Guide to Biscayne National Park, Florida

Biscayne Nationwide Park is in contrast to wherever else within the U.S.. With 95 p.c of the park made up of water and only a few small islands scattered all through, it stands aside from another national park I’ve visited.

Whether or not snorkeling round historic shipwrecks or tenting on a quiet, distant island, Biscayne Nationwide Park provides a peaceable, refreshing change from the opposite Florida destinations.

Should you love being out on the water, recognizing wildlife, or falling asleep underneath the celebs with solely the ocean as your soundtrack, Biscayne Nationwide Park is a must-visit.

The way to Get There

There are two fundamental methods to succeed in Biscayne Nationwide Park: by boat or by automobile.

Should you’re flying in, the closest main airport is Miami Worldwide Airport (MIA), about 50 minutes away. From there, you may must drive to the park, which is situated in Homestead, Florida. You may take the Florida Turnpike or U.S. Freeway 1.

Take into accout the park solely has one mile of paved street, a brief strolling path, and a customer heart. The remaining, together with the islands and campgrounds, can solely be reached by boat, as there aren’t any bridges or ferry providers.

Should you’re flying in and do not have your individual boat, don’t fret. Guided boat excursions can be found, permitting guests to expertise the park’s stunning surroundings. To e-book a guided boat tour, which incorporates the Maritime Heritage Path, coral reefs, and islands within the space, contact Biscayne National Park Institute.

Know Earlier than You Go

As a result of Biscayne Nationwide Park is 95 p.c water, visiting it is not so simple as pulling right into a parking zone and heading out on a hike. Should you do not plan forward, you would possibly end up standing on the customer heart questioning the best way to truly see the park.

If you do not have your individual boat, you may need to e-book a guided tour upfront. These excursions are widespread, particularly on weekends and in the course of the winter season, when the climate is good, so do not wait to e-book.

There’s just one mile of paved street in all the park, so as soon as you allow the customer heart, it is just about all water from there. Should you plan to camp on one of the islands, you have to journey by non-public boat.

Additionally, regulate the climate. South Florida is legendary for its unpredictable thunderstorms and intense solar. Hans Bockelman, supervisor and captain on the Biscayne Nationwide Park Institute, stated, “Anytime you propose on getting out on the water, nature dictates the situations. We will usually do a visit safely, however the situations will not be superb. We get windy, chilly days within the winter or heavy rainstorms in the summertime.  Be versatile and ready for various climate situations.”

He continues, “We regularly get northerners who go to in February in shorts and a T-shirt when it is 50 levels Fahrenheit. That is chilly if you’re on the water. Carry a change of garments to depart within the automobile within the occasion of rain or heavy seas that create spray on the boat.”

As for the doorway payment, here is some excellent news: Biscayne Nationwide Park does not cost for admission. Nonetheless, you have to pay for boat excursions, gear leases, and docking at Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key.

Final however not least, earlier than you go, be sure that to pack a couple of necessities. Carry reef-safe sunscreen, loads of water and meals, and a dry bag to guard your gear. A soaked cellphone, a soggy sandwich, or a painful sunburn can simply take the enjoyable out of your day on the water.

Finest Time to Go to

The most effective time to go to Biscayne Nationwide Park is from December by means of April. That is the dry season in South Florida, providing probably the most sunshine, delicate temperatures, and calm waters—superb for boating, snorkeling, kayaking, or just soaking within the views.

Should you’re hoping for clear skies, calm seas, and cooler climate, winter and early spring are your greatest bets. In response to Bockelman, that is additionally the very best time to go to for many who need to keep away from the warmth, with October by means of April providing probably the most comfy situations. Simply take into account the park’s busiest interval is usually from February by means of April, so that you’ll probably expertise some crowds throughout this time.

Could by means of October deliver warmth, humidity, and a better probability of afternoon thunderstorms. It is also hurricane season, so the climate will be unpredictable. That stated, the park is quieter throughout these months, and the water is heat, which is superb for swimming and snorkeling if you happen to do not thoughts the warmth.

Bockelman recommends summer time for many who get pleasure from snorkeling and need to discover the shipwrecks, noting that lighter winds throughout this season make it simpler to succeed in the outer reefs and wrecks.

I visited the realm in early Could and lucked out with stunning climate, delicate temperatures, and calm, clear water that was superb for scuba diving. However the warmth was already kicking in by the tip of spring, so I used to be glad I did not plan my journey any later into summer time.

Should you’re hoping to keep away from crowds, Bockelman suggests planning your go to between September and November. Fall is the quieter shoulder season earlier than the busy peak winter picks up once more.

