Be advised that the NPS has issued alerts for this park.

Boca Chita Historic District

Work on the Boca Chita Lighthouse will begin Monday 01/20/2025.  During this project the lighthouse will be closed to the public and scaffolding will be erected temporarily obscuring views of this iconic landmark.  Updates will be provided when available.

Camping and Docking at Boca Chita and Elliott Keys

Docking at Boca Chita and Elliott Keys: $25.00 Friday - Monday and Federal Holidays Camping at Boca Chita and Elliott Keys: $35.00 per night. Payments must be made on site using the recreation.gov phone app.

Ride Share Services

Convoy Point grounds, Jetty Trail, kayak launch, and picnic area open at 7 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m. If you are using a ride share service for transportation to and from the park, ensure ride share services can be onsite before closing time.

Boater Awareness

Please use caution in park waters due to navigational markers that may be missing or moved due to unforeseen circumstances.

Title Biscayne
Park Code bisc
Description Within sight of Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here too; from prehistoric tribes to shipwrecks, and ...
Location
Contact
Activities
  • Boating
  • Motorized Boating
  • Sailing
  • Boat Tour
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Guided Tours
  • Boat Tour
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • SCUBA Diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Swimming
  • Saltwater Swimming
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs
Entrance fees
Campgrounds Count: 2

Boca Chita Campground

  • No reservations may be made in advance for the main campgrounds. The campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Boca Chita features an iconic 65 foot tall lighthouse built of limestone standing watch at the harbor entrance. Campsites are located in an open, grassy area on the northern end of the island with picnic tables and grills available throughout the area. A half mile hiking trail starts just east of the restrooms. The trail continues to the south end of the island and emerges near the pavilion.

Elliott Key Campground

  • The campground is on the bay side of the island, with sites in the grassy area by the water and under the forested canopy. Restrooms are located adjacent to the grassy camping area. A mile-long loop hiking trail starts near the campground. Another walking trail, the infamous "Spite Highway" runs approximately six miles down the center of the island from north to south.
Places Count: 7

19th Century Wooden Sailing Vessel

  • The 19th century wooden sailing vessel lies in approximately 15 feet of water north of Anniversary Reef in Biscayne National Park at 25º 35.498N, 80º 5.728W

Alicia

  • The Alicia shipwreck lies in 20 feet of water on Long Reef on the eastern edge of the park at 25º 24.705N, 80º 7.660W

Arratoon Apcar

  • The wreck of Arratoon Apcar lies in ten to twenty feet of water near Fowey Rocks at 25º 35.498N, 80º 5.728W

Erl King

  • Erl King’s hull and remains of its cargo can now be seen in 18 feet of water on Long Reef at 25º 25.479N, 80º 7.463W

Fowey Rocks Lighthouse

  • Located seven miles southeast of Cape Florida at 25°35'26.2"N 80°05'48.0"W

Lugano

  • The wreck of the Lugano lies 25 feet underwater on Long Reef in Biscayne National Park at 25º 26.639N, 80º 7.171W

Mandalay

  • The Mandalay wreck lies in approximately 20 feet of water on Long Reef at 25º 26.530N, 80º 7.301W
Visitor Centers Count: 1

Dante Fascell Visitor Center

  • Dante Fascell Visitor Center
  • The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is located at Convoy Point, 9 miles East of the city of Homestead, Florida. A beautiful museum offers a virtual journey through the park's four ecosystems using dioramas, audio and video. Several films are available to help you learn about the park, including the 20-minute feature presentation: Connections. The Gallery highlights the works of local artists who find inspiration in the park.
Things to do Count: 5

  • Fishing in Biscayne National Park
  • Biscayne National Park preserves unique marine habitat and nursery environments that sustain diverse native fishery resources and support world-class fishing for spiny lobster, snapper, grouper, tarpon and bonefish.

  • Birding at Boca Chita
  • Along with incredible array of marine life, Biscayne National Park is also home to significant populations of birds including protected species. Natural habitats for migratory stopover, feeding, and nesting make the park a wonderful place to watch and enjoy birds particularly in the winter months.

  • Birding at Elliott Key
  • Along with incredible array of marine life, Biscayne National Park is also home to significant populations of birds including protected species. Natural habitats for migratory stopover, feeding, and nesting make the park a wonderful place to watch and enjoy birds particularly in the winter months.

  • Birding at Convoy Point
  • Along with incredible array of marine life, Biscayne National Park is also home to significant populations of birds including protected species. Natural habitats for migratory stopover, feeding, and nesting make the park a wonderful place to watch and enjoy birds particularly in the winter months.

  • Become a Biscayne Junior Ranger
  • Join Diego the dolphin, Peter the panther and Aleesha the alligator in exploring three South Florida parks (Big Cypress National Preserve, and Biscayne and Everglades National Park). Pick up a booklet at the park visitor center and complete the required activities to earn a badge. Complete the entire book and earn three badges plus an exclusive South Florida junior ranger patch!
Tours Count: 0
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