![]() ![]() South Florida's subtropical climate produces forest types that are more typical of the Caribbean than of mainland North America. Biscayne National Park is a reef and an island sanctuary in the northern Florida Keys, in the state of Florida, United States.The park is mainly a coastline reserve that focuses on protecting the tropical waters, coral reefs, and mangrove swamps, and is primarily aquatic.The park has an area of roughly 700 sq. The geology of the area has been influenced by changing sea levels, currents, hurricanes, and reef-building organisms like corals. The park's four primary ecosystems are comprised of a variety of smaller communities like seagrass meadows, hardbottom areas and hardwood hammocks. All of the park islands provide a protective barrier for Biscayne Bay and the mainland.Īlthough Biscayne National Park has an extensive human history spanning over 10,000 years, the park was established for its natural features. They share features of the hard rock coral keys to the south and some with the sand barrier islands to the north. The islands to the north of Elliott Key, from Sands Key to Soldier Key, are considered "transitional" islands. Today, you can see remains of the coral around Elliott Key. Elliott and the keys to the south are the remains of coral reefs, which formed when ocean waters were much higher than they are now. Elliott Key is the park's largest island and is considered the first of the true Florida Keys. As we cruise in Biscayne National Park, enjoy great bird watching as you’re immersed in a. Half-day and full-day scuba or snorkel tours on our powerboats go to the reef, wrecks, or bay, based on the weather. They offer a glimpse into what all of the Keys looked like before development. Snorkel or scuba the beautiful, clear waters of Biscayne National Park while learning about its unique marine habitat and inhabitants. Visitors can camp and tour the island's restored historic buildings, including the county's second-largest lighthouse and a tiny chapel.There are 42 islands in Biscayne National Park, which anchor together the northern end of the coral rock Florida Keys and transition to the sand barrier islands in the north. Elliott Key, often considered the first of the Florida Keys, is the largest island in the park. Together the islands shelter the bay as well as the Florida mainland, from the ocean. Cape Florida has long served as a beacon for freedom - from Seminole Indians seeking to remain in their Florida home, to fugitive slaves and Black Seminoles who secretly. Experience breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay from atop the historic 1825 Cape Florida Lighthouse. Find out the best time to go, where to go, what to do and more. Welcome to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. If you'd prefer to rough it a little more, the 29-acre island known as Boca Chita Key, once an exclusive haven for yachters, has now become a popular spot for all manner of boaters. From a distance the subtropical keys appear as a string of emeralds rising from azure waters along the edge of Biscayne Bay. Learn how to plan your visit to Biscayne National Park, the largest island in the park, where you can camp, fish, hike, snorkel and explore the Florida Reef. During Columbus Day weekend, there is a very popular regatta for which a lively crowd of party people gathers - sometimes in the nude - to celebrate the long weekend. It's about 9 miles from Convoy Point, the park's official headquarters on land. The most popular is Elliott Key, which has campsites and a visitor center, plus freshwater showers (cold water only), restrooms, trails, and a buoyed swim area. The park consists of 44 islands, but only a few of them are open to visitors. Its extensive reef system is renowned by divers and snorkelers worldwide. The park's small mainland mangrove shoreline and keys are best explored by boat. ![]() ![]() Use your time here to explore underwater life, but also to relax. There are 42 islands in Biscayne National Park, which anchor together the northern end of the coral rock Florida Keys and transition to the sand barrier. From a distance the subtropical keys appear as a string of emeralds rising from azure waters along the edge of Biscayne Bay. To be fully appreciated, Biscayne National Park should be thought of as more preserve than destination. Ocean side view of Elliott Key looking West. ![]()
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