Biscayne National Park Institute

Park-partner boat, snorkel and paddle trips into Biscayne National Park, the way to reach islands with no road.

Checked October 2026

The Institute is for people who want real time on the water in a national park, with snorkeling, islands or Stiltsville; the trade-off is the hour-long drive to Homestead and half-day trips that need planning.

Why you go

Most of Biscayne National Park is water, and these guided trips are how you get out on it. You can cruise to Boca Chita Key or Elliott Key, snorkel reef, mangrove or shipwreck sites, paddle Jones Lagoon, or ride out to the Stiltsville houses on the bay. Trips run about 2 to 6 hours. It rates 4.9 from 8,519 Google reviews, among the highest of any Miami-area tour operator.

When to go

The Homestead desk is open 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily, and most trips leave in the morning. Calm, clear days give the best snorkeling visibility, so check the wind forecast before you book. Winter and spring bring drier weather and fewer bugs on the islands; summer has warm water but afternoon storms, so take an early slot. Their site lists which days each trip runs, since some only go out Thursday to Sunday.

Know before you go

Homestead trips leave from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center at 9700 SW 328th St, roughly an hour south of Downtown Miami, longer from Miami Beach. Some trips leave closer, from Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove, including the 2-hour Stiltsville tour listed at $70 and the 4-hour Boca Chita cruise at $83. The Homestead Heritage of Biscayne cruise is listed at $83 and snorkel trips from $115. Book online, and bring reef-safe sunscreen, water and a towel.

Questions people ask