Where is Biscayne National Park?

The park lies south of Miami in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It protects Biscayne Bay, offshore islands, mangrove shoreline, and the northernmost region of the Florida Reef.

Can you visit without a boat?

Yes, but access is limited. The mainland visitor center and a jetty at Black Point Marina are accessible without a boat. The islands and the park's other land and sea areas require boat access.

Can island campsites be booked ahead?

No. Campsites and docking slips at Boca Chita and Elliott Keys are first come, first served. Arrange boat transport separately and carry an alternative plan if space is unavailable.

What distinguishes Boca Chita from Elliott Key?

Boca Chita has a small beach and a historic mock lighthouse associated with Mark C. Honeywell's retreat. Elliott Key is the park's largest island and the northernmost true Florida Key, formed from fossilized coral reef.

What habitats can visitors encounter?

Biscayne protects four distinct ecosystems: shoreline mangroves, shallow Biscayne Bay, coral limestone keys, and offshore reefs. The bay contains seagrass beds, sponges, and soft corals; offshore waters support hard corals and abundant fish.

Biscayne National Park

Ninety-five percent water — coral reefs, mangrove shoreline, and the northern Florida Keys a short boat ride from Miami.

Plan a trip to Biscayne National Park

Where on earth

Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Biscayne National Park, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.

Region: Florida, USA
Country: United States
Biome: Subtropical marine + mangrove
Best season: December – April
Difficulty: moderate

Known for

Backpacking
Hiking
Sea Kayaking
Beachcombing
Snorkeling
Diving

Key takeaways

Biome: Subtropical marine + mangrove
Best season: December – April
Difficulty: moderate
Top activity: hiking

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Topic summary

Ninety-five percent water — coral reefs, mangrove shoreline, and the northern Florida Keys a short boat ride from Miami.

Key takeaways

Difficulty: moderate
Best season: December – April

Intended uses

hiking
camping
backpacking

Climate suitability

Subtropical marine + mangrove

Verification notes

Last verified January 1, 1970.

Region

United States

Biome

Subtropical marine + mangrove

Difficulty

moderate

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Biscayne National Park trip tools

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How to get there

Biscayne National Park is south of Miami in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The mainland visitor center and the jetty at Black Point Marina are the exceptions to the park’s otherwise boat-only access. Arrange boat transportation for island visits, including Boca Chita and Elliott Keys.

Mainland visitor center
A mainland option for visiting the park without a boat. Travel beyond the mainland access areas requires boat transportation.
Black Point Marina jetty
One of the park’s limited areas accessible without a boat. The jetty provides an alternative to the mainland visitor center for a land-based visit.
Boca Chita Key
Boat-access island with a small beach, a historic mock lighthouse, docking and camping. Docking slips and campsites are first come, first served.
Elliott Key
The park’s largest island, accessible by boat, with docking and camping available first come, first served. The island is formed from fossilized coral reef.

Sources: nps.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.

Driving directions ↗Open on a map ↗Plan the drive in the Trip Planner

Popular pursuits at Biscayne National Park

Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.

Animals around Biscayne National Park

Browse all wildlife guides →

Maps, GPS & compass for this trip

Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.

Waterproof topo maps

GPS picks

See all 10 handheld GPS picks →

Compass picks

See all 10 compass picks →

Fishing at Biscayne National Park

Planning to fish Biscayne National Park, Florida? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in Florida are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.

Do I need a fishing license at Biscayne National Park?

A Florida fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
Read the current Florida fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Biscayne National Park may add its own fishing rules on top of Florida law — check the managing agency too.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — official Florida licenses & regulations

The Fishing Guide — species, best times & gear Wild10 fishing guides, knots & lure planner

Hunting near Biscayne National Park

Thinking about hunting Biscayne National Park, Florida? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Florida are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.

Is hunting allowed at Biscayne National Park?

Hunting is prohibited or heavily restricted in many national parks, wilderness and protected areas — confirm with the Biscayne National Park land manager before planning a hunt, and look to surrounding public land.

What do I need to hunt in Florida?