Finest Issues to Do

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Biscayne Nationwide Park is house to a part of the Florida Reef, one of many largest coral reef programs within the U.S., and exploring it from under the floor is well some of the memorable methods to expertise the park. Float above vibrant coral or dive deeper to take a look at shipwrecks alongside the Maritime Heritage Path; there’s one thing unimaginable ready at each depth.

You may probably see colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and even nurse sharks gliding by means of the clear, blue water.

I not too long ago had the prospect to dive within the keys and was blown away by the Gatorade-blue water, the explosion of coloration from the fish, and the sight of sharks swimming close by. It is a one-of-a-kind expertise that sticks with you.

Guided Boat Excursions

As a result of the park is generally made up of water, hopping on a guided boat tour is among the most accessible methods to expertise it. These excursions sometimes depart from the customer heart and infrequently embody stops at widespread islands like Boca Chita Key or Elliott Key. Many additionally provide the prospect to snorkel alongside coral reefs or discover shipwrecks.

Whether or not you are in search of a half-day outing or a full-day journey that features snorkeling, wildlife recognizing, and exploring the park’s distant islands, there’s probably a tour that matches your preferences.

Kayaking or Canoeing

For a slower, extra intimate approach to expertise Biscayne Nationwide Park, contemplate paddling by means of its mangrove-lined creeks and quiet waters. It is a peaceable and eco-friendly approach to get near nature.

You would possibly spot manatees drifting beneath the floor, birds nesting within the mangroves, and even dolphins within the distance. If you do not have your individual kayak or canoe, outfitters close by hire gear and provide tips about the place to go primarily based in your ability stage and the tides. Early morning is often the calmest and most rewarding time to paddle.

Jetty Path

Whereas land-based choices are restricted, the Jetty Path close to the customer heart is a brief, straightforward stroll that gives nice views and probabilities to identify wildlife alongside the shoreline. It is lower than a mile out and again, and an ideal path for many who love bird-watching, because it results in the Colonial Fowl Safety Space.

Locations to Keep

The Elser Lodge, Miami

Many guests select to remain in Miami and take a day journey to Biscayne Nationwide Park. This lets you benefit from the vibrant metropolis environment whereas escaping into nature in the course of the day.

The Elser Hotel is a wonderful choice in Miami. It is conveniently situated close to the Miamarina, retailers, and eating places. It options fashionable rooms, a rooftop pool, and gorgeous views. Plus, it is roughly a one-hour drive to the park’s customer heart.

Campgrounds

Biscayne Nationwide Park provides two campground choices: Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key, each solely accessible by boat. Boca Chita Secret is the extra widespread selection, recognized for its waterfront views, open grassy areas, and picnic spots. Whereas it has bogs, no showers, sinks, or consuming water can be found.

Elliott Secret is the bigger of the 2 and gives extra facilities. It has restrooms with sinks, cold-water showers, picnic tables, and consuming water.

Bockelman stated, “Boca Chita is a ravishing island, nevertheless it will get crammed up with the weekend warriors from Miami. Elliot Secret is a lot bigger and does not fairly get the identical crowd, however it isn’t as picturesque.”

He added, “If tenting on Boca Chita, you may usually have the island to your self on a weekday. There’s rather a lot to discover on Elliot Key if you happen to’re tenting, however carrying a bug jacket is beneficial because the mosquitoes will be very unhealthy within the inside of the island.”

Tenting prices $35 per night time on both island, with a further $25 payment to dock your boat. Campsites can’t be reserved forward of time and can be found on a first-come, first-served foundation.

Locations to Eat

Yardie Spice

Situated simply 20 minutes from Biscayne Nationwide Park, Yardie Spice is a incredible selection for lunch or dinner. The Jamaican restaurant is thought for dishes like jerk tofu, yuca fries, conch fritters, Key lime pie, and extra.

La Cañita

Should you’re staying in Miami, La Cañita is a must-visit Cuban restaurant. It is recognized for its flavorful empanadas, conch fritters, and coconut rice. Plus, if you happen to’re staying at The Elser Lodge, it is lower than a 10-minute stroll away.

Picnic Areas

There aren’t any eating places inside Biscayne Nationwide Park, so it is best to come back ready with your individual meals and snacks. Since you may probably spend hours out on the water, it is easy to work up an urge for food.

Sandwiches and easy-to-pack snacks are nice choices, however if you happen to choose a scorching meal that features burgers or scorching canine, picnic areas with grills can be found on the Dante Fascell Customer Heart, Elliott Key, and Boca Chita Key.