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South Beach Private Kayak Tour
This adventure isn't instantly bookable online, but may still be available
Pricing
Description
Private Clear Kayaking South Miami Beach | Paddle Collins Canal and Biscayne Bay
Experience the historic waterways of South Beach entirely on your own terms on this fully private, guided clear kayak adventure through the Collins Canal and the edge of Biscayne Bay. The same breathtaking route as the group tour — 100% transparent kayaks, iconic Art Deco skyline views, and the living underwater world visible straight through the hull beneath your feet — but with one key difference: no other guests, just your group and your guide.
Launching from Collins Avenue, your guide leads your group at a pace entirely tailored to you. You'll paddle the Collins Canal, the oldest surviving manmade structure in Miami Beach, past the Collins Waterfront Architectural District's stunning collection of Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern buildings, and out into the edge of Biscayne Bay — one of Florida's most ecologically rich waterways, home to manatees, sea turtles, herons, iguanas, rays, dolphins, and more. The shallow, glassy water and crystal-clear hull mean you'll be watching the underwater world drift beneath your feet the entire way.
As a private tour, the pace, route, and experience are shaped around your group's abilities and interests. This is a fully exclusive booking — ideal for couples, families, celebrations, corporate groups, and anyone who wants the full South Beach clear kayak experience without sharing it with strangers.
Duration
- Activity time on water: Approximately 2 hours
- Total time (arrival, safety briefing, launch, paddle, return): Approximately 2.5 hours
- Arrive: 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time
Location / Where to Meet
2400 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Meet your guide at the launch point on Collins Avenue. Look for the clear kayaks upon arrival. Street parking and nearby paid lots are available along Collins Avenue — allow extra time to find parking, especially on weekends and during peak season.
Ages & Requirements
- Minimum age: 3 years old
- Young children may ride in a tandem kayak with a parent
- Children 30 lbs (14 kg) or under must bring their own Coast Guard-approved life jacket, as outfitter-provided sizes do not accommodate this weight range
- Weight limit: 425 lbs (193 kg) per kayak; no more than 250 lbs (113 kg) per seat
- All guests must have upper body mobility and the ability to walk up and down steps to enter and exit the kayaks
- Guests must be able to paddle without assistance (children riding with a parent excepted)
- Not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health
- Reservations are required — walk-ups are not accepted
What's Included
- Fully private, exclusive guided tour (no other guests)
- 100% clear tandem kayaks, paddles, and seats
- Trained and knowledgeable local tour guide
- Life jackets (PFDs) and safety whistles
- Dry bags
- Collectable Miami location sticker
Not Included
- Gratuity — never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider tipping your guide. Standard US gratuity is 20%. A mandatory 20% gratuity is added for groups of 11 or more.
- Parking fees
- Trip protection (can be added at checkout for an extra fee — recommended for added flexibility)
What to Bring / Wear
- Swimsuit or quick-drying clothing you don't mind getting a little wet
- Change of clothes for after the tour (paddles will drip water into the kayak)
- Water shoes or sandals with straps
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat & sunglasses
- Towel
- Reusable water bottle & snacks
- Waterproof camera or GoPro — the less gear you bring, the better the visibility through the kayak; the company is not responsible for damaged or lost items
- Required paperwork — sign your waiver online before you arrive
- Please remove any jewelry, watches, or items you don't want damaged or lost in the water
South Miami Beach Clear Kayaking Tour
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Get Up and Go Kayaking - South Miami Beach
FAQs
What is the difference between the private tour and the group tour?
The route, kayaks, and experience are identical — the difference is exclusivity. On the private tour, the booking is entirely yours. No other guests will be on the water with you, and your guide can tailor the pace, stops, and storytelling entirely to your group. It's the same stunning waterway and the same clear kayaks, just with complete privacy from start to finish.
What will we see on the tour?
The route takes you along the Collins Canal and into the edge of Biscayne Bay. Along the way you'll paddle past the Collins Waterfront Architectural District — over 110 Art Deco and Miami Modern buildings from the 1940s–60s — as well as celebrity waterfront mansions on the bay. Wildlife-wise, guests have spotted manatees, herons, iguanas, rays, fish, dolphins, and sea turtles. Sightings vary by season and can never be guaranteed, but your private guide will know these waterways well and will point out everything they spot.
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No experience is needed. Tours are designed for all skill levels, and your guide will cover basic paddling tips and techniques before you launch. As a private tour, the guide sets a pace that works specifically for your group.
I've never kayaked before — can I still join?
Absolutely. These are calm, protected urban waterways — a great place to try kayaking for the first time. For more tips to help you prepare, check out TripOutside's blog post on Kayaking for Beginners!
Are the kayaks tandem or single?
All kayaks are tandem (2 people per kayak). Solo guests and odd-numbered groups may take a kayak out solo.
Can I bring a camera?
Yes — a waterproof camera or GoPro in a secure housing is recommended. Keep in mind that the less gear you bring into the kayak, the better the visibility through the clear hull. The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
What happens if it rains?
Unless there is a severe weather event or unsafe paddling conditions, tours operate rain or shine. In the event of a weather cancellation by the outfitter, guests will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Do I need to arrive early?
Yes — please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time for check-in, waiver signing, gear distribution, and the pre-launch safety briefing.
What is the best time of year to kayak in South Beach?
The tour runs year-round. Miami's dry season (November through April) typically brings the most comfortable conditions, with lower humidity and clearer skies. Summer brings warm water and the possibility of manatee sightings in the bay, though afternoon thunderstorms are common — morning departures are generally recommended during summer months.
What sunscreen can I use and why does it matter?
Common sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs and marine ecosystems, including Biscayne Bay's coral and seagrass beds. Reef-SAFE sunscreens use non-nano particles, which are too large for corals to absorb, helping to protect the bay's living ecosystems. Please avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Consider wearing sun-protective clothing as an alternative, and if you choose a mineral-based sunscreen, ensure it is labeled "non-nano."
Cancellation Policy
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All Sales Final: Once booked, all sales are final, and no cancellations are permitted unless specified otherwise. Trip protection is an available add on option for more flexibility.
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Late Policy: Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour! If you arrive later than your scheduled tour time you will be considered a NO SHOW and won’t be able to receive a refund OR reschedule your tour.
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Unsafe Weather: In the event of unsafe weather, we offer the option to reschedule or provide a full refund.
Availability
There is no instant booking availability for this adventure. Drop us a line using the contact form below and we'll do our best to help you book this adventure or suggest some alternative options
Reviews
Location
Address
2400 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL, 33140
US
ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT
This adventure isn't instantly bookable online, but may still be available