Did you know there is a national park submerged just offshore from Miami? We’re talking about Biscayne National Park, a park that covers over 172,000 acres, 95% of them underwater. It’s home to coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and other wildlife estuaries and habitats. The park is home to manatees, sea turtles, and more than 600 species of fish.
If you love snorkeling, paddleboarding through mangrove tunnels, or being surrounded by marine life, Biscayne National Park is the park for you. And yes, it is a paradise for boating and sailing, but you don’t need your own boat to enjoy it. Visitors can enter on foot through the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, from the water on a boat, or slip in a kayak or paddleboard from various shoreline access points.
There is so much to do and so much to see at Biscayne National Park that one visit won’t be enough, but here are some tips to make your first trip a success:
What to Know
- Unlike the other Florida national parks, Biscayne National Park is great year-round. Most activities are water-based, keeping visitors cool in the hot summer months
- Dry season (December – April) is the best season to visit for calmer, clearer waters and fewer mosquitos
- Summer can bring unpredictable storms so if you’re going out on a boat or personal watercraft, check the weather forecast beforehand!
- There are limited land-based activities, primarily one short (> 1 mi) self-guided waterfront trail at Convoy Point, near the Dante Fascell Visitor Center.
- There is no entrance fee, but there are dock fees (approx. $25) at Boca Chita Key and Elliot Key on weekends and holidays
- There is no fee for launching your own paddleboard or kayak from designated areas, including the Dante Fascell Visitor Center
Where to Go
Most of the park is underwater or comprised of islands only accessible by boat (private or concession). If you don’t have your own boat, you can walk Convoy Point or embark on guided eco-tours with the Biscayne National Park Institute from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center:
- Dante Fascell Visitor Center (Homestead) – Only land-based entrance and main visitor center. Offers exhibits, boat and kayak/paddleboard launch points, and start point for guided eco-tours (snorkeling, paddleboarding, sailing)
- Elliot Key – Largest island in the park, offering trails, camping ($35/night), and snorkeling.
- Boca Chita Key – Popular island for day trips, includes a historic lighthouse, picnic areas, and beaches.
What to Bring
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Insect repellent (critical during wet season)
- Refillable water bottle
- Swimsuit
- Water shoes
- Towel
- Snorkel gear, if applicable
- Personal flotation device, if applicable
- Kayak or paddleboard, if applicable
- Dry bag/waterproof bag
- Change of dry clothes
- Binoculars (for bird watching)
For more information, visit Plan Your Visit to Biscayne National Park.