Canoeing, Paddleboarding and Kayaking in Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park has excellent paddling, both along the coast and across the open water to nearby mangroves and artificial islands dotting the longest uninterrupted shoreline in the state. Because tides can be strong, only experienced paddlers should attempt to travel far from shore. The Biscayne National Park Institute concession at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center  offers first-rate guided kayaks and paddleboard tours ($39 to $109).  Unfortunately canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are not available at the park.

Fishing in Biscayne National Park

Ocean fishing is excellent year-round at Biscayne National Park; many people cast their lines from the breakwater jetty at Convoy Point near the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. A fishing license is required. Stone crabs and Florida lobsters can be found here, but you’re allowed to catch these only on the ocean side when they’re in season. For more info on lobstering, go to nps.gov/bisc/planyourvisit/lobstering.htm. There are strict limits on size, season, number, and method of take (including spearfishing) for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. The latest regulations are available at most marinas, bait-and-tackle shops, and the park’s visitor center.

Hiking in Biscayne National Park

 

As the majority of this park is underwater, hiking is not the main attraction here, but there are some interesting sights and trails nonetheless. At Convoy Point, you can walk along the 370-foot boardwalk and along the half-mile jetty that serves as a breakwater for the park's harbor. From here, you can usually see brown pelicans, little blue herons, snowy egrets, and a few exotic fish.

Elliott Key is accessible only by boat, but once you're there, you have two good trail options. True to its name, the Loop Trail makes a 1.5-mile circle from the bayside visitor center, through a hardwood hammock and mangroves, to an elevated oceanside boardwalk. You'll likely see land crabs scurrying around the mangrove roots.

Boca Chita Key was once a playground for wealthy tycoons, and it still has the peaceful beauty that attracted elite anglers from cold climates. Many of the historic buildings are still intact, including an ornamental lighthouse that was never put to use. Take advantage of the Biscayne National Park Institute’s 3-hour tours, including a Boca Chita heritage boat trip, available twice daily from the Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove. Tickets are $83 for adults and $49 for children 5 to 12. Go to biscaynenationalparkinstitute.org to book. 

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Biscayne National Park

The clear, warm waters of Biscayne National Park are packed with colorful tropical fish that swim in the offshore reefs. If you didn’t bring your own gear, you can rent   snorkeling and scuba gear at the Biscayne National Park Institute at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center.  A snorkeling bundle of all the essentials costs $16 per person, or you can rent masks and snorkels for $5 and fins for $6. A short wetsuit is $10.

The best way to see the park from underwater is to take a snorkeling or diving tour operated by Biscayne National Park Institute at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center (see above). A six-hour, sail, snorkel, and paddle trip offers the greatest hits of the park for $209 per passenger ages 8 and up.

Before entering the water, be sure to apply waterproof sunblock—once you begin to explore, it’s easy to lose track of time, and the Florida sun is brutal, even during winter.

Swimming in Biscayne National Park

You can swim off the protected beaches of Elliott Key, Boca Chita Key, and adjacent Homestead Bayfront Park, but none of these match the width or softness of other South Florida beaches. Check the water conditions before heading into the sea: The strong currents that make this a popular destination for windsurfers and sailors can be dangerous, even for strong swimmers. Homestead Bayfront Park is really just a marina next to Biscayne National Park, but it does have a beach and picnic facilities, as well as fishing areas and a playground. It’s located at Convoy Point, 9698 SW 328th St., Homestead (tel. 305/230-3033).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.