Biscayne National Park Visitors Guide

National Park Pass Information

National Parks Pass

The National Parks Pass is an annual pass that provides admission to any national park charging an entrance fee. The Pass costs $ 50.00 and is valid for 12 months (ending the last day of the purchase month, one year later). More than 80% of the proceeds from the sales of National Park Passes go directly into supporting priority projects in national parks.

Where a "Per Vehicle" entrance fee is charged, the Pass admits the Pass signee and accompanying passengers in a single, private*, non-commercial vehicle. Where a "Per Person" entrance fee is charged, the Pass admits the Pass signee, spouse, children and parents. The Pass is nontransferable and does not cover or reduce use fees such as charges for camping, parking, tours and concessions.

Golden Eagle Pass

For an additional $ 15.00, a Golden Eagle hologram may be purchased and affixed to a National Parks Pass to cover entrance fees at not only national parks, but also at sites managed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U. S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. The Golden Eagle holograms are available at National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management fee stations. The Golden Eagle admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private* vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Golden Eagle admits the pass signee, spouse, children and parents. The Golden Eagle is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce use fees such as charges for camping, parking, tours, and concessions. It is valid for entrance fees only. The Golden Eagle hologram is valid until the expiration of the National Parks Pass to which it is affixed.

Golden Age Pass

If you are age 62 or older, you qualify for a Golden Age Passport. The Golden Age Pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are age 62 or older. The Golden Age Pass is a lifetime entrance pass to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that charge an entrance fee. The Golden Age Pass admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private* vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Golden Age Pass admits the pass signee, spouse, and children.

The Golden Age Pass also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. In some cases where use fees are charged, only the pass signee will be given the 50% price reduction. The Pass is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners. A Golden Age Pass must be obtained in person at a federal area where an entrance fee is charged. There is a one-time $ 10.00 processing charge to obtain the Golden Age Pass. It is available only to citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are 62 years of age or older. You must show proof of age, such as a state driver's license, birth certificate, or similar document.

Golden Access Pass

If you have a permanent disability, you may qualify for a Golden Access Passport. The Golden Access Pass is a lifetime entrance pass to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges that charge an entrance fee. The Golden Access Pass admits the pass signee and any accompanying passengers in a private* vehicle if a park has a per vehicle entrance fee. Where a per person entrance fee is charged, the Golden Access Pass admits the pass signee, spouse, and children.

The Golden Access Pass also provides a 50% discount on federal use fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. In some cases where use fees are charged, only the pass signee will be given the 50% price reduction. The Pass is nontransferable and does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners. A Golden Access Pass must be obtained in person at a federal area where an entrance fee is charged. It is available only to citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are medically determined to be blind or permanently disabled. You may obtain a Golden Access Pass by showing proof of medically determined permanent disability, or eligibility for receiving benefits under federal law.

* A private vehicle is defined as any noncommercial vehicle that is being used for private recreational purposes.

The National Parks Pass may be purchased at any National Park office or entry station.

To purchase a pass Online, click on this Link, or to purchase via phone, call: 1-888-467-2757.

Firearms

Using or displaying firearms is prohibited.

Fishing

Fishing licenses are not required for ocean fishing. A Florida license is required when fishing in the bay. Park rangers can supply fishing information.

Flora

Gumbo limbo, Jamaican dogwood, Strangler fig, Devil's potato, Satin leaf Touchwood, and mahogany common in the West Indies are also found in this tiny area of south Florida. North flowing air and ocean currents and storms delivered the pioneer seeds and plants that eventually grew into the islands' lush dark jungle like forests.

Walking along a trail through one of these forests, called hardwood hammocks, you are likely to see other natives of the tropics. Zebra butterflies and rare Schaus Swallowtails find refuge in the thick tangle of leaves, branches and vines. Golden orb weavers betray their presence with large yellow spider webs. Birds and a few mammals also share these isolated mangrove fringed keys.

Food and Supplies

There are no restaurants located in the park. You can always bring your own food as there are picnic tables and grills at Convoy Point, Adams Key, Boca Key and Elliott Key or there are restaurants in the local communities listed above.

Hiking

Stay on established trails. Carry out all refuse. For Hiking information, Click Here.

Lodging

In Biscayne National Park, the only lodging available is the campgrounds on Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key. See the Camping Page for details. See the Lodging Guide for detailed lodging information.

Permits

The only park permit fee is for overnight docking.

Pets

Pets are only allowed in the developed areas of Convoy Point and Elliott Key and must be on a kept on a leash six feet or less in length. Pets, except those used to assist individuals with disabilities, are not allowed on any other islands (including Boca Chita Key and Adams Key), in the shallow waters (less than three feet deep) surrounding the islands, or on boats docked at the islands.

Programs and Activities

Join a National Park Service ranger to explore Biscayne's natural and cultural history. Join a ranger to learn about the forces that once shaped this landscape - and continue to do so, see the Calendar Page. Ranger / Naturalist programs include scheduled talks. Programs are provided by park naturalists year-round. These are just some of the ways to discover the diversity of the scenic, natural and historic wonders that comprise Biscayne National Park.

Swimming and Wading

Swimming, diving, snorkeling, wading and waterskiing are permitted. No lifeguards are on duty. All activities are at your own risk. Check at the visitor center and rangers for more information.

Visitor Centers

The only visitor center and park headquarters is located at Convoy Point. Convoy Point and park headquarters are open year round.

Park Headquarters
Open: Year round
Located: Convoy Point
Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily

Convoy Point
Open: All Year
Located: Convoy Point
Hours:
8:30 am - 4:30 pm - Weekdays
8:30 am - 5:00 pm - Weekends
Closed Christmas Day

Watercraft

Personal watercraft commonly referred to as jet skis, waverunners, sea-doos, etc are prohibited in the waters of Biscayne National Park

Weather

Biscayne's subtropical climate is characterized by warm, wet summers (May through Oct) and mild, dry winters (Nov through Apr). Expect abundant sunshine and high humidity year round. High temperatures average in the high 80s and low 90s in summer and in the mid 70s and low 80s in winter. Annual rainfall fluctuates greatly, but 65 inches or more are common. Most rain falls in summer in brief, intense afternoon thunderstorms. Summer and fall are peak seasons for tropical storms and hurricanes.

For current weather conditions, forecasts, radar, satellite and more weather information, see the Weather Page.

A Sanctuary for Birds Activity & Calendar Page Address, Email & Phone Guide Backcountry Camping Boating Brochures, Maps, Written Info Camping Guide Coral Reef Establishment Fees Fishing

Flora & Fauna Food & Supplies Hiking Guide History Jobs, SCA, Volunteer Positions Junior Ranger Programs Location Lodging Guide Map Guide Mangrove Forests Park Information Pet Information

Pirates Search Sights Guide Size & Visitation Info The Bay The Keys The Reefs Turtles & Sponges Travel Guide Visitors Guide Weather Wreckers