Unlike other parks, Biscayne Bay National Park is hidden under the watery coastline of Miami in South Florida. Ninety-five percent of this stunning park is underwater, making it a paradise for water lovers. But even if that doesn’t describe you, there’s still plenty to see from the shoreline.
This incredible ecosystem is a blend of four different habitats. They all work together to make and keep the bay the unique place that it is. Even if you’re a landlubber, visiting is still a good idea.
The best place to start your adventure is at the visitor’s center. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is the park’s main mainland access point. The center has a museum, interactive displays that highlight the park’s history and unique ecosystems. The indoor exhibits, including fish tanks with coral and marine life, are a great way to begin exploring. That’s how I learned about the ecosystems.
The Four Ecosystems of Biscayne Bay
The four aspects of this national park begin with the land. The entire area is encompassed by an important mangrove shoreline. There are also dozens of small islands, a coral reef and lastly, the lovely water of the bay itself.
- Mangrove Shoreline: These branchy, water-loving bush-trees are a natural water filter. They provide a place of protection for small fish and water crawlers. They’re also a safe haven for birds. Just keep your eyes open for the elusive (sneaky) American crocodile.
- The Florida Keys: The chain of more than 40 small islands separate the bay from the Atlantic Ocean. The largest and most prominent of these islands within the park is Elliott Key. Fun fact: It’s often considered the first of the “true” Florida Keys.
- Coral Reef: It’s the only living coral barrier in the continental United States and Biscayne National Park protects this Florida Reef. The reef is said to have over 500 species of fish, crabs, and other creatures.
- The Bay: Hence the name, the heart of the park is its shallow estuary —a semi-enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater from a river mixes with saltwater from the sea. It’s home to vast seagrass beds that are a primary food source for manatees and sea turtles. They keep the water calm and clear.
Things to Do at Biscayne National Park
Visiting Without a Boat
Since most of the park is underwater, the best spots are only accessible by watercraft. But don’t worry, you can still experience much of what the park has to offer from the mainland. Your adventure begins at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center.
- Explore the Visitor Center: The center features a museum with interactive exhibits and fish tanks to help you understand the park’s history and unique habitats.
- Convoy Point Jetty Walk: This short, scenic trail from the visitor center is perfect for a relaxing waterside walk. It offers great views of the bay and is a prime spot for photography.
- Join a Ranger Program: The park hosts free, ranger-led talks and programs that provide fascinating insights into the park’s history and ecosystems.
Getting Out on the Water
If you’re ready to explore the park’s aquatic world, you have several options. The Biscayne National Park Institute, the official park concessionaire, offers a variety of tours that depart from the visitor center. Be sure to book your tour in advance to guarantee a spot.
- Eco-Adventure Tours: These tours combine a boat cruise with activities like kayaking or snorkeling, allowing you to experience different aspects of the bay and islands.
- Snorkeling Trips: You can take a tour specifically to snorkel the vibrant coral reefs or the unique Maritime Heritage Trail, an underwater trail of historic shipwrecks.
- Island Cruises: Take a cruise that visits one of the keys, such as the popular Boca Chita Key, where you can explore a scenic trail and climb the historic, ornamental lighthouse for incredible views.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding: For a more intimate experience, paddle through the intricate mangrove tunnels. It’s an immersive way to get up close with birds, fish, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Unique Things to See and Do
Beyond the guided tours, there are several unique features worth exploring.
- Stiltsville Houses: You can cruise by the famous Stiltsville houses, a collection of historic wooden houses built on stilts over the shallow waters of the bay. Today, there are only a few left, but there used to be dozens in the community.
- Camping and Hiking on the Keys: Both Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key offer camping and hiking. Boca Chita has a campground with a half-mile trail, while Elliott Key, the largest island, offers a longer six-mile trail known as the “Spite Highway.” There’s also a campground with cold showers.
- Maritime Heritage Trail: For snorkelers and divers, this unique underwater trail features six historic shipwrecks and a lighthouse.
