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‘Wild’ Life Playgrounds Of MiamiBy Jane Cassie
Although we love having this taste of urban wild life at our fingertips, by staying at The South Beach Hotel a few blocks away, we can easily escape the inevitable crowds. The 1939 art deco treasure, designed by renowned architect, Henry Hohauser, has been recently renovated with a Latin feel. Its sleek lines and contemporary interiors pay homage to the era while the pampering perks like the jetted tub provide us with modern day pleasantries.
The vast emerald Atlantic shimmers before us like a strand of precious gems, and while our vessel plies effortlessly through the water, I remain riveted to its bow rail, permitting the balmy breeze to toss my hair. From the ringside seat, I look forward to a different taste of entertainment. It’s not the same type of parade we experienced the night before but one that’s performed daily and naturally thanks to the gifts from Mother Nature. Javier, one of the tour guides, shares his vast knowledge of this wilderness setting. “The park encompasses eighty thousand acres,” he explains, “and ninety-five percent is underwater.” The remaining five percent, we discover, is made up of the forty-four keys that span eighteen nautical miles.
When the wave action cooperates, there is a fanfare of productivity framed in the window of our hull including porous sponges, ancient shipwrecks, and dazzling coral gardens. And for those who like to take a dip, the snorkeling and diving promises an up-close and personal approach of the iridescent inhabitants.
Although there has always been the risk of hurricanes and tropical storms, the keys have hosted a cross section of travelers over the years. “From pirates to presidents,” Javier states, “the keys have seen them all.” Although legends reveal that the high seas and treacherous reefs have claimed many sailing ships, fortune hunters, bootleggers, gamblers and a number of presidents are still allured by these emerald waters. Embraced in beauty and boasting so many natural wonders, it’s easy to understand why. And as we skim back over the bay we reflect on its tranquility and splendor. The remote setting is like a polar opposite to South Beach’s racy allure, yet both in their own right, are wonderful ‘wild’ life playgrounds of Miami. If You Go:Where To Stay: South Beach Hotel What To Do: Biscayne National Park Dining: Wish Restaurant – The
Hotel Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Phone: 1-888-766-4264
or 305/539-3000 IMAGES BY BRENT CASSIE AND COMPLIMENTS FROM BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK |
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We
mosey the interconnected Collins Avenue where a continued invitation for
dusk to dawn delights is extended. Sophisticated high rises like The Delano,
St Moritz, The National and The Hotel all have a retro flair with a New York
feel. Epicureans revel in the many acclaimed culinary options en route, such
as The Hotel’s Wish Restaurant where executive chef, E. Michael Reidt
appeases the most discriminating palate with his French-Brazillian menu.
During
our stay in Miami, our travels also take us to Biscayne National Park where
we discover an entire flip side to the meaning of ‘wild’ life.
We troll
past a number of the evergreen mounds, enshrouded in a maze of mangroves and
tropical hardwood hammocks. Rich with nourishment, these islets are a haven
for waterfowl and sea life that swarm to the area. Pelicans that ride the
sea breeze look like pterodactyls right out of Jurassic Park and white ibis
that wade knee high in mud get their fill of crustaceans. Double-breasted
cormorants, blue herons, and snowy egrets are a few other feathered friends
that we see. 
This
glass bottom boat tour also provides us with a taste of the park's
underwater world without getting our feet wet and, while hovering over the
surface, we can see the swaying sea grass that shimmers at the base of this
tropical lagoon. The explosive growth of algae and plankton are gastronomic
delights for sponges and sea urchins and, as well as starfish and spiny
lobster, it is a popular spot for the gentle blubbery manatees. Weighing up
to three thousand pounds, these beloved Floridian natives look more like
whiskered whimsical sea cows, and because of their slow-poke maneuverability
we are careful while making our way to the outer reefs.
“There
are around two hundred and fifty different fish species,” Javier reveals,
“as well as a number of types of coral.” Elkhorn, staghorn and brain coral
are most common and parrotfish, tiggerfish, angelfish, blue tang, porkfish,
and trunkfish are just a few sea-goers that bejewel the reefs. Although
incidences are rare, there are others that pose a threat to humans.
Portuguese man-of-war with its long tentacles, the razor-tooth barracuda,
and the infamous bull shark are predators that underwater visitors shy away
from.