JS
Joshua S.
2 hours ago
Amazing yacht rental experience. Ben was great on board, helpful, friendly and on top of everything. Everything went perfect, and the jet skis were superior. Will definitely be back.
Biscayne National Park Boat Tour Miami
Private yacht tours of Biscayne National Park. Reef snorkeling, uninhabited barrier islands, the Boca Chita Key lighthouse, and marine wildlife in a 172,000-acre federal park accessible only by boat.
AS SEEN IN
BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK
A 172,000-Acre National Park Accessible Only by Boat
Biscayne National Park is a federal park located south of Miami, covering 172,000 acres of which 95 percent is water. The park contains the northernmost living coral reef in the continental United States, a chain of uninhabited barrier islands, and the inner Biscayne Bay marine ecosystem. There are no roads or bridges to any of the park's islands or reef. The only way to reach Biscayne National Park is by private boat. Crown Yachts Miami operates a fleet of over 55 private yachts available for Biscayne National Park boat tours departing primarily from Black Point Park and Marina, with additional departures from Crandon Park Marina on Key Biscayne and Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove.
A Biscayne National Park boat tour is the only charter in the Miami area that takes guests into a protected federal marine ecosystem. The park's waters are designated for conservation and are measurably cleaner, clearer, and more biologically active than the developed bay north of the park boundary. A private charter to the park covers reef snorkeling, the clearest snorkeling water in South Florida, uninhabited island beach stops, and marine wildlife encounters in an environment that has no comparison within 60 miles of downtown Miami. The route south from Nixon Sandbar at Key Biscayne leads directly into the northern edge of the park.
Every Biscayne National Park charter is fully customizable with snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and watersports equipment, private catering for multi-stop full-day expeditions, a private chef on board, and a DJ on deck for group celebration formats.
Our Fleet
Yachts Available for Biscayne National Park Tours
Not sure which yacht fits your group? Our team will recommend the best yacht based on your needs.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
What You Will See on a Biscayne National Park Boat Tour
The northernmost coral reef in the continental US, uninhabited barrier island beaches, the historic Boca Chita Key lighthouse, and marine wildlife in a protected federal ecosystem. All only accessible by private boat.
The Coral Reefs
The Northernmost Living Coral Reef in the Continental United States, Only Reachable by Boat
Biscayne National Park contains the northernmost segment of the Florida Reef Tract, the third-largest barrier reef system in the world. The park's reef line runs along the Atlantic side of the barrier islands, roughly five to seven miles east of the Miami mainland shoreline. The reefs are accessible only by boat. Visibility in Biscayne National Park waters ranges from 10 to 30 feet in clear conditions, and the reef hosts elkhorn coral, brain coral, sea fans, and hundreds of tropical fish species including parrotfish, angelfish, barracuda, and moray eels. No land position in Miami offers access to this reef system.
The Barrier Islands
Uninhabited National Park Islands at the Edge of the Atlantic, Accessible Only by Private Boat
Biscayne National Park encompasses a chain of uninhabited barrier islands including Elliott Key, Adams Key, Sands Key, and Old Rhodes Key. Elliott Key is the largest, running approximately seven miles in length along the Atlantic side of the southern Biscayne Bay. The islands have no roads, no permanent residents, and no commercial development. A private yacht anchoring off Elliott Key or Adams Key beaches gives access to white sand shorelines, shallow nearshore snorkeling, and the kind of undeveloped Florida coastline that has disappeared from every other part of the Miami waterfront. The only way to reach these islands is by private boat or helicopter.
Marine Wildlife
Dolphins, Manatees, Sea Turtles, and Tropical Fish in an Undeveloped Protected Marine Ecosystem
Biscayne National Park is one of the most productive marine wildlife zones in South Florida. The inner bay adjacent to the park is a known manatee habitat, particularly in the warm months. Bottlenose dolphins are a common sighting throughout the park's bay and reef waters. Green sea turtles and loggerhead sea turtles nest on the barrier island beaches and are frequently seen in the water off Elliott Key and Sands Key. The reef fish population in the park's Atlantic waters is dense and diverse, reflecting decades of protection as a federal park. A charter entering the park from the south through Black Point has a shorter transit to the manatee and dolphin zones than any charter departing from central or north Miami.
