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 some other nationwide park I’ve visited.

Whether or not snorkeling round historic shipwrecks or tenting on a quiet, distant island, Biscayne Nationwide Park gives 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 predominant methods to achieve Biscayne Nationwide Park: by boat or by automotive.

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

Take into account the park solely has one mile of paved street, a brief strolling path, and a customer middle. The remainder, together with the islands and campgrounds, can solely be reached by boat, as there aren’t any bridges or ferry companies.

For those who’re flying in and do not have your personal boat, don’t be concerned. 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 parking zone and heading out on a hike. For those who do not plan forward, you may end up standing on the customer middle questioning easy methods to really see the park.

If you do not have your personal boat, you may need to e book a guided tour upfront. These excursions are standard, particularly on weekends and in the course of the winter season, when the climate is right, so do not wait to e book.

There’s just one mile of paved street in your entire park, so as soon as you permit the customer middle, it is just about all water from there. For those who plan to camp on one of many islands, you should journey by personal boat.

Additionally, regulate 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 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 ultimate. 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 regularly get northerners who go to in February in shorts and a T-shirt when it is 50 levels Fahrenheit. That is chilly whenever you’re on the water. Deliver a change of garments to depart within the automotive 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 does not cost for admission. Nonetheless, you should pay for boat excursions, tools leases, and docking at Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key.

Final however not least, earlier than you go, ensure that to pack a couple of necessities. Deliver 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 means of April. That is the dry season in South Florida, providing essentially the most sunshine, gentle temperatures, and calm waters—ultimate 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 line with Bockelman, that is additionally one of the best time to go to for many who need to keep away from the warmth, with October by means of April providing essentially the most comfy circumstances. Simply take note the park’s busiest interval is usually from February by means of April, so that you’ll probably expertise some crowds throughout this time.

Could by means of October convey warmth, humidity, and a better likelihood of afternoon thunderstorms. It is also hurricane season, so the climate might 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 time for many who get pleasure from snorkeling and need to discover the shipwrecks, noting that lighter winds throughout this season make it simpler to achieve the outer reefs and wrecks.

I visited the realm in early Could and lucked out with stunning climate, gentle temperatures, and calm, clear water that was ultimate 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 time.

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.

Finest 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 methods within the U.S., and exploring it from beneath the floor is definitely some 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 probably see colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and even nurse sharks gliding by means of the clear, blue water.

I not too long ago 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 likely one of the most accessible methods to expertise it. These excursions sometimes go away from the customer middle and infrequently embody stops at standard islands like Boca Chita Key or Elliott Key. Many additionally supply the prospect 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 probably a tour that matches your preferences.

Kayaking or Canoeing

For a slower, extra intimate option to expertise Biscayne Nationwide Park, think about paddling by means of its mangrove-lined creeks and quiet waters. It is a peaceable and eco-friendly option to get near nature.

You may spot manatees drifting beneath the floor, birds nesting within the mangroves, and even dolphins within the distance. If you do not have your personal kayak or canoe, outfitters close by hire gear and supply tips about the place to go primarily based 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 middle is a brief, simple stroll that gives nice views and probabilities to identify wildlife alongside the shoreline. It is lower than a mile out and again, and an ideal path for many who love bird-watching, because it results in the Colonial Hen Safety Space.

Locations to Keep

The Elser Resort, 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 in the course of the day.

The Elser Resort is a wonderful possibility 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 middle.

Campgrounds

Biscayne Nationwide Park gives two campground choices: Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key, each solely accessible by boat. Boca Chita Secret is the extra standard selection, recognized 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 is the bigger of the 2 and gives extra facilities. It has restrooms with sinks, cold-water showers, picnic tables, and ingesting water.

Bockelman mentioned, “Boca Chita is a good looking island, however it will get crammed up with the weekend warriors from Miami. Elliot Secret is a lot bigger and does 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 rather a lot to discover on Elliot Key when you’re tenting, however carrying a bug jacket is really useful because the mosquitoes might 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 thought 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 recognized for its flavorful empanadas, conch fritters, and coconut rice. Plus, when you’re staying at The Elser Resort, it is lower than a 10-minute stroll away.

Picnic Areas

There aren’t any eating places inside Biscayne Nationwide Park, so it is best to return ready with your personal meals and snacks. Since you may probably 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 when you desire a sizzling meal that features burgers or sizzling canines, picnic areas with grills can be found on the Dante Fascell Customer Heart, Elliott Key, and Boca Chita Key.