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| Biscayne Wildlife Observation Site |
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Elevation:
Sea Level
Length:
181,500 Acres
Reservation:
No
Season:
Year-round
From Homestead, FL, Take Exit 2 from the Florida Turnpike onto Campbell Drive. Follow signs to S.W. 328th Street (North Canal Drive). Continue to the end of the road.
Location Information
Fascinating plant life, world-class coral reefs, and unbelievable birdlife inhabit the mainland and islands of Biscayne National Park. Approximately 95% of the 181,500 acres are under water. Its beautiful sandy shores, turquoise crystal waters, and dense mangrove and tropical hardwoods characterize the landmass.Visitors can expect to see a plethora of bird species each season of the year. The park does offer a free bird list with the most commonly sighted species to the seldom-seen species. The more common sightings include brown pelican, red-breasted merganser, magnificent frigatebird, great blue heron, great egret, snowy egret, little blue heron, cattle egret, green heron, yellow-crowned night heron, white ibis, osprey, red-shouldered hawk, American coot, black-bellied plover, killdeer, ruddy turnstone, short-billed dowitcher, laughing gull, ring-billed gull, herring gull, royal tern, least tern, gray kingbird, and northern cardinal. Once again, these are the more commonly seen birds, and of course, all are not present during each season. The recorded list is quite extensive and free of charge. A fabulous way to see the area is via the park concessionaire who provides canoe and sea kayak tours and rentals, and the very popular three-hour glassbottom boat excursions. These excursions provide wonderful underwater scenery of the area's precious and endangered coral reef along with hundreds of colorful tropical fish. In addition, the concessionaire offers snorkeling and scuba diving tours and rentals for those wishing an even closer inspection. Remember that the coral reef is alive and extremely fragile. Note: It is illegal to harvest the coral or fish. For concessionaire's offerings and details call 305-230-1100.
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