The Best Biscayne National Park Tour You Can’t Miss

The best way to explore Biscayne National Park is to get out on the water. Get the details below on the ultimate Biscayne National Park tour! You will spend a full day on the crystal-clear blue waters of Biscayne Bay.

Sail out to sea with your captain and small group. Then, explore one of the islands of Biscayne National Park and enjoy a nice picnic lunch (packed by you!). Finally, kayak and snorkel in the amazing shallow waters of Biscayne Bay.

This post is part of our epic Florida National Parks Itinerary. Check it out if you’re looking for more Florida fun.

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Need to Know Info

• It is FREE to visit Biscayne National Park!
• Biscayne National Park is an underwater paradise. You should really take a Biscayne National Park tour to make the most of your time here and explore the park from the water.
• There are many tours and options available, but we recommend the tours from the Biscayne National Park Institute.
  • Be sure to book your tour early, as it may sell out!

Weather and Safety in Biscayne National Park

• Cell phone coverage is good here. While out on the water, you may be without service depending on your carrier.
• Carry plenty of snacks and water. Drinking water will most likely be available during your tour, but check with your operator.
• Pack a picnic lunch that you will eat during your full-day Biscayne National Park tour.
• Make sure to use and apply sunscreen. The sun and UV index can be intense in Florida. While enjoying the water in Biscayne National Park, please wear reef-safe sunscreen. Please help protect our ocean ecosystems. Get our favorites here!
• Don’t forget your bug spray, too!
• As a reminder, Hurricane season in Florida lasts from June 1 through November 30. Peak season is mid-August through mid-October.

Animal Safety in Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is home to many animal species, including fish, manatees, sea turtles, dolphins, whales, birds, and more. Alligators and crocodiles may be present as well.

What if I Don’t Want to Take a Tour?

You really should! However, if your time here is limited, check out the Dante Fascell Visitor Center and park store. Here you can also complete the Jetty Walk. This is a quick walk around the visitor center and down the jetty that juts into Biscayne Bay.

Check out the park map inside to learn how to take this short hike. It’s a 0.6-0.8 mile walk depending on where you begin. Be sure to stop and learn about the history on your way. Further, inside the visitor center, there are many exhibits and short films to enjoy as well.

Sail, Swim, Kayak, and Snorkel

The best Biscayne National Park tour is definitely the 6-hour tour offered by the Biscayne National Park Institute. During this excursion, you will head out with a total of 6, along with your captain, and sail the waters of Biscayne Bay.

Then, you’ll make your way to one of the islands in the park. Depending on the weather and boat traffic, you will visit either Boca Chita Key, Elliott Key, or Adams Key. Enjoy lunch on the island or from the boat, then get ready to swim, kayak, and snorkel!

Meet Your Captain

For this Biscayne National Park tour, start by meeting at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. Then, check in with park staff and meet your captain about 30 minutes before your tour departs.

• This tour is offered daily at 10 am.
• Max capacity is 6 passengers. Passengers must be over 8 years old and must be able to climb a ladder and swim. Life jackets are provided.
• Bring your own snorkel gear or rent some at the store.
• Bring your lunch, water, towels, and a change of clothes. Please use reef-safe sunscreen.
• You will sign a waiver before departure, but this can be done online as well.

Set Sail

Now, get ready to cruise the bay! Your captain will set sail through Biscayne Bay. Chill out on the boat and enjoy the views all around. You’ll likely see Miami in the distance, and your captain will provide you with plenty of history of the area as you make your way further out to sea.

You might even spot some wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled. We wanted to see some turtles so badly!

If your captain allows, you may get to help them with the sails on the boat by holding a rope or tying it to part of the boat. Depending on the boat traffic and crowds along Biscayne’s keys, your captain will decide which island is best to visit.

During our trip, we got super lucky and found a spot to dock at Boca Chita Key. This is the one with the beautiful lighthouse!

Relax on Boca Chita Key

You have arrived at the picturesque Boca Chita Key! Your captain will dock the boat, and then you are free to disembark and explore the island. If you are lucky, a National Park Service Ranger will be on-site to open up the lighthouse for further exploration.

If there is a staff member present, don’t miss this opportunity! Climb up the stairs for a birds-eye view of the island and learn about the lighthouse’s history. A wealthy individual once owned this island and was party-central in its heyday.

Then, walk around the island to explore more. There are restrooms located on this island as needed, and you can find a picnic table to enjoy your lunch. As time allows, feel free to check out the hiking trail on the island.

➡️Read next: Spend one day traveling down to Key West: Things to Do and See.

Swim, Kayak, and Snorkel

Next, after you have enjoyed your lunch, your captain will lead you out into the waters near the island by kayak or SUP (stand-up paddleboard). Here you will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel. If that isn’t your thing, just hang out on your watercraft and enjoy the tropical sights.

The snorkeling here was great, and there are old ruins at the bottom of the bay to explore as well. You will see plenty of underwater wildlife here and maybe even some nurse sharks, sting rays, or manatees if you are lucky.

Finally, your captain will sail you back to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. You’ll have plenty of time to soak up the sun while you travel by sailboat back to your final destination.

Where to Stay While Visiting Biscayne National Park

🌴 Check out some of the top-rated places to stay in and around Miami!

• Hampton Inn & Suites Miami/Brickell-Downtown – our top pick! Best seller and breakfast included. This hotel is also within walking distance to 30 of the best restaurants, cafes, and bars. Compare rates on Expedia or Booking.com.
• Brickell Arch, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Miami – top-rated with bay views and modern facilities. Enjoy a rooftop pool, on-site dining, spa, and fitness center. Book your room on Expedia.
• The Vagabond Hotel – 42 Mid-Century Modern rooms wrapped around a lush courtyard where their iconic mermaid mosaic swimming pool is located, plus an onsite bar. Reserve your stay now on Expedia or Booking.com.
• The Elser Hotel Miami – overlooking Biscayne Bay with amazing views. A beautiful 49-story tower featuring floor-to-ceiling windows in all residences. Book your stay now on Expedia or Booking.com.

🌸 If you are planning on staying closer to the Everglades and Biscayne National Park, check out some places to stay in Homestead:

• Hampton Inn & Suites Homestead Miami South – top-rated breakfast buffet included, and close proximity to the national parks in the area. Book on Expedia or Booking.com.
• Hilton Garden Inn – “Wonderful” guest rating on Expedia, with cooked-to-order breakfast available and a pool on site. Check it out on Expedia or Booking.com.
• Courtyard by Marriott Miami Homestead – another great location with close proximity to the Everglades and Key Biscayne. Cooked-to-order breakfast is also available here as well. Reserve your stay now at Expedia or Booking.com.

Final Thoughts

Biscayne National Park is amazing! We had the best captain and the greatest time on our 6-hour tour of Biscayne Bay. In our opinion, this tour is the best bang for your buck as you’ll sail, kayak, and snorkel all together in one trip.

We really enjoyed stopping at Boca Chita Key. The lighthouse and grounds are truly breathtaking. This was our first time snorkeling as well, and everything went fine! If you can swim, you can definitely snorkel, so don’t get too nervous. Do yourself a favor and don’t miss this Biscayne National Park tour!

🛎️ Still looking for a place to stay? Book your stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Homestead Miami South.