Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park protects the spectacular underwater life of Biscayne Bay and the coral reefs, as well as the tropical hardwood hammocks of its keys. It is an unparalleled wildlife sanctuary, protecting an incredible diversity of mammals, birds, fish and flora. Visible from downtown Miami, Biscayne boasts a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Visit Biscayne and see why humans, ranging from pirates to pineapple farmers to presidents, have been inhabiting this area for 10,000 years.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Mark LewisPhone Number: 305-230-7275
Entrance Fees: Free
Sights: Biscayne Bay; Florida Keys; Stiltsville
Endangered Species: West Indian Manatee; Eastern Indigo Snake; Piping Plover; American Crocodile; Peregrine Falcon; Schaus' Swallowtail Butterfly; Least Tern; Loggerhead Sea Turtle; Leatherback Sea Turtle; Kemps Ridley Turtle; Green Turtle; Hawksbill Turtle
Important Dates
Established as Park: June 28, 1980By The Numbers
Acres: 172,924.00Highest Point: Totten Key; Old Rhodes Key (9 feet)
Annual Visitation: 608,836 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :25.643610 / -80.146680 (map it)
State: FL
Nearby Big City: Homestead, FL
Gateway Communities: Homestead, FL; Miami, FL; Key Largo, FL; Biscayne, FL
Nearby Airports: Miami International Airport (MIA)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
In Detail
Activities & Programs Fishing is exceptional at Biscayne all year. In the bay, snapper, grouper and sea trout are plentiful. On the ocean side of the keys, you'll find hogfish and tuna. A fishing license is required and Fl ... read more.
At Your Fingertips Park Headquarters/Information (305) 230-PARK (7275) www.nps.gov/bisc Emergencies (305) 247-7272 Lost and Found (305) 230-PARK (7275) Camping Information (305) 230-PARK (7275) Boat and Diving T ... read more.
Camping Biscayne National Park offers a wonderful respite from the rapid pace of urban life. One of the best ways to enjoy the parks beauty is to spend a few days camping on Elliott Key or Boca Chita Key, bo ... read more.
Flora & Fauna There are four "worlds" at Biscayne National Park: the mangrove shoreline, the waters of the bay, the keys and the coral reefs. Since 95% of Biscayne National Park is water, the majority of animals ... read more.
Maritime Heritage Trail The Mandalay was built in 1928 to sail around the world on the eve of the Great Depression. By the time she ran aground in 1965 in the shallow waters of Biscayne National Park, the two-masted schoone ... read more.
Oh, Ranger! Growing up, my grandparents had a bayfront house in the Florida Keys. I devoted pretty much all of my time to exploring the area. With my grandmother's Tupperware in hand and a pair of raggedy sneake ... read more.
Visitor Services General Information Convoy Point is where most people begin their visit to Biscayne National Park. The park is open daily, 24 hours, but without a boat there is little access outside the hours of 7 a ... read more.
Recent News
- This Waterworld Named Biscayne National Park September 3, 2008, 2:16 pm
- Divers hospitalized after blacking out in waters April 19, 2008, 8:48 pm
News from the Parks
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.





