You need a boat to see most of Biscayne National Park, east of Homestead. About 95 percent of its 172,971 acres are underwater. Fortunately, if you don’t have a boat, there are a variety of experiences available to visitors including snorkeling outings and boat tours to islands.
Snorkeling
Pigeon Key: Island on Seven Mile Bridge has scenery, history
As you cross the Seven Mile Bridge, you pass the little green island with yellow cottages and palm trees surrounded by dazzling blue water. Stop and visit: Pigeon Key is one of a kind. It offers fascinating history, tropical beauty, even great snorkeling.
Egmont Key: ‘Discover the Island’ weekend at historic wild isle off Tampa Bay
Egmont Key is a wild island off Tampa Bay that has figured in two centuries of Florida history. A stunning wildlife refuge with evocative ruins, it is reached by ferry from Fort DeSoto Park. The best time to visit is Discover the Island weekend, Nov. 9-10, 2019, when programs and amenities help you appreciate this special spot.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Snorkel, dive, camp, kayak
Snorkel, dive or ride a glass-bottom boat to view the magical coral reefs at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Guide to camping, kayaking, lodging, food and things to do on Key Largo.
America’s best beaches: Several in Florida make annual list
Many of the best beaches in America are in Florida. Here are the top beaches in Florida, ranked by Dr. Beach in 2019.
Paradise Found: Things to do in the Lower Keys
Lower Keys are low-key destination for kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, camping — and the tiki bars aren’t bad, either!
Peanut Island: Snorkeling, historic site, even camping
This county park offers some of the best snorkeling from a beach in South Florida. And, to complete your day, it’s a fun kayak outing that can include fresh fish at a nearby tiki bar.
A Florida delicacy: Invasive lionfish, fresh from local waters
Lionfish are gobbling up native species on Florida Keys reefs. Now you can gobble them up instead. Several Florida restaurants are serving lionfish, said to be delicious.