BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK
	Nearly 95 percent of this park is underwater. So it's not surprising that favorite activities here include boating, canoeing, diving, fishing, sailing, snorkeling, swimming, water skiing. Make a Splash! Most of that activity centers around the park's coral reefs, where more than 200 types of fish live. In the shallow water, reefs come alive with colorful tropical creatures, whose names are as captivating as their appearances - the parrotfish, angelfish and neon goby, to name just a few. Be Careful But be forwarned: Before you venture out for even a brief dip, slather on your sun block, and, if you're snorkeling, a T-shirt. It's easy to spend hours drifting in the waters above the reefs watching sealife swim by. And if you're not careful, that can lead to a nasty sunburn. Take a Hike When you're ready to dry off, don't forget to explore inland. Here, the land is lush, humid and filled to overflowing with trees, ferns, vines, flowers and shrubs. Once you move inland from the 20 miles of mangrove shoreline, the names of the land-dwelling flora and fauna are just as exotic their ocean-dwelling neighbors -- Gumbo limbo, Jamaican dogwood, the Zebra Butterfly. Put up a Tent You can't see it all in one day, so why not spend a night under the stars in one of the park's two campgrounds: Boca Chita Key Campground is only accessible by boat, so if you arrive by car, you'll need to make arrangements with the concessionaire There are toilets but no sinks, showers or drinking water. Fees: $10/night/site; $15/night/site if you have a boat in the harbor. 305-230-7275 2. Elliott Key Campground is on a 7-mile-long island. It is also only accessible by boat. However, restrooms with sinks and cold water showers are available and drinking water is usually available on the island. (Bring some of your own water as backup.) There are two trails: one runs the entire 7-miles of the island (14 miles roundtrip), and another loops for approximately one mile near the harbor. Fees: $10/night/site; $15/night/site if you have a boat in the harbor. 305-230-7275 Note: Although the campgrounds are open year-round, camping on Biscayne's islands is most comfortable January through April. During the remainder of the year, you may want to check into one of Key Biscayne's many hotels or condos. Getting There: Many visitors enter the park, which is on Florida's southern Atlantic coast, by private boat to fish, cruise and picnic and camp on the 45 or so low islands that dot the area. The rest of the park's visitors arrive by car at Convoy Point, home to the park's headquarters and visitor center. From there, visitors can picnic, fish canoe, or take one of the boat tours offered by the park's concessionaire. (canoe rentals, glass bottom boat tours, snorkel trips, scuba trips, and transportation to the island for campers) Florida's National Parks:
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