Biscayne National Park | (Official GANP Page)

About

Biscayne National Park is located in southeastern Florida just south of Miami. Established as a national park in 1980, it covers approximately 270 square miles (700 sq km), making it one of the largest marine parks in the United States. R

emarkably, about 95 percent of the park consists of water, protecting a vast expanse of Biscayne Bay, coral reefs, mangrove shorelines, and islands. The park borders the northern portion of the Florida Keys and lies near other renowned protected areas including Everglades National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park. Together, these parks preserve some of the most important marine and coastal ecosystems in North America.

The park is best known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and exceptional opportunities for boating, snorkeling, diving, and wildlife viewing. Unlike many national parks where visitors primarily explore on foot, Biscayne is experienced largely by water. The park protects the northernmost section of the Florida Reef Tract, the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.

Popular activities include snorkeling among colorful fish, kayaking through mangrove channels, exploring historic shipwrecks, and visiting Boca Chita Key, home to the park’s iconic lighthouse. The Maritime Heritage Trail, which features several shipwrecks accessible to divers, highlights the park’s rich maritime history.

Geographically, Biscayne National Park encompasses four interconnected ecosystems: mangrove forests, Biscayne Bay, the Florida Keys islands, and offshore coral reefs. The shallow waters of Biscayne Bay provide critical nursery habitat for marine life, while extensive mangrove shorelines help stabilize coastlines and protect against storm impacts.

Small islands and keys rise above the surrounding waters, creating nesting habitat for birds and refuge for other wildlife. Offshore coral reefs support one of the most biologically diverse marine environments in the United States. This combination of habitats creates an ecological continuum stretching from the mainland coast to the open Atlantic Ocean.

Wildlife is abundant throughout the park’s marine and coastal environments. More than 600 species of fish inhabit the park’s waters, including parrotfish, angelfish, snapper, grouper, and tarpon. Bottlenose dolphins and West Indian manatees are among the park’s most beloved marine mammals. Green sea turtles, loggerhead turtles, and hawksbill turtles utilize the park’s waters and nearby nesting beaches.

Birdlife is equally impressive, with pelicans, ospreys, herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills, and numerous migratory species commonly observed. The coral reefs themselves support countless invertebrates, sponges, and other organisms that form the foundation of this complex ecosystem.

Biscayne National Park plays a vital role in protecting one of the most significant marine ecosystems in the United States. The park safeguards coral reefs that face increasing threats from climate change, coral disease, pollution, and ocean warming. It also preserves essential habitat for endangered species and supports fisheries that benefit the broader region.

Ecologically, Biscayne is often compared to marine treasures such as Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Bonaire National Marine Park because of its coral reef biodiversity and conservation importance. Through its turquoise waters, thriving marine life, historic shipwrecks, and interconnected coastal ecosystems, Biscayne National Park stands as one of America’s most extraordinary marine protected areas and a vital sanctuary for the natural heritage of South Florida.

Photos

Things to See

Featured Wildlife

Kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving are the best ways to explore and experience the wildlife of the Florida Reef and surrounding Biscayne National Park area. All areas must be accessible by private concessioners and designated park tour services. Jet skis and other personal watercraft type transportation are prohibited.

There are structured park-led snorkeling tours of a series of shipwrecks known as the Maritime Heritage Trail. This is the lone underwater archaeological trail throughout the entire national park system of the United States.

Land & Sea

Biscayne National Park, predominantly water, spans the northernmost region of the Florida Keys, offering a unique blend of aquamarine waters, coral reefs, islands, and shoreline mangroves. This vibrant marine park is a haven for an incredible diversity of marine life, providing habitats that range from shallow bay waters to deeper offshore environments. Within this submerged wonderland, visitors can encounter a spectacular array of creatures that thrive in and around the park’s coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests.

Manatee – These gentle giants, often referred to as sea cows, are a cherished sight in the park’s protected waters, where they graze on seagrass.

