Island Boat Tours Expanding in Biscayne National Park

Date: January 27, 2016
Contact: Matt Johnson, 786-335-3679

HOMESTEAD, Fla. --- Island boat tours to Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park are expanding in a big way in a partnership between the City of Homestead, Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, the National Parks Conservation Association, the Florida National Parks Association and the National Park Service.

“The best way to experience the wonders of the park is to be out on the water,” said Acting Superintendent Sula Jacobs “The boat tours provide increased access for visitors to encounter and explore the amazing scenery, wildlife, history and other resources of the park.”

Guided boat tours depart from the park’s Dante Fascell Visitor Center on select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through May 1, 2016. Departure times are at 10:30 a.m. and/or 1:45 p.m. Check the park’s island boat tour calendar, available on the park website, for specific dates and times available. Boat tours feature the Miami-Dade Parks’ Pelican Skipper, a comfortable riding, ADA accessible, 45 foot power catamaran. Tours are guided by Biscayne National Park. Visitors may enjoy the beautiful scenery while learning about the history, wildlife and ecosystems of the park. Each tour lasts approximately two and a half hours and includes opportunities to explore popular and scenic Boca Chita Key and the park’s iconic and historic lighthouse.

The boat tours cost $29 plus tax for adults and $19 plus tax for kids aged five to twelve. Admission is free for children age 4 and under, when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Advance reservations are advised for this tour. Reservations can be made by calling the Florida National Parks Association at 786-335-3644 or by stopping by their visitor center bookstore. Walk-ins and groups are welcome provided that the trip is not full. Each tour ticket purchase allows a same-day free admission to Homestead Bayfront Park. Free guided trolley tours to the park are provided by the City of Homestead from Losner Park in downtown Homestead. Trolley arrival and departure times are coordinated with the island boat tour schedule.

The boat tour calendar and schedule are available at nps.gov/bisc/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm. For more information about Biscayne National Park visit nps.gov/bisc or follow the park on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at “biscaynenps.”

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About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 409 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.