Boating & Things to Do in Key Biscayne

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a captivating destination that combines historical intrigue with natural beauty. Home to a historic lighthouse, the park draws visitors for its scenic beaches, fishing opportunities, and cycling trails. The park is family-friendly and offers a peaceful atmosphere, especially during weekdays. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, spot marine life, and take in the picturesque views, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. The park's beaches are swim-friendly and offer snorkeling opportunities, while the lighthouse provides a historical backdrop for a memorable visit.

Paradise Reef is a stunning natural patch reef located off the coast of Miami, near Key Biscayne. Situated in approximately 25 feet of water, this reef is a haven for snorkelers seeking to explore the vibrant underwater world. The reef is adorned with a variety of corals, including sea fans and brain corals, creating a picturesque underwater landscape. The area is teeming with marine life, with frequent sightings of schooling grunts and snappers adding to the dynamic environment. The reef is easily accessible via public mooring buoys, making it a convenient and popular spot for both novice and experienced snorkelers.

The Sheri-Lyn Wreck, a 235-foot steel freighter, offers an exciting dive experience for advanced divers. Sunk intentionally in 1987, this artificial reef lies in 90-100 feet of water off the coast of Key Biscayne. The wreck is renowned for its open cargo compartments, which provide intriguing swim-through opportunities. Over the years, the wreck has become a thriving underwater ecosystem, adorned with lush sea fan growth and teeming with marine life. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of fish species and other sea creatures that have made this vibrant reef their home. The site is a testament to the beauty and allure of artificial reefs, making it a must-visit for experienced divers seeking adventure and exploration beneath the waves.

Flamingo Reef is a stunning natural patch reef located off the coast of Miami, near Key Biscayne. Situated in approximately 29 feet of water, this reef is a haven for snorkelers seeking to explore the vibrant underwater world. The reef is adorned with an array of sea fans and brain corals, creating a colorful and dynamic underwater landscape. Visitors to Flamingo Reef can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including schools of grunts and snappers that frequently swim through the area. The reef is accessible via public mooring buoys, making it an easy and convenient spot for snorkelers to enjoy the beauty of Miami's marine ecosystem.

Key Biscayne Yacht Club offers an exceptional waterfront dining experience, seamlessly blending gourmet cuisine with breathtaking ocean views. This elegant venue is perfectly positioned to provide a relaxed yet special atmosphere, ideal for both family gatherings and romantic outings. The culinary offerings, from expertly cooked salmon to vibrant ceviche, are as impressive as the stunning scenery. With dockage available, it's a perfect stop for boaters seeking a memorable meal by the sea.

Boater's Grill is a quintessential dock-and-dine spot located at the head of No Name Harbor in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Known for its scenic outdoor seating overlooking the harbor, it offers a full menu with a Latin flair, including a notable breakfast selection. While the view is a major draw, recent reviews suggest the food quality may not match the picturesque setting, making it a better stop for drinks and ambiance rather than a culinary experience.

The Rusty Pelican Miami is a must-visit waterfront dining destination offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and Biscayne Bay. Known for its stylish ambiance and exceptional service, this landmark restaurant is perfect for enjoying a sunset dinner or a lively weekend brunch. With a menu featuring fresh seafood and expertly crafted cocktails, the Rusty Pelican provides a memorable dining experience that combines culinary excellence with stunning natural beauty.

Dive into the captivating underwater world of the Proteus, a 220-foot steel-hulled freighter nestled within the Key Biscayne reef site. This wreck, with its 18 feet of relief, is a haven for diverse marine life, offering a spectacular display of coral and sponge growth. Perfect for underwater photography, the Proteus is easily accessible at a shallow depth, providing excellent visibility. Keep an eye out for large pelagic fish that often glide by, adding to the allure of this dive site.

Nixon Sandbar offers a serene escape from the busier Haulover, making it a perfect spot for those seeking relaxation. The shallow waters and soft sands create an inviting environment for sunbathing, swimming, and socializing with friends. Expect a friendly crowd, especially on weekends, but it generally maintains a more tranquil vibe throughout the week.

Waterfront bar and restaurant with dock access.

The Cleat Mia is a vibrant waterfront spot in Miami, renowned for its breathtaking sunset views and lively atmosphere. This island bar is a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a refreshing cocktail while soaking in the picturesque scenery. Although it can get busy, especially on weekends, the experience is well worth the wait. With live music and a party scene, it's a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the Miami vibe.

Stiltsville is a unique and picturesque destination featuring iconic houses perched above shallow waters. This scenic stop offers a perfect opportunity for a slow cruise, allowing visitors to soak in the stunning views and capture memorable photographs. Whether you're looking to relax or explore, Stiltsville provides a charming atmosphere that is sure to delight.

