Biscayne National Underwater Park, An Adventure On, In, and Under the Sea !!
Written: Oct 22 '02 (Updated May 30 '07)
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Pros: Unique Park less than an hour from Miami
Cons: Weather can change quickly and may hinder your visit.
The Bottom Line: Biscayne is such a diverse water wonderland that should not be missed. There are very few such places in the continental US.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Biscayne National Park |
TWICE THE FUN
I was fortunate enough to visit this park twice this last summer. My wife and I did a Florida Keys vacation in May. We enjoyed it so much we did it again with the kids in August.
Both times we flew into Miami from NY. Rented a car and drove to Homestead. The vacations were a series of stops. We did the Everglades, Biscayne National Park, , and then traveled down the Keys taking a few days. We eventually got to Key West. We stayed there a few days. On out second vacation I made a trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park It's an Island off Key West. There was some awesome snorkeling there! But that's all another story.
If you take the Miami Turnpike south to the end you will be in Homestead. Yes, this is the town that was devastated a few years ago in a hurricane. It's rebuilt and looking good. We stayed at the local Hampton Inn both times. It was perfect for our needs. The continental breakfast was great for getting the day started with the kids. This was a good area to see both parks from. You have restaurants, other places to stay, and strip mall shopping all nearby.
The park is just nine miles away!! FYI the Everglades are just about the same distance away but west rather than east from the hotel. There is a lot to see between the two. The great thing is if there are high winds or ocean swells one day maybe you can do the Everglades instead and get to the water the next.
THE PARK
Anyways, lets talk about Biscayne. It is the first ever underwater national park. It was established as a park in 1980. It was first put aside as a national monument in 1968. That was important because that then protected these waters from commercial fishing, development of resorts, and many other practices that were detrimental to the sea life of the area.
The park consists of Mangrove shore line, about 40 barrier islands, and all the water underneath the area stretching out to the Gulf Stream.
THE VISITORS CENTER
The first time we were there the winds were very strong. We could not go out snorkeling. We instead spent time in the Visitors center. This I alway recommend as your first stop in one of these parks. They have a short slide show that gives you a feel of the diversity of the the eco systems in the area.
The center is upstairs. They do have an elevator and ramp to make it accessible to the handicapped. The boat tours are also open to them with aid from the concessionaires. The boat tours are a must for everyone. I'll tell you more about this later.
In the visitors center you will meet a ranger at the desk. They will help you with any questions you may have. they can tell you about the area and sign you up for any talks, walks, and hikes in the area. These are run by the parks service with a ranger or naturalist leading.
If you are looking to camp make plans ahead of time about what to bring. Camping on Elliot key gives you primitive campsites. There is no drinking water so you must bring your own. Get information about camping ahead of time. Camping on Elliot Key and Boca Chita Key have a fourteen day limit and are available on first come first serve basis.
The Dante Fascell Visitors Center is also the park head quarters. They also have a museum there This is all part of the new visitors center complex. A dock area for the tour boats and those private boats coming in for the day is at this location. There is a docking fee of fifteen dollars for those coming in on private boats only.
MORE INFO AND THINGS TO DO
Available at the center are canoes and kayaks . We were disappointed when they called us in because they felt the winds were too strong. They have a wonderful areas to investigate while paddling. You can check out the mangroves and the fresh water streams. Many Manatees are seen in these waters. There is also a twenty minute walk you can take right from the center. Be sure to ask about the Passport to Your National Parks Program. This is a fun way of collecting parks. Ask them about it at the desk. It's great!
BOAT TRIPS
The park has private concessionaires who run the boat tours. They have glass bottom boats that take you over some of the best live reefs in the states. You get great views of all the fish and underwater plants. This is an eye popping tour. If you have never seen underwater salt water fish in all their glorious colors you are missing a great experience.
The boats only go out to the reef in good seas. If it happens to be rough they will take you to the protected waters inside the barrier islands. It is important that you make reservations ahead of time. They sometimes get very busy.
