BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK,BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK

Living coral reefs can be seen in the park. The kaleidoscope of colors is awesome. Polyps, loggerhead turtles and tiny coral animals delight visitors, along with Sea whips, sea fans and other soft corals. Parrot fish, green morays, jewfish and butterfly fish make the reef a bustling city of life.

A great way to explore Biscayne Bay is by boat. You will need excellent boating skills in order to protect yourself and the fragile resources found in the bay. Seagrass meadows lie beneath the crystal waters. They are a vital part of the bay’s ecosystem and are the breeding ground of a wide variety of sea species. The root systems stabilize the bay’s sediment, leaving the water clear and clean. The meadows are the grazing area for sea urchins, manatees, parrot fish and sea turtles. Grounded vessels are a danger to the fragile meadows and cause extensive damage, which takes years to rejuvenate. There have been more than 700 vessel groundings in the bay since 1995.

Bon Chita Key provides great camping resources, though pesky mosquitoes flourish and breed year round. Campsites are designated. All campsites have grills and a picnic table. A restroom is available but there are no showers or sinks. There is no fishing allowed in the creeks feeding the wetlands or in the harbor. Fishing is allowed in other areas.

Bring your own water for cooking and drinking when visiting the park. The only water available is salt water. Pets are not allowed on boats that travel in shallow waters or which are moored in the harbor. All domestic animals are prohibited on Boco Chita Key.

Sunshine is plentiful in Biscayne National Park. Summer afternoons often bring a light shower or scattered thunderstorms, which do not last long. The climate in the entire park and surrounding area is hot and humid. Winters are mild and dry. On occasion, winds bring some rain but are welcomed by visitors who often view it as a reprieve from a hot summer day.

When visiting Biscayne National Park, be sure to use sunscreen with high protection. Use sunglasses in all season to protect your eyes from strong ultra violet rays.

Personal watercraft such as skidoos and jet skies are not allowed within park boundaries for environmental reasons.

Biscayne National Park is a place of quiet beauty. A

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