Bottle-nosed Dolphin – Playful and intelligent, bottle-nosed dolphins are frequently observed in groups, leaping and diving through the park’s clear waters.

Green Sea Turtle – Graceful swimmers, green sea turtles can be seen in the park’s seagrass beds, where they come to feed and sometimes nest on shorelines.

Spotted Eagle Ray – With their distinctive spots and long, slender tails, spotted eagle rays glide elegantly through the water, often seen near coral reefs.

American Crocodile – At the park’s mangrove-lined shores, the elusive American crocodile basks in the sun, a rare sight that highlights the park’s diverse ecosystems.

Lemon Shark – The shallow waters and mangrove habitats of Biscayne serve as a nursery for young lemon sharks, identifiable by their yellow-tinged skin.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle – Named for their large heads, loggerhead sea turtles are often spotted during their nesting season, coming ashore on the park’s sandy beaches.

Queen Conch – These large marine mollusks, with their beautiful spiral shells, are a common find in the seagrass beds, adding to the underwater mosaic.

French Angelfish – With their striking yellow-edged scales, French angelfish are a colorful presence among the coral reefs, often seen in pairs.

Nurse Shark – Typically found resting on the ocean floor during the day, nurse sharks are docile creatures, a common sight on snorkeling and diving expeditions.

Biscayne National Park’s rich marine life, from the majestic manatee to the vibrant coral reef communities, offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore and appreciate the intricate ecosystems that flourish beneath the surface of the water, highlighting the importance of conservation and stewardship of our natural marine heritage

Birds

Biscayne National Park, with its extensive marine and coastal environments, is not only a sanctuary for marine life but also a haven for bird enthusiasts. The park’s unique ecosystems, including its mangroves, shallow bay waters, and coral reef islands, provide critical habitats for a wide array of bird species. Over 170 bird species have been recorded in the park, ranging from vibrant wading birds to elusive shorebirds, each adding to the park’s biodiversity and offering birdwatchers and nature lovers alike a chance to observe avian life in its natural setting.

Brown Pelican – Often seen gliding over the water or plunging headfirst to catch fish, the Brown Pelican is a familiar and beloved sight along the coastline.

Osprey – Known as the fish hawk, the Osprey is a skilled hunter, frequently spotted hovering over the water before diving to snatch up fish with its talons.

Roseate Spoonbill – With its distinctive pink plumage and spoon-shaped bill, the Roseate Spoonbill stands out in the park’s mangroves and shallow waters, foraging for small fish and invertebrates.

Magnificent Frigatebird – Recognizable by its massive wingspan and forked tail, the Magnificent Frigatebird soars high above the water, often harassing other birds for their catch.

Great Egret – Elegant and graceful, the Great Egret stalks the park’s shallow waters in search of fish, its long legs and striking white plumage a common sight.

Green Heron – Smaller and more secretive than other herons, the Green Heron uses its sharp beak to expertly catch fish along the water’s edge.

White Ibis – With its bright white feathers and curved red bill, the White Ibis probes the mud for crabs and small aquatic prey, often in flocks.

Double-crested Cormorant – Frequently observed drying its wings on buoys or rocks, the Double-crested Cormorant dives underwater to catch fish, a testament to the park’s rich aquatic ecosystem.

Peregrine Falcon – The world’s fastest bird, the Peregrine Falcon, can sometimes be spotted in dramatic hunting dives, showcasing its incredible speed and agility.

Belted Kingfisher – Often heard before it’s seen, the Belted Kingfisher’s loud rattling call precedes its bullet-like plunge into the water to catch fish.

These bird species, among many others, make Biscayne National Park a vital area for avian conservation and a prime spot for birdwatching, reflecting the park’s importance in preserving natural habitats and biodiversity.

Things To Do

Engaging Biscayne

Snorkeling

Rating: Easy to Moderate (water conditions vary)

Distance and Elevation Gain: Variable, as it is a water-based trail

Description: This underwater “trail” around Boca Chita Key allows snorkelers to explore a vibrant coral reef and see a variety of marine life. Visitors will experience the park’s clear waters and underwater beauty, including colorful coral, fish, and possibly sea turtles. Access is by boat, with guided tours available.