National Underwater park inc
9700 SW 328th St.
Homestead, Fla.
33033
(305) 230-1100
dive970@aol.com
The fees are $22.95 per adult and kids under 12 are $14.95.It is up to the concessionaire as to whether there are enough people on board to take the trip. The boat take two trips out a day, 9:00AM and 1:00PM
SNORKELING
The snorkeling goes out twice per day also 1:30PM and 4:30PM. This is when it is busy. It is important to call ahead. Reservations are a must on busy days. The crew getting you oriented was excellent. They do give beginners lessons. Everybody is given a highly visible, blow up vest to wear. You do not have to inflate it if you want to do some free diving. They take you out and give you a one hour fifteen minute time in the water. The price is $32.95 per person. That includes gear of snorkel, mask, and fins. A ranger gives a quick land side description and safety measures at the center before you go out. It's a good orientation to what you are about to see.
I just want to comment once more about the crew on the snorkel trips. The are wonderful! They are extremely safety conscious and want to share all their knowledge. While on the ride out and then back in they constantly are on the watch for interesting things. They went out of their way to be sure everyone was comfortable with the equipment and special attention went to first timers and and children.
I failed to mention that they will take out divers every morning a 9:00. If you are not certified I suggest getting that done near where you live. It will generally costless at home than in the Florida area and you don't need to waste your time getting it while on vacation.
OUR EXPERIENCE
We had a great time snorkeling. Because the day was particularly calm the boat took us out to a reef area they rarely go to. It was wonderful! The fish, flora, and fauna were all so interesting. I love the way sea fans gently sway in the water and the colours are fantastic! We saw Parrotfish, Angelfish, grouper, baracuda, a shark (non threatening kind) lobster and so many other fish. We didn't get to see any sea turtles on this trip. The brain coral and all the other kind are so interesting to observe. The key to snorkeling is to sit still and take your time. Where you didn't see much will soon be teeming with life as they get used to you. Don't forget to purchase an underwater camera. We got some great shots.
You can also get a boat rides to the islands if you like. There is another visitors center, picnic areas, trails, camping, and relaxing time. read up on the few places you can go. There is even a mock lighthouse that was built to be a vantage point to see the islands.
GETTING MARRIED?
You can even make arrangements to get married on one of their boats. Yes one of the captains sets it up for you, the marriage, not the partner. He can do it on shore or out at sea.
ANOTHER LOCAL SITE
If you are really into snorkeling I suggest taking a trip or two out of John Pennekamp Reef State Park. They are real pros there and have some unbelievably beautiful sites they go to. Biscayne and Pennekamp border each other. You can get to Pennekamp from Key Largo.
Wherever you go, slow down, and enjoy.
MOSQUITOS
We were there in the summer and didn't have a mosquito problem. I have read though that it's a good idea to bring repellant. I'm just thinking we were there on breezy days. Maybe that was a help. Be prepared.
My family and I really loved all this area. To read more about our vacation click on any of the following links
Coral Fish A Book That Displays Incredibly Colourful Fish and Educates Snorkelers and Divers
Hampton Inn, Homestead, Florida city area. Centrally located between the Everglades and Biscayne National park
http://www.epinions.com/content_77241290372
Everglades National Park
http://www.epinions.com/content_75027549828
Key West
http://www.epinions.com/content_744314999908
Dry Totugas National Park
http://www.epinions.com/content_75011886724
Wyndham Casa Marina Hotel, Key West
http://www.epinions.com/content_75390619268
Hampton Inn, Islamorada
http://www.epinions.com/content_74425929348
Hampton Inn, Key West
http://www.epinions.com/content_74483338884
Passport to your National Parks
http://www.epinions.com/content_76095131268
National park System
http://www.epinions.com/content_2908004484
I do hope this can help you have a great trip in the Keys area.
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: Anytime
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Paddling & Water Sports
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