The South Seas Yacht Wreck, located off the coast of Key Biscayne, is a captivating dive site for enthusiasts seeking to explore a piece of maritime history. This 175-foot luxury yacht was intentionally sunk in 1986 to create an artificial reef, and it now rests at a depth of 73 feet. The wreck is renowned for its impressive size and the intact structure of its hull, offering divers a unique opportunity to navigate through its corridors and observe the intricate details of the vessel. Over the years, the wreck has become a thriving habitat for a diverse array of marine life, including colorful corals, schools of fish, and other sea creatures, making it a vibrant underwater ecosystem. The site is suitable for intermediate to advanced divers due to its depth and the potential for strong currents.

Rainbow Reef is a vibrant underwater paradise located just south of Patty's Reef, offering an ideal setting for beginner divers. With its medium profile and shallow depths, this site is perfect for those new to diving, providing a safe and colorful introduction to the underwater world. The reef is teeming with tropical fish and adorned with both hard and soft corals, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Calm waters and easy access make it a popular choice for divers looking to build confidence while enjoying the rich marine biodiversity.

The Spirit of Miami Airplane, a decommissioned Boeing 727, was intentionally sunk in 1993 off the coast of Key Biscayne to serve as an artificial reef. Resting at a depth of 82 feet, this site offers divers a rare opportunity to explore the remnants of a commercial aircraft beneath the ocean's surface. Over the years, natural forces have fragmented the fuselage, creating a dynamic underwater landscape that attracts a variety of marine life. This site is celebrated for its unique structure and the vibrant ecosystem it supports, making it a must-visit for adventurous divers seeking something out of the ordinary.

Public boat ramp managed by Miami-Dade County. Access type: Government Owned for Restricted Public Use.

Public boat ramp managed by Miami-Dade County. Access type: Government Owned for General Public Use.

The Half Moon is a captivating snorkeling destination located within the Florida State Underwater Archaeological Preserve. This site features the remains of a 154-foot steel sailing yacht, originally built in Germany in 1908. The vessel, which later served as a floating restaurant and casino, met its watery fate in 1930. Today, it rests in just 10-12 feet of water, making it an ideal spot for snorkelers and shallow divers to explore. The wreck is teeming with marine life, offering a unique glimpse into both history and the vibrant underwater ecosystem of Miami. As you glide over the remains of the Half Moon, you'll be treated to views of colorful fish darting among the corroded steel structures, providing a fascinating juxtaposition of nature reclaiming a piece of human history.

RJ's Ledge is a captivating natural patch reef located off the coast of Miami, near Key Biscayne. This snorkeling site is situated in approximately 25 feet of water, making it accessible for snorkelers of all skill levels. The reef is adorned with a stunning array of sea fans and brain corals, providing a colorful backdrop for the diverse marine life that calls this area home. Visitors can expect to encounter schools of grunts and snappers weaving through the coral formations, creating a lively underwater spectacle. The site is equipped with public mooring buoys, ensuring easy and environmentally friendly access for snorkelers.

Crandon Park Marina is a well-maintained marina located in Miami Dade, offering ample space and cleanliness. It features multiple boat ramps and extensive parking facilities, making it a popular choice for boaters seeking convenience and accessibility. The marina is known for its beautiful water views and is less crowded during weekdays, providing a peaceful environment for visitors. Boaters can enjoy the marina's amenities, including fuel services, restrooms, and transient-friendly docking options.

Marine Stadium Marina, located in the stunning surroundings of Biscayne Bay, is a premier destination for boating enthusiasts. This marina offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern facilities, making it a top choice for both locals and visitors. With its proximity to the iconic Miami Marine Stadium, boaters can enjoy easy access to the sparkling waters of the bay, perfect for exploring the breathtaking coastline and nearby islands. The marina features well-maintained docks, fueling stations, and pump-out services, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Beyond its practical features, the marina fosters a vibrant atmosphere, serving as a hub for boating enthusiasts and offering a sense of community and camaraderie.

The Neptune Memorial Reef is a spectacular underwater columbarium and artificial reef located 3.25 miles off the coast of Key Biscayne, Florida. Sitting in approximately 40 feet of clear ocean water, this artistic representation of the Lost City of Atlantis serves as both a unique ecological resting place and a thriving marine sanctuary. Boaters and divers will find a stunning array of arches, columns, and statuary that foster vibrant coral growth and support diverse fish populations.

Royal Reef, located off the coast of Miami and near Key Biscayne, is a stunning natural patch reef that offers an exceptional snorkeling experience. Situated in approximately 27 feet of water, this reef is a vibrant underwater garden adorned with a variety of corals, including sea fans and brain corals. The reef is a haven for marine life, frequently visited by schools of grunts and snappers, making it a lively and colorful spectacle for snorkelers. The presence of public mooring buoys ensures easy and safe access to this underwater paradise, allowing visitors to anchor securely and enjoy the rich biodiversity that Royal Reef has to offer.