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Just a 15-mile escape from Miami’s bustling city lies Biscayne National Park (U.S. National Park Service), an underwater wonderland waiting to be explored. Biscayne National Park offers a unique island hopping adventure! Unlike many national parks, you’ll explore Biscayne by boat, cruising between the islands and discovering the wonders of Biscayne Bay. 

The park is a hidden gem that boasts crystal-clear waters, dazzling coral reefs, and lush mangrove forests. Biscayne National Park encompasses an impressive 95% water area and protects Biscayne Bay’s reefs and the Florida Keys, offering snorkeling, diving, and an abundance of boating adventures. 

Biscayne National Park is 95% water, with incredible reefs hiding over 50 shipwrecks from the past. This park is not just reefs! It has all sorts of cool areas underwater and above. There are rocky islands made of coral, swampy forests along the shore, a big reef further out, and shallow bays closer to land. Each part is like a different story in the park’s amazing ecosystem.

With just a few hours to spare before our flight from Miami, we decided to make the most of our time by visiting the Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Biscayne National Park (U.S. National Park Service). It’s the perfect spot for a quick exploration without venturing too far from the city. These photos were taken during a brief stop at the park on the evening of April 23, 2024, en route to Miami from Key West, Florida.

Quick facts and Tips

• Best Time To Visit: March to October
  • March to May (Spring): Sunny days, warm weather, cool water, peak season, expect more people and higher hotel rates.
  • June to August (Summer):  Warm, hot and humid, warm water perfect for water activities, less crowd, more affordable accommodations.
  • September to November (Fall): Shoulder season coincides with hurricane season, so weather can be unpredictable, ranging from hot and humid to occasional cool fonts, hotel prices tend to be more budget-friendly.
• Fly Into
  • Miami International Airport (MIA): The closest major airport, located  approximately 35 miles northwest of Biscayne National Park. It offers a wide range of domestic and international flights.
  • Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): Another convenient option, located about 75 miles north of the park. It provides an alternative for travelers, with various airlines and flights available.
  • Palm Beach International Airport (PBI): Located about 90 miles north of the park, consider this option if you don’t mind a longer drive for potentially better deals on flights.
• Clothing:
  • Casual t-shirts, shorts, tank tops, capris, rain jackets, swimsuit and cover-up, comfortable hiking shoes, light jackets or long sleeves for the cool morning and evenings
  • The park is 95% water, so many activities will involve being on or in the water, so pack accordingly. Sunblock, Sunglasses and a Hat, Bug Spray Microfiber Towels, Phone Protection, Backpack or Waterproof Bag, Umbrella, Rain gears
• Accommodations:
  • No hotels or lodges located inside the park.
  • A variety of hotel chains and independent hotels are available in nearby towns like Homestead and Florida City, Key Biscayne, barrier island offers a resort-style atmosphere with beautiful beaches, and Miami is a bit further but offers the most variety in terms of hotels, dining, and nightlife.
  • Campsites are available for $35/night on two islands, Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key, both are accessible by boat. 
• What to expect
  • Subtropical paradise with Florida’s largest living coral reef, Marine Life – dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, stingrays, and countless fish, a historic lighthouse, shipwreck
• How many days: One to three days depending on the activities like snorkeling/boating/kayaking/camping
• Be sure to check the Park Website for current updates for any closures and alters. Check the weather forecast for thunderstorms. 
• No entrance fee to access Biscayne National Park, however, boat tours to explore the park, certain activities and services are not free.
• The Park is a collection of islands and there are no roads connecting the island. The only way to explore beyond the visitor center area is by boat. A variety of convenient boat tours are available and depart right from the park entrance.
• There may be a fee about $25-$35 for docking/Camping at Boca Chita, Elliott Keys (more here). The boat tour prices vary from $79 for a half-day tour to $200 for a full-day tour, depending on the activities chosen. More info here.
• The Biscayne National Park Service lists several park concessionaires who offer boat tours where you can book tours and buy tickets online. Biscayne National Park Institute offers various tours, including a Stiltsville Guided Tour and an Island Visit & Cruise with options for snorkeling.
• If you own a boat, you can launch or dock your own boat from several marinas located in Homestead, Florida City, and Key Biscayne usually for a fee. These marinas may offer information on nearby concessionaires or have park brochures available. 
• It is a good idea to book your boat tour tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
• Dante Fascell Visitor Center offers the most convenient option for parking and catching a boat tour. 
• Weather changes rapidly so wear layers and carry rain gear/extra clothing
• There is no restaurant inside the park, so bring plenty of water and pack a snack.
• The Park offers stunning scenery, both above and below the water. Bring a waterproof camera or phone case if you plan on doing any snorkeling or kayaking.
• Best Things To Do
• Relaxed Stroll: Enjoy scenic water views on the Convoy Point Trail near the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. This easy 0.8-mile round trip walk follows a boardwalk and gravel path along a mangrove shoreline, leading to the Colonial Bird Protection Area. 
• Boat Tour: Embark on a scenic boat tour through Biscayne Bay. Explore Boca Chita Key’s historic lighthouse and hike the short trail on Adams Key, keeping an eye out for diverse wildlife along the way.
• Snorkeling and Diving: Discover a vibrant underwater world in the offshore Reefs, one of the world’s largest reef systems.
• Kayaking: Go Kayaking or Stand Up Paddle Boarding in shallow waters in peaceful Jones Lagoon and  Biscayne Bay. Embrace the tranquility of the shallow waters as you navigate through the vibrant mangrove swamps of the Biscayne National Park. .
• Shipwreck Tour: Descend beneath the waves and discover the Maritime Heritage Trail, an underwater museum showcasing the park’s fascinating past.  This self-guided trail connects six shipwrecks, each with its own story, spanning nearly a century of maritime history. The trail extends from just south of Key Biscayne to the bottom end of Elliott Key, access to the sites on the trail is by boat only.
• Stiltsville Cruise: Take a cruise through Stitsville, a collection of wooden stilt houses located one mile offshore.
• Watching marine life: Enjoy watching Manatees, sea turtles, sponges, and a variety of bird and fish species, and American crocodiles. 
• Elliott Activities: Explore trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, and swimming spots on the beautiful Elliott Key. 
• Camping: Go Camping and spend the night under the stars on one of the park’s islands, Boca Chita or Elliott Key, for a truly unique adventure. Primitive campsites are available, allowing you to wake up to the sounds of the ocean.
• Other Attractions
  • Everglades National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
  • Cape Lighthouse Florida – Florida State Parks
  • Miami, Florida
  • Bahia Honda State Park – (Bahia Honda – Florida State Parks)
  • Key West, Florida
  • Dry Tortugas National Park – U.S. National Park Service
  • Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park – Florida State Parks