A Florida hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — official Florida licenses & regulations

The Hunting Guide — gear, permits & seasons Wild10 hunting guides & season calendars Best deer hunting broadheads Deer archery season gear list

A park shaped by water

Biscayne National Park lies south of Miami in Miami-Dade County, protecting Biscayne Bay, offshore islands and the northernmost portion of the Florida Reef. Of its 172,971 acres, only 9,075 are land, so this is primarily a boating destination rather than a road-based park. Four ecosystems define the landscape: shoreline mangroves, shallow bay waters, coral limestone keys and offshore reefs. Elliott Key, the largest island, is the northernmost of the true Florida Keys and formed from fossilized coral reef. Islands farther north combine coral and sand. The mainland visitor center and the jetty at Black Point Marina offer access without a boat; beyond those exceptions, reaching the park’s land and sea areas requires travel on the water. Plan the visit around that distinction.

Habitats and human history

The mangrove margins shelter young fish, molluscs and crustaceans, while Biscayne Bay contains seagrass beds, sponges, soft corals and manatees. Offshore waters and reefs support more than 200 fish species, along with hard corals and pelagic birds. On the keys, tropical vegetation includes endangered palms and cacti, and beaches provide nesting habitat for sea turtles. Give wildlife space and avoid disturbing shallow-water habitats when boating. Human history is also visible across this landscape. The Tequesta occupied the islands and shoreline long before Spanish possession of Florida, and more than 40 shipwrecks are documented within park boundaries. Boca Chita Key’s mock lighthouse recalls its later use as a private retreat. These islands are both sensitive habitat and places with a long record of human use.

Island logistics and overnight planning

A boat is needed to reach Boca Chita and Elliott Keys. Both have docking and camping, with slips and campsites available first come, first served; reservations are not accepted. The park has no entrance fee. Day-use docking at these islands costs $25 Friday through Monday and on federal holidays. Overnight camping and docking costs $60 per night, including camping aboard a vessel, and covers up to two tents and six people. Payment must be made through the recreation.gov app, downloaded before arrival. Harbor kiosks on both islands have payment QR codes. Fees are due daily upon arrival or no later than official sunset. Keep island plans flexible because a campsite or slip is not guaranteed, and check weather before committing to a boat crossing.

Route options

Mainland visit
Keep the outing land-based at the mainland visitor center or the jetty at Black Point Marina. This option avoids an island crossing but does not reach the keys or offshore reefs.
Boca Chita Key boat outing
Plan a boat visit to Boca Chita Key for its small beach and historic mock lighthouse. Day-use docking and overnight camping are available, but slips and campsites cannot be reserved.
Elliott Key boat outing
Make the park’s largest island the destination for a boat-based day visit or overnight stay. Its coral limestone setting and tropical vegetation offer a different focus from the mainland mangrove shore. Docking and camping are first come, first served.

Sample itineraries

Mainland introduction to Biscayne Bay · 1 day
Start at the mainland visitor center for an introduction to Biscayne Bay, its mangrove shoreline, keys, and offshore reefs. Keep this a mainland visit if boat transport is unavailable; the park's islands and most of its waters require boat access.
Boca Chita Key overnight · 2 days
Travel by boat to Boca Chita Key for its small beach and historic mock lighthouse. Camp overnight if space is available, then return the following day. Download the recreation.gov app before departure; campsites and docking slips cannot be reserved.
Elliott Key and Biscayne Bay · 2 days
Arrange boat access to Elliott Key, the park's largest island, formed from fossilized coral reef. Spend an overnight exploring its tropical island setting, with time on Biscayne Bay during the outward or return journey. Keep plans flexible because docking and campsites are first come, first served.

Seasonal conditions

Spring

Spring visits

Plan around marine weather rather than the calendar. Island access depends on a boat trip across Biscayne Bay; check conditions before departure and retain a mainland alternative.

Summer

Summer visits

Prepare for sun exposure on open water with drinking water, protective clothing, and shade where possible. Check weather before committing to an island overnight; remote camps require a boat for the return journey.

Fall

Fall visits

Hurricanes have affected these islands. Review forecasts before traveling and avoid committing to remote island plans when severe weather threatens. Keep transport and overnight arrangements flexible.

