boca chita lighthouse tour

Boca Chita Key: How to Visit the Most Popular Island in Biscayne National Park

By: Author Bram Reusen

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2024

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.

This blog post about how to visit Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park contains affiliate links. You can read more about our  Terms of Use / Disclosure here .

How to Visit Boca Chita Key (Biscayne National Park)

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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.

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 .

“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 .

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.

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 .

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 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.

These are all facilities and amenities available to visitors at Boca Chita Key:

• Boca Chita Key Harbor
• Boca Chita Key Campground
• 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).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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 .

• Park Website
• Travel Guide
• Top Things to Do in Biscayne National Park
• Accommodation

Have You Ever Visited Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park? Are You Planning a Visit? Share Your National Parks Experience Below!

Privacy overview.

• Departs From: Deering Estate

Deering Estate Lighthouses Boat Cruise

Boat Cruise Of Biscayne Bay Lighthouses Departing From Deering Estate

Quick Details

Departure Location: Deering Estate

Duration: 4 hours

Start Time:  10:30 a.m.

Available Days: Two Saturdays of each month

Important Information:

• The entrance fee to Deering Estate is included.
• Before completing your booking, make sure to read our Cancellation Policy .
• Please read all the information below including the drop-down menus to learn more about this trip.

The Boca Chita Lighthouse will undergo construction until further notice. During this period, scaffolding will encircle the structure, and public access to the lighthouse will be temporarily restricted. Please check Biscayne National Park’s website for updates. We appreciate your understanding.

Experience Biscayne National Park in a new light!

After departing from Deering Estate, a Biscayne National Park Ranger guides you on a  journey through Biscayne Bay to see the iconic Cape Florida, Fowey Rocks, and Boca Chita lighthouses and learn about the history that surrounds them. You cut through the alluring Stiltsville and go to Boca Chita Key to get up close to Biscayne National Park’s iconic Boca Chita Lighthouse with a chance of climbing to the top of Boca Chita Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the Bay. You may also have the opportunity to see wildlife including, dolphins, sea turtles, and many shore birds. The Boca Chita Lighthouse will undergo construction until further notice. During this period, scaffolding will encircle the structure, and public access to the lighthouse will be temporarily restricted. Please check Biscayne National Park’s website for updates. We appreciate your understanding.

 Advance reservations are required for this tour.

Note: We make every attempt to go as close as possible to Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, however weather and sea conditions determine how close the vessel can approach this lighthouse while still providing you with a safe and enjoyable experience.

All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

• Chevron down Location and Check-In Procedures

This program will depart from the dockage area located directly behind Deering Estate. 16701 SW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL 33157. This is near the Palmetto Bay area.  

Check out our  Transportation Page to learn more about transportation options for this location.

Enter through the main gate of the estate and let the ticket booth know that you’re checking in for a boat tour. They will be able to direct you from there. Please arrive 30 minutes before your tour.

Boat tour ticket includes admission to Deering Estate.

• Chevron down Participant Requirements

This trip is great for all ages.

Guests must be 42″ tall to go into Boca Chita Lighthouse.

This program has movements that could cause problems for pregnant women, those with recent surgeries or back injuries, and can cause motion/sea sickness. To best accommodate you and make your trip safe and enjoyable, please make a note in your reservation or privately notify our captain or mate if:

• You have any recent surgeries
• You have any back injuries
• You have any medical conditions
• You are prone to motion/sea sickness
• You are pregnant
• You have any other concerns regarding your safety and health

We do provide an ADA Certified ramp when requested. Please contact us and let us know if you need this at least a day before the trip to have it set for your trip.

• Chevron down What to Bring

We recommend that you bring along the following:

• Water Bottle
• Reef safe sunscreen
• Hat, light jacket, and sunglasses

On windy days, water might splash into the boat. We recommend storing any valuables in a waterproof bag.

• Chevron down Equipment and Boat

What equipment is provided during the program?  

• Life jackets can be provided if requested. There are emergency life jackets on the boat.

Boat Information

• The boat will be a Corithian that’s 45 ft long. It could hold a max of 40 passengers. This boat does have a small bathroom for use. We recommended using the bathroom in the Estate before departing. During this trip, the boat stays in the bay most of time, this will lessen the chance of motion sickness.  
• While cruising in the bay, especially on a windy day, there’s a chance that water will splash into the boat; we highly suggest storing anything that you don’t wish to get wet in a drybag.
• We can provide an ADA certified ramp, however we must be notified at least 24 hours before the trip. Please call our call center to help you with this accommodation.
• Chevron down Important Medical and Liability Release Information and Waivers

Online waivers will be sent with the booking confirmation. No printing necessary. You can even complete the waivers on your phone! Adults over the age of 18 must complete and submit their own waiver. Minors ages 17 and younger must have a parent or legal guardian complete and submit a waiver on behalf of the minor. For snorkeling activities there are separate waivers for adults and minors, please be sure you are completing the appropriate waiver. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. To complete the waiver process, you will need to confirm your email address through and email that will be sent by Smartwaiver.

