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Welcome To Biscayne National Park: Enjoy Kayaking and Canoeing At This Watery Wonder
BY Sibashree Jul 10, 2024
If you are in Florida and want to give it all for your active pursuits, your path must lead to the Biscayne National Park. With the third longest coral reef, the watery wonderland is a beautiful coexistence of wildlife, water trails, hiking spots, and life under the water. Also, did you know that as you visited Florida’s Biscayne National Park, you made a little contribution to the local and national economy? The National Park Service says, “The South Florida national parks, comprised of Big Cypress National Preserve, Biscayne National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Everglades National Park, were collectively visited by 2.9 million people who spent $242.5 million and supported over 3,250 jobs in South Florida. The cumulative benefit to the South Florida economy was over $352 million.” So, is the allure palpable enough? Are you already invested in the wildlife, islands, water sports, and the urge to do a little good for the local community? Pack your bags and set in! Meanwhile, let me do all the legwork and make all the plans to join you at the park. Things To Know About Biscayne National Park Before I share the details about the kayaking and canoeing fun at the Biscayne National Park, I want to present a brief overview of the park. A visit to this park is truly a one-of-a-kind experience, and it’s like a microcosm of the universe with the falling together of land and water ecosystems. It’s time to know the park at a glance before you plan a visit. Biscayne National Park (Things To Know) Best Time to Visit Late November to April Address 9700 SW 328th Street, Sir Lancelot Jones Way, Homestead, FL 33033 Operating Hours 7:00 AM–5:30 PM, 7 days a week (except holidays) Size 172,971 acres Coral Reef Length 72,000 acres of the northernmost range of the Florida Reef Number of Visitors (in 2023) 571,242 Entrance Fee None Phone 305 230-1144 Alerts & Conditions Updated regularly Safety Concerns Mosquitoes and occasional storms Nearby Accommodation Facilities You can stay in tents and make the most of your camping experience. The camping spot is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Otherwise, you can drive west for half an hour and find hotel chains in Homestead. I know you can’t wait to have a slice of the national park ripe with outdoor adventure. So, let’s delve deeper into the water and have some kayaking fun and more! Kayaking, Canoeing, And More! Exploring The Watery Wonderland Of The Biscayne National Park 95% of the Biscayne National Park has water. So, water activities and exploring the water ecosystem are the most amazing things about the place. You can go canoeing on the open water across the coastal line and reach the stretches of mangroves. Further, you can explore the artificial islands by canoeing and kayaking. However, to have the most amazing canoeing experience and paddle with the current, you must get a tide table for the visitor center first. So, let’s start paddling and kayaking! Jones Lagoon Eco-Adventure Clear Water Paddling Fee: $109 Age Limit: 12+ for Shared Trips Duration: 3.5 Hours Get surrounded by the most amazing marine life during this clear water paddling trip. You will meet the sea turtles, Roseate Spoonbills, and baby sharks on your trip. Kayakers also love the Jones Family Historic District and Lagoon because of its historic importance. It features on the National Register of Historic Places. The Jones Family Historic District consists of Porgy Key and Totten Key. The Jones family stayed there during the 1800s and started growing limes and pineapples. Also, in the early 20th century, they sold their property stretching over a whopping 277 acres and became millionaires. It was a rare incident then in this part of the world for an African American to have this fortune. Debris Cleanups with Guided Jones Lagoon Paddle Fee: $50 Age Limit: 12+ Duration: 6 Hours How about enjoying the beauty and diversity of Biscayne National Park and contributing to its conservation simultaneously? This debris cleanup and Jones Lagoon paddle trip involves cleaning the debris across the mangrove coastal line and enjoying a relaxing paddle through Jones Lagoon. At the end of the trip, you will return to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center and unload the debris. Kayak the Mangroves Fee: $39 Age Limit: 6+ for Shared Trips Duration: 1.5 Hours The mangrove stretch at Biscayne National Park is home to many animals. It is also one of the longest bordering mangrove stretches on the left of the eastern shoreline of the United States. So, it’s time to meet the tree crabs, fish, animals, and snakes residing in the mangroves. The best part of this tour is that it is partially guided. The naturalist will guide you for the first half an hour, and from there, you can paddle on your own and take charge of how you want to enjoy the trip. Sail, Paddle, And Snorkel At Biscayne National Park Fee: $209 Age Limit: 8+ for Shared Trips Duration: 6 Hours This trip involves exploring through the mangrove forest, kayaking, and snorkeling. The trip starts from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead. Snorkel and Paddle Fee: $209 Age Limit: 12+ for Shared Trips Duration: 6 Hours This snorkel and paddle trip at Biscayne National Park is the best to experience aquatic diversity. The rays, dolphins, and sea turtles await to welcome you to their lives. Further, an encounter with the coral reef is going to be the best experience you can think of. Also, if you are a birder, you cannot just miss the Roseate Spoonbills while padding. The mangrove forests stretching through the route once again speak of the biodiversity present in the park. Your guide on the Captain