Boca Chita Key
The Historic Boca Chita Key Lighthouse, a 1930s Private Island Estate Now Inside the National Park
Boca Chita Key is a small island inside Biscayne National Park with a 65-foot ornamental lighthouse built by Mark Honeywell in 1937 as part of a private estate. The lighthouse is one of the most photographed structures in South Florida and is visible from considerable distance across the bay. The island has a small harbor where private boats can anchor, and the lighthouse and surrounding grounds are open to the public who arrive by boat. Boca Chita Key is accessible only by water and sits roughly 10 miles south of Miami in the middle of Biscayne Bay, midway between the Miami mainland and the barrier reef.
WHERE WE DEPART
Marina Departure Points for Biscayne National Park Tours
Black Point Park and Marina in South Miami-Dade is the closest departure marina to Biscayne National Park. Crandon Park Marina on Key Biscayne and Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove offer alternatives from the north.
Closest Marina
Black Point Park and Marina, South Miami-Dade
Black Point Park and Marina in South Miami-Dade is the closest full-service marina to Biscayne National Park. The marina sits at the northwest corner of the park boundary, and charters departing Black Point enter protected park waters within 10 to 15 minutes by water. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point, the park's official entry point, is just two miles south of Black Point. From South Miami, Homestead, Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay, and Kendall, Black Point Marina is the most practical departure point and the one that minimizes open bay transit time to the reef and island destinations inside the park.
Key Biscayne
Crandon Park Marina, Key Biscayne
Crandon Park Marina on Key Biscayne is the northernmost practical departure for Biscayne National Park charters. From Crandon Park, a charter heads south through the southern Biscayne Bay, passing the Nixon Sandbar area before entering park waters. The transit from Crandon Park to the Boca Chita Key area takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Crandon Park is the most convenient departure for guests coming from Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and the Brickell area who want to combine Nixon Sandbar with a Biscayne National Park stop on the same charter.
Coconut Grove
Dinner Key Marina, Coconut Grove
Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove is 35 to 45 minutes north of the Biscayne National Park boundary by water via a southbound Biscayne Bay transit. A departure from Dinner Key can combine Nixon Sandbar at Key Biscayne with the Biscayne National Park barrier islands on the same southbound leg, making it the most practical departure for guests wanting a multi-stop south bay charter. Dinner Key is accessible from Coconut Grove, South Miami, Coral Gables, and Kendall by car in 15 to 25 minutes.
Central Bay
Rickenbacker Marina, Virginia Key
Rickenbacker Marina at the Rickenbacker Causeway entrance on Virginia Key is 40 to 50 minutes from the Biscayne National Park reef and barrier island areas by water. A departure from Rickenbacker tracks south through the lower Biscayne Bay corridor, passing the Key Biscayne waters and the Nixon Sandbar area before reaching the park boundary. This marina is practical for guests coming from the Design District, Wynwood, South Beach, and the upper Miami Beach neighborhoods who want to access the southern bay and national park on a full-day charter.
DEPARTURE LOCATIONS
Departure Marinas for Biscayne National Park Boat Tours
Black Point Park and Marina provides the shortest water transit to Biscayne National Park. All marinas are accessible by rideshare or car. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Select a departure marina to see the location
Black Point Park & Marina
The closest marina to Biscayne National Park. At the northwest corner of the park boundary in South Miami-Dade. Charters enter protected park waters in 10 to 15 minutes and reach the Boca Chita Key area in 20 to 30 minutes. The only Crown Yachts Miami departure that places the national park as a first-stop destination without a major bay crossing.
CORAL REEF
BARRIER ISLANDS
BISCAYNE BAY
ITINERARIES
Biscayne National Park Tour Itineraries
From a 3-hour wildlife charter to a full-day national park expedition. Every itinerary enters Biscayne National Park waters for reef snorkeling, island stops, or wildlife encounters in the protected federal marine ecosystem.
Most Popular
Biscayne National Park Snorkeling Charter
A 4 to 5 hour snorkeling charter anchors at the reef line along the Atlantic side of the Biscayne National Park barrier islands for a snorkeling stop in protected federal park waters. The route departs Black Point Marina, crosses the inner bay to the park's island chain, and anchors in calm water with snorkeling gear deployed from the yacht. The reef areas off Elliott Key and Sands Key offer the most consistent snorkeling conditions in South Florida, with water clarity, reef structure, and tropical fish density that is unmatched by any site within 60 miles of Miami.
Islands
Elliott Key and the National Park Barrier Islands
A 4 to 5 hour barrier island charter departs Black Point Marina and heads east and south to Elliott Key, the largest island in Biscayne National Park at roughly seven miles in length. The route anchors off the Atlantic beach side for a swim stop on an undeveloped natural beach, then circles north to Adams Key and Sands Key before returning via the inner bay. This is the complete barrier island circuit inside the park, covering the full chain of uninhabited National Park islands in a single charter that is inaccessible to any land visitor.
