Biscayne National Park preserves the northernmost of the true Florida Keys and a vast marine environment including aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and dynamic coral reefs. Enjoy boating, snorkeling, diving, and exploring shipwrecks in this unique underwater park.

Overview

• The park includes Biscayne Bay’s shallow waters, four islands of the Florida Keys, and the beginning of the Florida reef system.
• It preserves a combination of fragile marine ecosystems including mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.
• The park is managed by the National Park Service with a focus on conservation, research, and public access to underwater environments.

Plan Your Visit

Dante Fascell Visitor Center

• Located on the mainland in Miami, it provides exhibits, an orientation theater, park film, marina, and kayak launch.
• Visitors can pick up information on tours, rent kayaks, or learn about the park’s ecosystems before heading offshore.
• The center serves as the primary access point for maritime adventures into the park’s islands and reefs.

Biscayne Bay & Keys

• These islands can be explored by boat or guided tour, offering hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
• Shallow waters around the islands feature seagrass meadows, coral formations, and diverse marine life visible during snorkeling and diving excursions.
• Access to these remote areas provides a glimpse into pristine subtropical environments often hidden from the public eye.

Boating, Snorkeling & Diving

• Boating is the most popular way to experience the park, with options for private boaters or guided tours to islands and shipwrecks.
• Snorkeling and scuba diving are offered around the coral reef and historic shipwrecks such as the Sterns and the Ajax.
• Kayaking is available near the visitor center and in shallow bay areas, allowing close encounters with mangroves and marine life.

Camping

• Elliott Key and Adams Key each have designated campsites accessible only by boat.
• Campers must bring their own supplies and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the delicate environment.
• Permits are required and can be reserved in advance for safety and resource management.

Ecosystems & Habitats

Mangrove Forests

• These mangroves serve as nurseries for fish, provide habitat for birds, and stabilize coastlines against erosion.
• The tangled roots filter water, trap sediments, and create a transition zone between land and sea.
• Mangroves are vital for the health of the entire Biscayne Bay ecosystem.

Seagrass Beds

• These underwater prairies support manatees, sea turtles, juvenile fish, and invertebrates.
• Seagrasses anchor sediments, improve water clarity, and provide food and shelter for countless marine species.
• The health of seagrass beds is critical for maintaining biodiversity and productivity in the park.

Coral Reefs

• The reef hosts a spectacular array of corals, sponges, fish, and other marine life.
• Coral structures provide habitat complexity essential for reef health and resilience.
• The reef is a major attraction for divers and an important focus for conservation efforts.

Wildlife

Birds

• Herons, egrets, ospreys, and frigatebirds are commonly seen hunting along the shoreline.
• The islands serve as important roosting and nesting sites for seabirds and migratory species.
• Birdwatching is a popular activity for visitors exploring the keys and coastal areas.

Marine Life

• Sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, and a multitude of reef fish.
• Juvenile sharks and economically important species that rely on the park’s nurseries and coral habitats.
• Observing this wildlife is a highlight of snorkeling, diving, and boating tours in the park.

Shipwrecks & Archaeology

• These wrecks provide unique habitats for marine life and are fascinating dive sites.
• Archaeological remains include sites used by the Tequesta Indians and early settlers.
• Shipwrecks like the Sterns and Ajax are accessible to divers and offer a glimpse into the region’s maritime history.

Geology & History

• The area features a limestone base formed from ancient coral reefs and marine sediments.
• Overlying mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs reflect different stages of ecological succession and sea level change.
• The park preserves artifacts from Native American tribes, including shell middens and tools, as well as colonial shipwrecks and historic maritime routes.

Management

• The park collaborates with researchers and agencies to monitor coral reef health, water quality, and wildlife populations.
• Educational programs and the visitor center promote awareness of the park’s unique resources and ongoing conservation challenges.
• Regulations are in place to protect sensitive habitats while allowing recreational use of the park’s waters and islands.

Links

• Website
• Map

• Biscayne National Park – NPS
• Plan Your Visit – Biscayne National Park – NPS
• Biscayne National Park – Visit Miami