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Virginia Key Outdoor Center
Virginia Key Outdoor Center
5
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About
Experience a true eco-getaway in the heart of the Magic City. Start your Miami adventure on a tranquil lagoon leading to the ocean. White sand beaches, nature trails and more. Explore on your own or join an authentic guided experience: • Rent kayaks, paddleboards, mt. bikes or beach cruiser bikes • Full Moon Kayak & Paddleboard Adventures • Sunset Paddles (Saturdays during winter, + more dates during summer) • Manatee Photo Safaris (Nov to mid-April) • Bioluminescence (summer sunset + full moon paddles) • New Year’s Eve + 4th of July Celebrations-dinner live music + fireworks on the water • Bike tours of Virginia Key, Key Biscayne and Brickell • Private and Group Fishing trips and lessons • Paddleboard Yoga • Learn to ride, kayak or paddleboard • Corporate Groups and Parties • Ask about our children's programs Discover VKOC today and experience Miami's best kept secret. It is everything you expect from the Florida Keys and more. We are just minutes away from the heart of Miami.
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Virginia Key Outdoor Center
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
510 reviews
Excellent
436
Very good
40
Average
20
Poor
10
Terrible
4
sarahfH5223FL
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Solo
This tour was absolutely fabulous!! It was raining in the morning so we had the option to either wait it out or re book on another day. We all waited and it was worth it! It turned into a beautiful day. Our tour started by either kayaking or paddleboard with the manatees. It was spectacular!!! There were so many of them and some would swim right beside your kayak or board. We then continued on and learned about some of the creatures you could see through the water on the ocean floor and we were given information about the foliage in the area. We paddled to a really nice beach area where we had a really great view of the city skyline and had a chance to walk on the beach or go in the water. On the way back from our paddle we saw lots of wildlife in the trees and we then went back to hang out with the manatees a little more. After the tour I chose to extend my paddleboard rental and stay out on the water. This tour was definitely the highlight of my trip to Miami!!
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ycarruyo
Hallandale Beach, FL1 contribution
Mar 2021
It was a nice experience. The group guides were exceptional and friendly. We will repeat for sure.
The location is excellent. A beautiful view of the city at sunset and the full moon risen made it an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended.
The location is excellent. A beautiful view of the city at sunset and the full moon risen made it an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended.
Written March 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our Full Moon Tours are a true deal! You get a beautiful sunset and a spectacular moon rise for the price of one! We are so glad you had a great time! Can't wait toes you at our next one!
Written June 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Randm57
Gold Coast, Australia12 contributions
Dec 2019
What an memorable experience. We organised this paddle via the internet from Australia and it went exactly as planned. Our guide Gino was very knowledgeable and we learned such a lot about these amazing animals. We were able to quietly float in the bay and allow the manatees to swim close to us. We couldn't believe how many there were. We even got to see a couple of Moms with their babies. Thank you Gino for being such a fantastic and relaxed SUP-buddy. We will always remember this paddle and being able to see the wonderful manatees.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
These are the things we aim to achieve. We're so glad we were able to provide you with a great experience. If you get to visit Miami again please stop by. More great memories are waiting to be made. Thank you for choosing VKOC. Hope we get to see you again. All the best, Esther
Written February 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda G
65 contributions
Feb 2020
I took the photo safari with Virginia Key Outdoor center. Overall, the opportunity of getting up close to these gentle giants was really special. But otherwise the experience was mixed. The details say specifically to arrive 30 minutes in advance, and that they leave on time - even the staff weren't there 30 minutes in advance and the group waited 25 minutes past the start time for late comers to arrive. As I had a plane to catch, my experience was cut short and rushed. They also sold me completely ineffective mosquito repellent for a lot of money, I was covered in bites within 5 minutes. A unique experience that I'm glad I did but did feel a little nickeled and dimed by the company for the cost.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan T
Harrisburg, NC5 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Overall, an average experience at Virginia Key Outdoor Center.
On the negative side, we were told to arrive 15 minutes before our 10 am appointment only to find they didn't unlock their doors until after 10 am. Per website, staff would give us pointers and suggestions as to where to kayak. We were actually sent on our way with zero instructions.
On the bright side, kayaks were in very good condition and staff was friendly. We saw a TON of manatees in the bay and a great time in the water.
On the negative side, we were told to arrive 15 minutes before our 10 am appointment only to find they didn't unlock their doors until after 10 am. Per website, staff would give us pointers and suggestions as to where to kayak. We were actually sent on our way with zero instructions.
On the bright side, kayaks were in very good condition and staff was friendly. We saw a TON of manatees in the bay and a great time in the water.
Written January 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are grateful that you took the time out to leave us a review. Your feedback helps us to improve service for everyone. We will communicate this review to our staff and see what occurred on your visit that resulted in this.
