In short
- Park entry is 100% free.
- Stiltsville cruises cost around $70 per adult.
- Boca Chita Key tours cost roughly $83 per adult.
In this article
The park is 95% water. A boat tour is the best way to see the main sights. The official Biscayne National Park Institute runs daily trips from Dinner Key Marina in Miami.
Is Biscayne National Park free to enter?
Yes, you do not pay an entrance fee at the gate.
The park does not charge a general entry fee. However, the park covers 172,971 acres and is mostly water. You must pay for a boat tour ticket to access the offshore areas.
How much does a Biscayne National Park boat tour cost?
Tickets for guided tours range from $70 to $83 per adult.
Tour prices depend on the itinerary. A standard two-hour cruise costs less than a four-hour island landing tour.
What is the price for the Stiltsville cruise?
The two-hour Stiltsville Guided Tour costs approximately $70 per adult.
This sightseeing cruise departs from Miami. You stay on the boat to view the six historic wooden houses built over the shallow waters of Biscayne Bay.
How much is the Boca Chita Key tour?
Expect to pay about $83 per adult for the Boca Chita Key Heritage Cruise.
This trip takes 3.5 to 4 hours. The price includes the boat ride and time on the island to see the 1930s lighthouse and harbor.
Do private boaters have to pay to visit?
Private boaters pay a $25 day-use fee to dock at Boca Chita Key.
This fee applies on weekends (Friday through Monday) and federal holidays. Guided tour passengers do not pay this docking fee.
Where do these paid tours depart from?
Miami-based tours leave from Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove.
Board your boat at Pier 9. Paid parking near Miami City Hall costs about $1.50 to $3.00 per hour. Arrive 30 minutes early to beat traffic.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need to book Biscayne National Park boat tours in advance?
Booking your tickets early is highly recommended. The US Coast Guard strictly limits passenger capacity on all tour boats.
Are there additional fees on the islands?
No, there are no shops or facilities charging extra on Boca Chita Key. You must pack your own drinking water and supplies.
Do infants need a paid ticket?
Infants count toward the strict US Coast Guard passenger limits. They require a spot on the boat manifest during all tours.
