This Florida National Park Is 95% Water—and You Can Kayak Through Mangroves and Scuba Dive Around Shipwrecks

Travel + Leisure

8 hours ago

Snorkel or scuba dive to explore flourishing coral reefs and historic shipwrecks.
Kayak or canoe through peaceful mangrove creeks for a close-up at Florida's coastal ecosystem.
Take a guided boat tour to reach the islands, look for wildlife, and explore the national park from the water.
Stop by Yardie Spice in Homestead for tasty jerk tofu and Key lime pie after a day on the water.
Pitch your tent on Boca Chita Key or Elliott Key for a true island escape.
Biscayne National Park is unlike anywhere else in the U.S.. With 95 percent of the park made up of water and just a few small islands scattered throughout, it stands apart from any other national park I've visited.
Whether snorkeling around historic shipwrecks or camping on a quiet, remote island, Biscayne National Park offers a peaceful, refreshing change from the other Florida destinations.
If you love being out on the water, spotting wildlife, or falling asleep under the stars with only the ocean as your soundtrack, Biscayne National Park is a must-visit. Aerial view of a highway leading towards Biscayne Bay.
There are two main ways to reach Biscayne National Park: by boat or by car.
If you're flying in, the closest major airport is Miami International Airport (MIA), about 50 minutes away. From there, you'll need to drive to the park, which is located in Homestead, Florida. You can take the Florida Turnpike or U.S. Highway 1.
Keep in mind the park only has one mile of paved road, a short walking trail, and a visitor center. The rest, including the islands and campgrounds, can only be reached by boat, as there are no bridges or ferry services.
If you're flying in and don't have your own boat, don't worry. Guided boat tours are available, allowing visitors to experience the park's beautiful scenery. To book a guided boat tour, which includes the Maritime Heritage Trail, coral reefs, and islands in the area, contact Biscayne National Park Institute. Two ibis look for food near a mangrove in Biscayne Bay.
Because Biscayne National Park is 95 percent water, visiting it isn't as simple as pulling into a parking lot and heading out on a hike. If you don't plan ahead, you might find yourself standing at the visitor center wondering how to actually see the park.
If you don't have your own boat, you'll want to book a guided tour in advance. These tours are popular, especially on weekends and during the winter season, when the weather is ideal, so don't wait to book.
There's only one mile of paved road in the entire park, so once you leave the visitor center, it's pretty much all water from there. If you plan to camp on one of the islands, you must travel by private boat.
Also, keep an eye on the weather. South Florida is famous for its unpredictable thunderstorms and intense sun. Hans Bockelman, manager and captain at the Biscayne National Park Institute, said, "Anytime you plan on getting out on the water, nature dictates the conditions. We can often do a trip safely, but the conditions may not be ideal. We get windy, cold days in the winter or heavy rainstorms in the summer. Be flexible and prepared for different weather conditions.'
He continues, 'We often get northerners who visit in February in shorts and a T-shirt when it's 50 degrees Fahrenheit. That's cold when you're on the water. Bring a change of clothes to leave in the car in the event of rain or heavy seas that create spray on the boat."
As for the entrance fee, here's some good news: Biscayne National Park doesn't charge for admission. However, you must pay for boat tours, equipment rentals, and docking at Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key.
Last but not least, before you go, make sure to pack a few essentials. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, plenty of water and food, and a dry bag to protect your gear. A soaked phone, a soggy sandwich, or a painful sunburn can easily take the fun out of your day on the water. Aerial view of a beach on Key Biscayne.
The best time to visit Biscayne National Park is from December through April. This is the dry season in South Florida, offering the most sunshine, mild temperatures, and calm waters—ideal for boating, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply soaking in the views.
If you're hoping for clear skies, calm seas, and cooler weather, winter and early spring are your best bets. According to Bockelman, this is also the best time to visit for those who want to avoid the heat, with October through April offering the most comfortable conditions. Just keep in mind the park's busiest period is typically from February through April, so you'll likely experience some crowds during this time.
May through October bring heat, humidity, and a higher chance of afternoon thunderstorms. It's also hurricane season, so the weather can be unpredictable. That said, the park is quieter during these months, and the water is warm, which is excellent for swimming and snorkeling if you don't mind the heat.
Bockelman recommends summer for those who enjoy snorkeling and want to explore the shipwrecks, noting that lighter winds during this season make it easier to reach the outer reefs and wrecks.
