Biscayne National Park has four biological systems: the mainland mangrove forests, Biscayne Bay, the upper Florida Keys and the underwater reefs. Shallow Biscayne Bay, between the coast and the northernmost Florida Keys, has clear water and is home to sponges, crabs, dolphins and endangered manatees, which favor the bay's warm waters.
The undeveloped upper Florida Keys are the result of many thousands of years of construction by the tiny animals collectively known as coral. The 20 miles of the park's reefs were formed by more than 40 species of coral and harbor more than 500 different kinds of fish, including brilliantly colored parrotfish, angelfish and wrasses. Moray eels also inhabit many of the underwater crevices.
To preserve the fragile reefs, visitors must tie up to mooring buoys or anchor boats in the sandy bottoms, not on the coral. Do not touch the coral; doing so will kill it. Also, do not sit or stand on the coral, as it breaks easily and can cause painful cuts. Collecting coral, plants, animals, shipwreck artifacts or any other “souvenir” is prohibited.
The upper keys support the Schaus swallowtail butterfly, American crocodile and other endangered species. Bald eagles, ospreys, pelicans, egrets and other large birds find refuge in the dense vegetation. Arsenicker and West Arsenicker keys are important nesting areas and therefore are closed to the public.
The islands feature many tropical plants that originated from seeds either blown here by West Indian winds or deposited by birds. On the mainland are forests of mangroves, easily recognized by their stilt roots, which trap and filter out sediment and keep the water clean. The mangrove roots provide excellent hiding places and food sources for young fish—another function vital to the region's food chain.
Biscayne National Park is an undeveloped wilderness. Camping is permitted only on Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key, which can be reached only by boat. Because the park is accessible primarily by boat, it is helpful to stop at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center on Convoy Point, reached via Florida's Turnpike (exit 6, Speedway Boulevard) and south to S.W. 328th St. (North Canal Drive). Convoy Point is open daily 7-5:30. The visitor center is open daily 9-5; closed Christmas.
Ranger programs are offered late Nov.-Apr. Guided boat tours are offered most Thurs.-Sun., year-round. Kayak rentals and guided sailing and snorkeling trips also are available. Reservations are highly recommended for boat trips.
For further park information contact Biscayne National Park, 9700 S.W. 328th St., Homestead, FL 33033-5634; phone (305) 230-1144, or (786) 335-3644 for boat tours.