Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park encompasses 173,000 acres of which 95% lies beneath the sparkling waters of southern Florida. As guardian of the northernmost living coral reef in the continental United States, the park protects a marine wilderness mere miles from Miami's urban sprawl. This underwater wonderland harbors over 600 fish species amid elkhorn and brain coral formations. The park preserves four distinct ecosystems: mainland mangrove shoreline, shallow Biscayne Bay, coral limestone keys, and offshore reefs. Manatees glide through seagrass meadows while endangered sea turtles nest on quiet beaches. The mangrove forests create crucial nurseries for juvenile fish, their tangled roots filtering water and protecting coastlines from storms. Maritime heritage adds another dimension with six historic shipwrecks forming an underwater archaeological trail. Glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling, and diving reveal tropical fish in technicolor variety. Despite proximity to millions of residents, much of Biscayne remains wild and pristine, offering escape into a liquid wilderness where dolphins play and coral gardens bloom.

Water Features

Coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove creeks

Ecosystem

This destination features a coastal & marine ecosystem.