Day Programs

Biscayne National Park offers a land-based day trip to our Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead, Florida called the Explorer Program. The facility includes a boardwalk for wildlife viewing, picnic tables, and bathroom facilities.

Biscayne Explorer is a fourth grade standards-based, ranger-led program that brings marine science to students as they explore the wonders of Biscayne. Upon arrival, students are greeted by a park ranger, given a brief orientation, and then split into groups to complete three activities that help them explore the concept of interdependence while looking into the four main ecosystems found here.

The standard Explorer program offers a guided Jetty Walk, Plankton Lab, and Coral talk.
Jetty Walk- Park staff will guide students on a walk along Biscayne Bay to discuss the Seagrass ecosystem and Mangrove Forest that are found in the park.
Plankton Lab- Students enter our classroom as marine micro biologists to participate in a plankton lab where they will conduct plankton tows, make wet slides to explore and identify phyto and zooplankton, and learn about algae blooms and water quality.
Coral Talk- Students will take a closer look at one of the most biodiverse ecosystems by exploring the wonders of corals and using a dichotomous key to identify coral structures.

When planning field trips please remember to check the weather and prepare students appropriately. We recommend sunscreen, hats, and bug repellant. It is necessary that school groups bring their own lunch and refillable water bottles.

To register for Biscayne Explorers, please fill out our Booking Form and Registration Form. For questions about our education programs, call (786)335-3678 or send an e-mail. Programs may be adjusted to fit your needs and time restraints.