna's former residence to the Vizcaya mansion. You can also enjoy the splendor of the natural sandbar off the coast or the Sister and Grove Islands as well as man-made attractions like canals and bridges. Kayak rentals at Crandon Park allow you to explore the Bear Cut area, the channel that separates the northern tip of Key Biscayne from Virginia Key. In the bay, you might see sting rays, tropical fish and, if you are lucky, an occasional dolphin or manatee. Snorkeling is also offered with tours from the county park at the Crandon Marina.

Where to rent boats or book a tour

  • Sailboards Miami
  • When: By appointment, call ahead
  • Where: Located on the causeway to Key Biscayne, less than a half mile after the toll booth.
  • Contact: (305) 361-7245

  • Crandon Park, 4000 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, at the concession area at the Visitor and Nature Center
  • When: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday and Sundays or weekdays by prior arrangement
  • Contact: (305) 365-3018



    Whiskey Creek, Dania Beach

    Once a lifeline for illegal prohibition-era liquor bootlegging (hence the clever name) it is now a hotspot for kayakers. Not only is the lush nature-lined, two and a half mile route a lovely paddle, but it is shallow, calm and easy enough for beginners to navigate without a guide. John U. Lloyd State Park, where the creek is located, also offers kayak rentals and a concession stand.

    Where to rent boats

  • John U. Lloyd Beach State Park
  • 6503 N. Ocean Drive, Dania Beach
  • (954) 923-2833

    Who runs tours?

  • Full Moon Kayak Company
  • When: Appointment, call ahead
  • Contact: (954) 328-5231

  • Atlantic Coast Kayak Company
  • When: A trip is scheduled for Oct. 3, call for reservations
  • Contact: (954) 781-0073



    West Lake, Hollywood

    A hidden treasure near Hollywood beach, this secluded destination is prohibited territory for motor boats giving kayakers an area to enjoy without competition. The area is also a bird sanctuary and home to fish and crabs. The park's marina on the south side of Sheridan Street offers kayak rentals.

    Where to rent boats

  • West Lake Park and Anne Kolb Nature Center
  • 751 Sheridan St.,
  • Hollywood, FL 33019
  • (954) 926-2480

    Who runs tours?

  • Full Moon Kayak Company
  • When: Appointment, call ahead
  • Contact: (954) 328-5231



    Middle River, Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors

    It will take you several hours, but you can paddle the various branches of the river and circumnavigate all of Wilton Manors. Most kayakers take shorter outings, enjoying an hour or two on the urban river and its canals. The river is home to a mix of modest and not-so-modest waterfront homes and peering into their backyards is one of the things kayakers enjoy. Iguanas, the occasional manatee and plenty of birds, including at least one peacock, are some of the wildlife on display. It is all a no-wake zone, so the occasional motorboat is no bother to paddlers.

    Where to rent boats

  • Full Moon Kayak Company
  • When: Kayak rental is only available on weekends and holidays at Colohatchee Park (1975 NE 15th Ave.) but has extended hours into Friday evening at the Island City Park Preserve (823 NE 23rd St.) location.
  • Contact: (954) 328-5231



    John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, North Palm Beach

    The park runs guided kayak tours through the Munyun Island area and natural estuaries that surround it, but visitors can also rent the equipment to explore at their own pace. Kayakers like to explore the mangroves and uninhabited islands. A kayak enthusiast provides a detailed guide to MacArthur Park with many photos, here.

    Where to rent boats

  • Park Office
  • When: Park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sunset. Check a sonular table if you get a late start to be sure you aren't racing the sunset.
  • Contact: (561) 624-6952



    Oleta River, North Miami

    Located in the largest urban park in the state, the Oleta River is not only home to a wide variety of birds including hawks and osprey but also manatees and bottle nosed dolphins. A trip up the river will normally take three to four hours and kayakers can count on in-park concessions afterwards. Currently, the park does not offer a vendor to rent kayaks but they expect to start within the next month. In the meantime, you can kayak the park on scheduled tours with a kayak outfitter.

    3400 N.E. 163rd Street North Miami, 33160 (305) 919-1846

    Where to rent boats or book a tour
  • Urban Trails Kayak Company
  • When: Appointment
  • Contact: (305) 947-0302



    Fort Lauderdale waterways

    Get up close and personal on a kayak tour past some of the magnificent houses, boats and houseboats of the protected waterways of Fort Lauderdale from Las Olas to the Venetian Isles. Kayak routes can take you past the historic Stranahan House along the way. Or if you want to unwind after a stressful day, try the full moon tour where you are guided by star light. (Moonlight tours are also offered in Dania Beach and West Lake in Hollywood.) Book early since spots are rarely available at the last minute.

    Where to rent boats or book a tour

  • Full Moon Kayak Company
  • When: Appointment, call ahead
  • Contact: (954) 328-5231



    Okeeheelee Park, West Palm Beach

    This 900-acre park, which features a nature center, golf course, BMX track and many recreation options, also rents kayaks. The park also will host a Fall Kayak Festival Oct. 16-17, where paddlers can try out different kayaks, take classes and see kayak demonstrations.

  • Where: 7715 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach.
  • When: 9 a.m. to one hour before sunset, Thursday through Monday.
  • Contact: (561) 304-1344 or www.okeeheeleeparkrentals.com



    James A. Rutherford City Park, Boca Raton

    This park is B.Y.O.K., Bring Your Own Kayak. While there used to be a boat rental service here, now visitors' best chance to paddle the area is on a tour. The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center sponsors Mangrove Adventures monthly, using canoes, not kayaks. The trips are $5 and take nature lovers into the belly of the mangrove swamp, home to seasonal migrating birds and, of course, all the natural vegetation you can handle. Expect to spend an hour or two on the water. Call ahead for the schedule.

    Who runs tours?

  • 600 NE 24th Street
  • Boca Raton, Florida
  • (561) 338-1473

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