Quick Details
Departure Location: Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead, FL
Duration: 3.5 hours
Start Time: 9:15 AM & 1:30 PM
Age Limit: Ages 8+ on shared trips. All ages are welcomed on private trips. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Important Information:
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- All snorkeling participants are required to know how to swim.
- Fins are required to be worn by all participants while snorkeling as a safety precaution. Snorkel equipment rental is available.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Passenger
Ages 8+
$ 115
Private Trip
Up to 6 passengers
$ 690
Private Trip
Up to 16 passengers
$ 1,840
Snorkel the reef, wreck, or mangroves!
This half-day guided trip ventures out across Biscayne Bay on a 28′ to 31′ powerboat. Let us show you the beauty of the park underwater, private trips are available.
Your captain chooses the Biscayne snorkel site based on the day’s weather and sea conditions to ensure safety and an optimal snorkeling experience.
While we can’t promise a specific snorkel location, rest assured that your journey will lead you to one of these breathtaking sites:
- Open ocean, we snorkel around the patch coral reef which is full of color and diversity. There are hundreds of species of fish and many interesting sea features to discover.
- Bayside, we snorkel near the mangroves, which are home to many species of juvenile sea life and fish, you see soft corals and sea sponges.
- Shipwreck sites, can vary from a small collection of coral-encrusted ballast stones to the mangled metal structures of modern ships.
For a more enjoyable experience during the winter and spring months, an island visit may be included depending on the weather and water conditions.
The Institute and park staff explain why coral reefs, mangroves, grasses, and hardbottom habitats are all vital to the health of the local ecosystems.
Our boats are rigged with shade, but there are also additional areas where you can relax in the sun. We have drinking water available, please bring a refillable container to minimize trash. In an open boat, we recommend bringing a light jacket and towels as temperatures on the water can be cooler especially after being in the water. Please don’t bring anything on the boat that can’t get wet!
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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.
Upon arrival 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.
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This Small Group Snorkel program is designed for active adults and children over the age of eight who are good swimmers (private trips open to all ages). Open ocean water depth can vary from 7-20 feet. Swimming in the ocean, you may encounter 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 an age limit of 8 and older. For safety reasons, because of the size of snorkeling group going out, we request for children younger than 8 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 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
- 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 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 a 28’ or 31’ powerboat depending on the size of the snorkeling group that’s going out. 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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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 Snorkel Experience and Snorkeling Activities from Coconut Grove?
The key difference is the departure location:
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Snorkel & Island Visit from Coconut Grove departs from the northern end of Biscayne National Park, just 15–20 minutes from Downtown Miami.
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Snorkel Experience departs from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead, on the southern end of the park—about a one-hour drive from Downtown Miami.
Both trips may visit different snorkel sites depending on weather conditions, though there is occasional overlap in the central areas of the park.
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 Snorkel Experience 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.
Is gear provided on snorkel trips?
We provide snorkel vests (required for all participants) and flotation aids such as pool noodles upon request.
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.
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