Quick Details
Departure Location: Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove, FL
Duration: 6 hours
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Age Limit: Ages 12 and older; Ages 8 and older on a private trip.
Seasonal from October through April
Important Information:
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- All participants must be experienced paddlers.
- All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
- 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 no weight limit for guests who are not engaging in an in-water activity.
- The vessel used on this trip has a maximum capacity of 6 passengers. This is applicable to both our shared and private trips. Due to Coast Guard regulations, we cannot exceed more than 6 passengers on our vessel. Children are also included in the passenger count.
- Please allow yourself extra time to arrive at this location as traffic around the city may delay your arrival time to our dock location.
- Before completing your booking, make sure to read our Cancellation Policy.
- Please read all the information below including the drop-down menus to learn more about this trip.
Embark on an Unforgettable Eco-Adventure to Elliott Key in Biscayne National Park!
🌞 Are you ready for an immersive 6-hour journey to the longest key in Biscayne National Park? Join us on an eco-adventure like no other, where fun and education come together for an experience you’ll cherish forever! Elliott Key holds the key to the history of Biscayne National Park. Explore the roots of this natural wonder, learning about its cultural and ecological significance, our tour is a delightful blend of education and adventure.
🚣♂️ Kayak and snorkel along the mangrove coastline: Glide through crystal-clear waters as you paddle along the captivating mangrove coastline of Elliott Key. Immerse yourself in the diverse marine life beneath, snorkeling in the thriving underwater world that makes Biscayne National Park a true gem.
🌿 Nature walk on the Spite Highway: Embark on a fascinating nature walk through the lush Tropical Hardwood Hammock forest on the infamous Spite Highway. Discover the secrets of this unique ecosystem, home to an array of plant and animal species. Our knowledgeable guides will unveil the rich history and ecological significance of the area, ensuring you leave with a deeper appreciation for the wonders that surround you.
🍱 Bring Your Own Lunch: Make it a picnic in paradise! Bring your own lunch and savor the moment in this natural paradise.
🤿 Snorkeling Gear Available for Rent: Don’t worry about packing your own gear – we’ve got you covered! High-quality snorkeling equipment is available for rent. Fins are required to snorkel.
🌴 Book your tour now and get ready for a day filled with excitement, education, and exploration on Elliott Key. Uncover the mysteries and wonders of Biscayne National Park with us!
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This program Departs from Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove at 3400 Pan American Drive, Miami 33133. To ensure a smooth and timely departure, we ask that visitors plan to arrive at the dock location 30 minutes before the scheduled trip.
Please be aware that traffic conditions closer to Downtown Miami can vary, giving yourself ample time for travel is advised to avoid any delays. To account for potential traffic delays, the recommendation is to give yourself at least 1 hour of buffer time, especially during peak traffic hours. This precautionary measure ensures that visitors have extra time to navigate through any unexpected traffic situations, allowing you to arrive at Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove with ease.
Check out our Transportation Page to learn more about transportation options for this location.
The boat is docked at Pier 9 between Miami Watersports and the sign for Pier 7. Look for the Biscayne National Park Institute signage. See confirmation email for more detailed directions. Upon arrival, check in with your Captain/Naturalist.
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Please note: You will have to pay for parking at this location.
- We recommend parking in the Regatta Harbour Parking Garage located at 3351 Pan American Dr, Miami, FL 33133.
- There’s also a paid parking lot between Pan American Dr. and Regatta Park. This lot is limited to 4-hours.
Important Note: Visitors are advised that on certain days and time of day, parking availability at our departure location in Coconut Grove may be limited. To ensure a hassle-free experience, we recommend to opt for ride-share options such as Uber or Lyft. This will help mitigate potential challenges associated with limited close by parking availability.
- We recommend parking in the Regatta Harbour Parking Garage located at 3351 Pan American Dr, Miami, FL 33133.
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This program is for guest ages 12 and older with previous paddling experience. Guests that are 8 and older are able to participate on a private trip.
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.
All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
This program travels by high-speed boat in open waters where the jarring motion of the boat 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 snorkeler
- 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
- Lunch
- Footwear must be tightly secured to the foot. Flip-flops/ thong sandals or backless shoes are not allowed. We recommend wearing sneakers or strappy sandals that secure the back of the foot.
- Bug repellent and bug jackets
- We recommend light weight long sleeves and long pants for sun and mosquito protection
- Reef safe sunscreen
- Towel and extra clothes
Lunch is NOT included. Please bring your own lunch and snacks so you don’t go hungry on your full-day adventure!
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 waterproof bag.
There are non-heated showers available on the island.
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What equipment is provided during the program?
- Sit on top double kayaks will be provided to use during the paddle portion of this program.
- Snorkel vests are provided. If snorkeling is part of your excursion, you will be given a snorkel vest that must been worn while snorkeling.
- Snorkeling equipment is available for rent during check-out or on the day of your excursion at our store. Fins are required to wear while snorkeling.
- Snorkeling Bundle (Masks, Fins, Snorkel) $16
- Mask $5
- Fins $6
- Snorkels $5
- Shorty Wetsuits $10
Boat Information
- The boat will be either be a 23’ or 28’ boat that will have a max of 6 passengers on shared trips.
- We cannot exceed 6 passenger on this boat due to Coast Guard safety regulations. Infants and children still count as a passenger.
- This boat does not have a restroom; we recommend using the restroom before departing, there are restrooms in the island.
- There is a cooler with extra water on the boat, and a cooler to store snacks as well. You can also leave your stuff on the boat throughout the day, but there is a chance that it will get wet, we highly suggest storing anything that you don’t wish to get wet in a drybag.
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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.
Snorkeling and paddling are exciting and demanding activities. 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 these activities.
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Our tour guides, Naturalists, are continuous students of the natural world and provide interpretive, educational, and historical programs in South Florida’s National Parks. Each are trained by the National Park Service to ensure they are equipped with and can provide the most up to date information, research, and opportunities when connecting with guests.
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Interpretation is a purposeful form of communication that seeks to translate the world around us. Our Naturalists help interpret the natural environment, history, research, etc. to support guests in broadening their perspectives, deepening their understanding, and inspiring them to cultivate meaningful connections with South Florida’s National Parks.