Snorkel and Paddle Eco-adventure

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 our locations.

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.

This full day program has an age limit of 12 and older. For safety reasons, because of the amount of paddling in activity, we request for children between the age of 8-11 to be in private trips so that the captain and staff can focus on the child and your family in any case of an emergency.

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 Biscayne National Park snorkeling and paddling program is designed for active adults and children over 12 who are good swimmers and paddlers (private trips open to all ages). Swimming in the bay and open ocean, you may encounter some currents and swells which require the ability to swim and float confidently. Inflatable snorkeling vests are required, optional life jackets and pool noodles are available on the boat upon request.

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 snorkeler/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

We recommend that you bring along the following:

• Water Bottle
• Lunch
• 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.

What equipment is provided during the program? 

• Snorkel vests are provided if you are taking a snorkeling excursion, you will be given a snorkel vest that must been worn while snorkeling. 
• Floatation devices are given on request such as pool noodles and life jackets.
• Snorkeling equipment is available for rent during check-out or on the day of your excursion at our store. Fins are the only equipment that’s 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. This boat does not have a bathroom, but we recommend using the bathroom in the visitor center before departing, there’s also bathrooms in the island. During the trip the boat could stay in the bay or go out to the ocean (reef barriers), the water on the ocean side could have more movement than if you were to stay in the bay. 
• We cannot add an additional passenger on this boat due to Coast Guard safety regulations. Small toddlers and babies still count as a passenger.
• 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 while snorkeling, 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.

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 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 snorkeling activities.

Can I stay on the boat if I’m not snorkeling, but my group is? 

Yes, you’re welcome to stay on the boat while your group snorkels. However, a full-price ticket is still required, even if you choose not to participate in the activity. 

Which reefs do you visit? 

Reef destinations are chosen by the captain based on current weather and water conditions. Safety and quality of experience are the top priorities, so the exact location may vary from day to day.

What’s the difference between the All-Day Sailing and the Snorkel & Paddle Eco-Adventure? 

Snorkel & Paddle Eco-Adventure 

• Travels by powerboat for quicker access to coral reefs (weather permitting) and Jones Lagoon. 

• Includes snorkeling and paddling with stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). 

• Focuses on reef and lagoon ecosystems. 

• Shared trips are for ages 12+; all ages welcome on private trips. 

Sail, Paddle & snorkel 

• Travels by sailboat, staying within Biscayne Bay (no reef visit). 

• Includes snorkeling in calm bay waters, paddling island mangroves with double kayaks, and exploring an island. 

• Enjoy an interactive sailing experience, learning the basics of sailing while soaking in the quiet beauty of the bay. 

What’s the difference between a Snorkel Experience vs Snorkel and Paddle Eco-Adventure? 

The Snorkel and Paddle Eco-Adventure is a six-hour long excursion that takes you to one snorkel location and a paddle at Jones Lagoon where you can explore the vast variety of wildlife and are taught by the captain on the different habitats and how they interact. On this trip, you stop on a small barrier island for lunch. The small group snorkel trip is a three-and-a-half-hour excursion. On both excursions, your captain chooses the snorkeling sites based on the day’s weather and sea conditions to ensure safety and an optimal snorkeling experience. On both trips the snorkel location(s) would be on one of the following: open ocean around coral reef patches, shipwreck sites, and a bayside snorkel near the mangroves. 

Is gear provided?  

We provide snorkel vests (required for all participants) and flotation aids such as pool noodles upon request, and all necessary gear is provided for paddling A stand-up paddleboard, or an inflatable kayak and personal flotation devices (PFDs) that are required to be worn while on the water.  

Snorkel equipment (mask, fins, and snorkel) is available for rent during booking or at check-in (subject to availability). Please know that fins are required for our snorkeling tours:

• Snorkel Bundle (mask, fins, snorkel): $16  

• Mask: $5  

• Fins: $6  

• Snorkel: $5  

• Shorty wetsuit: $10  

You’re also welcome to bring your own gear, but it must be approved by the guide for safety.