Peanut Island Snorkeling: Sunrise Paddle Board with Guide

Paddle out at dawn and snorkel where the water stays clearest

A 90-minute guided snorkeling activity from Phil Foster Park to Peanut Island, led by a Master Naturalist in English. You paddle a board to the island, then explore either the natural lagoon or the snorkeling rocks depending on conditions, watching for sea turtles, rays, starfish and tropical fish. High tide brings the clearest water. Winter trips focus on manatee sightings. Photos of your experience are included.

The experience

You meet at Phil Foster Park and paddle your board over sandbars toward Peanut Island, staying alert for spotted eagle rays, colorful starfish and the occasional manatee along the way. The guide leads the route and points out what moves in the shallows. Once at the island, the choice between the natural lagoon and the snorkeling rocks depends on the day's conditions: the guide decides based on water clarity, wind and tide.

High tide transforms Peanut Island's waters into some of the clearest in South Florida, which is when visibility peaks for spotting sea turtles, tropical fish and rays. Winter trips shift focus to manatee sightings. Weather can affect water clarity on any given day, so the guide reads conditions in real time and adjusts the snorkel site to give you the best view. The whole outing runs 90 minutes from start to finish.

Your guide is a Master Naturalist who speaks English and knows the marine life and seasonal patterns of the area. Photos of the experience are taken during the paddle and snorkel, so you leave with images of what you saw. Bring a moderate level of fitness. You're paddling and moving in the water for the full session, not sitting still.

What’s included

• Paddle board and guide led by a Master Naturalist.
• snorkel site chosen by the guide based on conditions.
• photos of the experience.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 06:15, the last at 07:15

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Under 13: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Phil Foster Park. Under the blue heron bridge. We will meet under the bridge near the playground. You will look for a large white passenger van.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by South Florida Paddle

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads the whole outing, so you follow along without needing to navigate or make calls about where to go. Pick the high-tide slot if you want the clearest water. Low-tide departures still work but visibility drops.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I actually snorkel at Peanut Island?

Peanut Island has two snorkel sites: the natural lagoon and the snorkeling rocks. The guide picks one based on that day's water conditions, tide and visibility. Both spots hold sea turtles, tropical fish, rays and starfish year-round. In winter the focus shifts to spotting manatees as well.

How clear is the water at Peanut Island?

High tide brings the clearest water (some of the clearest in South Florida), so visibility is best then. Low tide still works, but clarity drops. Weather affects visibility on any given day, so the guide assesses conditions when you arrive and chooses the snorkel site that offers the best view that morning.

Do I need snorkeling experience to do this?

You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness because you're paddling a board and moving in the water for 90 minutes straight. The minimum age is 13. No prior snorkeling experience is required. The guide leads you to the sites and points out what to look for.

What time does the sunrise paddle start?

The activity is scheduled around sunrise at Phil Foster Park. Exact departure time depends on the season and sunrise time that day. Confirm your specific time when you book.

What's included in the price?

The paddle board, guide and photos of your experience are included. Gratuities are separate. Service animals are allowed. Public transportation options are available near Phil Foster Park.