Snorkeling Biscayne National Park

Both hard and soft coral formations can be found in this park that offers more than 175,000 acres of underwater adventure possibilities. Snorkel around protected mangroves, over lush sea grass beds, or over vibrant coral reefs similar to those found just a short distance south in the Keys. Punctuated by over 40 small mangrove islands, Biscayne National Park offers a rich natural wonderland easily accessible from the Miami area.

The coral reefs are offshore and can only be reached by boat. The park offers glass-bottomed boat trips, snorkeling excursions, SCUBA diving trips, and camping (November through May) or day trips to Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key (offshore islands).

Calm waters are best for the trip out to the reefs, so the best advice is to call ahead to inquire about conditions. The dive boat operators take you to the best reef or inshore location based on the prevailing weather conditions. The trip out to the reefs is about an hour, one way. The reefs themselves offer shallow water diving suitable for snorkelers as well as deeper water for SCUBA.

Getting to the reef:

Biscayne Underwater (official park concessionaire)