Written January 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
seaside022020
Naples, FL1 contribution
Jun 2020
Enjoyed my visit to VKOC very much. Rented single kayaks $35 for 2 hours, staff were very friendly, was well organized. Discovered this gem because other places closed due to covid. Staff wore masks and sanitation was excellent. Loved being able to see the city skyline as I paddled out. Was not disappointed :) would definitely come back here!
Written June 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happy to see that your visit went great! We will continue to prioritize the safety of our customers and staff. Hope to see you come back soon!
Written July 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shannon N
Eau Claire, WI14 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
We had so much fun on this adventure. The equipment was great. The guide was fun and easy going. We got to see manatees, which was incredible! They were right by it contacts. VKOC was very responsive to emails and questions, which is greatly appreciated. There ended up being a rain delay and we had taken an Uber to the site. We got genre before they opened and before I had checked my email to see the delay message. I replied asking if we were in the right place and they wrote right back to ease my mind. We had a wonderful experience and would recommend to anyone!
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt C
Kansas City, MO12 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
We rented two paddle boards and a kayak. Check in/ out was easy. Gear was in good shape. Only thing I would like to see different is for them to have an agreement with the park that allows people who booked online to get free or discounted access to the park.
Written April 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glad to hear you you had a great day. We sure do have a wonderful area.
I'm sorry they charged you at the gate. Parking is free for rental customers. If you show your reservation thats enough proof of booking.
See you again soon.
Written May 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gillistavrou
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
We had such a great time and we’ll definitely do again. Maybe some moonlight kayaking next time around. We didn’t see a huge amount of wildlife but the waters were busy being a Saturday; one manatee passed us by. Coby our guide was super chilled and easy going. Appreciated his knowledge of the area. Great experience for all and it’s super pretty out there with Fisher Island in the back ground and lots of yachts pulled up close by. Guess it was the weekend after all. Also might add it’s quite kid friendly. Young ones and no issues. Shallow in many areas. See you VKOC again!! and thanks Diana for your help in scheduling what I wanted.
Written September 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BloomyRind
Miami, FL1 contribution
Sep 2020
The staff is always friendly and helpful and knowledgeable. The location has access to some of the most scenic views of the city and the ocean. And the variety of events is awesome. They offer many different group events as well as the best bike trails with Miami and the the Bay in the backdrop. If you're visiting Miami and you want to take in some of the best outdoor scenes and activity has to offer, head down to VKOC.
Written September 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the lovely review! There's always something going on around the lagoon, feel free to look on our website for all the latest happenings!
Written September 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello can I take my little son with me? He is one year old. We hope so...
Written February 21, 2022
Hey, I’m planning on going this weekend with my wife. Just wanted to know if we are able to bring snacks and water bottles and such. If we can, what options do we have? Should I call in ahead or reserve through the website prior to going? Thank you kindly - ya boy cris
Written July 15, 2020
You can take all sorts of things with you. Depends on how long you'll be out and what equipment you take. We recommend drinks as it has been very very hot. Several drinks actually. We also have a s ack shop in premises. Nothing fancy but the drinks are cold and we have bars, chips, nuts and the like. Good that helps.
Written July 21, 2020
Hi Rebecca,
There are sharks in the ocean but we have not had any incidents. Anyone who tells you there are no sharks in their area is lying. They live all around us an avoid humans more than we avoid sharks. Please understand that there are fewer than 5 shark related deaths a year in US. More people are killed by falling coconuts. : ) It is a scary thought but we are okay in the water. I swim, fish, paddle, etc myself all the time. No trouble at all. Hope this helps and didn't scare you away from the beach for life.
Cheers,
Esther
Written November 13, 2018
bonjour , comment fait on pour se rendre a virginia key.,?
JE REVE DE VOIR LES LAMENTINS
taxi , bus ? combien de temps pour s y rendre ?
nous logeons a miami beach
est il possible d ' avoir un service qui nous prenne a l hotel ,
merci de vos réponses
Written July 16, 2018
Hello, The best way to arrive is by taxi, Uber or Lyft. There are bus routes but sadly Miami service is not the best connected.
We have had some manatees in the area but this is not the season for them That starts in November through April.
It is beautiful with great beaches and lovely wildlife. We suggest mornings or afternoon for best viewing opportunities. The animals, just like humans, hide during the heat of the day : )
Written July 17, 2018
bonjour comment s' y rendre depuis maimi beach .
peux t on voir les lamentins
quelle est le prix avec départ hotel
merci
Written July 13, 2018
Salut. Ce n’est pas la saison de lamantin, mais ils ont été dans la région. Meilleur moment possible est le matin et à la basse marée.
Pour obtenir des directives, veuillez visiter vkoc net directions.
Nos tours et détails de location sont également disponibles sur notre site Web.
Written July 13, 2018
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