Biscayne National Park Boat Tour: Island Visit & History
4.7
82 Ratings
Homestead
Explore Biscayne National Park by boat and discover its rich history while enjoying the stunning wildlife and scenic views. Perfect for all ages, this tour offers a glimpse into the past and a chance to see the diverse marine life of the park.
Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Boca Chita Key - Walk Explore the Island see the ornamental lighthouse while learning about the history of the island. There is even a small beach if you want to go for a quick dip. All ages are welcome.
  • Adams Key - Learn about the history of the Coco Lobo Cay fishing club that hosted 4 presidents along with the story of the Jones Family and other early settlers in the area.
What's Included
  • ADA ramp available
  • Family friendly, all ages welcome
Additional Information

Join us as we journey across Biscayne Bay and back through time to tell you the stories of the people whose influence shaped Biscayne National Park and its surrounding Miami and Florida Keys areas into what they are today.

While you listen to the stories of Biscayne’s past, you will have the opportunity to see some of the extraordinary wildlife that inhabits the protected Mangroves and Seagrass meadows as you cruise along.

This activity is great for all ages! There is no snorkeling or paddling during this experience. There is a small beach at Boca Chita. We recommend you wear clothes that could potentially get wet from water splashing onto the boat. This is not a glass bottom boat tour although you will be able to see the bottom of the bay in the clear waters of Biscayne from the side of the boat.

Location
Dante Fascell Visitor Center
Southwest 328th Street
Please check in at the bookstore and meet us at the boats in front of the visitor center
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(82 Ratings)
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812melissab
May 21, 2024
Incredible Morning! - Many thanks to Captain Harold and naturalist Jana for an incredible morning on the water and on Boca Chita Key! The instructions provided beforehand (for parking and meeting location) were thorough and helpful, especially for someone who isn't familiar with that area. They were both very knowledgable about everything Biscayne National Park, from history to flora and fauna. If you're in Miami, love the outdoors, and are looking for a peaceful/relaxing experience, definitely check out their tours. I can't wait to come back and book a kayaking tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wendycaw
May 17, 2024
Sailing, snorkeling, kayaking - Oh My! - Captain Christy was fabulous. She gave us lots of information about the area and bio-diversity. We snorkeled, we kayaked and we sailed. We actively participated in sailing which brought my husband great joy. I highly recommend this tour, Edie sulky with captain Christy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Candice
May 9, 2024
Biscayne - This is a beautiful park with wonderful views and history. The boat crew was fantastic but the boat seats could use cushions. Would do it again. The lighthouse and skyline views were exceptional.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y5627demorgans
May 9, 2024
Breath taking experience! - We went as a group of four to BISCAYNE and it did not disappoint! Hermes was our guide and took us to all the greatest locations at BISCAYNE! We did the mangrove paddle boarding and snorkeling at the coral reefs for the 6 hour option. What a beautiful and amazing experience this was! Thanks Hermes!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eclaireh211
Apr 26, 2024
HIGHLY RECOMMEND - I highly recommend this tour! We toured with Juan and David and they made us feel very safe and took us to great places to view tons of wildlife. We saw so many different fish, coral, and a huge stone crab! They were really friendly and you can tell that they really care about the well-being of this National Park. It is truly a hidden gem. 10/10 experience. I can't wait to snorkel again!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tourist32323771409
Apr 18, 2024
Great experience, great tour guides - The glowing reviews on Trip Advisor are well deserved. Knowledgeable tour guides whose stories and anecdotes deppen your appreciation of the park and the fact that it exists. The bay is pretty and Boca Chita Key is gorgeous, particularly the tropical-style shell Beach on the north side of the island. This was a highlight of our Florida trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gehrig_f
Apr 16, 2024
Great Trip - Our trip itself with Hermes (boat captain) & Juan (guide) was awesome. Even saw dolphins on the way in. A little confusion at the beginning since I had purchased our tix thru Viator instead of the Natl Park site.
Review provided by Viator
Lmorgan138
Apr 16, 2024
Beautiful Park and Boat Ride - I loved this National Park and the cruise you took to visit. It was a beautiful day and the water is so green and blue. The guide was very informative of the history of the park. Very relaxing! We visited the island of Boca Chita Key and it was stunning. You were able to spend an hour there. They have a beach and you can see Miami and Miami Beach! There are restrooms there which was nice.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Newarkgin
Apr 29, 2024
Wouldn’t do this trip again - We were signed up for Jones Lagoon snorkel trip, but it was canceled due to very high winds. Instead, we took the heritage boat trip to Boca Chita. Fortunately, we were in bathing suits and had all our important things in a dry bag. The historical information provided by the two nature guys at the beginning was interesting, but could not make up for the complete misery during the ride. The large boat we traveled on had benches on either side and a cover overhead, but crossing the bay we were exposed to constant wind, rain and salt spray. You could not speak or hear anything during this part of the trip. After a while, they stopped near a certain key to tell the story of Sir Lancelot Jones. That was interesting, but then they headed north to Boca Chita, and the ride became even worse. It was not raining, but it was as though buckets of water were constantly thrown on us. One Boca Chita the sun came out, though it was still windy, which was a blessing otherwise it would’ve been very hot as there is no shade. There was a small lighthouse and a couple remnants of old buildings but really nothing there. One of the naturalists was speaking as we all walked to the main area, but I couldn’t keep up. I don’t know what he said, but my husband filled me in later. My main take away from Boca Chita is that it is a party ground. There were a lot of boats moored in a little harbor and several of them had competing loud music. No bad behavior or anything like that but just really spoiled whatever charm the place might’ve had. I know that our trip over was tainted by the terrible wind and blowing water. Everyone had a lot of trepidation about the return trip, but fortunately it was clear and calm and not uncomfortable . That being said, when you’re out on the bay, there’s really nothing to see – an occasional dolphin or bird, but really pretty long and boring. It’s interesting to me that they even made the first stop to speak about Sir Lancelot Jones because it takes you pretty far out of your way if your destination isBoca Chita, and at that first stop, you don’t get off the boat and there is literally nothing to see from the boat. Even on a clear day I don’t recommend this trip. Even though the history was interesting, it was not worth the investment of time and money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fabsterabster
Apr 16, 2024
OK trip saved by excellent guide - We went on the Heritage Boat Tour which was OK but a lot of motoring over the water. The trip experience was saved by Castle a truly excellent guide. He was informative, knowledgeable and repeated the question to the other guests. Boca Chita Key isn't that special. We were lucky to see dolphins on the way home
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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May 2024
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