Lighthouse
Boca Chita Key Lighthouse
A 4 to 5 hour Boca Chita Key charter departs Black Point Marina or Crandon Park Marina and navigates south through Biscayne Bay to Boca Chita Key, the island with the historic 1937 lighthouse. Guests can anchor off the Boca Chita harbor and tender or swim ashore to walk the island and see the lighthouse grounds, which are open to visitors arriving by private boat. The lighthouse is visible from across the bay on the approach and is one of the most photographed structures in the national park. The round trip from Black Point takes 4 to 5 hours.
Wildlife
Biscayne Bay Wildlife and Dolphin Charter
A 3 to 4 hour wildlife charter departs Black Point Marina and cruises the manatee and dolphin zones in the inner bay adjacent to the park boundary. The southern Biscayne Bay inner channel is one of the most active manatee habitats in South Florida, and bottlenose dolphin pods are a common sighting in the park's bay waters on calm days. A slower cruise through the shallow grass flats on the bay side of the barrier islands gives the best viewing conditions for sea turtles, manatees, and the wading bird populations at the park's mangrove edges.
South Bay
Nixon Sandbar and Biscayne National Park
A 5 to 6 hour south bay combination departs Crandon Park Marina or Dinner Key Marina, anchors at Nixon Sandbar for a swim stop in the Key Biscayne shallows, then continues south into Biscayne National Park for a reef snorkeling stop or barrier island visit. This route combines the most popular shallow-water anchorage on the central bay with the wild national park waters to the south in a single extended charter. The two destinations are different in character: Nixon Sandbar is a social boat scene while the national park waters are quiet, clear, and wild.
Full Day
Full Day Biscayne National Park Expedition
A 6 to 8 hour full-day national park expedition departs Black Point Marina in the morning and covers the Boca Chita Key lighthouse approach, an anchored island stop at Elliott Key beach for swimming and snorkeling, a reef snorkeling position on the Atlantic side of the barrier chain, and a return transit through the inner bay wildlife corridor. This is the most comprehensive single-day charter available in the national park, covering the lighthouse island, the Atlantic reef, the barrier beaches, and the inner bay manatee zone in one uninterrupted expedition.
EVERY OCCASION
All Yacht Charter Experiences in Biscayne National Park
Every type of private yacht charter experience can be set inside Biscayne National Park. Snorkeling adventures, birthday expeditions, bachelorette parties, romantic charters, and family day trips.
Snorkeling Miami
Reef snorkeling in the clear waters of Biscayne National Park on a private yacht charter from Black Point Marina
Yacht Tour Miami
Biscayne National Park barrier islands, Boca Chita Key lighthouse, and the southern bay on a private sightseeing charter
Birthday Party
Birthday celebration anchored off an uninhabited national park island beach in Biscayne Bay
Bachelorette Party
Bachelorette boat trip to Biscayne National Park with a private beach island stop and snorkeling
Sunset Cruise
Golden hour anchored in the protected inner bay of Biscayne National Park with no development in sight
Corporate Events
Corporate team outing in Biscayne National Park with snorkeling, island stops, and a private beach anchor
Yacht Proposal
Propose at anchor off a deserted national park island beach with clear blue water and no other boats nearby
Romantic Dinner
Private dinner anchored inside Biscayne National Park at sunset with the wild southern bay in every direction
Anniversary Cruise
Anniversary charter to the Biscayne National Park barrier islands with a private beach stop and snorkeling
Family Charter
Family day trip to Biscayne National Park for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring the Boca Chita Key lighthouse island
Watersports
Jet skis, paddleboards, and kayaks at the Biscayne National Park barrier islands and inner bay flats
Yacht Photography
On-water photography at the Boca Chita Key lighthouse, the barrier island beaches, and the reef snorkeling positions
CUSTOMIZE YOUR TOUR
Add-On Services for Biscayne National Park Boat Tours
Every Biscayne National Park charter can be customized with snorkeling equipment, catering, a private chef, DJ, yacht decoration, and VIP transport. All services are coordinated before departure.
Activities
Watersports
Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis at Biscayne National Park. The shallow nearshore reef positions off the barrier islands and the inner bay grass flats are ideal for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking in protected park waters.
Food and Drink
Yacht Catering Miami
Full catering menus prepared and served on board. Biscayne National Park full-day expeditions are popular for private lunch formats anchored off an uninhabited barrier island beach, with no crowds, no commercial noise, and open ocean on one side and the wild bay on the other.
