1. Where is Biscayne National Park?
Biscayne National Park is located south-southeast of Miami, Florida. Most of the park's 172,000 acres is covered by water. Click here for driving directions.

2. What are the park's hours?
The majority of the park is accessible only by boat and is open 24-hours a day. Convoy Point, location of the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, is open from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm 7 days a week. Learn more...

3. What is there to do at the park?
The park offers a variety of boat tours, ranger programs and recreational opportunities.  Learn more...

4. Can I camp in the park?
Tent camping is available on two of the park's islands, but access is only by boat. The park's concessioner can provide access to one of the campgrounds. There is no RV camping anywhere in Biscayne National Park. Learn more...

5. Are there cabins or hotels in the park?
Other than camping on one of the park's islands or staying on your own boat, there are no overnight accommodations in Biscayne National Park.

6. When are boat trips offered?
The park's concessioner offers boat trips to the park's reefs and islands. Departures are subject to weather cancellations and passenger minimums. Learn more...

7. Can snorkel from shore?
Snorkeling from the shoreline is permitted, but the water is extremely shallow, with a seagrass and mud bottom. Seagrass communities are full of life, but much of it is tiny and requires patience to discover. You can borrow a free dive flag from the visitor center if you'd like to try snorkeling from shore. The park's coral reefs are approximately 10 miles from the mainland, so visiting the reefs will require a boat. The park's concessioner offers snorkel and dive trips if you don't have a boat of your own. Learn more...

8. Is there a swimming beach at Biscayne National Park?
Generally speaking, the Florida Keys do not have beaches. Notable exceptions to that rule are Bahia Honda State Park and Long Key State Park, both located in the lower keys. Beautiful beaches are located on Key Biscayne, Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale, all north of the park. Homestead Bayfront Park, operated by Miami-Dade County, is located immediately next door to Convoy Point, and offers a small man-made swimming lagoon with a beach that is ideal for children.

9. Does the park have an entrance fee?
There is no entrance fee to visit the park, but fees are charged for overnight docking, camping and other special uses. Learn more...

10. Can I buy passes for other national parks at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center?
Golden Age and Golden Access Passports are available during regular business hours at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. Golden Eagle passports and National Park Passes are not available in Biscayne National Park. Learn more...

11. Is fishing allowed in the park?
Fishing is permitted in Biscayne National Park. Some areas (such as harbors and nesting keys) may be closed for all or part of the year. State fishing regulations apply in the park, and copies of these rules are available from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. Learn more...

12. Do I need a license to fish in the park?
A Florida Saltwater Fishing License is required in Biscayne National Park. Some exceptions include any child under the age of 16, Florida residents fishing from land, and Florida residents 65 years old or older. Learn more...

13. Is spearfishing permitted in the park?
Spearfishing is permiteed in Biscayne national Park in accordance with all Florida state regulations.

14. Can I ride my JetSki in the park?
Personal watercraft (including JetSkis, SeaDoos, and other brand names) are prohibited in all national parks, though they have been allowed in a few National Recreation Areas.

15. What about sharks?
If you are lucky, you may get to see a shark while visiting the park's reefs. Sharks are efficient predators that feed mostly on fish. Shark attacks on people are exceedingly rare, and usually occur when water is rough and murky...conditions found on beaches, but not likely on reefs while snorkeling.

16. Where can I go to see manatees?
Manatees can be found in the park year round, though they are more often seen in winter. They are often spotted in the harbor in front of the visitor center, or along the Convoy Point Jetty. Another good (though not very scenic) location is in Mowry Canal, just north of the visitor center. Ask a park ranger for details.

17. I'd love to work or volunteer in Biscayne National Park. What should I know?
you can learn about paid employment, internships, volunteer postions and service learning opportunities on our jobs page. Learn more...