• Chevron down Additional Questions

Do you support any ADA needs?  

• We do our best to accommodate any ADA needs, for better assistance please contact us at (786) 465-4058 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll gladly assist you on any concerns.

Is there a place on the boat to hold my stuff?  

• You can keep items on the boat during your excursion but there is a possibility of them getting wet during the trip, we ask that you use a dry bag and keep personal belongs hidden inside of your vehicles.  

Is this a glass bottom boat?

• This is not a glass bottom boat, but in shallow areas the seagrass will be visible from the side of the boat. This trip will not go out to the ocean side, coral reef barriers will not be seen.

Related Activities

• Departs From: Homestead
• Calendar Daily
• Hour Glass 6 Hours
• Tags Sailing , Snorkeling , Paddling

Sail, Paddle and Snorkel

Sail from the mainland to snorkel and paddle in the clear waters of the park on a full-day adventure!

Boca Chita Key

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Boca Chita Key - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Boca Chita Key: Highlight of Biscayne National Park

By: Author Bonnie Gross

Posted on Last updated: January 15, 2024

You need a boat to see and visit most of Biscayne National Park, east of Homestead. About 95 percent of its 172,971 acres are underwater.

Fortunately, if you don’t have a boat, there are a variety of experiences available to visitors of Biscayne National Park.

The trip to Boca Chita Key is the most popular of the choices for good reasons: You travel over dazzling turquoise waters into Biscayne Bay to stop briefly on an island that was designed to be a rich man’s paradise.

Biscayne National Park: Where the Florida Keys begin

Biscayne National Park is actually the start of the Florida Keys, and when you get out in a boat a little distance from land, the stunning Caribbean-turquoise water will remind you of that.

North of Key Largo, there are 33 small islands and a 28-mile-long reef, all part of Biscayne National Park. The largest is Elliott Key.

Despite attempts by developers, they were never connected to the mainland by bridge and thus they escaped development. The national park was formed in 1968.

Like the other Florida Keys, the islands are fossilized coral reefs formed 100,000 years ago. There were only a handful of residents when the park was created and these largely unspoiled islands give you a glimpse of how all the Florida Keys must have once looked.

The Biscayne National Park boat trip to Boca Chita

The islands are too far to reach for all but the most experienced sea kayakers, so the only way most people can visit them is on a tour from Biscayne National Park through a nonprofit called  Biscayne National Park Institute .

The trip to Boca Chita Island leaves from either Deering Estate or Coconut Grove (tickets $79.) The little island was once a rich man’s private island, complete with a decorative lighthouse you can climb.

The Boca Chita Lighthouse will undergo construction through May 5, 2024. During this period, scaffolding will encircle the structure, and public access to the lighthouse will be temporarily restricted.

Other boat tours include snorkeling trips to reefs and shipwrecks, eco-trips to Jones Lagoon where you explore by stand up paddleboard and tours of Stiltsville and lighthouses. More details and more about the park are below and boat tour tickets are here. )

The three-hour tour to Boca Chita is on a 25-foot powerboat and it takes at least a half hour to reach the island from Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72nd Ave., Miami, FL 33157, where our tour began.

As you approach, Boca Chita Island is a beautiful sight framed by the turquoise water. It looks like an island paradise, which is exactly what it was developed to be.

Purchased in 1937 by millionaire Mark Honeywell, founder of Honeywell Inc., Boca Chita was a private party island for Honeywell, his moneyed pals and their yachts.

Honeywell had a decorative lighthouse built, which you can tour and from its top admire the spectacular view of blues and greens.

The structures Honeywell built are now the Boca Chita Key National Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

Historic items include a cannon from the HMS Fowey, which sunk on the reef near here in 1748. Honeywell fired the cannon to get the party started.

To make the island’s story even more Hollywood-worthy, it is tinged with tragedy. Honeywell’s wife suffered a fatal accident boating at the island, and he sold it in 1945.

Today the island is still a party destination, but now it’s for powerboat owners from Miami who come to hang out for the day, barbecue and play their music, often loudly. Unfortunately, that noise does not contribute to a real “national park experience.”

