Guided Canoe and Kayak Trips

Guided canoe and kayak trips are typically offered during the winter months (January - April), but may also be offered on a more limited basis at other times of year. Check the Schedule of Events for details.

General Information Pertaining to All Trips

Canoes and Kayaks

• Our canoes (Old Town Guide, 16', 82 lbs) and kayaks (Ocean Kayak Zest, 16'6", 70 lbs, sit-on-top) require TWO paddlers.
• Visitors are welcome to use their own canoe/kayak on all trips except Jones Lagoon.

Paddler Requirements for Short (2-3 hour) Trips

• At least one "adult" (18+) must be in each boat
• Second paddler must be at least 14 yrs old
• OPTIONAL middle floor seat: Children must be at least 10 yrs old and weigh at least 50 lbs
• If an adult with a child under 14 yrs old wants to sign up, they must find another adult to accompany them
• Maximum number of people per canoe is three (even if they are small); Kayak maximum is two.

Paddler Requirements for All-day Trips

• "Adult' means 18 and over.
• "Experienced" means YOU MUST BE ABLE TO:
• • Paddle for approx 8 hrs.
  • Paddle at least 8 miles in varying winds and tides
  • Drag the boat through shallow, mucky water
  • Together with your partner unload and load the boat on the trailer
  • Together with your partner portage a 70-80 lb boat for at least 75 yards
  • Do without indoor restroom facilities during the trip
  • Haul out all your unused food, supplies, and all trash.
  • Eat lunch standing in knee-deep water at Jones Lagoon.
• Because Jones Lagoon is a very popular trip, if a visitor wishes to repeat the trip during the same season, your name will be placed on a waiting list for the trip date desired. If space becomes available, you will be notified the day before the trip is scheduled to depart.

What to Bring on the Trip

• Sun protection: At least sunscreen and a sun hat of some kind
• Water - recommended 1 liter per paddler for short trips and 4 per paddler for all-day trips
• Closed-toe shoes that can get wet; clothes that can get wet - cotton not recommended
• Food: optional snack for short trip; lunch and energy snacks for all-day trips.
• Mosquito repellent
• Paddling gloves optional but recommended for all day trips
• Jones Lagoon trip will use kayaks with two open triangular storage bins, laced with bungee cords: at the stern (approx 14'x18'x18") and the bow (approx 10"x20"x20"), suitable for a 20 liter dry bag (provided free by the Park) and/or your own very small cooler, e.g., Igloo Playmate. Pack lightly!

Trip Cancellation and Confirmation

• All trips are subject to cancellation at the Biscayne National Park guide's discretion, e.g. due to bad weather. Visitors will be informed as soon as possible if there is a cancellation. No "rain checks."
• If you must cancel your reservation, please do so as soon as possible to allow us time to fill your vacancy.

Trip Options

Black Point Canoe Trip - A perfect trip for beginners! Paddle through a tunnel of red mangroves, explore sheltered bays, search for birds, fish, crabs, manatees and crocodiles, and great view of the Miami skyline. Weather permitting, this FREE 2-3 hour paddle begins at the Black Point Park canoe launch area (north side of the marina) at 9:00 and 1:00 on the following dates: January 15, 22, 29; February 19, 26; March 18, 25; and April 22, 29.

Convoy Point Canoe Trip - A perfect trip for beginners! Meet at the park's Dante Fascell Visitor Center, then glide along the shoreline of the longest mangrove forest on Florida's East coast. Explore tidal creeks and canals, and skim over vast seagrass meadows while watching for manatees, birds, fish and myriad other critters. Weather permitting, this FREE 2-3 hour paddle begins at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center at 9:00 am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from January to April.

Deering Point to Black Point -  Start the paddle (open to experienced adult paddlers only)at Deering Point with a brief visit to the historic Deering Estate and a view of the Miami skyline before heading south along the shoreline of the longest mangrove forest on the East coast of Florida. Explore tidal creeks, hidden bays, and vast sea grass meadows teeming with wildlife, then glide though a mangrove tunnel before taking out at Black Point Marina.  Bring a picnic lunch or treat yourself to lunch at the Black Point Ocean Grill. Weather permitting, this FREE all-day trip meets at Black Point canoe launch (to arrange car shuttles) at 8:30 am on the first Sunday of the month from February to April.

Jones Lagoon - arguably the best one-day backcountry kayak trip in Florida! Meet at the Biscayne National Park Visitors Center and take a motor boat shuttle to and from Adams Key. From there, spend a full day kayaking over crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with wildlife, including sharks, rays, jellies and more. Glide though mangrove tunnels, observe a roseate spoonbill rookery, and learn about the park's 10,000 year human history, including the inspiring story of a pioneering black family who took on this corner of the Florida wilderness. Weather permitting, this trip is offered at 8 a.m. every First and Third Saturday - January though April. This all day kayak trip is available to experienced adult paddlers only. Shuttle fee is $89 per person.

Reservations

• Reservations are required.
• Space is limited.
• Call 305-230-7275, x000 for reservations. At this time, reservations can ONLY be made by phone.