Biscayne National Park | (Official GANP Page)

About

Biscayne National Park is located in the southeastern United States on the southern tip of the state of Florida. The national park boundaries encompass an area of 270.3 square miles (700 sq km) with approximately 95% of the park accounted for by water.

The park encloses a massive mangrove forest and the island of Elliot Key. It is the largest island north of Key Largo and it represents the furthest point north of the Florida Keys. Elliot Key was developed from layers of fossilized coral reef.

Biscayne National Park protects the Florida Reef which is the only living coral barrier reef along the coastline of the contiguous 48 states. It extends across an area of 170 miles (270 km) in length and 4 miles ( km ) wide making it the third-largest barrier coral reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the barrier reef off the coast of Belize.

Along with the Florida Reef, the park also protects three other ecosystems which include the aforementioned mangrove forest, the shallow waters of Biscayne Bay, and the coral limestone keys.

There are over 200 species of fish found within the Florida Reef. More importantly, the park is home to smalltooth sawfish, manatees, green sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtles, and the American crocodiles which are all threatened or endangered.

Other fascinating creatures that might be experienced through a snorkel and scuba-diving excursion include sea slugs, reef octopus, reef squid, sea hares, and giant blue land crabs.

Flamingos are one of the more popular tropical bird sightings, but raptor and predator bird species include bald eagles, osprey, peregrine falcons, short-tailed hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, merlins, and swallow-tailed kites.

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.

Snorkeling

Rating: Easy to Moderate (water conditions vary)

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

Kayaking

Canoe/Kayak Trail at Jones Lagoon

Rating: Moderate (depending on weather and currents)

Distance and Elevation Gain: Variable, with multiple routes available

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

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.

Jetty Trail at Convoy Point

Rating: Easy

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

Spite Highway Trail on Elliott Key

Rating: Easy

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

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.