Quite possibly the most iconic place in south Florida’s Biscayne National Park, Boca Chita Key is also the park’s most visited island. In this blog post, I’ll tell you all about how to get to Boca Chita Key and, once you’re there, what you shouldn’t miss.
First, though, a brief introduction to Biscayne National Park as a whole.
About 95% of the entire park’s surface area is water—it comprises a large part of Biscayne Bay, just south of Miami, and preserves the northern portion of the sprawling Florida Reef, one of the world’s largest coral reefs. In addition to spectacular coral reefs, Biscayne is also known for its large number of shipwrecks.
The other 5% consists of a stretch of mangrove-lined shoreline on the mainland and a number of small islands known as “keys.”
While there are some land-based activities available in Biscayne National Park—primarily walking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing—the only way to really experience the park is by heading out onto the water.
Kayaking, boat tours, snorkeling trips,… there are plenty of excursion options that allow you to immerse yourself—sometimes literally—in the “watery wonderland” that is Biscayne National Park.
A particularly popular destination on those excursions in Biscayne Bay is Boca Chita Key, which has a small harbor and a few amenities. This is one of only three keys in Biscayne National Park that has public visitor facilities.
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How to Visit Boca Chita Key (Biscayne National Park)
Below, you’ll find the answers to all your questions about how to visit Boca Chita Key.
Among other things, I’ll tell you about why you should visit Boca Chita Key, how to get there, whether or not you can go swimming, and the best things to do at Boca Chita Key.
Why should you trust me for advice about Boca Chita Key?
For one, I’ve been to Boca Chita Key, and the rest of Biscayne National Park, myself and spent a good chunk of time exploring the island (which isn’t really that big at all). Second, as a national parks blogger, I’m always researching destinations and places within the National Park System.
When planning my own trips, I rely on a wide range of resources, sometimes also including my own previous experiences. I take detailed notes and summarize tons of information, both before, during, and after my trips. This information, gathered through physical books and brochures, online resources, and personal first-hand experience, is used to write the blog posts on this website.
Where is Boca Chita Key Located?
Boca Chita Key lies in the middle of Biscayne Bay, in the very heart of Biscayne National Park. It is the northernmost of the larger keys in the park, located just north of Sands Key.
How Do You Get to Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park?
“To get beyond the visitor center area requires a boat. There are no bridges or ferries to the islands or campgrounds and only one mile of road in the entire park,” the National Park Service says.
So, that pretty much answers this question! The only way to get to Boca Chita Key is by boat.
If you don’t have your own boat—and most visitors don’t—you can rely on the Biscayne National Park Institute to get you to Boca Chita Key.
As an official partner of the National Park Service, they are authorized to offer a variety of guided excursions in Biscayne National Park. Those range from paddling adventures and snorkeling trips to boat cruises and island experiences.
Boca Chita Key is a popular destination on these boat trips. Their tours depart from a few different locations: Homestead, Coconut Grove, and Deering Estate.
Visit the Biscayne National Park Institute website for all the details about boat tours to Boca Chita Key. It’s recommended to book your Boca Chita Key excursion in advance.
Alternatively, there are several other tour operators that also have authorization to operate in the national park. You can see that list here on the park’s website.
Can You Swim at Boca Chita Key?
Yes, you can swim at Boca Chita Key! There are a couple of small sand-and-gravel beaches on the island, with shallow lagoons making for wonderful swimming and wading.
In fact, if you have enough time, going for a swim and/or sunbathing on the beach is absolutely one of the most fun things to do at Boca Chita Key.
NOTE: Swimming is NOT allowed within the Boca Chita Key harbor.
Can You Kayak to Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park?
While it is possible to kayak to Boca Chita Key from the mainland, this seven-mile paddle across the open waters of Biscayne Bay should be done only by experienced kayakers.
You can read more about kayaking and canoeing in Biscayne National Park here.
Can You Spend the Night at Boca Chita Key?
Absolutely, you can spend the night at Boca Chita Key! This does require some planning, though.
Boca Chita Key has one of the two campgrounds in Biscayne National Park, although it’s quite a primitive one. Its tent sites are scattered across the lawn in the middle of the island, dotted with palm trees.
There are picnic tables and grills, too, as well as restrooms. Note, however, that there are no showers, sinks, or drinking water on Boca Chita Key.
This means that an overnight camping trip to Boca Chita Key, which is easily one of the best beach camping experiences in the national parks, requires you to bring plenty of water yourself, along with all your food, snacks, cooking gear, and everything else you might think you’ll need.
What Facilities Are Available at Boca Chita Key?
