Credit: Nuestro Stories
The Spanish began their spread into the New World in the 1400s, and it didn’t take long for Europe’s other nations to want to mimic their routes, follow their paths, and hopefully encounter the same amount of resources. In order to protect themselves, their ships, and the resources the Spanish were transporting, they had to establish a system that would allow them safe passage. Part of the system they utilized was the swiftly moving Gulf Stream that flows through the Straits of Florida. The warm waters were the fastest ways to travel from the Gulf of Mexico to the Northern Atlantic and provided a transportation boon for the stream of ships that traversed the water.
Unfortunately, though the waters were the swiftest for travel and kept the sailors safest from outside attacks, they were also highly treacherous. As evidenced by the landmark now known as Biscayne National Park.
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Biscayne National Park is made up of a total of 42 islands, and is the portion of the Florida Keys that remains undeveloped. While the islands are mostly untouched by human hands, the waters that surround it have seen their fair share of people. As evidenced by the amount of shipwrecks that have occurred around the islands. In fact, Biscayne National Park has so many on its shores that BPN plays host to the Maritime Heritage Trail, where visitors are able to explore the remains of the wreckage left behind by 6 different ships. Biscayne National Park is the only national park with an underwater portion in its tour.
Things to know before you go
- Visitors are allowed to explore the remains of the wrecks, when accessible, but are warned to be extremely cautious, as the wreckage can not be restored.
- There are 6 wrecks that comprise Biscayne National Park, but there are thought to be dozens scattered throughout the waters.
- The water portion of Biscayne is open 24 hours, but the visitor center at Convoy Point is open from 7am to 5pm.
Location: Islandia, Florida
Address: FQJR+XM Islandia, Florida
Visit it here.
