Biscayne National Park
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Biscayne National Park

Explore a vibrant underwater wilderness of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and mangrove forests.

Arrival airport
MIA
Airport drive
1 h 9 min · estimate
Suggested stay
1–2 days
Reservation demand
Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes
A car is necessary to reach the mainland visitor center; however, all primary sights require boat access. Verify rental parking at marinas.
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Top tour

Most popular experience near Biscayne National Park

Know before you go

Visitor Center Arrival

Parking at Convoy Point is limited and fills quickly on winter weekends. Arrive early to ensure you don't miss scheduled boat tour departures.

Open Water Coverage

Cell signal is generally available near the mainland but becomes unreliable once you reach the outer keys or reefs. Do not rely on digital maps while on the water.

Vessel Logistics

Public fuel for private boats is not available within the park. Refuel at marinas in Homestead or Black Point before entering park waters.

Hurricane Season awareness

From June through November, tropical systems can cause sudden park closures. Monitor NOAA forecasts and the NPS alert page for storm warnings.

Boat-Only Destinations

95% of the park is only accessible by water. Visitors without their own vessel must arrange commercial transport or rentals to see the reefs and keys.

Check current conditions:Biscayne National Park

2RVs, campervans & cars near MIA

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
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Flights to MIA

Check on Aviasales
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  • ✓ Compare suppliers at MIA
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at MIA

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at MIA
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  • ✓ Compare suppliers at MIA
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at MIA

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at MIA
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A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Biscayne National Park

  1. 01

    Mangroves and Mainland Shorelines

    Suggested: 9 AM from Homestead

    • Dante Fascell Visitor Center

      Explore the museum and boardwalk to understand the park's four distinct ecosystems.

    • Convoy Point

      Launch a kayak to explore the fringe mangrove forests along the shoreline.

    Walking or local transfer; minimal vehicle use within the park.

    Paddling is tide-dependent; check local charts at the visitor center.

    Pick up your vehicle at MIA →
  2. 02

    Island History and Tropical Keys

    Suggested: 8:30 AM by Boat from Convoy Point

    • Boca Chita Key

      Visit the iconic 1930s lighthouse and walk the trail through the tropical hardwood hammock.

    • Elliott Key

      Explore the park's largest island, featuring a mile-long hiking trail and a swim area.

    Vessel transport only; allow 45-60 minutes for boat transit.

    Islands have no potable water or shops; all supplies must be carried in.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Submerged History and Coral Reefs

    Suggested: 8 AM by Boat from Convoy Point

    • Maritime Heritage Trail

      Snorkel over historic shipwrecks such as the Mandalay, resting in shallow waters.

    • Biscayne Reefs

      Observe vibrant coral colonies and tropical fish in the outer reef tract.

    Vessel transport only; conditions vary with sea state.

    Reef visibility is highly dependent on wind and recent weather systems.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Low

Vessel Access and Guided Tour Reservations

Since 95% of the park is water, tours for snorkeling and island transport are the primary bottleneck and require booking weeks in advance. Camping on Elliott or Boca Chita Key is primitive and fee-based; always check the park concessioner for boat schedules and availability.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

MIABiscayne National Park

Miami International Airport · 1 h 9 min drive

Find flights to MIA

Plan your road trip

From Miami International Airport

1 h 9 min

about 35 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Biscayne National Park on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping tent on tarp.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Biscayne National Park on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Biscayne National Park

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Biscayne National Park

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Biscayne National Park

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Viator

Tours & experiences near Biscayne National Park

Explore guided activities around Biscayne National Park. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.

Open tour listings separately

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Biscayne National Park

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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