Kayaking in Biscayne National Park

Address: Dante Fascell Visitor Center, 9700 SW 328th St., Homestead, 33033-5634

Information: Call 1-305-230-1120 or online at NPS.gov/bisc

The water portion of the park is open 24 hours a day. Adams Key (accessible only by boat) is a day-use area only. Convoy Point, where the park's headquarters and the Dante Facell Visitor Center is located, is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tours and trips

Biscayne National Underwater Park Inc. (online at biscayneunderwater.com, phone 1-305-230-1100) offers trips seven days a week, weather permitting. Reservations are suggested but not required.

• Three-hour island tours depart daily at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and cost $35 for adults, $20 for children.

• Glass-bottom reef tours depart at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and cost $45 for adults, $30 for children.

• Snorkel trips depart at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reef trips cost $45 per person; bay trips cost $40 per person. Snorkel gear is included.

• Dive trips (weekends only, except by charter) depart at 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The two-tank, two-reef dives cost $99 per person. Tanks and weights included.

• Canoe and kayak rentals (1½ hours): $16 for a single, $25 for double. Paddle boat rentals: $30 for two, $40 for four.

Camping

It costs $15 a night for tent camping on Elliott and Boca Chita keys. This covers six people and two tents. You cannot reserve tent sites.

You can take your own boat or kayak to the islands or call the park's concessionaire, Biscayne National Underwater Park Inc.

Elliott Key has freshwater toilets, cold-water showers and drinking water. Boca Chita has saltwater toilets. Sinks, showers and drinking water are not available.

You can also dock your boat overnight. The $20 fee includes one night camping. Nautical charts are essential for navigating the shallow bay and coral reef areas. Buy a copy of NOAA's chart No. 11451 "Miami to Marathon and Florida Bay" at the visitor center or at a marine supply store.

If you plan to paddle, Elliott Key is approximately 7 miles from Convoy Point. Boca Chita is approximately 9 miles. Either crossing should only be attempted by seasoned kayakers in good weather.

Bug off

The insects — mosquitoes and "no-see-ums" — are merciless, especially during the warmer months. Carry plenty of repellent.

Safety first

Carry plenty of freshwater, at least 1 gallon per person per day. Also take along a chart, compass, anchor, sunscreen, repellent, sunglasses, rain gear and a tent with insect netting if you plan to spend the night.

If you find yourself in trouble, stay with your vessel near a navigational marker, better yet, on land. Try to attract attention of nearby boaters or campers or contact the U.S. Coast Guard by radio on Marine Channel 16 or call #NPS, or toll-free 1-800-788-0511 or 1-305-242-7740.

Thunderstorms occur frequently and without warning during the summer. The wind and weather can change at any time.

Maritime Heritage Trail

The park's Maritime Heritage Trail, which officials hope to complete in 2011, will feature a series of historic shipwrecks that span nearly a century. Public mooring buoys and waterproof maps to each site make it easier for visitors.

Arratoon Apcar: The 261-foot iron-hulled steamer was built in Scotland in 1861. The ship was carrying a load of coal to Havana, Cuba, on Feb. 20, 1878, when its captain misjudged his position and ran aground at Fowey Rocks. Today, the wreck is in 10-20 feet of water. The coral-encrusted hull can still be seen, making it a good spot for divers to explore.

Erl King: The 306-foot iron-hulled three-masted steamer was built in Scotland in 1865. The barkentine-rigged steamship carried cargo but it also had first-class accommodations for 50 passengers. On Dec. 16, 1891, en route from England to New Orleans, the ship hit a reef. Divers can still see the outline of the hull and cargo — a shipment of concrete mix in barrels — in 18 feet of water on Long Reef.

Alicia: This 345-foot steamer, built in Scotland in 1883, left Liverpool, England, in April 1905 bound for Havana with everything from silverware to fine wine, a cargo valued at more than $1 million. The Alicia slammed into Long Reef during a storm. Several salvage companies tried to rescue the trade goods, which led to a bloody dispute. A second storm ended up sending the doomed ship to the bottom, where it now rests in 20 feet of water.

Lugano: This British steamer, built in 1882, was headed for Havana in March 1913 with more than $1 million in cargo and 116 passengers when it went into a storm and grounded off the Florida coast. The Miami Herald reported that more than 75 "wrecking" boats were involved in the subsequent salvage operation. The ship now sits in 25 feet of water on Long Reef.

Mandalay: The 112-foot, steel-hull schooner made regular runs between Miami and the Bahamas. Built in 1928, the ship was later turned into a luxury cruise ship, complete with mahogany, brass, ivory and a teak deck. In 1965, the schooner was headed to Miami with 35 people aboard when it ran aground on Long Reef. Scavengers stripped the vessel, and the ship is now accessible to snorkelers.

Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors Editor