of the National Park will explain the nature of the inhabitants, how they coexist, and the history of the place. It’s the best chef’s kiss you can expect on a trip. Kayaking Through The Seagrasses of Stiltsville Fee: $109 Age Limit: 12+ Duration: 3 Hours Must-Have: Prior Kayaking Experience As you paddle through the water, the Stiltsville houses on the seagrass banks will be your roadmap to history. This ride is also about the most delightful encounter with the wildlife at Biscayne National Park. You will even learn why these seagrass banks are important for the ecosystem of the national park. Do you have this thing for everything quaint? The sunken barge on this route stands as a remarkable piece of eulogy. For the trip, you will start from Coconut Grove and kayak to the bay to start paddling. You Can’t Miss The Third Longest Coral Reef At The Biscayne National Park Biscayne National Park promises you a kaleidoscopic experience with the third-longest coral reef in the world. The living coral reef, with its rhythmic movements and embrace of the pork fish and nurse sharks, presents an unforgettable visual experience. The soft corals in the reef dance to the current and create movements. It’s mesmerizing to know how the polyps make the most beautiful structures by collecting calcium from seawater. In some parts, the coral reef looks like the most vivacious flowers, and in other parts, it will appear like elk antlers or mountains. On and around the reef, you will also come across the following creatures: Sea fans Sea whips Bright sponges Christmas tree worms Fish, shrimps, crabs (They visit to eat the algae gathered on the coral reef.) Overall, it’s a rainbow of colors with red, purple, orange, and green dominating the spectrum. How To Visit Biscayne National Park? You can visit the Dante Fascell Visitor Center of the Biscayne National Park from the US Highway 1 (from north and south) or the Florida Turnpike (from north). Reaching The Biscayne National Park From North From Florida Turnpike First, choose exit 6. Then, reach the exit ramp and take a left turn to continue moving south to SW 328th Street. Now, take a left turn on the 328th Street. Further, drive for four miles to reach the end of the road. Find the park entrance on your left. From The US Highway 1 You have to drive south toward Homestead, take SW 137th Avenue, and turn left. You will reach SW 328th Street after a five-mile drive. From here, you will have to take a left turn and drive for four miles. Once you get to the end of the road, you will find the park entrance on your left. Reaching The Biscayne National Park From South You can reach the Biscayne National Park from US Highway 1 while traveling from the south. Then, drive north and reach Homestead. There, you take a right turn on SW 344th Street. Further, continue for four miles until the road near the Homestead Speedway takes a northern turn. Next, reach the SW 328th Street and head east. Now, you will have to drive for four miles to reach the end of the road. The entrance of the Biscayne National Park will be on your left. Fun Facts About The Biscayne National Park The series of sandy, low-lying, and small islands here are known as keys. Eliott Key is the largest key or island in the Biscayne National Park. Boca Chita Key is the most popular island here. Also, it is known for its 65-foot lighthouse constructed in the 1930s. See You There! Biscayne National Park is a destination that will spoil you with choices. The kayaking and canoeing activities are there, and you can also take a deep dive to have a one-on-one with the fascinating marine life. If you want more outdoor pursuits in the water, you can try swimming and fishing. Further, the park does not disappoint wildlife lovers and tourists who love exploring history. The Jones Family Historic District at the park features on the National Register of Historic Places. Also, the dolphins, birds, turtles, and fish are there to offer you the most amazing wildlife experience. And the list is endless! The things to do and see at the Biscayne National Park! So, let’s quickly wrap up my guide and plan a visit to the park. See you there soon! Biscayne National Park FAQ What Is Biscayne National Park? Biscayne National Park in Florida is one of the most visited National Parks in America. It is known for its diverse ecosystem and historical importance. Further, it has the third-largest coral reef in the world. How Do I Access Biscayne National Park? You can reach Biscayne National Park through US Highway 1 or the Florida Turnpike if you are driving from the north. If you are traveling from the south, you will have to take US Highway 1. What Activities Can I Do at Biscayne National Park? At Biscayne National Park, your outdoor pursuits are going to be endless. You can enjoy the following activities. Snorkeling Diving Kayaking Paddling Exploring the mangroves Visiting coral reefs The park also offers opportunities to experience the best marine life by observing manatees, sea turtles, and various marine creatures. What Landmarks Can Be Found In Biscayne National Park? Biscayne National Park has the following landmarks. Maritime Heritage Trail Stiltsville Living Coral exhibit at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center Is There Scuba Diving At Biscayne National Park? Yes, you can do scuba diving in clear waters at Biscayne National Park. You will encounter coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and shipwrecks while scuba diving. When Did Biscayne National Park Become A National Park? In 1968, Biscayne National Park was established as a national monument. Years later, in 1980, it got the designation of a National Park. Also read Enjoy The Best Amusement Park In Cancun. The 4 Best Parks In Cancun You Have To Visit. From Hiking To Stargazing: The Top 10 National Parks In Utah!
