Miami

Beginner Friendly Island Snorkeling

Badge of ExcellenceMiami, USA

Island Snorkeling by Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board

2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Without local knowledge, it can be hard to pinpoint the best snorkeling spots around Miami. However, this tour provides that solution, as a guide leads the way through a lush mangrove jungle to beautiful landscapes. As you paddle on your kayak or stand-up paddleboard, enjoy the spectacular views and then have a chance to explore the underwater world.

Receive insider tips on fantastic snorkeling spots near Miami
Hassle-free tour with equipment rental included
Get better access to your guide by going on a small-group tour
Beginner-friendly tour: Paddle in shallow areas near the island

What's Included

Use of Snorkeling equipment
Snacks
Alcoholic Beverages
Bottled water

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

3909 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160, USA
The guide will meet you in the parking lot next to Dezer Realty to bring you around back to the dock. Again please DO NOT GO INTO ANY RESTAURANT. If you cannot find the guide or have any questions please call us immediately. thank you!

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps

No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
There is no bathroom available during the tour as we will be on a kayak/SUP. Bathrooms are available before and after tour.
The tour will go ahead whether or not there is rain, you will be notified if the tour is actually canceled by the time the tour begins.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Filter by:

Q:How difficult is Paddle boarding?

A:Stand-Up Paddle Boarding is much easier than most people think. Your guide will work with your skill level to ensure an amazing time!

Jan 2023

Q:Do I need any experience in paddle boarding to participate?

A:No experience is required! Whether you are a beginner or not, you will have a great time!

Jan 2023

Q:Can anyone participate in Island Snorkeling by Stand Up Paddle Board?

A:Stand-up paddle boarding & surfing are truly for all shapes and sizes and anyone can learn – even children! Boards and equipment are available for a wide range of individuals and body types.

Jan 2023

Q:Do I have to be in great shape physically to participate in Island Snorkeling by Stand Up Paddle Board?

A:You do not have to be in tip-top shape to enjoy paddle boarding, but you will get a fun, exhilarating workout while taking in the scenery!

Jan 2023

Q:Can I participate during the winter months?

A:Because the waters around Miami never dip below 70 degrees Fahrenheit / 21 Celsius you will be at ease and completely comfortable even in the winter months. Stand up paddle boarding during winter is actually the best time of the year to see manatees and many birds migrating through south Florida.

Jan 2023

Q:Do I need to bring any of my own gear for Island Snorkeling by Stand Up Paddle Board?

A:All necessary gear is included in the package and will be provided.

Jan 2023

Q:What will I see during Island Snorkeling by Stand Up Paddle Board?

A:Both on land and underwater, Biscayne National Park’s abundant wildlife will impress you. Living among its diverse ecosystems are more than 600 species of native fish and sea life, neotropical water birds, and more than 30 threatened and endangered animal species, including Manatees, Dolphins, Pelicans, and Swallowtails. Be sure to keep an eye out!

Jan 2023

Q:Is there a weight limit for Island Snorkeling by Stand Up Paddle Board?

A:Paddle boards can accommodate weight up to 300+ lbs.

Jan 2023

Q:What should I wear for Island Snorkeling by Stand Up Paddle Board?

A:You should be ideally dressed in a bathing suit because you will get wet no matter how careful you are. If you do not want to get tan lines, it is better to wear a long-sleeved shirt underneath your swimsuit. A hat and aqua shoes are also highly recommended.

Jan 2023

Q:What should I bring with me for Island Snorkeling by Stand Up Paddle Board?

A:Sunscreen with an SPF of a minimum of 30 is recommended to protect your face and body from tan lines and heat rashes. If you are coming to Miami during winter, you should carry a windbreaker and a sweater to beat the chilly breeze of the ocean.

Jan 2023

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Amanda_W

My family had a blast! Brian and Miguel were great. We really enjoyed the kayak adventure and exploring the island. Brian was very knowledgeable and shared some really cool facts with us about local wildlife and the islands. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a fun laid back afternoon!

Reviews

4.5

90 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 90 reviews

Great

Jennifer_H, Apr 2024

Great experience would definitely do again if ever back in Florida. Great f u visit 100 recommendations.

Awesome experience

Albert_F, Apr 2024

Awesome experience. Snorkelling n kayaking I did . We were lucky to spot a dolphin on our way back. Great value for money .

Tosh was so friendly and...

Claire_A, Apr 2024

Tosh was so friendly and nice. We had a very windy day so the kayaking required lots of power. Not recommended for beginners or people who are not comfortable in open water kayaking. We had a really nice group of people. The little islands we stopped at unfortunately had litter and garbage. And there was no snorkeling. So the tour should not be called a snorkeling tour. But overall enjoyable and a fun experience.

Best Snorkeling Tour in Miami!

Kimberly_G, Apr 2024

I can't suggest this snorkeling tour enough! Tosh was such an incredibly personable and knowledgeable guide. The paddle boarding was amazing and the snorkeling was even better! Tosh pointed out such cool things on our tour and we got to see a crab literally come out of its shell. The entire staff was friendly and professional, it was a great value and a real highlight of our Miami trip for my daughter and I!

Great experience. Sean is...

