Biscayne Nationwide Park, Florida, Information

Biscayne Nationwide Park is in contrast to anyplace else within the U.S.. With 95 % of the park made up of water and only a few small islands scattered all through, it stands other than another nationwide park I’ve visited.

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

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

Easy methods to Get There

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

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

Remember the park solely has one mile of paved highway, a brief strolling path, and a customer heart. The remainder, together with the islands and campgrounds, can solely be reached by boat, as there are not any bridges or ferry providers.

If you happen to’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 Nationwide Park Institute.

Know Earlier than You Go

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

If you do not have your individual boat, you will wish to e book a guided tour prematurely. These excursions are well-liked, 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 highway in your complete park, so as soon as you permit the customer heart, it is just about all water from there. If you happen to plan to camp on one of many islands, you could journey by non-public boat.

Additionally, control the climate. South Florida is known for its unpredictable thunderstorms and intense solar. Hans Bockelman, supervisor and captain on the Biscayne Nationwide Park Institute, mentioned, “Anytime you propose on getting out on the water, nature dictates the situations. We are able to usually do a visit safely, however the situations will not be best. 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 frequently get northerners who go to in February in shorts and a T-shirt when it is 50 levels Fahrenheit. That is chilly while 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 price, here is some excellent news: Biscayne Nationwide Park would not cost for admission. Nevertheless, you could pay for boat excursions, tools leases, and docking at Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key.

Final however not least, earlier than you go, be certain 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 telephone, 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 perfect time to go to Biscayne Nationwide Park is from December by way of April. That is the dry season in South Florida, providing essentially the most sunshine, gentle temperatures, and calm waters—best for boating, snorkeling, kayaking, or just soaking within the views.

If you happen to’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 most effective time to go to for individuals who wish to keep away from the warmth, with October by way of April providing essentially the most snug situations. Simply consider the park’s busiest interval is often from February by way of April, so that you’ll doubtless expertise some crowds throughout this time.

Might by way of October deliver warmth, humidity, and a better likelihood of afternoon thunderstorms. It is also hurricane season, so the climate will be unpredictable. That mentioned, the park is quieter throughout these months, and the water is heat, which is great for swimming and snorkeling when you do not thoughts the warmth.

Bockelman recommends summer season for individuals who get pleasure from snorkeling and wish 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 Might and lucked out with stunning climate, gentle temperatures, and calm, clear water that was best 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 season.

If you happen to’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 definitely one of the vital 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 unbelievable ready at each depth.

You will doubtless see colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and even nurse sharks gliding by way of the clear, blue water.

I lately had the possibility 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 without doubt one of the most accessible methods to expertise it. These excursions sometimes go away from the customer heart and infrequently embrace stops at well-liked islands like Boca Chita Key or Elliott Key. Many additionally provide the possibility to snorkel alongside coral reefs or discover shipwrecks.

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

Kayaking or Canoeing

For a slower, extra intimate option to expertise Biscayne Nationwide Park, contemplate paddling by way of its mangrove-lined creeks and quiet waters. It is a peaceable and eco-friendly option 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 recommendations on the place to go based mostly in your talent degree 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 provides nice views and probabilities to identify wildlife alongside the shoreline. It is lower than a mile out and again, and an amazing path for individuals who love bird-watching, because it results in the Colonial Chicken 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 ambiance whereas escaping into nature in the course of the day.

The Elser Lodge is a wonderful choice in Miami. It is conveniently situated close to the Miamarina, retailers, and eating places. It options trendy 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 presents two campground choices: Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key, each solely accessible by boat. Boca Chita Secret’s the extra well-liked selection, identified for its waterfront views, open grassy areas, and picnic spots. Whereas it has bathrooms, no showers, sinks, or ingesting water can be found.

Elliott Secret’s the bigger of the 2 and offers extra facilities. It has restrooms with sinks, cold-water showers, picnic tables, and ingesting water.

Bockelman mentioned, “Boca Chita is a good looking island, but it surely will get stuffed up with the weekend warriors from Miami. Elliot Secret’s a lot bigger and would not fairly get the identical crowd, however it’s not as picturesque.”

He added, “If tenting on Boca Chita, you’ll be able to usually have the island to your self on a weekday. There’s so much to discover on Elliot Key when you’re tenting, however carrying a bug jacket is advisable because the mosquitoes will be very dangerous within the inside of the island.”

Tenting prices $35 per night time on both island, with an extra $25 price 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 unbelievable selection for lunch or dinner. The Jamaican restaurant is understood for dishes like jerk tofu, yuca fries, conch fritters, Key lime pie, and extra.

La Cañita

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

Picnic Areas

There are not any eating places inside Biscayne Nationwide Park, so it is best to come back ready with your individual meals and snacks. Since you will doubtless 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 when you choose a sizzling meal that features burgers or sizzling canine, picnic areas with grills can be found on the Dante Fascell Customer Heart, Elliott Key, and Boca Chita Key.