Biscayne National Park Warnings and Dangers

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If you boat to the Stiltsville area (or anywhere else in the park) DO NOT RUN AGROUND! Some of the ground is shallow, and has protected sea grass beds. There are hefty fines involved. When we visited Bill Baggs park, we saw a sailboat with the sails up which didn't appear to move at all. We thought they might be aground.

There is a little rhyme to help you remember what the water colors mean that goes something like this:

Blue Blue Sail Right Through
Green Green Go Between
Yellow Yellow Will Ground a Fellow
Brown Brown Run Aground

Other Rules
# When anchoring, the anchor, anchor chain or line should not be in contact with coral. Use mooring buoys that are provided. If one is not available, ask to tie off another stern. If neither option is available, carefully anchor in the sand.
# Always consult and carry the local NOAA nautical chart to determine safe courses of navigation. Use channels, don't take shortcuts.
# If you run aground: immediately turn the engine off. Do not try to motor off. Wait until high tide to remove the vessel. Call for assistance when necessary.
# Motor slowly parallel to the reef, in deep water, until a mooring buoy is selected. Turn and idle directly to the buoy without meandering among other boats. Reverse this procedure when motoring to another site.
# Regulations prohibit littering. Do not discard your chum box, fishing line or trash into the water.
# Hand feeding fish is discouraged . Such activity changes the natural behavior and diet of the fish.

The area is also a NO DISCHARGE zoon.