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Biscayne National Park is one of the United States' most unusual national parks: roughly 95 percent of its approximately 172,000 acres lies underwater. Situated immediately south of Miami and north of the Florida Keys, it protects the northernmost living coral reef in the continental United States, a chain of undeveloped barrier islands, open bay waters, and a fringe of mainland mangrove coast.
The park is divided into four distinct ecosystems — the mangrove shoreline along the mainland, Biscayne Bay, the chain of undeveloped keys, and the offshore coral reef tract. Each zone supports different wildlife and recreation, from manatees and sea turtles in the bay to snappers, angelfish, and brain coral on the reef.
Because almost all of the park is accessible only by boat, the experience is fundamentally different from a typical road-trip national park. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point, near Homestead, Florida, is the only developed land-based entry point, and it serves as the practical hub for all park activity.
Before You Go
Entry Requirements
Biscayne National Park is part of the US National Park System. International visitors should check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the US Customs and Border Protection website for current entry requirements, as rules vary by nationality.
Park Fees
The park charges an entrance fee; verify the current amount at the official NPS website (nps.gov/bisc) before your visit, as fees are subject to change. America the Beautiful annual passes are accepted.
What to Bring
- High-SPF sunscreen (reef-safe formulations are strongly encouraged to protect coral)
- Insect repellent — mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be intense, especially in summer
- Drinking water; no potable water is available on the outer keys
- Snorkeling or diving gear (or budget to rent from the park concessionaire)
- A VHF marine radio if operating your own vessel
Health Considerations
Summer heat and humidity in South Florida are significant. Dehydration and sunburn are real risks on open water. Jellyfish, fire coral, and the occasional presence of sharks are normal parts of the marine environment — look, don't touch. Check NOAA forecasts before any boating excursion; afternoon thunderstorms are common from May through October.
Getting There
By Car
The Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point is located at 9700 SW 328th Street, Homestead, FL 33033. From Miami, take the Florida Turnpike (SR 821) south to Homestead, then follow SW 328th Street (North Canal Drive) east to the park entrance. The drive from downtown Miami typically takes 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
By Public Transport
There is no direct public transit route to the visitor center. Visitors without a vehicle generally rely on rideshare services from Homestead or Florida City, or join organized tours departing from Miami. Verify current rideshare availability locally.
Nearest Airport
Miami International Airport (MIA) is the primary gateway, roughly 35–40 miles from the visitor center. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a viable alternative, though slightly farther. Car rental is the most practical option from either airport.
Getting Around
Getting around within Biscayne National Park is almost entirely water-based. The park concessionaire, Biscayne National Park Institute (verify current operator name and availability at nps.gov/bisc), offers guided snorkel and scuba trips, glass-bottom boat tours, and island transport from Convoy Point. These are the most accessible options for visitors without their own vessel.
Visitors with private boats can launch from the ramp at Convoy Point and from several surrounding marina facilities in Homestead and Cutler Bay. The park has designated anchorages and mooring buoys at several keys; check the park's boating guide for current locations and rules. Running aground on seagrass or coral is both ecologically harmful and a real navigational risk — nautical charts and local knowledge are essential.
Elliott Key, the largest island in the park, has a small harbor, a primitive campground, and a ranger station. Adams Key has picnic facilities and is accessible by boat. No vehicles operate inside the park beyond Convoy Point.
Things to See & Do
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
The offshore reef tract is the park's centerpiece attraction. Elkhorn and staghorn corals, sponges, and hundreds of fish species inhabit the reef. Visibility and conditions vary seasonally — winter and spring typically bring clearer water. Guided snorkel trips depart from Convoy Point; confirm schedules and prices with the current concessionaire.
Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
For visitors who prefer to stay dry, glass-bottom boat tours offer views of the reef and bay ecosystems without entering the water. These tours are especially well-suited to families with young children.
Kayaking and Canoeing
The mangrove shoreline and calm waters of Biscayne Bay are excellent for paddling. Rentals may be available through the park concessionaire; verify locally. The park's paddle trail network winds through mangrove tunnels where wading birds, manatees, and sea turtles are regularly seen.
Hiking and Camping
Elliott Key has a short nature trail through hardwood hammock forest. Primitive camping is available on Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key; sites must be reserved through Recreation.gov. Boca Chita Key also features a historic ornamental lighthouse that visitors can walk to, though it is not open to climb. Check the park website for current reservation requirements.
Wildlife Watching
The park is home to American crocodiles (distinct from alligators and quite shy), West Indian manatees, green and loggerhead sea turtles, dolphins, ospreys, and a wide variety of migratory shorebirds. Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed; the winter and spring months are generally most productive for turtle and manatee sightings.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants, cafes, or food concessions within Biscayne National Park itself. Visitors should bring all food and water they plan to consume. The visitor center has water fountains; the outer keys do not have potable water.
Homestead and Florida City, just west of the park entrance, have a range of fast-food outlets, casual restaurants, and grocery stores where visitors can stock up before heading out. The Robert Is Here fruit stand in Homestead is a well-established local institution known for tropical fruit milkshakes and fresh local produce — worth a stop before or after the park.
Coolers and dry bags are practical for boat-based picnics on the keys. Pack out all trash; leave-no-trace principles apply throughout the park.
Practical Information
Visitor Center Hours
The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is generally open daily; verify current hours at nps.gov/bisc before visiting, as hours can change seasonally or due to staffing.
Cell Coverage
Cell service is unreliable on the outer keys and nonexistent on the reef. Download offline maps and the park's nautical information before departure. A VHF marine radio is strongly recommended for anyone on the water.
Emergencies
For on-water emergencies, contact the US Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16. For general park emergencies on land, dial 911. The park's general information line is listed at nps.gov/bisc.
Reef-Safe Practices
Florida law restricts certain chemical sunscreens in state waters; check current Florida DEP guidance. Anchoring on or touching coral is prohibited. Feeding wildlife is prohibited throughout the park.
Seasonal Closures
Certain areas of the park may be seasonally closed to protect nesting birds or crocodile habitat. Check the park website for current closure zones before planning your route.
Safety
Boating safety is the primary concern at Biscayne. The bay and reef waters can develop dangerous conditions quickly, particularly during afternoon thunderstorm season (roughly May–October). Monitor NOAA marine forecasts before and during any outing, and return to shore if a storm approaches.
The reef and bay bottom are shallow in many areas. Even experienced boaters unfamiliar with local waters have run aground. Obtain current nautical charts and study them carefully. The park provides boating safety information at the visitor center.
Sunburn and heat illness are serious risks on open water where there is no shade. Start early in the day, cover exposed skin, and drink water consistently. Hypothermia is generally not a concern given South Florida water temperatures, but post-sunset conditions on open water can be cooler than expected.
Marine life encounters are normal and generally low-risk. Do not touch, harass, or feed any wildlife. Maintain the federally required 50-yard distance from manatees and 150-yard distance from nesting sea turtles. American crocodiles are occasionally seen on shorelines; give them a wide berth and do not approach.
