Your Trip Day: What to Expect

A private Biscayne National Park charter should feel easy from the moment you book. Here's everything you need to know before you step aboard with Captain Pablo, from parking to the ride home.

Before you come

Booking: Book online or reach us at hello@coastalrunners.com / 305-842-1119. Every trip is private, just your group of up to 6 guests.

Waiver: Every guest signs a waiver before the trip, and a parent or guardian signs for each child. The easiest way is online when you book. Once it's done there, you won't need to sign anything at the dock. We prefer online waivers so everyone's on record before we leave.

Weather and cancellations: We go out rain or shine. The only times we cancel a trip before departure are for tropical weather or a small craft advisory. If that happens, your deposit stays on file and you can reschedule for another date or take a voucher good for one year. Once the trip has departed, the full charge applies.

Getting here

Where: Loggerhead South Miami Marina, the private marina inside Black Point Park & Marina, 24777 SW 87th Ave, Homestead, FL 33032. It's about 35 minutes from Miami.

Where to meet: We board from the floating dock. Our floating dock is south of the public boat ramp. Call Captain Pablo at 305-842-1119 when you arrive and he'll meet you there.

Parking: Free private parking at Loggerhead with a parking pass, until the lot fills. If it's full, use the paid public parking at Black Point Marina next door.

On arrival: Call Captain Pablo at 305-842-1119 when you get here.

Arrive by: Please arrive at the dock 20 minutes before your departure time. That gives you time to park, use the restroom and get settled so we can head out on time.

Uber or Lyft tip: Search "Loggerhead South Miami Marina" instead of typing the street address.

What to wear and bring

Wear your swimsuit under light clothes. There are public restrooms at the marina where you can change, and you can also change inside the cabin on either boat. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, water and snacks. Keep phones and valuables in a dry bag.

There's nothing for sale on Boca Chita Key or anywhere in the park, so bring everything you'll need for the day, including food, drinks, sunscreen and a towel.

What not to bring

Drones. Flying drones isn't allowed in Biscayne National Park.

Glass bottles or containers. They break easily on a moving boat, so please pack cans or plastic.

Pets. Only service animals are allowed on board.

Hard-sided coolers or big luggage. We have a cooler with water and ice, and space on board is limited.

Valuables you'd hate to lose. Leave jewelry at home and keep phones in a dry bag.

Fishing gear, spears or anything to collect shells, coral or wildlife. Taking anything from the park is prohibited.

Guns, weapons of any kind, or drugs. They're not allowed on board.

On board

Both boats, the Mako and the Sea Casita, have a bathroom.

We carry life jackets sized for kids, plus snorkel life jackets for the water.

Snorkel gear is provided.

Captain Pablo is bilingual: English and Spanish, se habla español.

Both the Mako and the Sea Casita have shade on board, so you'll have a place to cool off between stops.

Kids and ages

Kids of all ages are welcome on board, and there's no minimum age to come along on the boat. Snorkeling is for ages 8 and up. Every child wears a properly fitted life jacket, and we carry kids' sizes on both boats.

The day itself (sample flow)

Every charter is private, so your day is built around your group. Here's what a typical day can look like:

1. Welcome at the dock. A quick safety briefing, life jacket fitting and the plan for the day.

2. Cruise into the park. Mangrove shorelines, birds and often dolphins along the way.

3. Boca Chita Key. We bring you ashore; explore the lighthouse and trail on your own.

4. Snorkel stop. The Maritime Heritage Trail or a calm reef, depending on the weather.

5. Sandbar or swim break. Lunch and relaxing in clear, shallow water.

6. Cruise back to the marina.

Wildlife is never guaranteed, and the route can change with the weather and tides.

Sandbar depth

How deep the water is at the sandbar depends on the tide that day, so there's no set depth. Captain Pablo picks the best spot and time for the conditions, and kids should always wear a life jacket in the water.

Boca Chita lighthouse

The 65-foot Boca Chita lighthouse reopened in June 2026. When park staff are on the island, they may open it for climbing, but that isn't guaranteed. Park rules require climbers to be at least 42 inches tall, so younger kids may need to enjoy the view from the ground.

Seasickness

Seasickness is different for everyone. It's more common offshore on rough days. If anyone starts to feel unwell, we can head inshore to calmer water. If you know you're prone to it, take seasickness medicine before the trip. Please let us know when you book if anyone is pregnant or has a back injury or recent surgery.

Pets and service animals

Pets aren't allowed on board, but trained service animals are welcome. Please let us know when you book so we can plan space on the boat. Service animals must stay leashed or under your control. Note that the park doesn't allow pets on Boca Chita Key.

Accessibility

Unfortunately, our boats can't take a wheelchair on board. Boarding means stepping down from the floating dock onto the boat. If you have mobility questions, call Captain Pablo at 305-842-1119 before booking and we'll talk through what's possible.

What's Included

Included: Your private boat and USCG-licensed captain; Snorkel gear; Adult, kids' and snorkel life jackets; A cooler with water and ice; Towels (you're welcome to bring your own); Boca Chita docking fee.

Not included: Fuel (charged at the marina's price on the day of your trip); Captain's tip/gratuity. Tips aren't included and are always appreciated.

Our snorkel gear is shared by guests and cleaned after every use. If you'd feel more comfortable with your own mask and snorkel, you're welcome to bring them.

After the trip

We hope you had a great day. Your review helps other families find us. Tag us on Instagram, too.

Book Your Trip · Call 305-842-1119 · Email hello@coastalrunners.com