Biscayne
A mostly underwater park of coral reefs, mangrove shores and keys within sight of Miami
- Hours
- Waters 24 hours; visitor center 9-5
- Entry
- Free entry
- Reservations
- Not required
- Size
- 172,971 acres
Biscayne Weather Now
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Biscayne protects a strip of Biscayne Bay, the northernmost Florida Keys and part of the third-largest coral reef system in the world, all just south of Miami. Mangrove forest lines the mainland shore, the bay is a shallow nursery for fish and sea turtles, and the offshore reef sits in the clear Atlantic. It became a national monument in 1968 and a national park in 1980.
This is a park you experience from a boat, a kayak or a snorkel mask rather than a car. The islands hold layers of human history, from early Tequesta people to pineapple farmers, Prohibition-era stories and the private retreats of wealthy Miami families. More than 40 shipwrecks rest in park waters, and six of them are marked along an underwater heritage trail. On a clear day you can see the Miami skyline from the beaches of Boca Chita Key.
The park and surrounding area
- Park boundary
- Other parks
- Major highway
- Road
- Rivers and lakes
- Town
Plan your trip
- Best time to go
- December through April brings calmer seas, lower humidity and fewer mosquitoes, while summer is better for snorkeling on calm days but hot and stormy.
- How long to stay
- One day covers a boat tour and the visitor center; add a night of island camping if you have a boat.
- Getting there
- Miami International (MIA) is about 45 minutes from the Convoy Point visitor center and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) about 1 hour 15 minutes; many boat tours leave from Coconut Grove in Miami.
- Wildlife
- Look for manatees, sea turtles, dolphins, brown pelicans, wading birds and colorful reef fish.
Plan and book
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Where to stay
- Hotels in Homestead (opens in a new tab)Florida
- Hotels in Florida City (opens in a new tab)Florida
- Hotels in Miami (opens in a new tab)Florida
- No lodging inside the park. The towns above are the closest bases.
Tours and activities
- Guided tours on Viator (opens in a new tab)Day trips, wildlife, photography
- Tours on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)Compare options and reviews
- Campsites on Recreation.gov (opens in a new tab)Official federal booking site
What to pack for Biscayne
- Snorkel setReef and shipwreck sites are best seen from the surface with your own mask and fins.
- Reef-safe sunscreenProtects you on the water without harming the coral.
- Insect repellentMosquitoes and no-see-ums can be fierce on the islands, especially in summer.
- Dry bagKeeps phones and keys dry on boats and kayaks.
- Polarized sunglassesCut the glare so you can spot reefs, rays and manatees in the water.
A first day, start to finish
- Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point
- Jetty Trail walk
- Boat tour to Boca Chita Key
- Climb the Boca Chita Lighthouse
- Paddle the mangrove shoreline at Convoy Point
Don't miss
- Boca Chita Key LighthouseA 1930s ornamental lighthouse built by Mark Honeywell that reopened in June 2026 after more than two years of repairs, with views of the bay and Miami skyline from the top.
- StiltsvilleA cluster of historic houses on stilts in the shallow flats off Key Biscayne, seen on a 2-hour guided boat tour from Coconut Grove.
- Elliott KeyThe park's largest island, with a harbor, campground, a short nature trail and the 6-mile Spite Highway through the hardwood hammock.
- Maritime Heritage TrailAn underwater trail of six shipwrecks plus the Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, explored by snorkelers and divers from private or charter boats.
- Convoy Point and Jetty TrailThe mainland side of the park, with the visitor center, a short walk along the jetty and a launch for paddling the mangrove shoreline.
Know before you go
Do
- Book a boat tour or arrange a boat, since about 95% of the park is water.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water and bug spray for the islands.
- Check marine weather and tides before heading out to the keys.
Don't
- Touch, stand on or anchor on coral.
- Bring pets to Boca Chita Key, where they are not allowed.
- Expect to buy food or supplies on the islands.
Park waters are open 24 hours a day, year-round. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, and the Convoy Point grounds, jetty trail and kayak launch are open 7 AM to 5:30 PM. Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key are open for day use and camping, while Adams Key is day use only from 9 AM to sunset.
If you do not have a boat, the Boca Chita Key heritage cruise is the easiest way to see the lighthouse, Stiltsville and the open bay in one trip.Trekker's tip