Photo By: Jacob Lips
The Biscayne National Park in Miami, Florida, is a marine park, with 172,971 acres of rich aquatic resources and beautiful mangroves. Ninety-five percent of the area is water, and the shore is an expansive green mangrove forest.
Close to 470,000 people visited this park in 2018.
History
The park mainly preserves Biscayne Bay, which was supposed to be part of the Everglades National Park. Authorities decided that the Everglades is already too large an area to be protected, so Biscayne Bay became a separate entity. It used to get its water from rain and groundwater reserves, but in the mid-1900s, the government decided to drain the Everglades with some of its water. This led to the construction of canals, so that water from Everglades reaches the Biscayne Bay.
Around 10,000 years ago, Biscayne Bay was mostly dry and was inhabited by Native Americans. The bay was only submerged some 4,000 years ago. Proof of the settlers was buried underwater.
Photo By: Jacob Lips
Things to do
Since the majority of the area is water, most of the activities include water. But there are still a lot of activities in store for visitors, and Biscayne Bay has so much to offer beyond its beautiful emerald hue.
Eco-adventures
The emerald waters of Biscayne Bay is a sight to behold, but the treasures under are even more magnificent. Snorkeling is a must-do activity at the park. There are shipwrecks at the Maritime Heritage Trail with coral reefs and some proof of ship life, before it went underwater.
There are six wrecks in this trail: Arratoon Apcar (1878), Erl King (1891), Alicia (1905), Lugano (1913), Mandalay (1966) and a wooden sailing vessel. All of these shipwrecks are 100 years, more or less. The vessels are of varying sizes, which one can see for themselves while snorkeling or diving. The Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, which is known as Eye of Miami, is part of the trail, and this is a great area for snorkeling.
Boating
This is the best way to experience the park and spot dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and smalltooth sawfish. Biscayne Bay is also home to some of the most beautiful and colorful coral reefs. There are over 500 species of reef fish at the Biscayne Bay, so visitors will be treated to an opportunity to see the different and colorful schools of fish.
Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding
To those who want to explore the mangrove, any of these transportations will do canoe, kayak, and paddleboard. The mangroves are in shallow waters, unsafe for boats to anchor, but the tourists can go deep into the forest in some regions.
The Jones Lagoon is one of the least explored areas of the park because of its shallow waters. Hence, small-sized boats can visit the area, which is the perfect place to spot some jellyfish, rays and wading birds. At Hurricane Creek, visitors might see some colorful sea squirts, anemones, and crabs, among others.
For the paddlers, there are at least six paddling trails, each with varying difficulty. The more experienced ones may even cross Biscayne Bay to Elliott or Boca Chita Keys.
Birding
Biscayne National Park maybe 95% water but the mangrove forests are great for nesting, which makes the park a great birding venue. Different areas of the park boast of different species of birds. At the Convoy Point, there are yellow-crowned night herons, loggerhead shrikes, and northern mockingbirds. The mangroves are also a favorite among cuckoos.
The Black Point is a favorite spot among prairie warblers, while the Black Point shoreline is usually enlivened by the presence of white ibis, blue herons, and egrets. Pelicans and cormorants may also be spotted in the area. When visitors look up, they might see some turkey vultures flying around. A lot of rare birds are spotted in Elliot Key like the Bahama mockingbirds or bananaquits.
The Fowey Rocks Lighthouse is not only a tourist spot in itself, but it is also a resting spot for brown boobies and brown pelicans. Sometimes, one may also spot peregrine falcons.
Fishing & lobstering
Because it is rich in marine resources, fishing and lobstering are popular hobbies in the park. However, taking home lobsters are generally prohibited. There are seasons when this is allowed, but not in the sanctuary. So if anyone successfully gets a lobster, it has to be returned. Visitors who plan to do some fishing should brush up with the regulations, before jumping on a boat with fishing gear. The bay is rich in bonefish, groupers, tarpons, and snappers.
Camping
Five percent of the park is land, so visitors can still camp. There are campgrounds in Boca Chita and Elliott Keys. Campers have to take a boat to reach the campgrounds.
Photo By: Jacob Lips