Culinary
Private Chef
A private chef prepares a custom menu on board throughout the charter. Popular for full-day national park expeditions where the group anchors at multiple locations. A private chef handles all meals on board so the day is uninterrupted from departure to sunset return.
Decor
Yacht Decoration
Custom balloon arches, floral arrangements, and personalized signage for birthdays, proposals, and anniversaries. Setup complete before your group boards at Black Point Marina or Crandon Park Marina.
Entertainment
Private DJ
A professional DJ with full equipment setup on deck. Popular for birthday and bachelorette charters anchored in the protected inner bay of Biscayne National Park, where there are no noise restrictions from shoreline neighbors and the open bay gives the full outdoor setup.
Transport
VIP Transport
Black car service to Black Point Park and Marina, Crandon Park Marina, Dinner Key Marina, or any departure point. Black Point Marina is the furthest south of all Crown Yachts Miami departure options and benefits most from coordinated transport for groups arriving from Miami Beach or downtown.
WHAT TO KNOW
Planning Your Biscayne National Park Boat Tour
01
Getting to Black Point Park and Marina from Miami
Black Point Park and Marina is at 24775 SW 87th Ave in South Miami-Dade, approximately 25 to 30 minutes south of Coral Gables via US-1 south and SW 87th Avenue. From Kendall and Cutler Bay, the marina is 15 to 20 minutes via US-1 south. From Homestead, the drive is 20 minutes north via US-1. From Brickell and downtown Miami, the drive takes approximately 45 minutes via US-1 south through Coconut Grove and South Miami. From Miami Beach, use the Rickenbacker Causeway to the mainland and head south on US-1, approximately 50 to 55 minutes. The marina is inside Black Point Park, which has a park entrance fee.
02
Parking at Black Point Park and Marina
Black Point Park has extensive parking lots inside the park adjacent to the marina and boat ramp areas. The park charges a per-vehicle entrance fee that covers parking. The marina has a dedicated charter and launch area. Weekends during peak season can see higher park traffic, but the marina area is generally accessible. Rideshare drop-off at the park entrance on SW 87th Avenue is straightforward. We recommend arriving at the marina 20 minutes before your scheduled departure.
03
Best Time of Year and Day for Biscayne National Park
November through April is the clearest and calmest season for Biscayne National Park boat tours. Winter months bring low humidity, consistent southeast trade winds, and the best water visibility on the reef. Summer months from June through September are warmer with afternoon thunderstorms common, though morning departures before noon typically avoid weather. Hurricane season runs June through November. Morning departures between 8am and 10am give the calmest water conditions across the bay and the best light for snorkeling and photography. Afternoon thunderstorms build quickly in summer and charters should be designed to return before 3pm in peak summer months.
04
How Long is a Biscayne National Park Boat Tour?
A dedicated Biscayne National Park snorkeling charter or barrier island tour runs 4 to 5 hours from Black Point Marina. A Boca Chita Key lighthouse charter runs 4 to 5 hours. A full-day national park expedition covering the lighthouse, barrier islands, and reef snorkeling runs 6 to 8 hours. From Crandon Park Marina or Dinner Key Marina, add 30 to 45 minutes each way to the transit time. Most guests booking Biscayne National Park as the primary destination depart from Black Point Marina on a 4 to 6 hour charter to maximize time inside the park.
05
Group Size for a Biscayne National Park Boat Tour
Private Biscayne National Park boat tours accommodate groups from 2 to 13 guests on standard yachts. Sport yachts in the 45 to 65 foot range are the most practical for reef snorkeling charters, as they have lower stern platforms for entering and exiting the water and can navigate closer to the barrier island anchorages. Larger motor yachts in the 65 to 105 foot range provide more shade, more interior space, and more deck room for extended full-day park expeditions. Every charter is private, meaning your group has the entire vessel to yourselves.
06
What Is Included in a Biscayne National Park Boat Tour
All Crown Yachts Miami charters include a USCG-licensed captain, crew, fuel, ice, water, and a Bluetooth sound system. Add-ons for Biscayne National Park tours include snorkeling masks and fins, paddleboards and kayaks for the barrier island stops, private catering for multi-stop full-day charters, a private chef on board, an open bar package, custom yacht decoration for celebrations, and VIP transport from your hotel or residence to Black Point Park and Marina.
GET IN TOUCH
Book a Biscayne National Park Boat Tour
Questions about tour duration, vessel options, departure marinas, snorkeling equipment, or add-on services for your Biscayne National Park boat tour? Message us on WhatsApp for a fast response.
FAQ
Biscayne National Park Boat Tour FAQ
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