Fort Lauderdale Snorkeling and Kayaking: Reefs and Mangroves

Swim offshore reefs in the morning, glide through mangrove roots in the afternoon

This four-hour activity in Fort Lauderdale combines guided snorkeling on easy-access reefs and a kayak or paddleboard tour through mangrove waterways. You receive full gear, safety instruction, and a practice session in shallow water before swimming out to see angelfish, rays, sea turtles and parrotfish. The second half shifts to calm inland paddling where manatees, iguanas and coastal birds appear among the twisted roots. Small groups, flexible timing, and complimentary drinks, snacks and an instant photo round out the day.

The experience

You start with a welcome drink and a full gear check: snorkel mask, fins, flotation vest, and anti-fog solution. A brief practice in shallow water gets everyone comfortable with the equipment before the short swim out to the reefs. The reefs themselves are built on artificial structures and soft corals just minutes offshore: close enough that even nervous swimmers reach them easily. Angelfish, parrotfish, snapper, rays and sea turtles move through the water at a pace you control. You snorkel as long as you want and return to shore whenever you're ready.

The second part of the morning takes place on still inland water. After a quick paddling introduction, you choose between a kayak or a paddleboard and glide through Fort Lauderdale's mangrove channels. The guide points out the ecosystem as you move: how the roots trap nutrients, where manatees shelter in season, which birds nest in the canopy. Turtles, iguanas, rays and fish appear in the calm water. The pace here is slow and observational, a complete shift from the reef snorkeling.

Complimentary snacks and drinks (fruit, ginger ale, Gatorade, sparkling water) are available throughout, and you get an instant photo of the day before heading out. Gear is sanitized, storage for your belongings is secure, and the whole experience runs about four hours. A live guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese depending on your group.

What’s included

• Sanitized snorkel mask, fins, and flotation vest.
• kayak or paddleboard with paddle.
• complimentary non-alcoholic drinks including Coca-Cola, Sprite, ginger ale, Gatorade and sparkling water.
• freshly sliced fruit and snacks.
• instant photo.
• safe storage for belongings.
• live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 08:00 and 12:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Rio Santos

Is this one for you?If your group speaks Spanish or Portuguese, request that language when booking: the guide delivers the same reef and mangrove commentary in whichever language keeps everyone comfortable and engaged. Children from age 5 can join, though the moderate physical fitness level needed for both swimming and paddling means younger kids or those with cardiovascular concerns should check the activity details before committing.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What kind of fish and sea life will I see while snorkeling in Fort Lauderdale?

The reefs are home to angelfish, parrotfish, snapper, rays, and sea turtles. The reefs are built on artificial structures and soft corals just minutes offshore, so marine life is reliably present.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this activity?

No experience is required. You receive a full safety briefing, gear fitting, and a practice session in shallow water before swimming out to the reefs, so you can build confidence at your own pace.

Can I choose between kayaking and paddleboarding, or is one included?

You choose between a kayak or paddleboard during the mangrove portion of the activity. Both are included, and the guide will brief you on either one before you start paddling.

What happens if I'm not comfortable snorkeling the whole time?

You snorkel at your own pace and return to shore whenever you're ready. The reef is just minutes offshore, so getting back is quick if you want to sit out part of the snorkeling.

What's included in the price besides the snorkeling and paddling?

Snorkeling gear, life jacket, kayak or paddleboard, complimentary drinks (non-alcoholic), fresh fruit and snacks, an instant photo, and safe storage for your belongings are all included.