Skip to main content
Aquatic Preserves

Cape Florida Aquatic Preserve

NEWS     |     RESOURCES     |     CALENDAR

Formally known as Cape Florida to Monroe County Line. Cape Florida Aquatic Preserve sits off the eastern coast of Key Biscayne, extending roughly 3 miles into the Atlantic Ocean.

HISTORY

Cape Florida Aquatic Preserve was first designated in 1970. It initially encompassed a vast area of submerged lands and islands, stretching offshore from southern Key Biscayne out to Florida state waters, southward to the Monroe County line and northward along the Intracoastal Waterway back to Key Biscayne, including Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. However, with the establishment of Biscayne National Monument in 1980 (later expanded and renamed Biscayne National Park), the preserve's acreage was significantly reduced. Today, the preserve exists as a smaller area off the eastern shore of Key Biscayne. Despite its reduced size, the preserve remains a crucial part of Florida's aquatic ecosystem, providing habitat for diverse marine species.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in getting involved with Cape Florida Aquatic Preserve, please email Biscayne.Bay@FloridaDEP.gov or visit the Friends of Biscayne Bay website. 

Events

  • International Coastal Clean Up: hosted at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park annually in September.
  • A Second Saturday Park Cleanup: hosted at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park every second Saturday of the month.

Educational Opportunities

Educational opportunities can be found at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

Cape Florida Aquatic Preserve contains several historic shipwrecks and reefs. Just outside of the preserve lie the historic Cape Florida lighthouse and Stiltsville.

Biscayne Bay, including the Cape Florida Aquatic Preserve, possesses unique geological features. It formed relatively recently (between 2,400 and 5,000 years ago) as rising sea levels filled the depression between two ridges, making it distinct from estuaries formed by river drownings. The bay's geology is closely tied to the Biscayne Aquifer, a highly permeable layer of porous limestone, that significantly influences the bay's salinity regime and supports diverse flora and fauna.

Cape Florida Aquatic Preserve supports a diverse ecosystem characterized by seagrass beds, hardbottom communities and mangrove-lined shores. These habitats provide vital feeding and nursery areas for numerous fish and invertebrate species, including those of commercial importance. The preserve's location within a transition zone between temperate and tropical waters contributes to the rich variety of fish species found there.

Nesting and Migrating Birds
Brown pelicans, double-crested cormorants, bald eagles, magnificent frigatebirds, wood stork, least tern, piping plover

Mammals
Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Florida manatees, various species of migratory whales

Reptiles
American crocodiles, sea turtles

Fish
Snook, bonefish, ladyfish, pompano, permit, spotted sea trout, silver perch, hogfish, Nassau grouper, red grouper, black grouper, gag, yellowfin mojarra, smalltooth sawfish, various species of shark, crevalle jack

A full list of species can be found in the management plan.

Conservation Efforts

Habitat restoration efforts include shoreline stabilization, coral out-planting and seagrass restoration. Public education about the importance of Biscayne Bay is crucial for ensuring the long-term health of the ecosystem. These conservation efforts aim to preserve the ecological integrity of Biscayne Bay, which is essential for maintaining its biodiversity and economic value.

Ongoing Research

Numerous entities conduct research in Cape Florida Aquatic Preserve including the University of Miami’s Shark Research and Conservation Lab and The Field School.

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami is warm and sunny all year-round. Every day is a great day to be at Cape Florida Aquatic Preserve.

Educational opportunities including an exhibit, a museum and the visitor center can be found at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

Yes. Aquatic preserves often are adjacent to other conservation areas that may have nesting birds or other easily disturbed wildlife. Please do not let your pet run free in areas not designated for pets, and please pick up after your pet to avoid hazardous pathogens in our coastal waters. 

Follow current FWC saltwater fishing regulations.

Follow current FWC boating regulations.

Seagrass is protected within aquatic preserves; avoid shallow waters and raise motor if over seagrass. Damage to seagrass can result in a fine up to $1,000. 

Call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

ADA accommodations are specific to each access point and the managing entity for that site. 

There are no fees required by the preserve, but specific access points may charge access fees to those sites. The Friends of Biscayne Bay, a 501(c)3 citizen support organization, accepts donations toward their goal of supporting preserve management and public outreach/education. 

If you are interested in getting involved helping with Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves, please email Biscayne.Bay@FloridaDEP.gov or visit the Friends of Biscayne Bay website.

Partner Groups

  • Biscayne National Park
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
  • South Florida Water Management District
  • Miami-Dade County's Department of Environmental Resources Management
  • Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
  • Florida International University
  • The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
  • The Friends of Biscayne Bay
  • Miami Waterkeeper
  • VolunteerCleanUp.Org
  • Surfrider Miami