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Group Programs

Programs for Educational and Organized Groups

Thank you for your interest in joining us at Biscayne National Park Institute!

As proud partners of Biscayne National Park, our mission is to support and enhance public understanding of this unique and vibrant ecosystem through immersive, educational experiences. Every program we offer—whether for school groups, scouts, clubs, or other private organizations—is designed to inspire curiosity, foster environmental stewardship, and deepen appreciation for the park’s natural and cultural resources.

Please note: Minimal modifications can be done for our programs on private bookings. However, all private programs must maintain an educational focus in alignment with our mission and our role as official partners of the National Park Service.

Group Request Form

To request a group reservation, please complete the Group Request Form. We ask for up to 7 business days to respond. A team member will contact you by email or phone with trip options and availability tailored to your group. Be sure to include your best contact information on the form.

Non-Profit Organizations and Educational Group Pricing

During the months of June through October, we offer a discounted price on our Heritage and Snorkeling trips. This will be an option that is available for non-profit organizations and educational groups when planning trips during those months. Please know we do not offer special discount pricing for the following blackout dates : July 4–6, 2025; August 30–September 1, 2025; and October 11–13, 2025.

Program Options

Our group programs are similar to our regular programs. Please see the programs options below for program options that your group might interested in joining. For groups we are able to provide minimal modifications as we must stay true to the educational essence of our programs, but we are able to modify some of the logistical aspects

Interested in adding Everglades National Park to your group’s adventure? Visit our Everglades National Park Institute Group Program page to explore available options and experiences.

 

Snorkeling Experience

If you are looking to bring your group to snorkel in Biscayne National Park. This will be your go to program. This experience offers your group the chance to snorkel coral reefs or mangrove shorelines (location dependent on weather conditions and preference of group). Feel free to click the activity link below for more information on this trip.

The following information are for group options:

  • Program is for ages 8 and older. Participants must know how to swim.
  • Fins are required, rental snorkel gear is available.
  • The maximum total capacity for this program is 20 passengers. Please note that this includes chaperons/group staff.

Snorkeling for Beginners

This experience gives your group the opportunity to snorkel in the calm, protected waters of Biscayne Bay—an ideal choice for first-time snorkelers looking to build confidence and practice their skills. Click the activity link below to learn more about this trip.

The following information are for group options:

  • Program is great for all ages.
  • Snorkel gear is provided.
  • The maximum total capacity for this program is 25 passengers. Please note that this includes chaperons/group staff.

Scuba Eco-Advenure

Join us for a fully immersive exploration of Biscayne National Park’s underwater world! Led by a certified Scuba naturalist, this private excursion offers a unique opportunity to dive into the largest marine park in the National Park System. 

The following information are for group options:

  • Program is for age 12 and older.
  • Participants must be Scuba Certified.
  • The maximum total capacity for this program is 16 passengers. Please note that this includes chaperons/group staff.

Heritage of Biscayne Cruise

The Heritage of Biscayne Cruise offers a scenic and educational journey through Biscayne National Park. As you travel across the bay from the visitor center, you’ll learn about the park’s diverse ecosystems and the people who once lived and worked along its shores. The trip includes an hour stop in Boca Chita Key.

The following information are for group options:

  • Program is great for all ages.
  • The maximum total capacity for this program is 30 passengers. Please note that this includes chaperons/group staff.

Boca Chita Key Heritage Cruise

Our Boca Chita Key Heritage Cruise departs from our Coconut Grove location, offering a scenic view of Downtown Miami while cruising out to Biscayne National Park. Along the way, you’ll be ale to view the historic Stiltsville houses as you learn about the park’s diverse ecosystems and rich cultural history. The trip includes an hour stop in Boca Chita Key.

The following information are for group options:

  • Program is great for all ages.
  • The maximum total capacity for this program is 30 passengers. Please note that this includes chaperons/group staff.

Stiltsville Guided Tour

Departing from our Coconut Grove location, the Stiltsville Guided Tour offers an in-depth look at the six remaining historic houses standing in the bay. As you cruise through this unique area, you’ll uncover the fascinating stories behind these iconic structures, now preserved as part of Biscayne National Park.

The following information are for group options:

  • Program is great for all ages.
  • The maximum total capacity for this program is 40 passengers. Please note that this includes chaperons/group staff.

Jones Lagoon Paddle

Departing from the Visitor Center, your group will board a small boat bound for the serene waters of Jones Lagoon. There, you’ll explore the clear, sheltered lagoon by stand-up paddleboard, gliding through a mangrove-fringed nursery teeming with marine life. This peaceful setting offers a unique and immersive experience in one of the park’s most vibrant ecosystems.

The following information are for group options:

  • Program is for ages 12 and older. Must know how to paddle.
  • The maximum total capacity for this program is 6 passengers. Please note that this includes chaperons/group staff.

Kayak the Mangroves

Enjoy a guided kayaking experience along the scenic shoreline of Biscayne National Park. Launching from the area near the Visitor Center, this program offers your group a chance to paddle through the park’s vibrant mangrove ecosystems—an ideal way to explore its natural beauty up close.

The following information are for group options:

  • Program is for ages 6 and older. Must know how to paddle.
  • The maximum total capacity for this program is 10 paddlers. Please note that this includes chaperons/group staff.

Kayak the Seagrasses of Stiltsville

Departing from our Coconut Grove location, your group will cruise through Biscayne Bay to the historic Stiltsville area. From there, you’ll hop into kayaks for an up-close exploration of the park’s vital seagrass beds. Keep an eye out for the diverse marine wildlife that call these underwater meadows home.

The following information are for group options:

  • Program is for ages 12 and older. Must know how to paddle.
  • The maximum total capacity for this program is 14 passengers. Please note that this includes chaperons/group staff.