America's Best Idea

Biscayne National Park

Every year for Christmas, I think about something I would like. Gift cards always come in handy, as do socks, underwear, and toiletries, but this year all I wanted was to check more National Parks off my list. So, I asked for a Snorkel and Paddle Eco-Adventure of Biscayne National Park through the Biscayne National Park Institute. Our plan was to fly into Miami, visit Biscayne National Park, dive in Key Largo, and make our way down to Key West.

Biscayne National Park is 95% water, making it unique among the national parks. It has the longest stretch of mangrove forest left on Florida's east coast. These mangroves are vital because they protect the shoreline from erosion and serve as nurseries for many marine species.

We met our tour guide at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center and had a nice cruise along Biscayne Bay. We started with paddleboarding in Jones Lagoon, standing up and sitting down to navigate the water passageways. Paddling through the mangroves was peaceful, with the roots forming natural tunnels over the water. We saw birds like pelicans and egrets and even a few fish darting among the roots.

The second half of our trip took us to the Cape Florida Lighthouse, which is one of the oldest structures in South Florida, dating back to 1825.

This park has a great variety of aquatic life, but the spot where we went snorkeling wasn't the best. The water was shallow with grassy areas and cloudy from kicked-up sand. We did spot hundreds of tiny fish, but what stood out most was the intricate roots of the mangroves extending from above the water to below the surface. The reefs are essential as they provide shelter for fish and other marine life and protect the coastlines from storms and waves. At Biscayne National Park, you can see vibrant coral reefs, schools of colorful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional manatee—maybe next time.

I was excited to use my new SeaLife SportDiver underwater housing to take photos and videos with my iPhone. Reviewing my footage later, I realized I wasn't the greatest videographer, but it was fun to toy around with, and I'll have to educate myself on how to become better at it.

I would've liked to explore the Maritime Heritage Trail, which offers a chance to see some of the park's many shipwrecks, but it wasn't available on the day we were there. Biscayne National Park has a rich history of shipwrecks dating back centuries, offering a unique glimpse into maritime history.

After a day exploring the park, our hunger had built up. Our dining options in Key Largo were great, offering a variety of delicious meals. At the Lazy Lobster, you can have your lobster cooked multiple ways, allowing us to try different preparations. At Hobo's, I enjoyed my first of many key lime pies, which was the perfect way to end the meal. We also explored a few other local spots, each with its own unique take on fresh seafood. Next up, Dry Tortugas National Park, where we look forward to more adventures and, of course, more opportunities to savor delicious key lime pies.