I visited the area in early May and lucked out with beautiful weather, mild temperatures, and calm, clear water that was ideal for scuba diving. But the heat was already kicking in by the end of spring, so I was glad I didn't plan my trip any later into summer.
If you're hoping to avoid crowds, Bockelman suggests planning your visit between September and November. Fall is the quieter shoulder season before the busy peak winter picks up again. A red kayak near a mangrove in Biscayne National Park.Biscayne National Park is home to part of the Florida Reef, one of the largest coral reef systems in the U.S., and exploring it from below the surface is easily one of the most memorable ways to experience the park. Float above vibrant coral or dive deeper to check out shipwrecks along the Maritime Heritage Trail; there's something incredible waiting at every depth.
You'll likely see colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and even nurse sharks gliding through the clear, blue water.
I recently had the chance to dive in the keys and was blown away by the Gatorade-blue water, the explosion of color from the fish, and the sight of sharks swimming nearby. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that sticks with you.
Because the park is mostly made up of water, hopping on a guided boat tour is one of the most accessible ways to experience it. These tours typically leave from the visitor center and often include stops at popular islands like Boca Chita Key or Elliott Key. Many also offer the chance to snorkel along coral reefs or explore shipwrecks.
Whether you're looking for a half-day outing or a full-day adventure that includes snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and exploring the park's remote islands, there's likely a tour that fits your preferences.
For a slower, more intimate way to experience Biscayne National Park, consider paddling through its mangrove-lined creeks and quiet waters. It's a peaceful and eco-friendly way to get close to nature.
You might spot manatees drifting beneath the surface, birds nesting in the mangroves, or even dolphins in the distance. If you don't have your own kayak or canoe, outfitters nearby rent gear and offer tips on where to go based on your skill level and the tides. Early morning is usually the calmest and most rewarding time to paddle.
While land-based options are limited, the Jetty Trail near the visitor center is a short, easy walk that offers great views and chances to spot wildlife along the shoreline. It's less than a mile out and back, and a great trail for those who love bird-watching, as it leads to the Colonial Bird Protection Area. Picnic tables at a campsite in Biscayne Bay.Many visitors choose to stay in Miami and take a day trip to Biscayne National Park. This allows you to enjoy the vibrant city atmosphere while escaping into nature during the day.
The Elser Hotel is an excellent option in Miami. It's conveniently located near the Miamarina, shops, and restaurants. It features modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and stunning views. Plus, it's roughly a one-hour drive to the park's visitor center.
Biscayne National Park offers two campground options: Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key, both only accessible by boat. Boca Chita Key is the more popular choice, known for its waterfront views, open grassy areas, and picnic spots. While it has toilets, no showers, sinks, or drinking water are available.
Elliott Key is the larger of the two and provides more amenities. It has restrooms with sinks, cold-water showers, picnic tables, and drinking water.
Bockelman said, "Boca Chita is a beautiful island, but it gets filled up with the weekend warriors from Miami. Elliot Key is much larger and doesn't quite get the same crowd, but it is not as picturesque."
He added, "If camping on Boca Chita, you can often have the island to yourself on a weekday. There's a lot to explore on Elliot Key if you're camping, but carrying a bug jacket is recommended as the mosquitoes can be very bad in the interior of the island."
Camping costs $35 per night on either island, with an additional $25 fee to dock your boat. Campsites cannot be reserved ahead of time and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Interior dining room in La Cañita.
Located just 20 minutes from Biscayne National Park, Yardie Spice is a fantastic choice for lunch or dinner. The Jamaican restaurant is known for dishes like jerk tofu, yuca fries, conch fritters, Key lime pie, and more.
If you're staying in Miami, La Cañita is a must-visit Cuban restaurant. It's known for its flavorful empanadas, conch fritters, and coconut rice. Plus, if you're staying at The Elser Hotel, it's less than a 10-minute walk away.
There are no restaurants inside Biscayne National Park, so it's best to come prepared with your own meals and snacks. Since you'll likely spend hours out on the water, it's easy to work up an appetite.
Sandwiches and easy-to-pack snacks are great options, but if you prefer a hot meal that includes burgers or hot dogs, picnic areas with grills are available at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, Elliott Key, and Boca Chita Key.