SCUBA Diving

On days that the concessionaire boats run to the islands, guided hikes may be offered by national park rangers, volunteers, or concessionaire naturalists. If they are not available to lead hikes, self-guided interpretive trail booklets are available. Guided hike locations, distances, and departure times will be announced after your arrival on the island during the visitor orientation. Please check with a ranger, volunteer, or concessionaire employee for more information.

Join a National Park Service ranger on a one-hour Ship Island Excursions ferry ride to Ship Island where you can have access to ranger-led programs in Fort Massachusetts and a private swim beach. The swim beach is a quarter of a mile walk on a boardwalk from the fishing pier. There is very little shade on the island and no transportation. Food and umbrellas are for purchase at an additional cost on the swim beach. No pets are allowed on the ferry. Fishing is only permitted on the sound side beach.

Join a park a park ranger on hike and interpretation of the local area. Topics include bayou, alligator, or medicinal plants. Meet at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center in Mississippi.

Join us for a 45-minute walk through Fort Massachusetts located on Ship Island. Meet at the entrance to Fort Massachusetts. Ship Island is barrier island located in off the coast of Mississippi. Note: There maybe walking during this program.

Join a ranger for a guided beach walk and presentation on Ship Island in Mississippi and learn about what marine life reside in your favorite seashells and help solve the murder mystery of how the empty shells you collect came to be unoccupied. This is a walk up style event on Ship Island swim beach.

The northern Gulf Coast is rich with stories about the American Revolution! To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, join a guide for a 30 minute talk to learn about the forgotten people, places, and events that shaped the founding of the United States of America. Note: Talks are accessible to people with special needs. Programs are subject to change and/or cancelation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances .

Fort Pickens has stood on the Gulf Coast for over 190 years. Join a guide for a 30 minute talk to learn about this famed brick-and-mortar fortification and the people who lived and served within its storied walls. Note: Talks are accessible to people with special needs. Programs are subject to change and/or cancelation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances . Programs are not offered at times when the Blue Angels are scheduled to practice.

Join a park ranger on a National Park Service ferry ride trip from Pensacola to Gulf Islands National Seashore's Fort Pickens Area then to Pensacola Beach. Once you arrive at Fort Pickens if you choose to get off, you will have a either 2.5 hours or 5 hours to recreate and enjoy the historic fortifications, private beaches, bike paths, fishing pier and visitor center. Ferry departure times from Fort Pickens to Pensacola Beachthree times a day.

Join Gulf Islands National Seashore, Ocean Hour, and Third Coast Divers for the biggest park cleanup of the year. In celebration of National Park Week, volunteers and scuba divers will team up to clean the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier and surrounding beaches. Volunteers will receive a free day pass to Gulf Islands National Seashore, a park special edition poster, and a thank you from Gulf Islands National Seashore. Registration required by August 27. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteer Check in (General Participants) • Check in begins at 8:45 AM • Cleanup runs from 9 AM to 11 AM • Meet in the parking lot across from the Fort Pickens Visitor Center to sign in Diver Check in (Divers Only) • Diver check in begins at 8:15 AM • All divers muster at 8:30 AM • Water entry at 9 AM • Meet in the parking lot across from the Fort Pickens Visitor Center to sign in What to Bring & Wear • Closed toed shoes • Plenty of water (seriously- bring extra!) • All cleanup supplies—including trash grabbers, buckets, gloves, and hand sanitizer—will be provided Important Health & Safety Reminder Please hydrate the day before the event and bring a refillable water bottle—coastal heat and humidity can affect participants quickly. Water coolers will be provided. Staying ahead of dehydration is essential for both volunteers and divers.

Join the Rangers of Biscayne National Park for Junior Ranger Day! Ranger Led Programs: 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM Fishing Clinic: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Join us as we celebrate Junior Ranger Day at Biscayne National Park! Bring the whole family for a day of free ranger-led activities, hands-on learning, and outdoor fun. Explore what it takes to protect our National Parks, discover Biscayne's natural and cultural resources, and earn a Junior Ranger badge or two! No reservations are needed for the event. Whether you're a future scientist, park ranger, historian, or explorer, there's something for everyone. We can't wait to celebrate with you! All programs are free and don't require registration. We hope to see you here!

The Paddle Clinic introduces park visitors to canoeing while building paddle skills and confidence. Biscayne National Park is 95% water and paddling is one of the best ways to explore the park. The trips are staff/weather dependent. Watch the weather and call (786)335-3620 the day before the trip to confirm. Know that trips can be cancelled up until the last minute. All paddlers must be 11yrs+. Non-paddlers sitting in the middle must be 6yrs+. (Indicate age when signing up anybody under the age of 18.) No experience necessary but comfortability on the water is required. This is a beginner course and is moderately strenuous. Most paddle clinics spend nearly two hours on the water and traverse two miles of shallow bay. Shoes and clothes that can get wet are required. Water bottles, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended. Please ensure that you’ve provided a local phone number or email address that you are able to check prior to the trip. If you need to cancel, please call (786)335-3620 as soon as possible. These trips are in high demand and others would appreciate the opening. Please arrive 30 min before scheduled departure time. Upon arrival, each participant must come to the visitor center desk to sign a waiver. You spot will be given away if you have not checked in 15 min prior to departure time.

Show your love for marine life by joining us for a beach cleanup. Individuals, families, and groups are welcome. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Park near Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center, 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura and meet a ranger in front of the visitor center. Pre-registration is not required; walk-ins are welcome. All volunteers must sign a volunteer waiver. Please wear closed toed shoes and sun protection. Volunteers are encouraged to BYOB; bring your own reusable bucket, gloves, and water bottle. Instructions, volunteer waivers, data cards, trash and recycling bags, gloves, and water will otherwise be provided.