Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure to Biscayne National Park! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• The tour has four starting points: 
  • From Northern Florida
  • From the Turnpike North
  • From the South (Overseas Highway)
• The driving tour only goes one way towards Biscayne National Park.  
• Advanced notice is required for scuba and snorkeling trips, and boat trips. Check with the Dante Fascell Visitor Center for the most up-to-date information.  
• The Ocean portion of the park is open year-round, 24/7.
• November to April is cooler and drier, while May to October is hotter, stormier, with hurricane risks but great for snorkeling.
• Fishing, collecting coral, and disturbing wildlife are prohibited in many areas. 

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

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Budget

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here are some costs:

• Advanced notice is required for scuba and snorkeling trips, and boat trips to Stiltsville, Boca Chita Key Lighthouse, and hiking on Elliot Key. Check with the Dante Fascell Visitor Center for the most up-to-date information.  

Hours of Operation 

The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.

• The Ocean portion of the park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• The Convoy Point grounds (where the walking tour portion of the tour is) is open seven days a week, 7am-5:30pm 
• Homestead Bayfront Park: Open daily, sunrise to sunset (usually 7AM to 7:30PM)
• Dante Fascell Visitor Center: Open daily 9AM-5PM

Get Packing!

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​​Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Phone charger, possibly a wireless charger (the GPS part of the app takes a lot of battery power)
• Clothing light enough to layer (shorts, sweats, jackets)
• Hat, visor, or ball cap
• Sturdy sandals or comfortable, light shoes
• Sunscreen (year-round)
• Mosquito repellent (especially in the summer months)
• Earbuds or headphones
• Cash and credit cards (some South Florida businesses only take one or the other)

Best Time to Visit 

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November to April, when the weather is cooler, drier, and less humid. Temperatures range from the mid-60s to mid-80s°F.

Summer (May to October) brings hotter temperatures, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and a higher risk of hurricanes, but it also offers warm waters and excellent underwater visibility for snorkeling and diving.

Safety Information 

• Water Safety – Since most of the park is water, always wear a life jacket when boating or kayaking, check weather conditions before heading out, and be aware of strong currents when swimming or snorkeling.
• Weather Awareness – South Florida weather can change rapidly. Watch for thunderstorms, especially in summer, and be prepared for intense sun exposure by wearing sunscreen, a hat, and staying hydrated.
• Marine Life Caution – Be mindful of jellyfish, stingrays, and sharp coral when swimming or wading. Avoid touching or disturbing marine animals and always practice responsible snorkeling and diving etiquette.
• Park Regulations – Fishing, collecting coral, and disturbing wildlife are prohibited in many areas. Follow all park rules to help protect the fragile marine ecosystem.

Leave No Trace

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While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders. 

Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and carry out memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Biscayne National Park Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Biscayne National Park Itinerary.

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