Being the National Park junkies that we are, we decided to hit all 3 of Florida’s National Parks on our visit in February 2023. The first park we went to was Biscayne National Park, which is 20 miles south of Miami. Biscayne National Park encompasses 172,971 acres and was established as a National Park in 1980. The park is truly a unique experience because 95% of the park is water. The park consists of 4 distinct ecosystems. The shoreline mangrove swamp, shallow waters of the bay, limestone keys, and the offshore Florida reef.

The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is located 9 miles east of Homestead FL and can be reached by taking exit 6 off the Florida Turnpike. Turn Left from the exit ramp and continue to SW 328th Street. Turn left and continue to the end of the road. The park entrance is on the left . The park district and park waters are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week all year. The Visitor Center is open 9a-5p, seven days a week. The park does not have an entrance fee. The Visitor Center offers a beautiful museum featuring dioramas, audio and video. Several films are also available for viewing. There is a small gift store located on the top floor with a few snacks available.

We had a small group snorkel experience booked in the afternoon with Biscayne National Park Institute (http://Biscaynenationalparkintstitute.org). The trip was a 3.5 hour experience and began at 1:30p. We arrived at the visitor center and explored the area. We had our own snorkeling equipment, but all equipment can be rented at the Visitor Center. Fins are required for all participants. The boat did have some shade. Drinking water is available, but they ask you to bring a refillable container to minimize trash. They recommend bringing a light jacket and towels. Do not bring anything that can not get wet. I would also suggest a snack such as a granola/protein bar as well.

The guided trip is on a 28-31 foot powerboat. Your captain chooses the snorkel site based on the day’s weather and sea conditions. The open ocean was too murky for snorkeling, so we stayed bayside and snorkeled near the mangroves. We were able to see many species of juvenile fish and lobster at both sites we snorkeled. The snorkeling sites we visited were shallow and they do not want you to touch the bottom of the sea floor with the fins. I found that floating was a great way to allow the fish to come up to you. You can use the roots of the mangroves as leverage to guide yourself deeper into the areas of the mangrove swamp. This is where you can see additional varieties of juvenile fish. But do not grab a mangrove root with orange/red fire coral attached, you will get a nasty burn.

On our way to and from our snorkeling sites, our captain and guide (Lewis and Dan) discussed the history of Biscayne Bay, the people and the keys associated with the bay. Once back at the The Visitor Center, we unloaded from the boat, returned any rented snorkeling equipment and our life jackets. We changed out of our wet suits in the bathroom and headed home.

Most people that visit the Miami area, do not venture into the National Parks. I strongly encourage you to explore the beauty the area has to offer. In order to fully experience Biscayne National Park, one of the water based tours is essential. You will not be disappointed!