The Virginia Key Outdoor Center is a great place to rent a kayak or a paddleboard and explore around the northern section of Virginia Key. Esther the owner of VKOC is a very friendly lady and will be happy to tell you all the good spots to explore.
You can launch your kayak in the Lamar lagoon from the Dock. On cold days in the winter and spring season the lagoon a popular spot with manatees as the water there is a little warmer than the open ocean. The beach beyond the mountain bike trails is also a pleasant are kayaking area.
Fisher Island is just across the Norris cut inlet though stopping there uninvited is a little more difficult. Nonetheless, if you paddle into their marina, you may see the resident tarpon that haunts those waters, and a manatee or two during on chilly days.
On the ocean side as you head closer to Bear Cut it can get choppy with a strong east wind, but there may also be some reasonable waves to catch on your kayak if the tide is ebbing.
There may be a funny smell in the air while you're in Virginia Key depending on which way the wind is blowing. That is the Central District Wastewater Treatment Plant which takes up almost half the Island. The outfall from the plant is several miles offshore and highly chlorinated, so you don't have worry about poopy water.
There is ample parking here, though it can get busy on weekends. Cars pay to enter the Virginia key, but bicycles can usually ride in for free.
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