Snorkel Adventure Kayak Tour - Oleta River State Park

The tour launches from the Oleta River Adventures Rental Building and heads through the park's mangrove tunnels, then crosses the open waters of Biscayne Bay to Sandspur Island for a stop to explore the beach and wildlife. The route then continues to a second secluded island with calm, clear water ideal for snorkeling and swimming before paddling back to the outdoor center.

The shallow, calm waters around the islands along this route are home to tropical fish, rays, and a variety of marine life typical of Biscayne Bay's seagrass and coastal habitat. Visibility conditions vary depending on tides, season, and weather. Your guide will point out marine life throughout the snorkel stop.

Oleta River State Park sits on the northern edge of Biscayne Bay, one of Florida's most ecologically rich coastal habitats. Common sightings include herons, egrets, ospreys, cormorants, and other shorebirds in the mangroves. On the open water, guests frequently spot manatees, dolphins, rays, and a variety of fish. The shallow, clear water makes wildlife watching particularly rewarding throughout the tour.

Yes — a mask, fins, and snorkel are included for all guests. If you have your own prescription mask or preferred personal gear, you are welcome to bring it.

You can't wear glasses with a snorkel mask, but contacts are fine and often the best option for seeing clearly underwater. If you have a prescription mask, feel free to bring it — rental shops typically don't carry them. Fun fact: everything appears about 25% larger and closer underwater, which helps visibility a bit even without correction.

You can snorkel with a beard or mustache but it can prevent a tight seal between the mask and your face, which may cause water to leak in. It is often recommended to shave at least your mustache before snorkeling. If you'd prefer not to, bring petroleum jelly or chapstick — coating your mustache may help seal the mask and prevent water from getting in.

Common sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs and seagrass beds like those found throughout Biscayne Bay. Reef-SAFE sunscreens use non-nano particles, which are too large for corals to absorb, helping protect these vital ecosystems. Please avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Consider sun-protective clothing as an alternative, and if you choose a mineral-based sunscreen, ensure it is labeled "non-nano."

Oleta River State Park is beautiful year-round. The dry season (November through April) typically brings the most comfortable paddling conditions — lower humidity, cooler temperatures, and calmer bay waters. Summer brings warm water temperatures that are ideal for snorkeling, though afternoon thunderstorms are common; morning tours are generally recommended during those months.

Absolutely! This tour is dog friendly — your four-legged friends are welcome on the water. Just make sure your pup is comfortable, supervised, and wearing a flotation device for safety.

Absolutely. The calm, sheltered waterways of Oleta River State Park are ideal for all experience levels, and the snorkel stop is in shallow, calm water. Your guide will provide a full orientation and basic technique tips before you launch. For more tips to help you prepare, check out TripOutside's blog post on Kayaking for Beginners!

Tours operate rain or shine unless there is a severe weather event. In the event of unsafe weather, the outfitter will offer guests the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

Yes — please arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time for check-in, waiver signing, and gear fitting.

Please be respectful of the fact that coral is a living organism and any standing, touching, or knocking over will irreparably damage the organism that takes a very long time to grow and is essential to our marine reefs. Please also be respectful of any marine animals including but not limited to turtles, rays, sharks, seals, and dolphins. Please never chase, harass, feed, or touch any of the marine species. Enjoy their company if they approach from a distance and calmly move away from them if in their path.

Oleta River State Park is located at 3400 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160 — approximately 30 minutes from downtown Miami. From I-95 north or south, take NE 163rd Street / FL-826 east toward the beach. The park entrance is on the right, approximately 4 miles from I-95. The Outdoor Center is inside the park, directly on the water.

Yes — on-site parking is available inside Oleta River State Park. The state park entrance fee covers vehicle entry and parking: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people), $4 for single-occupant vehicles or motorcycles, and $2 for pedestrians and cyclists. Florida State Parks Annual Pass holders may enter at no charge. Note that the park may close to new arrivals when it reaches capacity on busy weekends and holidays — it is recommended to call the park's ranger station ahead of time on those days.

Yes. The Outdoor Center has restrooms, changing rooms, and showers available for day visitors. A Beach Bistro is also on-site offering food and drinks, and the park has picnic areas along the waterfront.

Tips are greatly appreciated and a wonderful way to recognize a great experience. Standard US gratuity is 20%.