blue moon outdoor center

Blue Moon operates the concession at Oleta River State Park, and features this two and one-half hour "Inside Oleta Guided Kayak Tour" which is the perfect kayak exploration for the beginner or those who wish a planned tour of the flora and fauna of the state park.For a fairly modest fee (compared with guided tours of other state and national parks) a guide accompanies you in his own kayak, and you get two kayaks, one for each person, for $65 each. That includes rental of kayak, paddles and life preserver, so the guide just about doubles the normal rental prices. For that you get a very informative and engaging narrative about the origin of the park, and identification of plants and wildlife.I had never used a kayak before, and of course was worried about tipping it over. No worry at all, actually. The guide, Ryan, was thoroughly familiar with the geography and has a very people-person orientation, perfect for a nature guide. The tour time passes quickly, as you see smooth water, and a bit of a chop on the more open bay, but nothing dangerous. There are sufficient canals and smaller bodies of water for even the most windy day. You will see the varieties of mangrove, and various waterlife like barracuda and other aquatic species in the clear pristine waters.A few important tips that might be noted on the website, but which you should be especially prepared for. Your seat, legs and footwear most probably will get soaked, so wear something waterproof and bring along extra clothing and towels to dry off after your tour. This is just the nature of kayaking; you do not go into the water, but the water comes to you in the kayak as you paddle away into the park by the dripping of the paddle. The exit of the kayak also can drive all the water to the rear and get you pretty wet. Nothing to be afraid of, just be prepared. Take nothing you want to get wet, or be responsible for any damages. If you carry a smart phone/camera, you must keep it in your chest life preserver, or buy one of the waterproof bags Blue Moon has for sale. Apply plenty of sunscreen beforehand, as even in the winter the sun reflected off the water can give the unprepared a nasty burn.Overall, this is a perfect beginner activity for singles, couples and families with older children. It is fairly cool out on the waters, and you become separated from the hustle of tourist life in the Miami area. Highly recommended for those who want to try out kayaking in a protected area with an expert guide.

We were staying at a friend's "South Beach time share," which turned out to be in North Beach. Which is how we came to be kayaking here. Much fun, good exercise, friendly staff.

..It can't get much easier to get into a kayak and slip into the mangroves for a bit of exercise. The boats are clean and ready to go.

Reasonable prices, nice staff, great view, and lots of fun. You can spend a whole day at the park/beach (they are located in Oleta River Park), take food and your own bike/SUP/kayak or rent them from this company.

Went kayaking with my husband. The river connects to the ocean so we got to kayak into the ocean. Beautiful views of North Miami Beach. I recommend for anyone who likes the outdoors!

The best part of the kayaking was the guided tour through the mangrove tree. It's almost like going through a jungle/tunnel. Our guide was great! She knew all about the local plants and animals. Later we parked the kayaks and went swimming. I would go again, probably longer! The also have a delicious fish taco stand about 1 mile away. Super tasty and many historic pieces from the family's fishing business. Shaded and relaxed and delicious.

If you're being a hipster tourist to South Florida for the Cool and Hip Stuff, please consider this un-hip attraction to augment your experience. Nothing hip about it, but lots of back to the basics fun in nature among the mangroves. We saw dolphins swimming near our kayak. People at the site are helpful and friendly.

The blue moon outdoor center offers you good prices to rent bikes, kayak and SUP, there you can have a nice and ease ride in kayak through mangroves creek, you don't see many of wild fauna, because it's an area of new born mangroves, but it really worth to spend some good time in nature!

I was looking for a nearby spot to kayak and came across this location and company. I think it's best if you have kayaked at least once. I signed up and they gave me a life vest and paddle and sent me on my way. No instruction was provided but it was pretty straight forward. The larger bay was harder to paddle bc it was a little rough, and the island had some litter on its banks. But the mangroves were beautiful! They were the highlight of the trip.

We went as a group of 10 and everyone was happy - some mountain biked, some cruise biked and others paddled canoes and kayaks. the mountain biking was pretty hard core and rugged. A couple of hours outdoors away from the city buzz and yet right in the miami beach. Fabulous. The equipment was average but perfectly adequate and the staff were nice. I would definitely go back, and recommend it.

I surprised my husband with the full moon kayak tour for his birthday - he had so much fun! The evening was perfect - the breeze, the full moon shining amongst the clouds, the serene feel and the ambiance was perfect. The staff is friendly, helpful and full engaged in wanting you to have a wonderful experience. We especially enjoyed the island party with the other kayakers. My husband and a few other birthday partiers were sung "Happy Birthday" by Tim and the other attendees. Tim (a guide) sang some Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor, Plain White T's and some others festively - it was like a scene from a movie as we all joined it. A wonderful way to spend the evening staring and appreciating the full moon and the beautiful nature which surrounds us in Florida.

That is the best park to visit in Miami...a lot of fun option to do: Kayak, Dirt Bike and many more.

We were frustrated upon entering the park simply because my iPhone5 gave me crappy directions-- rule of thumb, it's tricky to get to! Keep on driving the boat shack to rent all equiptment is at the very end where the road meets parking lot. Filling out the paperwork is effortless, but after issuing the paddleboards (11'6" boards) they were heavy to walk from the stock shop to the shore, I had to stop several times after being asked, "Do you need help?" YES! If you can't lift or have a back problems, ask for help!The printed map given to us as a guide was extremely helpful to navigate through the Mangroves. I used it several times to figure out which way would be more fun. Paddling through this oasis is incredible and here's why:1.) The mangroves literally feel like your in the Amazon Rainforest. Just watch your head! There are several black and white striped spiders the size of a fist that like to party in their webs a few feet from my head. 2.) The park is desolate with hardly any cars or people. You bascially have the place to yourself if you go on a weekday (mid-day is my reccommendation!)3.) Paddle towards the ocean was so much fun, see if you can get to one of those private islands or towards the open water. The skyline of North Miami is incredible (see in photos)4.) You are allowed to take off your life vest and place it on the SUP just watch so it doesn't fall off!5.) Paddling around the huge yachts and sailboats was like a dream. I highly suggest going with at least one person but a group of people would be ideal. Its more enjoyable. Just remember to wear sunblock. Also watch the time so they don't overcharge you :)

We enjoyed a 2 hr kayak Groupon deal recently listed by this vendor.Everyone was very helpful and the kayak trip was awesome. White sand beaches and cool trails for bikes too!They rent everything. Boards to bikes to kayaks!If your staying in sunny Isles or anywhere in Miami Beach and its crappy out or you're tired of the beach..go see some real Florida coastal back country.

Both their paddle boarding and the full moon kayaking are lots of fun. Its a great family activity.The staff is very friendly and helfpful. They also try to make it as safe as possible for you.The prices are reasonable and you get your money's worth.The park has convenient places to shower and change clothes.There is a restaurant. I highly recommend their seafood sampler. I do not recommend their lobster burger.Altogether very enjoyable.