Biscayne National Park
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| Biscayne National Park | |
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| IUCN Category II (National Park) | |
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| Location | Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA |
| Nearest city | Miami |
| Coordinates | |
| Area | 172,971 acres (699.99 km²) |
| Established | June 28, 1980 |
| Visitors | 517,442 (in 2007) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
Biscayne National Park is a U.S. National Park located in southern Florida, due east of Homestead. The park preserves Biscayne Bay, one of the top scuba diving areas in the United States. Ninety-five percent of the park is water. In addition, the shore of the bay is the location of an extensive mangrove forest. The park covers 207 mi² (700 km²).
Elliott Key, the park's largest island, is considered the first of the true Florida Keys being formed from coral reef. The islands farther north in the park are transitional islands of coral and sand.
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[edit] History
Biscayne National Monument was established on October 18, 1968. The Monument was promoted to National Park status on June 28, 1980.
[edit] Attractions
The major attraction of the park is scuba diving or snorkeling on the coral reef inside the bay. It is also possible to take a glass-bottom boat tour of the bay, or rent kayaks to explore the bay and the islands (Florida Keys) in it. While accessing the historic homes of Stiltsville is currently not allowed by casual visitors, these structures may still be observed from boats.
[edit] Gallery
[edit] External links
- Biscayne National Park (official website)
- Florida Keys Tourism Board
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