Biscayne National Park Sports & Outdoors Tips by grandmaR Top 5 Page for this destination

Boating

under construction

Glass Bottom Boat Trip
One Trip Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Visiting the reefs and islands of Biscayne National Park are a highlight of any visit. Windy conditions, common during winter months, will allow you to explore the Florida Keys on foot with less annoyance from insects, while calm conditions afford an opportunity to see the spectacular world of the coral reef. Sea turtles, dolphins, and colorful tropical fish are just a few of the surprises you might encounter on this three-hour boat tour. Reservations are recommended. Fee is $24.45 plus tax for adults, $16.45 for children under 12 years, and $19.45 for seniors. Eight passenger minimum.

For more information call 305-230-1100, or e-mail the park's concessioner. Reservations must be made by phone or in person; e-mail reservations not accepted.


Snorkeling Trip
One Trip Daily 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of the park is by snorkeling in Biscayne Bay, or on the living coral reefs offshore. Reservations are recommended. Water time: 1 hour. For trips to the coral reef, fees are $35.00 for adults, and $29.95 for kids under 12. Bay snorkeling trips are priced at $25.95. Prices do not include tax, but do include all required equipment. Eight passenger minimum. A brief orientation, conducted by a park ranger, begins 30 minutes before departure.

For more information call 305-230-1100, or e-mail the park's concessioner. Reservations must be made by phone or in person; e-mail reservations not accepted.

Scuba Diving
8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays

Certified divers can discover the wonder and pristine beauty of South Florida's living coral reefs. A two tank dive is $54.00 plus tax (weights included; additional equipment rental extra). Reservations are required and eight passenger minimum applies.

Equipment: Visitors with canoes or kayaks of their own can launch them for free at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. Leaving a vehicle in the parking lot overnight is permitted when camping on one of the park's islands, but stop into the Visitor Center to fill out a free parking permit. The park's concessioner can sometimes provide transport to Elliott Key for campers and their canoes and kayaks, allowing exploration of the islands and creeks without the potentially daunting crossing of Biscayne Bay.

The park's concessioner rents canoes and kayaks on a first-come, first-served basis from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm every day when weather permits. These rental vessels must stay within sight of Convoy Point, and must be returned by 4:00 pm. There are some small creeks and channels just north of Convoy Point that provide habitat for large and small fish, and many visitors catch a glimpse of an American crocodile or manatee in these areas. Rental fees are $12/hour for canoes and $16/hour for kayaks

Phone: 305-230-1100

Theme: Kayaking/Canoeing

Website: http://www.nps.gov/bisc/planyourvisit/canoeing-and-kayaking.htm