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Soldier Key
A tiny, wildlife-protected island in Biscayne National Park near Key Biscayne. Know the rules: Soldier Key and waters within 300 feet are closed to public use—plan nearby legal stops instead.
Soldier Key is a small island in Biscayne National Park, positioned between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, just south of Cape Florida (Key Biscayne) and north of the Ragged Keys. It sits in the broader “Safety Valve” sandbar area that helps moderate water exchange between the ocean and the bay.
For boaters, the key planning takeaway is access: Soldier Key is not a beach day destination. The island and the surrounding waters within 300 feet are closed to public use to protect waterbird nesting colonies, and beaching vessels on Soldier Key’s shore is prohibited.
If you’re building a Biscayne Bay itinerary, treat Soldier Key as a no-approach waypoint for navigation context only, and choose boat-friendly alternatives nearby—such as Boca Chita Key—or start from convenient launch points like Crandon Park Marina on Key Biscayne.
What to Expect on the Water
Soldier Key is an undeveloped, protected island in Biscayne National Park. Expect a navigation-area landmark rather than a stop: no docks, no services, and no public access. The island and waters within 300 feet are closed to public use, and beaching on Soldier Key is prohibited. Plan your day around nearby, permitted destinations (for example, Boca Chita Key) and follow park stewardship guidance—use caution around shallow flats, avoid damaging seagrass/coral, and stay alert for protected wildlife.
Find This Destination
Getting There
Near Key Biscayne (about 5 miles south of Cape Florida); ~3 miles north of the Ragged Keys; ~3 miles west of Fowey Rocks
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About This Destination
Soldier Key is a very small island feature in Miami-Dade County within Biscayne National Park, located between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean near Key Biscayne. It’s often referenced for its position in the “Safety Valve” sandbar region, which helps buffer storm surge exchange between the ocean and Biscayne Bay. Historically, the island has appeared under multiple variant names on older charts, but today it’s best known as a strictly protected waterbird nesting area—making it a place to admire from afar and navigate around rather than visit.
Boats to Get You There
Giselle at Coral Gables
Freedom Pardo
OSIRIS
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
Giselle at Coral Gables
Freedom Pardo
OSIRIS
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
Boater Tips & Regulations (Read Before You Go)
Do not plan to land: Soldier Key and the waters within 300 feet are closed to public use to protect nesting waterbirds (verify the latest NPS rules before departure).
Do not beach your vessel on Soldier Key—beaching on any shore areas of the island is prohibited.
Build your itinerary around legal stops nearby (for example, Boca Chita Key) and expect limited services in the park.
Practice Biscayne National Park stewardship: avoid anchoring on coral/seagrass, proceed carefully in shallow areas, and keep a sharp lookout for manatees and sea turtles.
Use a reliable tide/wind plan—Biscayne Bay shallows can change quickly with conditions.
Suggested Boating Routes (Soldier Key as a Look-From-Afar Waypoint)
Key Biscayne Out-and-Back (No-Approach Pass)
Depart from Key Biscayne (e.g., Crandon Park Marina area) for a scenic cruise in central Biscayne Bay. Use Soldier Key only as a navigation reference—do not enter the 300-foot closure zone and do not attempt to land.
Biscayne National Park Day Trip: Boca Chita Key
Make Boca Chita Key your primary destination for docking and exploring. Pair it with a slow cruise past protected islands and flats—maintaining legal distances and respecting wildlife areas.
Miami Bay Cruise + Key Biscayne Loop
Stage from a Miami-area marina (e.g., Rickenbacker Marina or Dinner Key Marina), enjoy the open-bay run toward Key Biscayne, then return. Keep your plan flexible for wind and afternoon chop.
Explore Biscayne Bay with BoatPass
BoatPass makes it easy to plan a stress-free day on the water around Biscayne National Park and Key Biscayne. Your BoatPass membership covers captain, fuel, and docking on all trips—so you can focus on the route, conditions, and park regulations rather than logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Soldier Key and the waters within 300 feet are closed to public use to protect waterbird nesting colonies, and beaching vessels on Soldier Key’s shore is prohibited. Check Biscayne National Park’s latest rules before you go.
You should not enter the closure zone: the island and waters within 300 feet are closed to public use. Navigate outside the restricted area and avoid disturbing wildlife.
No. Soldier Key is undeveloped with no docks, visitor services, or facilities. Plan fuel, water, and restroom needs around your launch point or a permitted destination like Boca Chita Key.
Boca Chita Key (within Biscayne National Park) is a popular, boat-friendly option with a bulkhead docking area and access to the island. Key Biscayne also offers convenient staging via Crandon Park Marina.
A common option is Crandon Park Marina on Key Biscayne (boat ramp open 24 hours; marina office typically 8 a.m.–5 p.m.). For land parking and amenities, Crandon Park on Key Biscayne is a popular starting point (park hours generally sunrise–sunset).
For current regulations and planning guidance, contact Biscayne National Park (HQ): 9700 SW 328th Street, Sir Lancelot Jones Way, Homestead, FL 33033; phone 786-335-3620.
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