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 just some small islands scattered all through, it stands other than some other 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.

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

The way to Get There

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

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

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

For those who’re flying in and haven’t got your individual boat, don’t fret. Guided boat excursions can be found, permitting guests to expertise the park’s stunning surroundings. To ebook 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. For those who do not plan forward, you would possibly end up standing on the customer middle questioning the right way to really see the park.

If you do not have your individual boat, you will need to ebook a guided tour upfront. These excursions are well-liked, particularly on weekends and throughout the winter season, when the climate is good, so do not wait to ebook.

There’s just one mile of paved highway in all the park, so as soon as you allow the customer middle, it is just about all water from there. For those who plan to camp on one of many islands, you have to journey by personal 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, stated, “Anytime you intend on getting out on the water, nature dictates the circumstances. We are able to usually do a visit safely, however the circumstances is probably not perfect. We get windy, chilly days within the winter or heavy rainstorms in the summertime.  Be versatile and ready for various climate circumstances.”

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 if you’re on the water. Carry a change of garments to go away within the automobile within the occasion of rain or heavy seas that create spray on the boat.”

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

Final however not least, earlier than you go, ensure to pack a number 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.

Greatest Time to Go to

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

For those who’re hoping for clear skies, calm seas, and cooler climate, winter and early spring are your finest bets. In keeping with Bockelman, that is additionally the perfect time to go to for individuals who need to keep away from the warmth, with October by way of April providing probably the most comfy circumstances. Simply remember the park’s busiest interval is often from February by way of April, so that you’ll doubtless expertise some crowds throughout this time.

Could by way of October convey warmth, humidity, and the next probability of afternoon thunderstorms. It is also hurricane season, so the climate may be unpredictable. That stated, the park is quieter throughout these months, and the water is heat, which is superb for swimming and snorkeling in the event you do not thoughts the warmth.

Bockelman recommends summer season for individuals 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 perfect for scuba diving. However the warmth was already kicking in by the top of spring, so I used to be glad I did not plan my journey any later into summer season.

For those who’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.

Greatest Issues to Do

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Biscayne Nationwide Park is dwelling to a part of the Florida Reef, one of many largest coral reef techniques within the U.S., and exploring it from under the floor is well one 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 doubtless see colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and even nurse sharks gliding by way of the clear, blue water.

I just lately had the prospect to dive within the keys and was blown away by the Gatorade-blue water, the explosion of shade 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 usually made up of water, hopping on a guided boat tour is among the most accessible methods to expertise it. These excursions usually depart from the customer middle and infrequently embody stops at well-liked 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 on the lookout 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 strategy to expertise Biscayne Nationwide Park, take into account paddling by way of its mangrove-lined creeks and quiet waters. It is a peaceable and eco-friendly strategy 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 primarily based in your ability stage and the tides. Early morning is normally the calmest and most rewarding time to paddle.

Jetty Path

Whereas land-based choices are restricted, the Jetty Path close to the customer middle is a brief, simple stroll that provides nice views and possibilities to identify wildlife alongside the shoreline. It is lower than a mile out and again, and an awesome path for individuals who love bird-watching, because it results in the Colonial Chook 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 throughout the day.

The Elser Lodge is a wonderful choice in Miami. It is conveniently situated close to the Miamarina, outlets, 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 middle.

Campgrounds

Biscayne Nationwide Park presents two campground choices: Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key, each solely accessible by boat. Boca Chita Key’s the extra well-liked alternative, 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 Key’s the bigger of the 2 and supplies extra facilities. It has restrooms with sinks, cold-water showers, picnic tables, and ingesting water.

Bockelman stated, “Boca Chita is a good looking island, nevertheless it will get crammed up with the weekend warriors from Miami. Elliot Key’s a lot bigger and would 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 lots to discover on Elliot Key in the event you’re tenting, however carrying a bug jacket is really helpful because the mosquitoes may be very dangerous within the inside of the island.”

Tenting prices $35 per evening 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 improbable alternative 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

For those who’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, in the event 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 simple to work up an urge for food.

Sandwiches and easy-to-pack snacks are nice choices, however in the event you desire 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.