There’s a small rocky beach on the island, and the ranger/guide told folks on the boat they were welcome to take a dip or wade in if they wanted. In the time allotted on the island, however, there is not a lot of time for swimming.

More to do in Biscayne National Park

Here are six more things to do in Biscayne National Park, all good reasons to visit.

• Visit the Homestead headquarters, where a first-rate visitor center features interesting exhibits explaining the area’s environment.
• Explore by kayak along the mangrove-fringed coast from the Homestead
• Picnic at a scenic shady spot overlooking Biscayne Bay at the Homestead headquarters.
• Stroll the scenic boardwalk into Biscayne Bay in Homestead.
• Snorkel shipwrecks and reefs on trips offered from Coconut Grove and Homestead.
• Paddle on a kayak or paddleboard on one of the southernmost islands, where you explore remote Jones Lagoon by stand up paddlboard or kayak , looking for baby sharks, sea turtles, jelly fish and other sea life. From a paddleboard, you can peer into the clear water at the wondrous sea life. It’s $99 and is offered daily from Homestead. Visitor tip: Be prepared for mosquitos even in winter.
• Take a history-oriented tour to Stiltsville or to the bay’s lighthouses .

Scenic history tours in Biscayne National Park

Floridians have always loved Stiltsville . From tales of gambling and debauchery in the 1930s to ‘60s, to appearances on Miami Vice in the ‘80s to mentions in Carl Hiaassen novels, Stiltsville has represented the wild, cool and kooky side of Miami.

The six remaining houses, built on stilts in Biscayne Bay a mile from land in Miami, are now part of Biscayne National Park and can only be seen well by boat. Here’s a Florida Rambler story on the Stiltsville tour.

If you love lighthouses , there is a four-hour tour offered one Saturday a month from Deering Estate that tells the stories and takes you close to three  lighthouse—Cape Florida on Key Biscayne, Fowey Rocks and Boca Chita. The summer is the best time for this tour because calmer seas often allow the boat to get very close to the Fowey lighthouse and the nearby wreck of the Aratoon Apcar, which is part of the Maritime Heritage Tour, according to Manges. The tour is $80.

Seeing Biscayne Bay National Park by kayak or canoe

Canoe, paddle board and kayak rentals are available starting at $25 for 90 minutes. The park website lists several possible kayaking routes leaving from the visitor center area:

• Black Point  paddle trail guide
• Crocodile Creek  paddle trail guide
• Deering  paddle trail guide
• Mowry Canal  paddle trail guide.

While the Biscayne National Park website does list kayaking to Elliott Key as a possibility, a ranger explained it is seven miles of open water, which is about six hours of paddling if you’re lucky. This is a trip for advanced kayakers and perfect weather.

Biscayne National Park on land

Admission is free to this national park, and it’s a great place to stop for a picnic because the tables are in shade overlooking Biscayne Bay.

While here, you can stroll out onto a quarter-mile-long boardwalk that leads to a jetty along the boat channel. It’s a scenic walk, past families fishing and wading in the water along the mangroves.

The visitor center is worthy of a national park, with exhibits to help you identify plants and animals from Biscayne Bay as well as a good account of the human history. There are extensive hands-on objects and an informative short video.

Biscayne National Park camping via motorboat, sail or kayak

Two islands in Biscayne National Park accommodate campers on primitive tent sites with limited amenities, and both islands are accessible for camping only by private boats.

Boca Chita Key  is the park’s most popular island. It features beautiful waterfront views, a grassy camping area, picnic tables and grills. Toilets are available, but there are no showers, sinks or drinking water. A cleated bulkhead is the only place for docking.

Elliott Key  is the park’s largest island. Restrooms with sinks and cold water showers, picnic tables and grills are available. Drinking water is available, but bring your own water as a precaution if the system goes down. There are 33 boat slips in the marina.

The 7-mile paddle by kayak across Biscayne Bay is for experienced paddlers only. Leaving a vehicle in the parking lot at the park’s Visitor Center is permitted when camping on one of the park islands, but you’ll need to fill out a free parking permit.

Cost:  $25 per night including tent site and boat docking ($12.50 per night with senior pass.) Tent camping only is $15 per night. Sites are first come, first served. Payments with exact change upon arrival. Camping and docking fees are waived from May 1 to Sept. 30, when the park is less popular because of heat and bugs. There is no ferry service for campers.

Planning your visit to Biscayne National Park

The park’s headquarters and many boat tours are at Convoy Point and is located at 9700 SW 328th Street, Sir Lancelot Jones Way, Homestead, FL 33033.

