Guide to Biscayne National Park (Florida)

Biscayne Park is unique in that it’s 95 percent water with only a handful of small islands. national park I’ve visited.

Biscayne National park offers a refreshing, peaceful change of pace, whether you are snorkeling near historic shipwrecks, or camping on an island that is quiet and remote. Florida destinations.

Biscayne is a great place to visit if you like being on the sea, watching wildlife or sleeping under the stars while listening only to the ocean.

How to Get There

Biscayne National Park is accessible by both boat and car.

Miami International Airport is about 50 minutes away. The park is located in Homestead. You can either take the Florida Turnpike (or U.S. Highway 1) or U.S. Highway 1

Remember that the park has only one mile of paved roads, a short trail and a visitor’s center. There are no ferry services or bridges to reach the rest of the park, which includes islands and campgrounds.

You don’t need to worry if your boat is not with you. There are guided boat tours that allow visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery. For a guided tour of the Maritime Heritage Trail as well as the coral reefs and islands, please contact Biscayne National Park Institute.

Know Before You Go

It’s not as easy as just pulling up to a parking spot and going on a hike. Biscayne is 95 percent water. Plan ahead or you may find yourself at the visitor centre wondering what to do. See also: The park.

Booking a guided tour is advisable if you do not own your own boat. Don’t delay in booking, these tours are extremely popular especially during weekends and the winter months when the weather conditions are ideal.

It’s mostly water after you leave the visitor’s center. If you plan to camp on one of the islandsTravel by private boat is the only way to travel.

Watch the weather. South Florida’s unpredictable storms and intense sunlight are well-known. Hans Bockelman is the manager and captain of the Biscayne National Park Institute. He said: “Nature dictates conditions whenever you want to get out on the water. Even though we can do a trip without risk, the conditions might not be perfect. Winter can bring windy days and heavy rainstorms.  “Be flexible and ready for different weather conditions.”

“We have northerners visit us in February, wearing shorts with a T shirt when it is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s chilly on the water. “Bring a change to the car for when it’s raining or there are heavy waves that spray the boat.”

Biscayne National park does not charge an entrance fee. The only fees you’ll have to pay are for the boat tours, equipment rental, and docking on Boca Chita Key, Elliott Key, or at Boca Chita Key.

Pack a few necessities before you leave. Bring reef-safe sunscreenA dry bag will protect your gear and provide you with plenty of food and water. If you have a soggy sandwich or a wet phone, your fun on the water can be ruined.

When is the best time to visit?

Biscayne National Park can be visited from December through to April. This is the dry season in South Florida, offering the most sunshine, mild temperatures, and calm waters—ideal for boating, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply soaking in the views.

You’re best off going to winter or early spring if you want clear skies, calm water, and cooler climate. Bockelman also says this is the best time of year to visit if you want to avoid heat. The most comfortable weather conditions are from October through April. Keep in mind that the park is busiest from February to April. You’ll probably see some people during this period.

Heat, humidity and afternoon thunderstorms are more likely to occur from May through October. The weather is unpredictable because it’s hurricane season. The park is less crowded during this time, and the water temperature is warmer, making it ideal for swimming or snorkeling.

Bockelman suggests summer to those who love snorkeling and wish to explore shipwrecks. He notes that the lighter winds of this season allow you to easily reach the outer reefs.

Early May was a great time to visit the area. The weather was perfect, with mild temperatures and calm, clear waters that were ideal for scuba. The heat had already started by the end spring. I was glad that I hadn’t planned my trip for later in summer.

Bockelman recommends visiting between September and November to avoid the crowds. The quieter season is fall shoulder season Be sure to book your accommodation before the busy winter season begins.

The Best Things to do

Snorkeling or Scuba Diving?

Biscayne National park is home to a part of Florida Reef, which is one of the largest reef systems in the U.S. Exploring it below the surface will be one of your most memorable experiences. Float over vibrant coral, or dive deeper along the Maritime Heritage Trail to see shipwrecks. There’s something amazing waiting at every depth.

In the crystal-clear, blue waters, you’ll see tropical fish of all colors, sea turtles and rays. There may even be nurse sharks.

The water was Gatorade Blue, and I was stunned by the colors of the fish. Sharks were swimming near me. It’s an experience you will never forget.

Boat Tours with Guides

A guided boat tour offers the best way to see the park, as it is largely made of water. Most tours leave from the visitor’s center, and they often stop at islands like Boca Chita Key. They may also include snorkeling along coral reefs, or exploring shipwrecks.

If you are looking for an adventure, whether it’s a full day or a half day trip that includes snorkelingYou can choose from a variety of tours, including wildlife viewing, island exploration, and tours that take you to the most remote parts of the park.

Kayaking or canoeing

Paddling along the creeks lined with mangroves or quiet waters is a great way to slow down and experience Biscayne. This is a great way to connect with nature in a more peaceful, eco-friendly manner.

Manatees may be spotted drifting below the surface of the water, birds nesting within the mangroves or dolphins far away. Outfitters in the area rent out kayaks or canoes, and they will give you tips on where to paddle depending on your ability and tides. Paddling in the early morning can be a relaxing and rewarding experience.

Jetty Trail

There are few land-based activities, but the Jetty Trail is an easy and short walk near the visitor’s center that provides beautiful views as well as the opportunity to spot wildlife on the shoreline. It is less than a half-mile out and back and is a good trail for bird watchers, as it leads you to the Colonial Bird Protection Area.

Accommodation

The Elser Hotel in Miami

Visitors to the city often choose to stay for a few days. Miami Take a day-trip to Biscayne National Park. You can enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere and escape into nature at the same time.

The Elser Hotel It’s a great option for Miami. It is located conveniently near Miamarina as well as shops and restaurants. The hotel has modern rooms and a rooftop swimming pool with stunning views. It’s also about an hour’s drive to the visitor center.

Camping grounds

Biscayne offers two options for camping: Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key. These are both accessible only by boat. Boca Chita Key has a lot of picnic areas, grassy open spaces, and waterfront views. It is the more popular campground. There are toilets available, but there are no sinks, showers or drinking water.

Elliott Key is larger and offers more amenities. There are restrooms with sinks and cold-water showers as well as picnic tables and drinking water.

Bockelman said: “Boca Chita may be a beautiful, but it is overrun by weekend warriors who come from Miami. Elliot Key has a larger population and isn’t as crowded, but it’s not as beautiful.

He said, “If you camp on Boca Chita during the week, it is possible to have the entire island all to yourself.” Elliot Key is a great place to camp, but it’s best to bring a bug-proof jacket as mosquitoes are a problem in the interior.

On either island, camping costs $35 a night. A docking fee of $25 is also required. Camping sites are not reservable in advance. They are available on a “first-come-first-served” basis.

Where to Eat

Yardie Spice

Biscayne National Park is located just 20 minutes away. Yardie Spice It’s a great choice for dinner or lunch. Jamaican dishes include jerk chicken, conch fritters and Key lime pie.

La Cañita

If you are staying in Miami La Cañita It is a Cuban must-visit restaurant. This restaurant is famous for its coconut rice, conch fritters and flavorful empanadas. It’s also less than a 10 minute walk if you stay at The Elser Hotel.

Picnic Areas

It is best to bring snacks and meals with you as there are no restaurants in Biscayne National park. You’ll spend many hours on the water and will likely work up an appetite.

Sandwiches, easy-to-pack snacks, or a hot meal with burgers and hot dogs are all great choices. Picnic areas with grills can be found at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center on Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key.