Kayaking

Canoe/Kayak Trail at Jones Lagoon

Rating: Moderate (depending on weather and currents)

Distance and Elevation Gain: Variable, with multiple routes available

Description: Paddling through Jones Lagoon offers a serene way to explore the park’s mangrove forests and shallow waters. Kayakers and canoeists can spot wildlife such as manatees, birds, and fish. This trail provides an immersive experience in the park’s quiet, natural beauty. Paddling experience is recommended due to potential currents and weather changes.

Canoe/Kayak Trail at Elliott Key

Rating: Moderate to Difficult (depending on weather and currents)

Distance and Elevation Gain: Various distances, exploring the island’s perimeter or to other keys

Description: Elliott Key offers a launch point for longer kayak or canoe trips along the island’s shoreline or to nearby keys. This trail is for more experienced paddlers, offering chances to explore coral reefs, mangrove fringes, and the open waters of Biscayne Bay, with camping available on the island.

Biscayne National Park Trails

The majority of the national park is accounted for by water which makes trail possibilities for hiking rather limited. However, there are 5 walking or hiking trails. These make for nice escapes from the traditional swimming, snorkeling, and other water-related activities.

Jetty Trail

This trail is recognized as the most scenic offering views of the mangrove-lined coastline and provides access to the Colonial Bird Protection Area found at the end of the jetty. The trail begins at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center and features a mostly paved walkway along the coastline. It is easy, short (half a mile roundtrip), and level surfaces whether paved, boarded, or sandy gravel.

Adams Key Loop Trail

A ½ mile loop the meanders through the forested part of Adams Key.

Elliot Key Loop Trail

A 1.1-mile semi-loop trail that travels around the bay. The loop does not close requiring you to return the same distance back to where you started. Parts of the trail are boarded or paved, and parts are sandy, but it is fairly level throughout. It is an easy 2.2-mile roundtrip trail. Views will include the bay and forested coastline.

Spite Highway Trail

Longest of the five trails in the park. It is a one-way 7-mile trail that follows the roadway down the middle of the mainland. The views really do not provide anything new along the way and the trail is more for those who are looking for hiking the distance.

Boca Chita Key Loop Trail

The trail is a little less than ½ a mile, however, the starting and ending points are in different parts of the island. The trail is a smooth sandy or grassy path that meanders through the forested coastline of the Boca Chita Key. Views include the Boca Chita Lighthouse, the bay, ocean, and forested coastline.

Jetty Trail at Convoy Point

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 0.5 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain

Description: The Jetty Trail, located near the Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point, offers an easy walk with views of Biscayne Bay, the Miami skyline, and the park’s keys. This paved path is ideal for bird watching and sunset views, providing a brief but beautiful introduction to the park’s coastal ecosystem.

Spite Highway Trail on Elliott Key

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 7 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain

Description: The only traditional hiking trail in the park, Spite Highway, runs the length of Elliott Key, the park’s largest island. The trail offers a glimpse into the island’s history and natural landscapes, including tropical hardwood hammocks. It’s an easy, flat walk, providing a peaceful way to explore the island’s interior.

Sources

Britannica, Biscayne National Park, https://www.britannica.com/place/Biscayne-National-Park, retrieved March 2020.
National Geographic, Dive into the World’s Third Longest Coral Reef, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/biscayne-national-…, retrieved March 2020.
National Park Foundation, An Aquamarine Paradise, https://www.nationalparks.org/explore-parks/biscayne-national-park, retrieved March 2020.
National Park Service, Biscayne National Park, https://www.nps.gov/bisc/planyourvisit/index.htm, retrieved March 2020.
Travel & Leisure, Biscayne National Park is 95% Underwater – That’s Exactly Why You Need to See It, https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/national-parks/biscayne-nationa…, retrieved March 2020.