5 of the Best Places for Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Miami

Where To Go Paddle Boarding in Miami

Miami is a rather busy city and some people find living in a city like this to be kind of stressful. If you are one of these people, an effective way to relax and recover seem necessary.

And paddle boarding is one of the best activities you can find for entertainment and relaxation on weekends. Paddle boarding in Miami is more popular than you’d think. There are actually some wonderful place for paddle boarding in Miami for enthusiasts of the sport to enjoy their time on the water.

If you live in Miami and are hesitant to get a paddle board and start your SUP journey, check out our list of the top 5 places to go paddle boarding in Miami.

1. Virginia Key

Virginia Key is the perfect spot for recreational water sports. If you want to spend your time on the water rather quietly, this is a great place to go. Compared to other regions of the city, Virginia Key is rather peaceful, combined with the crystal clear water and a great view of the city skyline, it’s one of the best spots to enjoy a leisure weekend on the water in peace.  

SUP Rentals Nearby:

Virginia Key Outdoor Center

Website: http://vkoc.net/book-now/

Address: 3801 Rickenbacker Cswy Miami, FL 33149

Services Available: Paddleboarding, Rafting/Kayaking, Bike Rentals

Phone: (786) 224-4777

2. South Beach

South Beach is probably one of the most beautiful beaches you can find in Miami, which naturally makes it a hotspot for all kinds of water sports, including, of course, paddle boarding. You can pretty much expect the company of other paddlers and kayakers.

It’s a great spot for a casual session of paddling on the water. The water is calm enough for most SUP activities and paddlers of all skill levels to enjoy the sport without a problem.

And there’s a chance to spot manatees and dolphins. Starting your very first stand up paddle boarding session in a crowded place might not be the best idea, but if you do find the place beautiful and want to do it here, there are plenty of instructors on the beach you can find for a SUP class. After mastering the basic SUP skills, you are guaranteed to have great fun paddling here.

3. Biscayne Bay

If a beautiful scene is what you expect most out of your paddling session, Biscayne Bay is a place you can’t miss. You can have a great view of the city from here while paddleboarding or just taking a break.

And it’s recommended you spend the whole day here because other than paddle boarding during the day, you can also enjoy the beautiful view of the city skyline that appears at sunset. The water is calm so you don’t have to worry about it being too difficult for you even if you are a rookie paddler.

SUP Rentals Nearby:

Miami Beach Paddleboard

Website: https://miamibeachpaddleboard.com/

Address: 1701 Sunset Harbor Dr Shop C-102 Miami Beach, FL 33139

Services Available: Paddleboarding

Hours: 

Mon 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tue 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Wed 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Thu 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Fri 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM 

Sat 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sun 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Phone: (786) 428-4402

4. Sunset Island

If you are a beginner looking to find the most beginner-friendly spot for paddle boarding in Miami, then Sunset Island is probably the best place you can find in Miami. You can find a place with calm and clear water to try out your board, practice balancing and other basic SUP skills and build confidence over the course.

5. Oleta State Park

If you enjoy SUP touring, be sure to check out Oleta State Park. Unlike other paddle boarding spots in Miami, Oleta State Park doesn’t offer crystal clear salt water.

What it has is murky waters you’ll find when you explore mangrove canals and other views of nature in the park. If you want a real adventure in a rather simple and natural environment, this is the best place you can find in Miami.

SUP Rentals Nearby:

Sunny Isles Beach Water Sports

Website: https://www.sunnyislesbeachwatersports.com/

Address: 18001 Collins Ave Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

Services Available: Paddleboarding, Surfing, Jet Skis

Hours: 

Mon 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tue 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Wed 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Thu 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Fri 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM 

Sat 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sun 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Phone: (305) 725-6231

For beginners, picking their first stand up paddle board is not easy because there are actually a lot of things to take into consideration. For recreational purposes in a busy city like Miami, an all-around inflatable SUP board would be an excellent choice.

Check out the Goosehill Sailor inflatable paddle board. It’s one of the best inflatable paddleboards you can get for less than $400. What makes it perfect for paddlers who live in urban area is that it’s inflatable and can be deflated when not in use to save room. Being inflatable also means it’s very easy to transport.

Also, it’s very lightweight and even kids can carry it with no problem. At 32’’, it’s also very stable and beginner-friendly. If you need a nice SUP board to use for leisure time on the water, this is one of the best choices you can have. It’s the kind of excellent paddleboard that doesn’t cost you a fortune.