Biscayne National Park lies about 40 kilometres south of Miami and protects a long stretch of Biscayne Bay with its coral reef, mangrove shoreline, and barrier islands. The park is 95% water, and access without a boat is limited to the visitor centre at Convoy Point. From there, the park runs boat tours, kayak rentals, and snorkel/dive trips to the offshore reefs.
The coral reef here is the third longest in the world. Snorkelling and diving are the main reasons to come — the water is clear and shallow on the reef flats, and the marine life is exceptional: parrotfish, queen angelfish, spotted eagle rays, and nurse sharks are all common. The outer islands can be reached by private boat and offer primitive camping. The park also contains the ruins of Stiltsville — seven remaining houses built over Biscayne Bay on wooden pilings, a remnant of a once-thriving offshore community.