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Key Biscayne
A quick run from Miami with turquoise flats, iconic skyline views, and calm Biscayne Bay cruising—plus ocean-side adventure just across the island.
Key Biscayne is a barrier-island village just southeast of Miami, perfectly positioned between the protected waters of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. For boaters, it’s one of the easiest “escape-the-city” destinations in South Florida—close enough for a half-day cruise, but scenic enough to feel like a true getaway.
Most boating days here start with convenient access at Crandon Park Marina on the north end, then branch out to classic local stops: shallow-water sandbars (like Nixon Sandbar/Mashta Flats), skyline-view anchorages, and the historic Cape Florida area inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on the south end.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed bay cruise, a sandbar hangout timed with the tide, or a sightseeing loop past Stiltsville toward Biscayne National Park, Key Biscayne delivers a high-reward itinerary without a long run time.
What to Expect on the Water
Key Biscayne boating is defined by options: protected bay routes for smooth cruising, shallow flats for sandbar days, and ocean access when the weather cooperates. Expect busy traffic on weekends—especially near Crandon Park and the popular sandbar zones—plus shifting depth over the flats. If you’re heading to Bill Baggs/Cape Florida by land after docking or anchoring nearby, note the park can temporarily stop entry when it reaches capacity on peak days.
Find This Destination
Getting There
Approx. 20–40 minutes by boat from many Miami launch points (conditions and route dependent).
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About This Destination
Key Biscayne sits between Biscayne Bay (west) and the Atlantic Ocean (east), bordered by Crandon Park to the north and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park to the south. A centerpiece is the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse (built in 1825), and the broader Cape Florida area is often described by Florida State Parks as a “beacon for freedom,” with layered stories tied to Seminole Indians and people seeking safe passage. The village itself incorporated on June 18, 1991—modern amenities set against deep South Florida history and postcard scenery.
Boats to Get You There
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
Shining Force at Key Biscayne
Bubble at Key Biscayne
Le Grand Bleu at Key Biscayne
Blue
Por Que Knot
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
Shining Force at Key Biscayne
Bubble at Key Biscayne
Le Grand Bleu at Key Biscayne
Blue
Por Que Knot
Boater Tips for Key Biscayne
Time your sandbar day: Nixon Sandbar/Mashta Flats is best around rising/high tide for more comfortable depth and clearer water.
Arrive early on weekends/holidays: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park may close when full and temporarily stop entry.
Use VHF when approaching marinas: Crandon Park Marina commonly monitors VHF 16 with working channel 68—call ahead for current conditions and services.
Mind the flats: Depth can change quickly; go slow in shallow areas and follow marked channels where applicable.
Plan for crowds: Expect heavier traffic near Bear Cut, Crandon, and popular anchorage areas—especially midday on weekends.
Popular Boat Routes from Key Biscayne
Crandon Marina → Nixon Sandbar (Mashta Flats) Loop
A classic Key Biscayne boating day: depart Crandon, cruise to the shallow-water hangout at Nixon Sandbar/Mashta Flats (no on-site facilities), then enjoy a relaxed return with skyline views.
Key Biscayne Bay Cruise → Stiltsville Scenic Pass
Head through Biscayne Bay for one of Miami’s most iconic photo stops: Stiltsville’s historic stilt houses. Great for calm-water cruising and sightseeing.
Key Biscayne → Boca Chita Key Day Trip (Biscayne National Park)
Turn your Key Biscayne outing into a national-park style island day. Boca Chita Key is a popular destination in Biscayne National Park and pairs well with a Stiltsville pass-by.
Crandon Area → Bear Cut / Virginia Key Hop
A quick northbound cruise for scenic water, wildlife vibes, and an easy add-on when you want a shorter itinerary close to the marina.
BoatPass in Key Biscayne
BoatPass makes it easy to plan a Key Biscayne boating day—from a quick sandbar run to a full Biscayne Bay sightseeing loop. With BoatPass, membership covers captain, fuel, and docking on all trips, so you can focus on the route, the tide, and the views instead of the logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary coordinate point for Key Biscayne is 25.6937, -80.1628.
Crandon Park Marina is the main public marina on Key Biscayne, with ramps, docks, fuel pumps, and wet slips. Call the marina office for current services and slip arrangements.
Crandon Park Marina is commonly listed as monitoring VHF 16 with working channel 68. Hail on 16 and shift to 68 if directed.
Nixon Sandbar/Mashta Flats is a well-known shallow-water gathering spot off Key Biscayne. There are no on-site facilities, so bring water, supplies, and plan around the tide.
It’s a year-round destination, but mornings are often calmer and less crowded. For sandbar trips, plan around rising/high tide for better depth and water quality.
Yes. On busy weekends and holidays, the park may close when full and temporarily stop entry—arrive early if it’s part of your plan.
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$500 Credits - If you become a BoatPass Member during your scheduled Call, you'll receive $500 in Coupons via email (five coupons worth $100 each). These can be used for upgrades or extra hours on your bookings as a Member. Coupons will be valid for as long as you remain a Member in Good Standing. Coupons are non-transferable and cannot be combined.
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