Biscayne National Park is known locally as a fantastic place for recreation. The park protects and preserves a nationally significant marine ecosystem with mangrove shorelines, a shallow bay, undeveloped islands and living coral reefs. The park is 95% water. It has protected these unique resources since 1968. Turquoise waters, emerald islands and fish-bejeweled reefs make Biscayne National Park a paradise for wildlife-watching, snorkeling, diving, boating, fishing and other activities. Within the park boundaries are the longest stretch of mangrove forest left on Florida’s east coast, the clear shallow waters of Biscayne Bay, over 40 of the northernmost Florida Keys and a spectacular living coral reef. Superimposed on all of this natural beauty is evidence of 10,000 years of human history, including stories of native peoples, shipwrecks, pirates, pioneers and Presidents.
Cultural resources at Biscayne National Park represent well over 2,000 years of history and some sites may be as much as 10,000 years old. These resources are rich with archaeological remains, at what has been a crossroads of maritime trade and exploration since the days of the earliest inhabitants of this area.
History & Culture
The lands and submerged bottomlands of Biscayne National Park are rich with archeological remains that document the cultural history of southern Florida and the Florida Keys. Submerged archeological sites include an array of shipwrecks and other representations of maritime casualties, demonstrating the international maritime heritage encompassed in the waters of Biscayne National Park. The archeological remains of many shipwrecks have been found in our waters. The earliest identified shipwreck site is from the mid 18th century. Since historical records document that early European exploration of this region began in the early 16th century, it is possible that earlier remains are waiting to be found here.
Since the arrival of Europeans, the Florida Keys (including what is now Biscayne National Park) have been a converging point for maritime trade routes from Europe and the northeast American continent to the Caribbean, Central and South America and the Gulf of Mexico. The geography and geology of Biscayne National Park present a series of natural factors the Florida reef tract, the Gulf Stream, narrow shallow channels and hurricanes that have caused many ships to founder and wreck. These shipwrecks, as well as other material remains, are now submerged archeological sites within the park and some are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Nature & Science
Keys
Around one hundred thousand years ago the Florida Keys were “under construction.” Built by billions of coral animals, each not much larger than a period. By working together these animals constructed a 150 mile chain of underwater coral reefs. When these reefs later emerged from the sea, they became the islands of the Florida Keys. If you look closely, you can see fossil coral rock on the islands of Biscayne.
Reef
Dive into the undersea realm of the coral reefs and you will discover a feast for the eyes. It is a living kaleidoscope of gaudy colors, bold patterns, intricate designs and peculiar shapes. Alien, yet inviting, the life of the reefs excites and mystifies snorkelers and scientists alike.
Coral
Among the world’s most puzzling creatures are the corals. Early biologists suspected they were plants. But each coral - each brain, finger, or staghorn coral - is actually a colony of thousands of tiny, soft-bodied animals. These animals, called polyps, are relatives of the sea anenome and jellyfish. Rarely seen in the day, the polyps emerge from their hard, stony skeletons at night. It is then that they feed, catching drifting plankton in their outstretched tentacles.
These primitive, unassuming animals are the mighty master builders of the reefs. The creation of one reef requires the team efforts of billions of individuals. Each extracts building material - calcium - from the sea and uses it to make itself a protective tube-shaped skeleton. Together, hundreds of these skeletons make a coral. Many corals, growing side by side and one on top of the other, form a reef.
Corals are very particular about where they build reefs. Like the offshore seas of Biscayne, the water must be just the right temperature, just the right depth and be clean and well-lit. Such conditions exist all along the Florida Keys in and south of Biscayne and in the Caribbean, as well as in other tropical oceans.
An Undersea Metropolis
The reefs are the cities of the sea. In and around them lives a huge and diverse population of fish and other marine creatures. Every hole, every crack is a home for something. Some inhabitants, like the Christmas tree worm, even live anchored to the coral. And there is food to satisfy all tastes. Corals are eaten by flamingo tongues, which are snail-like mollusks and fish. Fish are food for other fish and quite often, for seafood gourmets.
Recreation
Since 95% of the park is covered by water, the best way to get to know Biscayne is to get wet or at least get out on a boat. A park concessioner offers several opportunities for those without a boat of their own, including glass bottom boat tours, snorkeling trips, dive trips, island excursions and canoe & kayak rentals. Interpretive programs are conducted regularly by rangers at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, where exhibits and films also provide an introduction to the park.
Getting There
From the north to Convoy Point
Take Florida’s Turnpike and then the Homestead extension of the Turnpike south, to Exit 6 (Speedway Blvd). Turn left from exit ramp south to S. W. 328th St (North Canal Drive.). Turn left and go to the end of the road. Approximately 5 miles, entrance is on the left.
From US-1 to Convoy Point
Take US 1 to Homestead. Go east on SW 328th Street and go the end of the road. Approximately 9 miles, entrance is on the left.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Biscayne National Park
9700 SW 328 Street
Homestead, FL 33033-5634
Phone: 305-230-7275
Operating Hours & Seasons
The water portion of Biscayne National Park is open 24 hours a day. Convoy Point is open daily (except December 25) from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Weather/Climate
South Florida’s subtropical climate ensures plentiful sunshine year-round. Winters are normally dry and mild, with the occasional weather front coming through bringing winds and some rain. Summers are hot and humid with scattered thundershowers most afternoons. The powerful rays of the sun make it a good idea to wear a hat, sunglasses, protective clothing and SPF-15 (or above) sunscreen when planning outdoor activities.
