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Biscayne National Park consists of 73,000 acres, 95% of which is covered by water. The park was designated in 1968 to preserve a rare combination of amphibious, terrestrial and marine life. The tropical setting of the park offers picturesque beauty to visitors.
The park is located on Biscayne Bay. Mangrove Forest stretches for miles. Coral reefs were left when sea levels dropped. Islands have no bridges or roads and allow visitors a glimpse of what the Florida Keys were like before they were developed. Biscayne is home to the third longest coral reef in the world. It is the natural habitat to over 200 species of marine plants, fish and animals.
The land and submerged lands of Biscayne are rich in cultural and archeological remains, which include submerged shipwrecks. The oldest sunken ship discovered in Biscayne’s waters dates back to the 18th Century. Europeans first started exploring the area in the 16th Century. The shipwreck and other submerged archeological sites are listed in Florida’s Register of Historical Places.
Inside the park’s boundaries are many endangered species. These include the West Indian Manatee, the American Crocodile, Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, several species of turtles and the Schaus Swallowtail Butterfly.
There are hundreds of bird species that call the park home. Rare birds include the Greater Flamingo, the Wood Duck, the Scarlet Ibis and the American White Pelican. Bird watchers flock to the area to pursue their favorite hobby.
The Florida Keys is a group of 42 tropical islands. Elliott Key is the largest and is the first island of the true Florida Keys. The islands are remains of coral reefs, which were formed while still under water.
Near the shore of the islands, mangroves, glasswort and other plants that are able to tolerate the salt water can be seen. As you move inland, plant species change. Here you will see mahogany, ironwood and hemlock. These are not found anywhere in the Continental United States except southern Florida.
Insects are abundant. Orb spiders, mosquitoes and dragonflies thrive in the tropical climate. This area is the natural habitat for the Schaus Swallowtail Butterfly, which is on the Endangered Species List. Raccoons, marsh rabbits, rodents, rattlesnakes and lizards can also be spotted on occasion.
Long before Europeans arrived in the area, the Tequesta People established fishing and hunting camps on the islands. Their main camp was located at the mouth of the Miami River, where the city of Miami stands today.
Living coral reefs can be seen in the park. The kaleidoscope of colors is awesome. Polyps, loggerhead turtles and tiny coral animals delight visitors, along with Sea whips, sea fans and other soft corals. Parrot fish, green morays, jewfish and butterfly fish make the reef a bustling city of life.
A great way to explore Biscayne Bay is by boat. You will need excellent boating skills in order to protect yourself and the fragile resources found in the bay. Seagrass meadows lie beneath the crystal waters. They are a vital part of the bay’s ecosystem and are the breeding ground of a wide variety of sea species. The root systems stabilize the bay’s sediment, leaving the water clear and clean. The meadows are the grazing area for sea urchins, manatees, parrot fish and sea turtles. Grounded vessels are a danger to the fragile meadows and cause extensive damage, which takes years to rejuvenate. There have been more than 700 vessel groundings in the bay since 1995.
Bon Chita Key provides great camping resources, though pesky mosquitoes flourish and breed year round. Campsites are designated. All campsites have grills and a picnic table. A restroom is available but there are no showers or sinks. There is no fishing allowed in the creeks feeding the wetlands or in the harbor. Fishing is allowed in other areas.
Bring your own water for cooking and drinking when visiting the park. The only water available is salt water. Pets are not allowed on boats that travel in shallow waters or which are moored in the harbor. All domestic animals are prohibited on Boco Chita Key.
Sunshine is plentiful in Biscayne National Park. Summer afternoons often bring a light shower or scattered thunderstorms, which do not last long. The climate in the entire park and surrounding area is hot and humid. Winters are mild and dry. On occasion, winds bring some rain but are welcomed by visitors who often view it as a reprieve from a hot summer day.
When visiting Biscayne National Park, be sure to use sunscreen with high protection. Use sunglasses in all season to protect your eyes from strong ultra violet rays.
Personal watercraft such as skidoos and jet skies are not allowed within park boundaries for environmental reasons.
Biscayne National Park is a place of quiet beauty. A place to spend time viewing the wonders of nature and reflecting on peace and solitude. Be sure to put it on your vacation list. It is the vacation of a lifetime.
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