These are all facilities and amenities available to visitors at Boca Chita Key:
- Boca Chita Key Harbor
- Boca Chita Key Campground
- Restrooms
- Picnic tables and grills
- Picnic pavilion
- Hiking trail
- Boca Chita Lighthouse and Observation Deck
What Are the Top Things to Do at Boca Chita Key?
Although it’s a pretty tiny island, there is enough to see and do on Boca Chita Key to keep you occupied for an hour or two—which is also the timeframe most tour operators give you to explore the island.
During my visit to Boca Chita Key, I explored the entire island and checked off all the sights and activities available there (except for camping).
Visit the Boca Chita Lighthouse and Observation Deck
As tiny as the island is, it has its own historic district—the Boca Chita Key Historic District, which comprises of the northwest portion of the island.
The centerpiece of this area is the iconic Boca Chita Lighthouse, built in 1938 by the wealthy industrialist Mark C. Honeywell, who owned the island.
Additionally, Honeywell and his wife also built other structures on Boca Chita Key, such as a chapel, garage, generator room, and picnic pavilion, transforming the island into their private holiday resort. (The chapel and picnic pavilion are still there.)
The 65-foot-tall Boca Chita Lighthouse, although it was meant to be used for navigation, was closed down by the U.S. Coast Guard because it wasn’t charted and, as such, was a navigational hazard. The lighthouse is entirely ornamental now and is open to visitors.
From its observation deck, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Biscayne Bay, the shallow lagoons around Boca Chita Key, and other nearby islands, such as the Ragged Keys to the north. It’s also a great place to look for larger animals in the crystal-clear water just offshore.
Enjoy a Great View of the Miami Skyline
Although it’s several miles from the mainland, Boca Chita Key does offer a rather amazing view of the skyline of Miami to the north.
You can see it from the Boca Chita Lighthouse observation deck, but also from ground level.
I particularly enjoyed the view of the lighthouse itself, backed by the skyscrapers of Miami rising just above the watery horizon. I recommend walking over to the historic Picnic Pavilion to enjoy this unique view.
Go Swimming or Sunbathing
There are some small beaches on the north shore of Boca Chita Key where you can go for a swim or spend some time soaking up that amazing Florida sunshine. The water in the lagoon is pretty shallow and generally quite warm, even in “winter.”
In fact, many campsites, including the group campsite, are just a few steps away from the water’s edge. You can literally start and/or end your day on Boca Chita Key with a dip in the ocean.
Watch Wildlife
Biscayne National Park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including more than 600 native fish, countless water birds, sea turtles, and manatees.
The most visible animals on Boca Chita Key are birds, such as seagulls, white ibises, pelicans, double-crested cormorants, terns, and herons. You can see these in the mangroves, on the beaches, and at the campground.
Additionally, the observation deck of the Boca Chita Lighthouse is a great vantage point to look for animals in the water. Watch for sea turtles, sharks, and large fish.
NOTE: Just like nearby Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park is home to American crocodiles. These prehistoric reptiles are occasionally spotted in the mangroves on the mainland, but are rarely seen on Boca Chita Key (although sightings are not impossible). The National Park Service says that “conflict with humans rarely occurs because of the shy nature of American crocodiles,” but the agency does warn visitors to keep a safe distance of at least 15 feet from all crocodiles (and alligators).
Have a Picnic at the Historic Pavilion
Also built by Honeywell in the 1930s, the Picnic Pavilion is located just across the harbor from the lighthouse. It’s an open-air structure with a concrete base and ten pillars.
Benches provide a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic or snack, take in the view, and find some shade on a hot sunny day.
Walk the Short Boca Chita Key Hiking Trail
A half-mile hiking trail runs along the south shore of Boca Chita Key, allowing you to explore the undeveloped part of the island.
You’ll walk through coastal mangroves, along small beaches, and through a forest. This point-to-point trail has two starting points. You can start either near the pavilion or just south of the restrooms.
It’s a nice activity to immerse yourself in the subtropical vegetation of Biscayne National Park. However, I implore you to bring bug spray and, if possible, wear long sleeves and pants. The bugs were relentless when I walked the Boca Chita Key hiking trail in January.
Spend the Night at the Boca Chita Campground
Although I haven’t done this myself, it’s not hard to imagine how much fun spending a night at Boca Chita Key would be. It’s one of the coolest national park campgrounds I’ve seen so far.
You’ll literally be sleeping on a small subtropical island, beneath swaying palm trees, surrounded by the azure waters of Biscayne Bay.
Remember, though, that you have to bring everything you might need yourself. This includes water, food, snacks, sunscreen, toiletries, a cooler, and other items.
Although restrooms and picnic tables are available, there are no showers, sinks, or drinking water on Boca Chita Key.
You can read more about camping on Boca Chita Key here on the park’s website.
Map of Boca Chita Key
