Snorkel & Paddle Eco-Adventure

An intimate exploration of Biscayne National Park!

Join us for an intimate exploration of the waters of Biscayne National Park on our 23′ powerboat Biscayne Explorer. On a full-day guided trip, with only six people, you might paddle Jones Lagoon looking for the rare roseate spoonbill, snorkel a shipwreck on the Maritime Heritage Trail, or watch the amazing diversity of life on the coral reef. Keep a lookout for the dolphins, rays, and sea turtles that live here. Where you go each day is based on the day’s weather and your group’s special interests. Your guide is a Captain on the Biscayne National Park Institute staff who teaches you about the different habitats in the park and how they interact with each other along with history of the area.

We use stand up paddle boards while paddling the mangroves because their low profile allows you to see more beneath the water surface. Stand up paddle boards are very stable and can be knelt on or sat on like a kayak.

Trips start and end at the park headquarters behind the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. Arrive and check in at the Park store at 10 a.m. Board your boat at 10:15 a.m. to cross Biscayne Bay and get in the water on your morning adventure paddling and/or snorkeling. Stop for lunch ashore on a barrier island and then start your afternoon adventure paddling and/or snorkeling. Return across the bay to the visitor center arriving at about 4:30 p.m.

Location:

This guided Biscayne National Park paddle portion of the trip visits Jones Lagoon and offers the chance to snorkel a shipwreck on the Maritime Heritage Trail. The location is dependent on several factors and your group’s interest.

Equipment:

In order to more closely explore the reefs, shipwrecks and mangrove forests, we supply stand up paddleboards and paddles.

Fins are required to be worn by all participants while snorkeling as a safety precaution. Snorkeling gear can be rented from the park store. Fins are $4 per person, snorkels are $3 per person, and masks are $3. Rent the complete set for $10. For the best fit, please bring your own gear if you have it. We have a library of relevant books on board that includes fish and invertebrate identification books. Our boats are rigged with shade, and there are also some areas where you can relax in the sun.

Meals:

NOTE: Lunch is not included! Please bring your own lunch and snacks so you don’t go hungry on our full-day adventure!

Important Medical and Liability Release Information and Waivers for Snorkeling:

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. 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.

Physician Release