Winter

Winter visits

Do not assume a winter date guarantees suitable boating conditions. Check the marine forecast, pack protection from wind and spray, and choose an outing suited to the boat and group's experience.

Season	Window	Conditions
Spring	Spring visits	Plan around marine weather rather than the calendar. Island access depends on a boat trip across Biscayne Bay; check conditions before departure and retain a mainland alternative.
Summer	Summer visits	Prepare for sun exposure on open water with drinking water, protective clothing, and shade where possible. Check weather before committing to an island overnight; remote camps require a boat for the return journey.
Fall	Fall visits	Hurricanes have affected these islands. Review forecasts before traveling and avoid committing to remote island plans when severe weather threatens. Keep transport and overnight arrangements flexible.
Winter	Winter visits	Do not assume a winter date guarantees suitable boating conditions. Check the marine forecast, pack protection from wind and spray, and choose an outing suited to the boat and group's experience.

Permits, fees & closures

No pass or fee is required for park entry. Confirm activity-specific permit requirements with the National Park Service.

Fees: No entrance fee. Boca Chita and Elliott Keys: day-use docking costs $25 Friday–Monday and federal holidays. Overnight camping and docking, including camping aboard a vessel, costs $60 per night and includes up to two tents and six people. Pay daily upon arrival or by official sunset.

Reservations: Boca Chita and Elliott Key docking slips and campsites are first come, first served; reservations are not accepted. Payment is through the recreation.gov app, which must be downloaded before arrival. Payment QR codes are at harbor kiosks on both islands.

Official source: Fees & Passes - Biscayne National Park (U.S. National Park Service) · Verified October 18, 2026

Hazards & regulations

Hurricanes can affect the islands and surrounding waters. Check forecasts and avoid remote island travel when severe weather threatens.
Shallow bay waters, reefs, and shoals demand careful navigation. More than 40 shipwrecks are documented within the park.
Remote island access requires a boat. Plan the return journey and carry communication equipment appropriate to the outing.
American crocodiles and American alligators occur in the park. Keep your distance and never feed or approach them.
Open-water outings expose visitors to sun and weather. Carry drinking water and protection from sun, wind, and spray.

What to pack for Biscayne National Park

Boat travel

Properly fitted life jacket
Navigation equipment suitable for shallow bay and reef waters
Marine communication equipment
Waterproof bags

Personal protection

Drinking water
Sun-protective clothing and hat
Sunscreen
Wind and rain layer

Island overnight

Tent and sleeping equipment
Food for the full outing
Headlamp
Phone with recreation.gov app downloaded
Backup phone power
Waste bags

Build this list in the gear builder →

Wildlife you may see

Manatees inhabit Biscayne Bay.
Green and hawksbill sea turtles occur in the park; island beaches provide sea turtle nesting grounds.
Smalltooth sawfish are among the park's endangered species.
Schaus' swallowtail butterflies occur in the park.
A small population of American crocodiles and a few American alligators live here.
Offshore reefs and waters support more than 200 fish species.
Pelagic birds use the offshore waters.

Biscayne National Park FAQ

Where is Biscayne National Park?: The park lies south of Miami in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It protects Biscayne Bay, offshore islands, mangrove shoreline, and the northernmost region of the Florida Reef.
Can you visit without a boat?: Yes, but access is limited. The mainland visitor center and a jetty at Black Point Marina are accessible without a boat. The islands and the park's other land and sea areas require boat access.
Can island campsites be booked ahead?: No. Campsites and docking slips at Boca Chita and Elliott Keys are first come, first served. Arrange boat transport separately and carry an alternative plan if space is unavailable.
What distinguishes Boca Chita from Elliott Key?: Boca Chita has a small beach and a historic mock lighthouse associated with Mark C. Honeywell's retreat. Elliott Key is the park's largest island and the northernmost true Florida Key, formed from fossilized coral reef.
What habitats can visitors encounter?: Biscayne protects four distinct ecosystems: shoreline mangroves, shallow Biscayne Bay, coral limestone keys, and offshore reefs. The bay contains seagrass beds, sponges, and soft corals; offshore waters support hard corals and abundant fish.