Biscayne National Park cabins are your ticket to an aquatic paradise, teeming with marine life and stunning mangroves, inlets, and creek habitats to discover. Be sure to file a float plan, carry appropriate sun protection and water supplies, and check the weather before heading out. Here are some of the most lush nautical hikes that the park has to offer:
A 10-mile round trip, this hike takes in the glistening Black Point Marina and Ocean Grill. A comprehensive exploration of the coastline between the Canoe Launch and Black Point, you'll find mangroves rich with marine life. Take care when crossing large channels on your path.
A 2-mile canoe hike takes you through dense-rooted mangroves to a canal inhabited by manatees, osprey, and large-billed pelicans. Spot the Spoil Islands before closing the loop.
Paddle along Bayfront Park and La Playa Grille before exploring Crocodile Creek. This 4-mile round trip encompasses plenty of mangroves, where a myriad of wildlife species entertains and enthralls you. Loop back to the visitor center after exploring the headland. This hike is ideal for inexperienced paddlers and a favorite with visitors to hotels near Biscayne National Park.
A 17-mile round trip, this trail takes you east into Biscayne Bay to Elliott Key. Here you can dock and enjoy refreshments before your trip back.
Swathes of sand flats, fertile reefs, and winnowing meadows of seagrass beckon you to explore this marine paradise. Hotels near Biscayne National Park offer a scintillating range of adventures in this diverse preserve, from seaplane tours to lobstering. Here's what not to miss:
Take part in a free fishing class at the park. Fishing and lobstering are subject to state law, so you will need a license and will have to observe relevant regulations. To prevent stocks from dwindling, it is prohibited to remove the spiny lobster from Biscayne Bay and the Lobster Sanctuary without proper authorization.
Sea turtles float effortlessly through the warm, turquoise waters of the park. Explore a vivacious submarine world of fire corals and sea fans, goliath grouper and queen conch, sawfish and sea urchins. Biscayne National Park Institute offers recreational and edifying experiences like guided snorkeling tours. If diving over the park's shipwrecks is your goal, come to Tropic Scuba for tours and equipment rental.
Island Dreamer Sailing School and Pelican Island Skipper let you charter your own vessel or enjoy sailing lessons and guided tours departing from Miami. For 2-hour marine tours of the bay, come to Ocean Force Adventures, which also gives tours of Stiltsville. NecFlo Outfitters offers both hourly equipment rentals and guided paddle boarding tours.
There's so much to excite families at Biscayne National Park. Besides a plethora of water sports, the park is home to more than 500 species of reef fish, including several endangered species. Come and learn about this spectacular natural environment through play today:
Crystal clear water sparkles beneath the hull of your kayak or canoe as you glide though the shallow, mangrove-lined waters of the park, discovering its marine wonders. Launch your craft in Adam's Bay, and venture out on day trips to the islands' lagoons and creeks to the south of Caesar Creek. Spot rays and inverted jellyfish in Jones Lagoon, overlooked by a busy bird rookery.
Launch your vessel on the glittering water and traverse the 7-mile diameter of Biscayne Bay to Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key. Shallow-hulled craft can mosey up Hurricane Creek, a historic hideout for mariners during periods of stormy weather. Plop into the mangroves with your snorkel to spot crabs and waving anemones. Arrive in time for Columbus Day Weekend and be part of the festive fleet of party boats.
Besides becoming a Junior Ranger, your kids will be thrilled by the engaging activities during this Second Sunday event, which runs between December and April annually. The free event involves costume events, crafting, and fun learning experiences that educate children about park science and culture.