Gliding across the black waters of a mangrove-lined waterway in Oleta River State Park at night, it's hard to imagine the chaotic streets of Miami Beach are only a short car drive away.

This kayaking experience near North Miami and other outdoor activities offered in Broward and Miami-Dade counties prove that a state of silent serenity is achievable in South Florida. You just have to know where to look, and to be sure you've got insect repellent. Otherwise, you might feel like you're in an Alfred Hitchcock film, dodging summer mosquitoes that seem as large as birds.

Why venture out into the night? Besides a striking view of the stars, enjoying summertime activities by moonlight offers less sweat and no sunburns.

Just keep in mind that many spots require reservations, so be sure to call ahead.

KAYAKING IN THE EVENING

For the paddlers, there are plenty of outings to choose from, like the $35-a-person Blue Moon Outdoor Center's Full Moon kayaking trip at Oleta.

The tour presents a dramatic view of a vivid moon glowing between the pastel condominiums of Bal Harbour. About 40 people paddled through the soft ripples of water on a July 6 trip. Crickets and the light chatter and laughter of friends were the only sounds that filled the balmy, subtropical air.

Guide Gabriella Wisniewski says the peacefulness of the tour attracts the crowds of locals and tourists.

``The waterway is so quiet as well, because most of the boaters have gone home,'' she said. ``It's a very different world as opposed to the daily, hectic, partying kind of atmosphere that's usually out here.''

Kayakers parked on a nearby beach where a bonfire roared and nature lovers sipped wine, shared stories and cooked s'mores made with guava paste instead of chocolate. A hungry raccoon sneaked out of the brush in a sly attempt to reach the table of snacks. Wisniewski chased off the critter before it got far. Manatee sightings are also common, according to staff.

``It's so laid-back,'' said Yuko Fujimoto, a 24-year-old international student at Nova Southeastern University. ``I love it.''

Blue Moon also leads Full Moon kayaking tours that launch from Holland Park in Hollywood (near West Lake Park). Blue Moon goes rain or shine.

EcoAdventures, created by Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation Department, organizes moonlight kayaking trips that launch from Crandon Park in Key Biscayne.

Naturalist Ernie Lynk said birds like cormorants, herons, terns and pelicans are reliably visible, depending on the night. Dolphins and manatees are also spotted along the kayaking route, near the shoreline of Bear Cut Preserve.

On his tours, Lynk discusses the area's history dating back to the Tequesta Indians who settled there about 2,000 years ago, and the land's tough vegetation.

``The different ways the plants evolve to survive is amazing,'' he said, adding that the federally protected sea oat species are one of the most important dune plants. ``This is probably one of the most difficult growing environments imaginable -- there is really no soil, no moisture. It's all sand. It's a very impressive group of plants that evolve to withstand those conditions.''

Other commonly sighted plants are saltwort and coco plum.

But the best part of getting out on the water: escaping. ``It's always crazy to think you're almost 15 minutes from downtown Miami and yet you feel like you're on a deserted island,'' Lynk said.

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