Wildlife Excursions Kayak Excursions

Join Museum wildlife guides and research biologists from the Miami Museum of Science's Falcon Batchelor Bird of Prey Center on kayak excursions in Florida Bay and the Florida Keys. Kayaking with the Museum is a fun, relaxing way to get into nature and exercise your outdoor spirit, while learning about Florida's fragile ecosystems.

  • All levels of kayak experience (or non-experience!) welcome.
  • Great fun for the entire family!
  • Assist researchers at work in Florida Bay in the advanced level excursions.
  • Enjoy the great outdoors with fun, informative leaders from the Museum.

Kayaking Enthusiasts Want More!
Due to popular demand, the Museum's Wildlife staff will host one more
kayaking excursion in Florida Bay before the hot days of summer begin. The
additional date is June 12 for beginner level kayakers. The fee is $50 per
person for Museum Members and $65 per person for nonmembers. Call Greta at
(305) 646-4245

2000 Kayaking Schedule

Date Level Member Price Non-Member Price
March 25 Beginner $50 $65
April 29 Beginner $50 $65
May 20 Advanced $75 $100

Levels

Beginner

You've never been in a kayak before. (Or, you have, but still feel a little uncertain.) On this half-day excursion along the Florida Bay coastline, guides will focus on assisting you in learning basic paddling techniques, maneuvering and steering. You may see some wildlife on the trip.

Intermediate

You have kayaked in the past and feel comfortable with it. Or, you are in good shape, strong and confident and you can "catch on" in a matter of minutes. On this excursion, guides will point out wildlife and environmental elements along the way.

Advanced

You know your way around in a kayak and are ready for a challenge. On full-day advanced level excursions, you'll accompany Museum biologists at work. You may observe eagle and osprey nests, assist with the diamondback terrapin turtle mark and recapture study, and/or assist with blood sampling to establish baseline serum chemistry levels.

Call (305) 646-4245 to register, or download the registration form in PDF format.. Not a member? Take a look at our membership benefits!

Helpful details to plan your excursion:

1. You must be in good health and have the ability to swim.

2. Prior to your trip, please alert us of any medical conditions that may affect your paddling. You must sign a liability release prior to the trip.

3. Please bring water, suntan lotion, hats, shoes that can get wet and mosquito repellent. Most kayakers prefer to wear shorts (or long pants if cold) and t-shirts that can get wet and dirty.

4. Departure is from Florida Bay Outfitters, a kayak and tour shop in Key Largo that assists with the Museum's environmental education programs. Take U.S. I south to Florida Bay Outfitters, located at Mile Marker 104. Please arrive by 9:00 a.m. Please be prompt. Beginning and Intermediate excursions last about four hours and Advanced are all day.

5. Weather is an unpredictable factor in kayaking. Trip cancellation and rescheduling will be at the discretion of the guides. Prior to the trip, if weather conditions are severe and the decision is made to cancel, we'll call reserved participants ahead of time. Full refunds will be available if the participant is unable to reschedule.

6. Participant Cancellation Policy: If we are advised that you must cancel 72 hours or more prior to the departure date (for example, at the latest by 9:00 a.m. Wednesday prior to a Saturday trip), a full refund will be given; for 48 hours prior, 75% will be refunded; for 24 hours prior, 50% will be refunded. If you fail to show up on the day of the trip, we cannot provide a refund.

7. Be ready to have fun!


Frequently Asked Qustions:

Q. How does a kayak compare to a canoe?

A. The two are different in a number of ways. First, kayaks-except for the tandem model-are built for one person, who controls both the paddling and the steering. Kayakers use a pole with a paddle at both ends and control the rudder with foot pedals. Unlike a canoe, which sits on top of the water, a kayak sits lower in the water, creating less wind resistance and enabling greater speed.

 

Q. What kind of wildlife will I see?

A. Like the weather, wildlife is unpredictable. While we do know migration, feeding and mating patterns, we can't guarantee which species will be out at any given time. In general, however, you'll get an eyeful of beauty, nature, and hopefully, wildlife.

 

Q. Can we see the biologists at work?

A. On the advanced excursions, you'll assist the wildlife biologists in a variety of research efforts.

 

Q. Can my children kayak?

A. Kids love kayaking and we welcome their participation with you. If young paddlers are unable to use a solo kayak, they will be partnered with a parent in a two-person kayak.

 

Q. Will I tip over?

A. Kayaks are very stable, although there is a possibility that they'll tip over. If your vessel does capsize, guides will make sure you get back in safely. They are trained in rescue and first aid techniques. Don't worry; they say the best way to learn about anything is through immersion!

Call (305) 646-4245 to register, or download the registration form in PDF format.. Not a member? Take a look at our membership benefits! You can also email Brian Mealey.


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