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Biscayne National Park
A true water-first national park—95% of Biscayne is on the water, with shallow turquoise flats, island harbors, and reefs best reached by boat.
Biscayne National Park is one of Florida’s most boat-centric destinations: about 173,000 acres where roughly 95% is water. From glassy Biscayne Bay to offshore reefs and mangrove-lined keys, the park is built for days underway—cruising marked channels, anchoring up for a swim, or hopping to island docks.
Unlike many national parks, the signature experiences here aren’t at roadside viewpoints. The best of Biscayne—Boca Chita Key’s harbor, the island chain, and reef country offshore—typically requires a boat. Plan for shallow areas, shifting depths with tide, and plenty of sun exposure on open water.
Use Convoy Point (Dante Fascell Visitor Center) as your on-land planning hub for maps, conditions, and orientation, then launch from one of the nearby public marinas to start your Biscayne run.
What to expect on the water
Biscayne is defined by shallow flats, clear water, and a mix of sheltered bay runs and more exposed offshore routes. You’ll navigate marked channels, spot seagrass meadows and mangroves, and find popular island harbors that work well for day trips or overnight camping. Depth can change quickly—especially near island entrances—so tide timing matters, particularly for deeper-draft boats.
Find This Destination
Getting There
On-water access across Biscayne Bay; most island/reef stops are a short boat run from nearby county ramps and marinas.
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About This Destination
Biscayne National Park protects a rare slice of South Florida’s marine environment: Biscayne Bay, the park’s keys (islands), and coral reef ecosystems. With most of the park underwater, boating is the primary way to explore—whether you’re heading to an island dock, snorkeling near the reefs, or cruising the bay on a calm afternoon.
Exact on-land planning location (Park HQ): Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point (9700 SW 328th Street, Sir Lancelot Jones Way, Homestead, FL 33033). Info Desk: 786-335-3620. Hours: Convoy Point grounds 7:00 AM–5:30 PM daily; Visitor Center 9:00 AM–5:00 PM daily. Park navigable waters are open 24/7.
Boats to Get You There
Reelaxin
Giselle at Coral Gables
OSIRIS
Seasheppard
License To Chill
Reelaxin
Giselle at Coral Gables
OSIRIS
Seasheppard
License To Chill
Local boating tips for Biscayne
Plan around tides—many areas are shallow, and some entrances can be especially skinny at low water.
Follow marked channels and keep an eye out for flats that rise quickly outside the cuts.
If you’re docking at island harbors, arrive with time to maneuver and rig lines/fenders before entering tight areas.
Parking at Convoy Point is free, but spaces for trailers/RVs are limited and there is no overnight parking—use designated lots only.
Bring snorkel gear for calm days, but choose conditions carefully if heading toward the more exposed reef areas.
Popular boat routes
Convoy Point Planning Stop → Boca Chita Key Harbor Day Trip
Use Convoy Point for last-minute maps and conditions, then launch nearby and run to Boca Chita Key—an iconic, easy-to-love stop with a protected harbor, short trails, and lighthouse views. Note: the harbor entrance can be shallow (around 4 ft at low tide), so deep-draft boats should use extreme caution and time your arrival.
Central Bay Cruise from Black Point Park & Marina
A flexible route for cruising Biscayne Bay with quick access to open water and island hopping options. Great for a relaxed day underway when you want easy ramp logistics and a straightforward run into the park.
North Bay Run toward the Key Biscayne / Stiltsville Vicinity
Launch from a north/central access point and explore northern Biscayne Bay. Ideal for a shorter cruise day with scenic water, photo-friendly landmarks, and a lighter run compared to the southern keys.
Boat Biscayne with BoatPass
BoatPass makes it easy to plan a Biscayne National Park day on the water—whether you’re aiming for an island harbor stop, a bay cruise, or a snorkel-friendly route on a calm forecast. BoatPass membership covers captain, fuel, and docking on all trips, with no initiation fees, no contracts, and the flexibility to cancel anytime. Choose from 3,000+ boats across 300+ marinas globally, and book through the app, website, or concierge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point (Park Headquarters): 25.4406, -80.3327. It’s the main on-land hub for visitor information and trip planning.
Yes. Biscayne is about 173,000 acres and roughly 95% is water, which is why boating is the primary way to experience the park’s islands, bay, and reefs.
Most boaters launch from nearby county marinas/ramps rather than at the visitor center. Common options include Herbert Hoover Marina at Homestead Bayfront Park (closest to Convoy Point), Black Point Park & Marina, Matheson Hammock Marina, and Crandon Park Marina (Key Biscayne area).
Boca Chita Key has a popular harbor with cleated bulkhead docking and is one of the park’s most-visited stops. The harbor entrance can be shallow (around 4 ft at low tide), so deep-draft vessels should use extreme caution and plan with the tide.
Convoy Point grounds are open 7:00 AM–5:30 PM daily, and the Dante Fascell Visitor Center is open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM daily. Park navigable waters are open 24/7.
Yes—parking at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center is free. Spaces for RVs and trailers are limited, there’s no overnight parking, and you should park only in designated lots (no parking on grass or shoulders).
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