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Boca Chita Key Island Exploration
Cruise to Biscayne National Park’s most-visited island for an easy harbor landing, a quick shoreline walk, and iconic lighthouse views toward Miami. Arrive early, pack your supplies, and enjoy a classic South Florida boat day.
Boca Chita Key is the signature island stop inside Biscayne National Park—best known for its protected harbor, picnic areas, and the island’s famous ornamental “lighthouse.” It’s a simple, high-reward boating destination where you can dock, step ashore, and explore on foot in minutes.
Because Boca Chita is only reachable by boat, planning matters. Dock space is first-come, first-served (and can fill quickly on weekends), and there are no services like drinking water, power, or trash disposal—so bring what you need and pack out everything you brought in.
Once you’re tied up, you can spend the day walking the short trail, relaxing at the picnic areas, and sightseeing around the historic structures. If you time it right, you may also catch lighthouse deck access when staff or volunteers open it.
About This Experience
Boca Chita Key is a small, boat-only island destination with a sheltered harbor and a straightforward “dock-and-explore” setup. The main draw is the scenic approach into the harbor and the island’s landmark ornamental lighthouse (built in the 1930s), plus picnic areas and a short walking route that makes it easy for groups of all ages.
Boaters should expect a rustic experience: no drinking water, no electricity, and no sales facilities on the island. Docking is along a cleated bulkhead and is first-come, first-served, so arriving early—especially on weekends and peak season—can make the difference between an easy landing and a long wait.
Suggested On-the-Water Plans
Half-Day Boca Chita Harbor Stop
Cruise into Boca Chita’s protected harbor, tie up, and enjoy a relaxed island loop: lighthouse photos, a short walk, and a picnic before heading back across Biscayne Bay.
Full-Day Biscayne Island-Hopping (Boca Chita + Nearby Keys)
Make Boca Chita your anchor stop, then continue the day with nearby boat-friendly islands like Elliott Key or Sands Key for more shoreline time and a change of scenery.
Sunset Harbor + Night Under the Stars (Dock & Camp)
Arrive early to secure docking, explore the island in late afternoon light, then plan for an overnight stay (camping fees apply). Bring everything you’ll need—water, food, lighting, and bug protection.
Perfect Boats for This Activity
Freedom Pardo
Reelaxin
Giselle at Coral Gables
OSIRIS
Seasheppard
Giselle at Key Biscayne
Robalo Crandon
Donzi Dream
BeerBoss at Key Biscayne
Gulf to Golf at Key Biscayne
Balboa at Key Biscayne
Whiskey & Waves at Key Biscayne
Freedom Pardo
Reelaxin
Giselle at Coral Gables
OSIRIS
Seasheppard
Giselle at Key Biscayne
Robalo Crandon
Donzi Dream
BeerBoss at Key Biscayne
Gulf to Golf at Key Biscayne
Balboa at Key Biscayne
Whiskey & Waves at Key Biscayne
Where This Activity Takes Place
Getting There
Multiple departure points available
Open in Maps
Boater Tips for Boca Chita Key
Use the harbor/dock GPS: 25.5247, -80.1757 for the most practical approach point.
Arrive early on weekends and holidays—dock space is first-come, first-served and often fills by midday.
Docking is a cleated bulkhead; rafting up is allowed no more than two-deep.
Watch depths at the entrance: low-tide conditions can be around 4 ft—deep-draft boats should plan carefully and check tides.
Bring all essentials: water, food, ice, sun protection, and any cooking supplies you’ll need.
No trash service—pack out all trash and leave the island cleaner than you found it.
Expect mosquitoes year-round; bring repellent, especially near dusk.
No pets are allowed on the island or on boats in the harbor (service animals excepted).
If you’re planning overnight, confirm the current pay process and have your phone ready for mobile payment.
Best Time to Go
For the easiest docking and calmer planning, aim for weekdays or arrive early in the morning on weekends. Tide timing matters—especially for deeper-draft vessels—so check the day’s tide chart before your approach. Late afternoon can be great for photos and skyline views, but it’s also when bugs can be most noticeable, so pack repellent.
Explore Boca Chita Key with BoatPass
BoatPass makes it easy to plan a Boca Chita Key day on the water without the hassles of ownership. Choose your outing, book through the app, website, or concierge, and focus on the route, tides, and dock strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use 25.5247, -80.1757 for the Boca Chita Key harbor/dock area. Coordinate pins may vary online if they’re placed on the lighthouse or island center.
No. Boca Chita Key is only accessible by boat (private vessel or guided tour). Once you dock, the island is easy to explore on foot.
Yes. The dock is a cleated bulkhead and space is first-come, first-served. Boats may raft up no more than two-deep.
The entrance can be around 4 ft at low tide. Check tides and proceed with caution if your boat has a deeper draft.
Restrooms are available, but there’s no drinking water, electricity, showers, or sales facilities. Plan to bring your own supplies and pack out all trash.
Yes. A $25 docking fee applies Friday–Monday and on Federal holidays (as of Jan 1, 2024). Overnight camping is $35 (6 p.m.–6 a.m.) and is paid via Recreation.gov Scan & Pay on mobile.
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