Biscayne National Park Boat Tour: Island Visit & History
4.7
80 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
(80 Ratings)
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T192wvbarbaram
Mar 26, 2024
Fun day on the water - Had a great day on the water with Captain Spencer. We sailed, snorkeled and kayaked in the beautiful Biscayne Bay. We learned a lot about the history and the animals in the park.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marysusan
Mar 16, 2024
Unique National Park Experience - Visited the park by boat and snorkel excursion. Our captain and naturalist gave us far more park information than we expected. Be sure to visit this unique National Park.
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Davem719
Mar 15, 2024
All Day Snorkeling and Paddling w/ Captain Stephanie - My adult son and I were camping @ Everglades (Long Pine) and booked an all day snorkeling/paddleboard tour a few days prior given fair winds and decent temps. We were happy to find out that no one else had booked that day, so it was just the three of us - the third being the absolute BEST part of the tour - our guide, Stephanie. While she was loading boards and doing safety check, we drank coffee and made sure our rental wet suits (a necessity), lunch, reef friendly sun block, and other gear was all there. Once we left the no wake zone, it was about a ten mile open throttle trip past Elliott key to our snorkeling spot. Stephanie checked with other captains on the way to suss out conditions and she went the extra mile out to the open ocean to a reef that offered clarity and safety near a metal tower. There wasn't much chop and we were suddenly swimming in and out of an amazing reef; so many varieties of fish and coral. Stephanie was extremely vigilant, i.e. every time I came up to get my bearings, she was monitoring our distance from the boat. All too soon we motored back to Boca Chita to eat the lunch we packed and have a walkabout. We then headed to Totten Key to paddle. The boards were inflatable, so not quite as much stability but we were sitting a fair amount of time since we were in mangroves. Again, lots of diversity of species and she kept a nice pace and running description of flora/fauna and history of the key. There was not a question we asked for which she did not have a detailed response. As we headed back, she saw some dolphins portside in the distance & took the time to circle back and watch them cavort. That detour was so emblematic of her dedication and attention to detail. She could have easily kept heading to port but went the extra mile for us. I highly recommend this excursion. Not cheap but such good value. I will definitely come back.
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Eliot
Mar 11, 2024
Boat Tour in Biscayne National Park - Biscayne National Park is unusual in that it is almost all on and under water. So in order to see it, you need to take a boat ride. The boat tour offered here is excellent. It takes you from the visitor center to Boca Chita key, where you can get off and go exploring. The crew was outstanding, friendly and knowledgeable. They handled the boat well through a couple of rain squalls. This is a trip well worth taking.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jimab5263um
Mar 10, 2024
Beautiful and tranquil! Some of the best snorkeling in the world! - My wife and I joined our guide Stephanie aboard the Osprey along with 4 other people to tour and learn about Biscayne National Park. The small group made it easy to discuss and explore the area and Stephanie was a knowledgeable, friendly, and patient host. The park itself is a gem! Protected by one of the world’s largest barrier reefs it has a vibrant wild life population. We snorkeled and paddled various spots and saw all kinds of fish, turtles, rays, nursing sharks and dozens of different kinds of tropical fish. We meandered through mangrove sided water ways and tunnels seeing birds, sponges along the bottom through shallow crystal clear water. It was a fantastic day and a must see national treasure! The park visitors center is pristine and offers walking paths along the coast with picnic spots and clean well maintained facilities.
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Sunsandsand0703
Mar 7, 2024
Beautiful views and learn about the history of the NP - This was a tour full of history and beautiful views. We would definitely recommend this tour if you just want to learn more about the NP or discover more of the area by boat. Absolutely gorgeous views.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julie
Mar 5, 2024
Terrific Tour to Boca Chita Key - We loved the Heritage Tour around Biscayne! The water was nice & calm in the bay and we loved hearing the history of the area and stories about those who lived on the islands.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fishgolfforever
Mar 22, 2024
Great History Trip - The trip on the boat to discover and learn the history of Biscayne National Park was a great day. The guide of the trip, Daniel did an excellent job in presenting the history and stories of the making of this National Park. Beautiful islands, and structures with rich history. As always, be prepared for errant waves and winds that could get you wet. Take a picnic and enjoy the time on the island with the Lighthouse.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nomad62903817219
Mar 22, 2024
Fun afternoon snorkeling. - We had an overall fun day. We took a snorkeling trip out to Biscayne bay. We saw lots of fish and even a lobster. The boat was clean. The crew was very courteous and informative. Definitely book a tour prior to your trip. They fill up fast.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travel49752868250
Mar 25, 2024
1/2 day snorkeling - My wife and I signed up for the half day snorkeling tour. The day before our tour was a very windy day so we were unable to go to the reefs which was somewhat disappointing. We were expecting to see more colorful fish and variety of sea life. We did see a couple dolphins on the way to the mangrove islands. Daniel and Lou were very informative and personable. I think for the cost we were disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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