Quick Details
Departure Location: Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead, FL
Duration: 3.5 hours
Start Time: 1:30 PM
Age Limit: All ages are welcomed. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Important Information:
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- Masks and snorkel are included for all participants.
- All participating snorkeling guests ages 4 and older 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.
- 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.
- All minors must be accompanied by an adult. One (1) adult per one (1) snorkeling minor younger than 8. Additionally, all participants under 18 must be supervised and cannot stay on the boat alone.
- This excursion will stay within the calm waters of Biscayne Bay, it will not go out to the reefs. If you would like to snorkel reefs, we encourage you to visit our other snorkel programs.
- Before completing your booking, make sure to read our Cancellation Policy.
- Please read all information below including the drop down menus to learn more about this trip.
Adult
Ages 13 and older
$ 83
Child
Ages 12 and under
$ 49
Ever thought about trying snorkeling? Is this your child’s first time? Whether you’re brand new to snorkeling or a seasoned pro, this experience is a great way to master the basics while exploring the underwater world of Biscayne National Park.
No need to worry about gear—we provide masks and snorkels, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy! A certified snorkel instructor will be there to help you get comfortable using your mask and snorkel in the calm, clear waters of the bay.
Our snorkeling spots are carefully chosen for their tranquil conditions with minimal currents. While this isn’t a swimming pool, it’s a great way to experience open water, typically ranging from 5 to 8 feet deep. Since you may not be able to touch the bottom, we provide flotation devices and a floating mat for extra comfort.
For safety, snorkeling vests are required for all participants and will be provided. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are also available. Children under 8 must wear a PFD (provided) at all times in the water, and an adult must accompany each child under 8. Additionally, all participants under 18 must be supervised and cannot stay on the boat alone.
During this experience, you’ll be floating above seagrass or sandy areas, so while marine life sightings may be limited, this excursion is designed to help you practice snorkeling in ideal conditions. If you’re looking to explore a reef or mangroves, check out our other snorkel trips!
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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 our locations.
You will check-in at the Park Store that is 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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This Introductory to Snorkel program is designed guests of all ages. We will snorkel in the calm waters of Biscayne Bay where we will find locations of little current making it easier for first time snorkelers. Inflatable snorkeling vests are required to be worn by all guests, optional Personal Flotation Device (PFD) are available for anyone age 8 or older upon request. Participants younger than 8 must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).
There must be one (1) adult per child under age eight (8) in the water with the child. Children under the age of 18 cannot be left unaccompanied on the boat.
All snorkeling guests must be familiar with swimming. Although we will be in calm waters, the depth of where we will snorkel can be 5-8 feet. Floating mat and pool noodles will also be available for extra comfort of those in the water.
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.
All snorkeling guests over the age of 4 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
- Snack
- Reef safe sunscreen
- Swimsuit
- Towel and extra clothes
You can also bring a small cooler and a bag with you on the boat. Do not bring anything that you don’t wish to get wet. We recommend storing any valuables in waterproof bag.
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What equipment is provided during the tour?
- Snorkel vests are provided, you will be given a snorkel vest that must been worn while snorkeling.
- Personal Floatation Device (PFD) are given on request, and are required for guests under the age of 8 and those that need assistance when swimming.
- Mask and snorkel will be included for all participants. Shorty wetsuits are available to rent for $10.
Boat Information
- This boat doesn’t have a bathroom, we recommend using the bathroom in the visitor center before departing.
- 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.
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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 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.
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Even if I’m not snorkeling but my family is, can I still sit on the boat?
- Yes, you may still sit on the boat while your family snorkels, but you would still have to pay the full price of a ticket even if you aren’t doing the activity.
What reefs do you go to?
- The captains make the decision on reef locations, so it is very dependent on weather conditions and captains’ choice. Once you book and receive an email confirmation, you will be given the captain’s phone line to ask questions about the location of your trip.
What’s the difference between a Small Group Snorkel vs Snorkel and Island Visit from Coconut Grove?
- The main difference between the two trips is the departure location. ‘Snorkel and Island Visit from Coconut Grove’ leaves from the Northern end of the National Park and is closer to Downtown Miami (about 15-20 min drive). Snorkel Experience leaves from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center which is on the Southern end of the National Park. The visitor center is in Homestead, FL which is about an hour drive from Downtown Miami. You will go possibly go to different snorkel sites, there is some overlap of sites in the middle of the park where both trips may go. Much depends on the weather of that day. Coconut Grove snorkeling trips takes a max of 6 passengers (including private trips), Small Group has a max of 14 passengers on shared trips.
What’s the difference between a Small Group Snorkel 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 with two snorkel locations. 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.