Board a lively two-hour party boat from Bayside and sail past millionaire homes to a shallow sandbar for easy snorkeling among seagrass and small reef fish. Perfect for first-timers, the trip mixes skyline views, music, and water toys with included snorkel gear.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step onto the low-slung party boat at Jones Boat Yard and the Miami skyline tilts behind you like a postcard. The crew fires up music; coolers tap at the rail; yachts slip past with shaved wakes. In twenty minutes the city noise loosens into a steady ocean rhythm, and the captain eases alongside a shallow sandbar where boats gather like a floating village. The real work is simple: put on a mask, push off, and let the water take you over seagrass meadows dotted with small reeffish.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Light activity; be comfortable entering/exiting a small boat and swimming a short distance with a life jacket available
Wildlife
History
Biscayne Bay developed as sea levels rose over limestone plains; indigenous Tequesta communities and later Miami’s 20th-century boom shaped the shoreline you’ll pass.
Conservation
Practice hands-off snorkeling and use reef-safe sunscreen; seagrass beds are fragile and vital nursery habitat for juvenile fish.
Reserve your spot on the Miami Snorkeling for Beginners today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive Early for Check-in
Plan to be at Jones Boat Yard at least 20 minutes before departure to secure good seating and get a quick safety briefing.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding and reapply sparingly on the boat to protect marine life and your skin.
Bring a Personal Mask If You Have One
Equipment is provided, but a well-fitting personal mask improves comfort and visibility for beginners.
Watch for Seasickness Triggers
If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication or use acupressure bands before boarding—open bays can still get choppy.
Personal Snorkel Mask
A well-fitting mask improves visibility and comfort compared with shared gear.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects skin and local marine ecosystems—mandatory for responsible snorkeling.
summer
Water Shoes
Useful for walking on the sandbar and protecting feet from hot decks or shell fragments.
summer
Dry Bag (Small)
Keeps phone, keys, and sunscreen dry while you’re in the water or lounging on deck.