Quick Details
Departure Location: Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead, FL
Dates:
- September 19, 2026 – International Coastal Cleanup day
- September 26, 2026 – National Public Lands Day
Duration: 4 hours
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Age Requirement: Ages 12 and older. All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian; any other adult friend or family member does not fulfill this requirement.
Important Information:
- Come prepared! Please read below for all safety requirements.
- Come ready to get wet and dirty in the name of helping to keep Biscayne beautiful!
- $25 deposit required to secure spot, that will be refunded after check-in the day of the program.
Group deposit, reimbursed at check-in
$ 25
Immerse yourself in a beautiful day of paddling in Biscayne National Park while making a meaningful contribution to the conservation of sensitive coastal habitats!
Departing from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center.
Engage in the dual delight of exploring the beauty of Biscayne National Park while playing an active role in safeguarding its sensitive coastal habitats. We will be removing debris from the mangrove coastlines or wherever debris removal is needed using stand up paddleboards and kayaks.
This activity is open to participants ages 12 and older. Participants between the ages of 12-17 must have their parent or legal guardian present and actively participating alongside them. This activity is considered strenuous and participants should be physically fit enough to wade through up to waist-deep waters, walk on rocky coastlines, and lift debris for at least an hour.
Please come prepared! Closed-toed shoes such as dive booties are required. Wear appropriate apparel, lightweight long sleeves, and long pants are recommended. Be prepared for the possibility of getting wet. Please bring your own work gloves. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle, lunch, sunscreen, towel, insect repellent, and snacks.
When you participate in this trip, you are agreeing to sign up as a volunteer at Biscayne National Park. Below is the job description for this volunteer position. Please read prior to booking so you know what to expect and what will be expected of you. Thank you!
This program is free with a $25 deposit per reservation. We will refund the deposit to you after check-in.
If someone in your group can no longer attend, please contact our call center to cancel. You can also call us to change the names on your reservation if you’d like to come with someone else. Note: Deposits are non-refundable for no-show bookings.
BNPI Marine Debris Cleanup Volunteer in Park Position Description:
How many people required: Flexible
Goals of this position: Remove marine debris from sensitive coastal habitats including, but not limited to, sea turtle nesting beaches, mangrove shorelines, and popular visitor access areas
How many days per month: Varied
Duration of position: Year-round
Location of Volunteer Position: Dante Fascell Visitor Center, Biscayne National Park, 9700 SW 328th Street, Homestead, FL 33033. Volunteers will be transported via government/institute boat to specific work sites.
Tasks required:
- Collect and bag assorted marine debris from the assigned work area
- Dispose of garbage in the dumpster
- Report suspicious debris items to the supervisor
Characteristics of Volunteer Position
- Responsible and professional
- Self-starter and quick to learn
- Follows directions, but can independently perform tasks once oriented
- Punctual and dependable
- Must be able to wade in waist-deep water, walk on rocky shorelines and beaches while bending over to pick up marine debris for several hours a day
Paperwork Needed:
- Agreement, with parental approval, if under 18yrs (OF301a or OF301b)
- Job description (this page will suffice for PD)
- JHA (safety document)
Required Training: A 15 minute orientation on the day of your assignment
Suggested Training: n/a
Uniform/Dress Code: This is a non-uniformed position. Sun protective clothing that can get wet/dirty is recommended (long sleeves/pants). Swimsuit as base layer recommended. Footwear should be closed-toed shoes (dive booties, Keene sandals, etc.).
Age Restrictions: Ages 12+, (ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian)
Other Items to Note: No reimbursements available, work level: strenuous
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This program will depart from Convoy Point located at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead, FL. 9700 SW 328th Street Sir Lancelot Jones Way Homestead, FL 33033.
Check out our Transportation Page to learn more about transportation options for this location.
You will check-in at the bookstore that’s located on the second floor right next to the visitor center 30 mins before the trip departs. Please complete your waivers before your trip to ensure a smoother check-in process.
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For the safety of all our guests, there is a maximum weight limit of 275 for all in-water-activities. This includes the following activities: kayaking, paddle boarding (SUPs), snorkeling, and SCUBA diving.
There is not a weight limit for guests who are not engaging in an in-water-activity.
For the safety of all our guests, guests must be able to climb a four-step vertical ladder without assistance. This ladder will be used to get on and off the boat when participating in an in-water-activity.
Guided paddles in Jones Lagoon are for active adults and children that are 12 and older who are good swimmers. Ages 12 and older can select a stand-up paddleboard. Younger participants that are ages 8 and older are welcomed when booking as a private trip and children ages 8-12 will need to book a double kayak and have an adult in the double kayak with them.
All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
This Biscayne National Park paddling program is designed for active adults and children over 12 who are good paddlers (private trips open to ages 8 and older). Paddling in Jones Lagoon can be long and strenuous for some guest, we advise guest to have some paddle experience to go on this trip.
This program has activities that could cause problems for pregnant women, those with recent surgeries or back injuries, and can cause motion/sea sickness. To best accommodate you and make your trip safe and enjoyable, please make a note in your reservation or privately notify our captain or mate if:
- You are not an experienced paddler
- You have any recent surgeries
- You have any back injuries
- You have any medical conditions
- You are prone to motion/sea sickness
- You are pregnant
- You have any other concerns regarding your safety and health
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We recommend that you bring along the following:
- Water Bottle
- Snack
- Reef safe sunscreen
- Towel and extra clothes
You can also bring a small cooler and a bag with you on the boat. Please do not bring anything that you don’t wish to get wet. We recommend storing any valuables in a waterproof bag.
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Online waivers will be sent with the booking confirmation. No printing necessary. You can even complete the waivers on your phone! Adults over the age of 18 must complete and submit their own waiver. Minors ages 17 and younger must have a parent or legal guardian complete and submit a waiver on behalf of the minor. For snorkeling activities there are separate waivers for adults and minors, please be sure you are completing the appropriate waiver. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. To complete the waiver process, you will need to confirm your email address through and email that will be sent by Smartwaiver.
Paddling is an exciting and demanding activity. When performed correctly, applying correct techniques, it is relatively safe. However, there are certain medical conditions that increase risk. If you have a medical condition described on the Medical Statement or any other condition that would be contrary to safe participation in any in-water activities, you must provide documentation that you sought the advice of a physician prior to engaging in paddling activities