Boca Chita Key in Key Biscayne National Park

Nestled inside Biscayne National Park, the largest marine sanctuary in the U.S. National Parks system, Boca Chita Key is known for its historic lighthouse, stunning views and rustic camping. Here’s everything you need to know about this small island in Biscayne Bay, including how to get there: It’s only accessible by boat.

How to Get There

The island is about a 45-minute boat ride from mainland Miami. You can take an authorized boat tour. Experienced guides, like those at Biscayne National Park Institute, specialize in educational, eco-friendly tours. Or you can charter a private boat; but note that dock space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guided Tours

Book a boat tour with a guide from Biscayne National Park Institute. It offers a 3.5-hour excursion, Boca Chita From Coconut Grove: A Heritage Cruise to Boca Chita Key, departing from Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove. On the way, you’ll pass the historic Stiltsville along Soldier Key, the first in the famed Florida Keys chain.

A one-hour stop in Boca Chita Key includes an up-close look at the lighthouse, exploration of the island and a quick hike. A naturalist guide will educate you on the park’s history and surrounding islands. If you’d like to lend a hand with preservation efforts, there’s are Boca Chita Key Debris Cleanup excursions available throughout the year, too.

To learn about other boating excursions in Biscayne National Park, including where to go snorkeling, contact the Dante Fascell Visitor Center.

Camping

If you’d like to stay overnight, Boca Chita Key offers one of only two campsites within Biscayne National Park. Like boat docking, campsites are limited and first-come, first-served. You cannot make reservations in advance; you must claim a site in person.

Tents are permitted only in designated areas. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days and allowed no more than 30 days within the calendar year. Fires are not permitted.

If you plan to dock ($25 per day) and/or camp ($35 per night), you must pay the fees upon arrival before sunset using Scan & Pay in the mobile app. Download it beforehand, as cell service is limited on Boca Chita Key. You do not need a general Biscayne National Park ticket to enter.

Insider Tips for Visiting

The highlight of Boca Chita Key is the lighthouse. The view from the top (the lighthouse is open intermittently) offers stunning views of the surrounding islands, Biscayne Bay and the Downtown Miami skyline.

A harbor offers a protected marina for boats, and there’s a half-mile of hiking trails through tropical vegetation. The trail begins just east of the restrooms and continues to the south end of the island toward the pavilion.

With its small beach and protected lagoon (access is limited to protect wildlife) Boca Chita Key is a beautiful place for a peaceful swim.

The island is quite remote and lacks many amenities. There are basic restroom facilities, but no drinking water, electricity, showers or sinks. Cellular service is limited.

Pack essentials including drinking water, food and ice inside an animal-proof cooler. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen and trash bags. The island has picnic tables but everything you bring onto the island, including all garbage, must be taken off the island with you.

No pets are allowed on the island, only service animals. Pets cannot be left inside a boat if you choose to dock and camp overnight.

History

Boca Chita Key was purchased by Mark C. Honeywell in the 1930s. It is known for the 65-foot lighthouse, which Honeywell built during his early ownership. Today, it's a landmark for the island, although it was originally intended as an aesthetic expression rather than a navigational marker.

The island’s historic district is part of Biscayne National Park’s archaeological legacy, and the area has a history of human activity dating back thousands of years. Boca Chita Key is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.