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Biscayne National Park, Florida

Homestead, United States

Dive in to an underwater wonderland

In the far southeastern reaches of the U.S., at the tip of the Florida Keys, enlist a boat to cross clear, shallow waters to reach reefs and islands in Biscayne National Park. Before you go, though, start on the mainland at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center at the Convoy Point park headquarters in Homestead to learn about options for exploration. Visitors can kayak, watch seabirds and sea creatures, hike a narrow trail in a hardwood forest on a barrier island or listen to a tour guide explain 10,000 years of history and how the park was established.

Just over an hour’s drive from downtown Miami, Florida, Biscayne National Park looks and feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the Magic City. Protecting a rare combination of azure water, emerald islands, vibrant reefs, swampy mangroves and hundreds of species of coral and fish, Biscayne is a fascinating place to snorkel, dive, swim and boat.

Known as a watery wonderland, 95 percent of the 700-square-kilometer park is underwater. This park encompasses the U.S. National Park Service’s only underwater archaeological trail, which leads to six incredible shipwrecks. If you prefer dry land, you’ll find three islands worth exploring. Boca Chita Key is home to a historic lighthouse and campsites; Elliot Key has the park’s only hiking trail; and Adams Key is known for its pristine beaches.

PARK INFORMATION

Popular activities at Biscayne National Park located within sight of downtown Miami include boating, snorkeling, camping and wildlife watching.

Biscayne National Park preserves Biscayne Bay, one of the top scuba divine areas in the United States. Within the national park which is over 90% water, there is an extensive mangrove forest along the shoreline, a portion of the world´s third-longest living coral reef, and the northernmost Florida Keys. While Biscayne ational Park was established primarily for its natural features, it also preserves and tells the story of human history over 10,000 years. Nearly every island in the park has evidence of use by native peoples and below the waterś surface are the remains of many shipwrecks. The park´s Maritime Heritage Trail, which is accessible via scuba and/or snorkel, offers and exciting opportunity to explore the remainds of six shipwrecks, spanning nearly a century and a wide variety of sizes and vessel types.

Credit: Visit The USA

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