Teacher Checklist

The National Park Service operates Fort Matanzas. It is our goal to provide a safe and quality experience to all visitors, including students and other groups. We look forward to your group's visit.

Group size and program times

Ferry boat reservations are required for groups traveling to the fort. Reservations are taken on a first-call basis beginning in August for that school year. Call [phone] to make reservations. The group's size is limited to 35 people including adults (boat capacity) for each time slot. Learn more about Reservations.

In addition to, or in place of traveling to the fort, groups can explore other areas of the park under their teachers' direction. From the main Visitor Center entrance, teachers may guide groups on the half-mile nature trail boardwalk through the woods, hike the marsh trail, and/or use the picnic area set among the old, spreading live oak trees. There are also other entrances and parking lots to enter the beach areas along the Matanzas River and the Atlantic Ocean. To learn more, use the Map, download the App, or experience the Virtual Tour.

Fort Programs

For field trips on the boat and to the fort, arrive at the park 30 minutes before the scheduled boat tour. Allow at least half hour drive from downtown St. Augustine. Please meet your ranger at the Visitor Center. You will have a ranger for your reserved one-hour time slot which includes a trip to the fort. This hour begins at your reserved time, not at the time you arrive. Late arrivals might not be able to visit the fort.

Cancellations

At times, weather (wind and/or rain) or mechanical problems might cause us to cancel the boat. The group will still receive a ranger program, if possible. If you have to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible. 904-471-0116.

Conduct

School groups may encounter other visitors during their visit. Students should conduct themselves in a way that allows others to enjoy their visit.

Chaperones

A minimum of 1 chaperone for each 10 students is required. Teachers should review expectations with chaperones prior to arrival. Parents and chaperones are expected to help with group control. Protection of our natural and cultural resources is of the utmost importance! Please do not sit on the walls or cannon.

Safety

Your students' safety is important to us. Please help by informing your chaperones, it is their responsibility to closely monitor the students’ behavior during the visit. Keep in mind that this is a natural area and that the visit includes a boat ride to a small, rustic fort near the water. Due to time and safety, groups will not climb the ladder to the roof.

Restrooms

There are restrooms in the park, but none at the fort. Make sure your group plans a restroom break, if needed, before going to the fort.

Bus Parking

Bus unloading and parking is located past the restroom building. If that spot is already occupied, check with a ranger for alternate parking. Please do not stop in front of the visitor center to unload. It blocks traffic. Buses are prohibited from idling their engines during the group's visit.

Dress

This is an outdoor program and includes a boat ride. Winters in north Florida can be chilly. Spring and summer bring humid conditions and frequent thunderstorms.

Toys and Food

No food, chewing gum, or drinks (except water) is allowed on the boat or at the fort. Leave backpacks, souvenirs, games, on the bus.

Picnics

There are picnic tables and drink machines near the parking lot, but no fires or grills are allowed. Please make sure all trash is properly put into trash receptacles. There is a dumpster near the ranger office.

 

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  Education

  Learn about field trips, curriculum, distance learning, and more.

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  Field Trips

  Learn how to coordinate a curriculum-based experience for students.

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  Kids & Youth

  Explore the Junior Ranger program, camps, online activities, and more.