Jonathan_M, Mar 2024

Great experience. Sean is a fantastic guide - he showed us the basics of kayaking and then saved a bird’s life in front of our eyes. Overall, a fun outdoor activity for a few hours when in Miami.

Family Fun

Amanda_W, Mar 2024

Definitely would do it again

Raymond_M, Mar 2024

Super cool experience kayaking around the small islands before you land on another island for snorkeling. Thiago was great!

Fraud, it was kayak, not snorkeling and paddle trip

Victoria_W, Mar 2024

Definitely fraud, it was kayak, not snorkeling and paddle trip as Ad, we were kayaking to different kind of very small inlands, the water was so dirty and I fall down from boat twice. You have to kayak in the very windy bay for two hours and half, I thought I would be dead in the ocean. My brother and I were really exhausted heading back to starting point, I sent my brother to ER, terrible experiences!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Very sorry you booked on a windy day. The bay is not dirty its just the wind kicking up the silt. We can't control the weather. I hope your brother is OK after his near death experience.

Great trip!

Jennifer_S, Feb 2024

Ruby was awesome and super knowledgeable. Kids had a great time. Would definitely recommend for all ages!

Great time kayaking.

Jake_W, Feb 2024

Chase did a great job and seems to know a lot about the area. Unfortunately because of the weather we weren’t able to snorkel but still enjoyed the kayaking.

Great Experience

Kalvin_O, Jan 2024

The guides were kind and patient people. Everything started and ended on time. The only bad part was that it rained towards the end. Maybe this is better to do when the days aren't gloomy.

Favorite Parts

Jonathan_G, Nov 2023

There were friendly racoons on the island and large conks found during the snorkel experience. i thought i found a souveneir, but there were crabs still living inside, so i had to put back.

Don’t pass this up

Margot_B, Nov 2023

Chase was an exceptional guide who made everyone in the group feel like professional kayakers and paddle boarders!

Torture Clinic

Faisal_R, Nov 2023

The kayak and paddle boards were not good quality. We has to paddle for 45 minutes against the current to get to the first destination. It was torture. There was no snorkeling. The island we went to was full of jelly fish. We had to paddle board against the current for 30 minutes. The only positive is I got a good workout. If there were people who were not athletic, they would have needed rescue. I would not do this ever again.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Hello, very sorry you struggled to paddle. There's really not much we can do about wind, jellyfish or your ability to paddle. Sometimes it happens. As it turns out nature does not always care about our plans for the day. If it was too difficult for you I would suggest choosing a day with better weather. We do give everyone a heads up if its going to be breezy. We also allow people to reschedule. As for our paddle boards and kayaks we actually buy from the largest manufacturer in the US. Ocean kayak/ Old Town kayak company.

Amazing morning in the water

Stefano_P, Oct 2023

RUBI was amazing thanks for everything! Loved the experience and would reccomend for sure to everyone

Don’t do it

Jennifer_M, Oct 2023

When we got on the water we kayaked through the “jungle” got ate up by mesquites. The tour guide was behind us the whole time. When finally snorkeling for the last 20 minutes of the trip the tour guide also was nowhere near us. Kayaking back the tour guide was no where to be seen for a few minutes. I do not recomend this tour

Peaceful adventure

Leticia_C, Oct 2023

The mangroves and kayaking between them. The snorkeling was relaxing and warm. The time went by so fast.

Fun adventure

habsanayamma, Sep 2023

This experience was really fun and enjoyable. Lorenzo our tour guide was well knowledgeable and answered all our questions and made sure we were safe! The kayaking part although was a long and a bit challenging honestly the ride was enjoyable because of the beautiful views!! Wish the company told us to bring some water shoes!!

Best Water Experience 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Dave_D, Sep 2023

I haven’t had an experience this fun in so long! The tour guide Lorenzo was so cool. He explained everything very simply and was there every step of the way! And made sure we were good with food and drinks. I definitely recommend to everyone looking for fun on the water to go here. I’ll be going back for sure.

Undiscovered Gem, Amazing staff and we saw a Manatee

Pradipto_B, Sep 2023

As a solo traveler, I was finding it very difficult to find a snorkelling trip that didn't require a two people minimum, and didn't charge more than the cost of my AirBnb for the entire trip. I didn't need champagne, I didn't need glass bottomed boats, I simply wanted to go snorkeling! I was so happy to come across these amazing folks at Island Snorkeling who had competitive pricing and welcomed solo travelers. Sydney at the front desk called me the day of the booking to update me about rip currents due to the weather, and moved me to the next timing without additional charges. At the office, her dog was just the most excited greeter, and I also made friends with some of the other snorkelers. Sydney drove us to the protected Mangrove area and we were met by Celia who took us to the "barge"(?) anchored in the water. She gave us detailed instructions on using a kayak vs paddleboard, different oars to use, how to paddle, stop, change direction, etc. She guided us through the Mangroove areas, and we even saw a Manatee. We made our way to an island and snorkeled around. It was beautiful! Celia even cut watermelons for us and we fed the rinds to iguanas. Overall, a very wholesome and wonderful experience. Celia and Sydney were amazing. If I'm back in Miami, I'll be sure to book with them again!

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