Boating

Sailing on Biscayne Bay

NPS Photo

 

Boating is the perfect way to explore Biscayne National Park. With your boat you can enjoy the protected waters of Biscayne Bay, travel to the northernmost Florida Keys, and visit and explore living coral reefs. Your access to all of these magnificent resources is limited only by your available time and your skills as a boat operator.

There are four nearby county marinas that provide access to park waters for boaters.

Boating skills are of primary importance while you are in the park to both ensure your safety and to protect fragile resources. With this in mind:

• Know boating's "Rules of the Road" and always keep Boating Safety in mind.
• Have and use the Nautical Chart for the area you are in. NOAA Chart 11451 covers the waters of Biscayne National Park and is available in most marine stores, bait shops, or from the Florida National Parks and Monuments Association's Online Bookstore (Parks/Camping Topic area).
• Always comply with Slow Speed Zones.
• Watch the water depth and avoid Running Aground.
• Use Mooring Buoys when they are available.
• Most of the waters in Biscayne National Park are very shallow and knowing the tides is very important. See Tide Predictions.
• Personal watercraft (JetSkis, SeaDoos,Waverunners and other brand names) are prohibited in National Parks, though they are permitted in some National Recreation Areas and National Seashores. Read the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) section pertaining to Personal Watercraft Use.