Caution:Boater Awareness
Information:Camping and Docking at Boca Chita and Elliott Keys
Information:Ride Share Services
Biscayne National Park

Biscayne

Family Friendly Florida

Overview

Biscayne National Park is 95% water, protecting 173,000 acres of Biscayne Bay, mangrove shoreline, the northernmost coral reef in the continental United States, and a chain of undeveloped barrier islands off the coast of Miami. The park's underwater world is its main attraction: the reef system teems with parrotfish, sea turtles, nurse sharks, and brain corals in water so clear that snorkelers can see 60 feet down on calm days. The barrier islands — Elliott Key, Boca Chita Key, and Adams Key — are accessible only by boat and offer a startling contrast to the Miami skyline visible across the bay. Boca Chita Key has a historic lighthouse, picnic areas, and a harbor for boaters. Elliott Key, the largest island, has a short nature trail through tropical hardwood hammock and a seven-mile hiking path along its spine. The park's mangrove shoreline, visible from the Convoy Point visitor center on the mainland, serves as a critical nursery for fish and crustaceans. Visiting Biscayne requires getting on the water. The park concessionaire runs snorkeling and diving trips to the reef, glass-bottom boat tours, and island shuttles. Kayaking through the mangrove channels is a quiet alternative that puts you face-to-face with wading birds, manatees, and juvenile fish. The park is free to enter, and the visitor center at Convoy Point is a worthwhile stop even without a boat.

Things to Do

  • Snorkel the coral reef on a guided boat trip
  • Kayak through mangrove channels
  • Take a glass-bottom boat tour over the reef
  • Camp on Elliott Key or Boca Chita Key
  • Dive the Maritime Heritage Trail of shipwrecks
  • Paddleboard across Biscayne Bay
  • Visit the Boca Chita lighthouse by boat
Stone lighthouse with glass dome stands at the mouth of the harbor

Boca Chita Campground

Sites available

RestroomsShowersWater
$35Walk-in only
Golden orange sunset mirrored in the calm waters of the bay

Elliott Key Campground

Sites available

$35Walk-in only
Two men fishing from a flats boat
Saltwater Fishing

Fishing in Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park preserves unique marine habitat and nursery environments that sustain diverse...

A group of dark grey birds with orange faces standing on a dock
Birdwatching

Birding at Boca Chita

Along with incredible array of marine life, Biscayne National Park is also home to significant popul...

1-3 Hours
White, black and grey bird with a pointed orange beak and grey legs standing on a post
Birdwatching

Birding at Elliott Key

Along with incredible array of marine life, Biscayne National Park is also home to significant popul...

1-3 Hours
A flock of white birds flying overhead in a cloudless, clear blue sky
Birdwatching

Birding at Convoy Point

Along with incredible array of marine life, Biscayne National Park is also home to significant popul...

1-2 Hours
A girl and boy wearing ranger hats and badges peering out from a big shark jaw framing their faces
Junior Ranger Program

Become a Biscayne Junior Ranger

Join Diego the dolphin, Peter the panther and Aleesha the alligator in exploring three South Florida...

Winter, Spring
Round objects resting on the sandy bottom of the ocean

19th Century Wooden Sailing Vessel

Ship
Bones of a shipwreck resting on the ocean floor with tropical fish swimming over

Alicia

Shipwreck
The ribs of a shipwreck buried in the sandy bottom of the ocean

Arratoon Apcar

Shipwreck
Barrell shaped concrete object resting in the bones of an underwater shipwreck

Erl King

Shipwreck
Aerial view of a skeletal metal lighthouse rising up over turquoise waters

Fowey Rocks Lighthouse

Lighthouse
View All 7 Places

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for these animals during your visit:

Sea Turtle Manatee Nurse Shark Parrotfish Bottlenose Dolphin Brown Pelican Spiny Lobster

Pro Tips

  • 💡 Book the concessionaire snorkel trip in advance — it only runs on select days and fills up fast
  • 💡 Bring your own kayak to avoid rental fees and explore the mangroves at your own pace
  • 💡 The best snorkeling visibility is in calm conditions; check wind forecasts before booking reef trips
  • 💡 Elliott Key camping is primitive (no showers) but the island is gorgeous and you'll likely have it to yourself midweek
  • 💡 The park is a 45-minute drive from Miami Beach — combine with an Everglades visit for a two-park day

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Subtropical with warm, humid summers (highs in the 90s) and mild winters (70s). Hurricane season runs June through November. Winter dry season offers the best visibility for snorkeling.

Best seasons: Winter, Spring