Biscayne National Park: History, Highlights, and One- to Three-Day Adventures

Biscayne National Park is 95 percent water, so the best of it starts where the road ends. This guide is for travelers with one to three days who want to reach the islands, mangroves, and reef with a plan that fits their energy level and survives a windy day.

What's inside

• Nine ready-made itineraries: one, two, and three days, each at easy, moderate, and strenuous effort, with timing, check-in, meals and water, and a weather alternative for every day
• The park's history, from the Tequesta and the wreckers to the Jones family of Porgy Key, Stiltsville, and the fight that created the park
• Sightseeing highlights from the visitor center and jetty walk to Boca Chita's lighthouse, Elliott Key, Jones Lagoon, the reefs, and the Maritime Heritage Trail shipwrecks
• A wildlife chapter profiling 14 animals visitors commonly see, from pelicans and white ibis to manatees and reef fish, each with a photograph and notes on where and when to look
• Trip planning for guided trips, island camping, fees, seasons and hurricanes, accessibility, and safety in the water
• 35 photographs and 3 orientation maps

What you'll receive

• EPUB ebook (Biscayne_National_Park_Brian_D_Russ.epub, about 8 MB) for Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play Books, and most e-reader apps. Kindle readers can send it to their library with Amazon's Send to Kindle.
• PDF (Biscayne_National_Park_Brian_D_Russ.pdf, 100 pages including the cover, about 18 MB) for any computer, tablet, or phone, and for printing the pages you want to carry.

Your download link arrives by email right after purchase.

Edition

Second illustrated edition, October 2026. Research completed October 14, 2026. Tour schedules, fees, and conditions on the bay change, so check current park alerts and your tour operator before you go.

Book your boat early, pack reef-safe sunscreen, and let the bay set the pace.

This is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Park Service.