Most boaters and especially those who enjoy sailing, seek pleasant and interesting environments for cruising. Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida is a tropical paradise for sailors. The area is a national park and has many varied and interesting sights.
Biscayne Bay's unique locations are accessible only by boat. Dazzlingly clear water, in hues of aqua and tourmaline blue carry the sailor along on his or her journey through this spectacular area.
Biscayne Bay Geography and Biscayne National Park
The body of water along the southeast shore of Florida is known as Biscayne Bay. Temperatures in this area are ideal for boating, year-round. The topography of the region frequently results in breezy conditions on Biscayne Bay, creating wonderful sailing.
Water levels are relatively shallow. Typical depths are eight to ten feet; some offshore areas run less than three feet. Sailing or any kind of cruising in Biscayne Bay requires close attention to avoid an unpleasant encounter with the sandy bottom.
The southern section of Biscayne Bay, along with the islands to its east, forms the major component of Biscayne National Park. The park has many points of interests for boaters. These include:
- Stiltsville: This aquatic Biscayne Bay neighborhood is a collection of wood-frame buildings built on stilts in the water. These buildings have survived several Miami hurricanes and are frequently photographed.
- Elliott Key: The second northernmost of the Florida Keys has a well-maintained walking trail with informational placards that describe the fascinating history of this idyllic Miami location.
- Boca Chita Key: The most popular island in Biscayne National Park, Boca Chita features a lighthouse and a cannon salvaged from a shipwreck.
Aquatic Life in Biscayne Bay
A sailboat's slower pace allows for superb viewing of the varied marine life in Biscayne Bay. It is common to see small pods of dolphins that are feeding or traveling. Sea turtles, eagle rays and colorful fish can also be spotted by a sharp-eyed sailor.
Seagrass beds line the bottom of most of Biscayne Bay. This vegetation provides shelter for spiny lobster, shrimp and manatees. The relatively shallow and crystal clear water make it easy to view the habitat of these creatures.
A Mini-vacation on Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay is easily reached by sailboat from marinas in South Florida. To get to Biscayne Bay, follow the Intracoastal Waterway, and pass under the Rickenbacker Causeway, a fixed bridge with high clearance suitable for most large sailboats.
Passing west of Key Biscayne, peek toward Stiltsville as you pass marker FE99. Continue through the bay, moving with extreme caution through the Featherbed channel. Vigilance is important in this short but narrow channel. Depths are barely a foot outside of the markers.
Once clear of the Featherbed channel, plot a course to Elliott Key. Find a comfortable anchorage as close to shore as your draft allows. Ensure a solid grasp of the anchor in the sandy bottom. When comfortable with your arrangement, head for a swim or hop in your dinghy to tour the island.
As night falls, you’ll see the dim outline of Miami in the northern distance. To the west, the lights of the Turkey Point power plant emit a determined glow.
Allow the waves of the bay waters to gently lull you into a restful sleep. Arise in the morning, deeply inhale the salt air and marvel in the state of relaxation you’ve attained while just 24 miles south of the bustling metropolis of Miami.
Sailing on Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida is a pleasant and relaxing experience. Enjoy the unique sights, playful marine creatures and incredible clear water of this tropical paradise.
Lillian LeBlanc - Ms. LeBlanc is an HR exeutive, commercial pilot, skilled public speaker and published author. She holds an MBA.
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