History
Many names are attributed to the bay. Juan Ponce de Leon, in 1513, named the bay as Chequescha. In 1565, the bay was called Tequesta by Pedro Menendez de Aviles. During the British occupation in Florida, the British named the bay as Cape River, Dartmouth Sound, and Sandwich gulph.
Hernando de Escalante Fontaneda once narrated that a sailor from the Bay of Biscay (the Viscayno or Biscayno) once inhabited Florida’s lower east coast after a shipwreck incident. The probable etymology of the name Key Biscayne was said to be from Cayo de Biscainhos, which was recorded in a 17th century map. In the 19th century, the bay became Key Biscayne Bay. In the late 19th century, the name had shrunk to Biscayne Bay.
Getting There
The town nearest to Biscayne Bay is Miami (mainland), which is approximately seven miles from Key Biscayne. Tourists can cross the causeway(highway) from Miami City to Key Biscayne.
The 35-mile long Biscayne Bay is separated into three partitions. The North Bay separates Miami Beach from mainland Miami. The largest part, the Central Bay, is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a series of flats called the Safety Valve. This Central Bay ranges from the southern part of Key Bisbayne to the Ragged Keys. The South Bay is disconnected by the northern part of the Keys from the Atlantic Ocean, and interlinks to the Florida Bay through channels.
Weather
The average low temperature in Biscayne Bay is 62°F, which is felt usually during January and February. Average high temperature is 87°F, usually during August. Average low precipitation is 1.6 in, usually during December. Average high precipitation is 7.1 in during the month of June.
What to Wear
During summer months, it is advisable to wear light-colored and cool clothing, especially those made from cotton. Women can wear skirts and cool sundresses. Flip flops are definitely something to bring. If you plan to stay outdoors for longer hours, bring along a hat, a pair of shades for eye protection, and apply a generous amount of sunblock with a high SPF, applying every 2 to 3 hours.
When on business meetings, wear appropriate clothing made of light-colored and cool materials. For night outs, it is advisable to wear appropriate outfits.
During the rainy seasons, be sure to have a jacket or sweatshirt. Same goes for non-rainy days but with cooler nights.
Fishing
Biscayne Bay is the closest inshore fishing area to Miami. Measuring 35 miles long and 8 miles wide, the bay gives anglers a productive fishing throughout the whole year.
The following fishes can be found in the beautiful waters of Biscayne Bay.
*bonefish, the most famous fish in Biscayne Bay
*permit
*tarpon
*shark
*snook
*barracuda
BEST MONTHS TO FISH
*bonefish, the most famous fish in Biscayne Bay – January and February
*permit – all year round; can be done in February if not cold; available in April up to early winter
*tarpon – whole year round
*shark – whole year round
*snook – whole year round
*barracuda – January to March, December
WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR WHEN FISHING
The following are the most appropriate outfit when going for a fish:
• hat
• sunglasses
• light long sleeves, cool light-colored cotton outfits
• jacket or other rain gear
• boat shoes
• sun screen with high SPF
The following should also be in your A-list:
• camera
• cooler
• water or your preferred beverages
• food
Attractions and Activities
Listed below are some Biscayne Bay attractions where tourists may want to spend their time.
*Miami Seaplane Tours
3401 Rickenbacker Causeway Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-3909
Fax: (954) 965-6543
info@miamiseaplane.com
*Florida Native Charters
4000 Crandon Blvd Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(954) 536-6646
Fax: (954) 337-0415
tom.weber@floridanativecharters.com
*Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
1200 South Crandon Blvd Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-5811
http://www.floridastateparks.org/capeflorida/
*Crandon Park Golf Course at Key Biscayne
6700 Crandon Blvd Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-9129
Fax: (305) 361-1062
http://www.crandongolfclub.com/golf/proto/crandongolfclub/
*Crandon Park Beach
4000 Crandon Boulevard Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-7385; (305) 361-5421
*Ritz-Carlton Spa, Key Biscayne
455 Grand Bay Dr.,
Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 365-4158
*Sailboards Miami Water Sports
1 Rickenbacker Cswy
Hobie Island Beach Park Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-7245
windsurf@sailboardsmiami.com
*Crandon Park Tennis Center
7300 Crandon Boulevard Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 365-3500
*Splash Academy
3301 Rickenbacker Causeway Key Biscayne, FL
(305) 361-7368
http://www.splashacademy.com/php/gen/engine.php
jeff@splashacademy.com
*Pilates Center by Bernadette
260 Crandon Boulevard
Suite 36 Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 3658171
http://www.pilatesbybernadette.com/
*Cape Florida Lighthouse
1200 South Crandon Blvd
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-5811
http://www.key-biscayne.com/about/light.html
*Key West Express
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(866) 593-3779
Fax: (239) 463-5833
david@vollrath.cc
Where to Stay
*Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay
1633 North Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33132
(305) 374-3900
*Doubletree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay
1717 North Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33132-1180
Tel: (305) 372-0313, Fax: (305) 539-9228
*Sheraton Miami Biscayne Bay Hotel
495 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
(305) 373-6000
*Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne
455 Grand Bay Drive, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Phone: (305) 365-4500 Fax: (305) 365-4505
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KeyBiscayne/Default.htm
*Silver Sands Beach Resort
301 Ocean Dr, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Phone : (305) 361-5441
Email at : Info@SilverSandsBeachResort.net
http://www.silversandsbeachresort.net/
*Key Colony for Guests
121 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Where to Eat
*Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay – Catch Bar & Grill
1633 north bayshore drive, Miami, FL 33132
(305) 536-6362
*Vero’s By the Bay
3501 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL 33149-1002
(305) 361-0177
*Ayesha Indian Restaurant
328 Crandon Blvd., Suite 115, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(786) 953-4761
www.ayeshasaffron.com/
*Costa Med
260 Crandon Blvd Ste 46, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-7575
*Rickenbacker Fish Company
3301 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-0040
www.rickenbackerfishcompany.com
*The Plaza Restaurant
200 Crandon Blvd # 104, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
*Rusty Pelican – Miami
3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-3818
miami.therustypelican.com/
*Novecento Key Biscayne
620 Crandon Boulevard, #17, Key Biscayne, FL
(305) 362-0900
www.novecento.com/en/index.php?i=9
*Cioppino at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne
455 Grand Bay Drive, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 365-4286
www.ritzcarlton.com/keybiscayne
*Origin Asian Bistro & Sushi
200 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 365-1260
www.originpanasian.com
*Sushi Siam
630 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149-2008
(305) 361-7768
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