Some tours (to Boca Chita and Stiltsville) leave from Deering Estate, a Miami-Dade County park (that is wonderful) at 16701 SW 72nd Ave., Miami, FL 33157.

• Information about guided tours and booking tickets.
• Biscayne National Park official website
• Biscayne National Park map
• Maritime Heritage Trail
• What it’s like to take the history-oriented tour of Stiltsville in Biscayne National Park. 
• Find a room in Homestead
• Biscayne National Park: How to get there. From the Florida Turnpike take exit 6 (Speedway Boulevard). Turn left from exit ramp and continue south to SW 328th Street (North Canal Drive). Turn left on 328th Street and continue for four miles to the end of the road. The park entrance is on the left just before the entrance to Homestead Bayfront Marina.

Things to do near Biscayne National Park

• If you’re driving to Biscayne National Park, you may want to keep going to explore the Florida Keys. Our Florida Keys mile-marker guide  is an ideal companion to a roadtrip.
• Everglades National Park is 20 minutes away. Here are our tips for visiting  Everglades National Park.  A free trolley connects the two national parks and the city of Homestead.
• Robert is Here  is a great stop in Homestead for milkshakes (key lime passion fruit!) plus exotic fruit and variety of farm animals.
• Drive down scenic Card Sound Road and discover  Alabama Jack’s, a classic Keys tiki bar  known for its conch fritters.
• There’s a unique park in Homestead that showcases trees and other plants that produce edible fruits and nuts. Here’s a Florida Rambler story on  Fruit and Spice Park.
• An attraction that belongs on the Florida funky hall of fame,   Coral Castle is minutes away. Here from Florida Rambler are  15 things to amaze you at this mysterious ‘work of art’ in Homestead .
• Knaus Berry Farm , for strawberry milks shakes and Florida’s best cinnamon rolls, in Homestead.

All articles on FloridaRambler.com are original, produced exclusively for our readers and protected by U.S. Copyright law. Any use or re-publication without written permission is against the law. Read more: floridarambler.com/licensing

This page may contain affiliate links from which Florida Rambler may earn a small commission if a purchase is made. This revenue supports our mission to produce quality journalism about authentic Florida at no cost to our readers.

The author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. Florida Rambler was founded in 2010 by Bonnie and fellow journalist Bob Rountree, two long-time Florida residents who have spent decades exploring the Florida outdoors. Their articles have been published in the Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, The Guardian and Visit Florida.

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Lighthouses of Biscayne Bay Cruise

Departing from the Deering Estate on the Pelican Skipper, a comfortable riding 45 foot Corinthian catamaran, this four hour tour will allow you to experience Biscayne National Park in a new light! Guided by a Biscayne National Park Ranger, guests will journey through Biscayne Bay to see the iconic Cape Florida, Fowey Rocks and Boca Chita Lighthouses and learn about the history that surrounds them. The vessel complies with Coast Guard Regulations and is ADA accessible.

You will cut though the alluring Stiltsville and climb to the top of the Boca Chita Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the bay. You may also have the opportunity to see wildlife including, dolphins, sea turtles and many shore birds.

Advance reservations are required. Check-in is located at the main gate. 

Cost:  $70 per person, plus tax and a processing fee.

The tour departing from Deering Estate is possible thanks to a partnership between Biscayne National Park, the Florida National Parks Association, Deering Estate and the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department.

Lighthouses of Biscayne Bay

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• Adults: $70.00

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Adventuring Beyond

Adventuring beyond through travel, food, and more.

The Good and Bad of the Popular Biscayne Boat Tour

June 1, 2020 By Ross Nelson 2 Comments

In researching what to do in Biscayne National Park, there wasn’t a lot that we felt would work well for our family and the time we had allotted for the park. We eventually settled on a Biscayne boat tour to Boca Chita Key. We took one day to visit Biscayne while in the area visiting Everglades National Park , Marco Island, and Key West. Our rental home in nearby Homestead was the perfect place to see these areas from!

Most visits, including those that use the tours run by the Biscayne National Park Institute , originate at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center near Homestead. A note on south Florida traffic — it is awful. Absolutely a mess. Ensure you have plenty of time before your tour is to depart. There is a good video in the Visitor Center, a short walking trail, picnic tables, and more to enjoy while you wait.

We chose Boca Chita Key as it is the most popular tour and includes the tour of the 65 foot tall lighthouse and access to the observation deck. The history of Boca Chita Key is interesting as it was originally developed into a personal party island by Carl Fisher, a wealthy automotive entrepreneur. He was a publicity hound and used an elephant named Rosie to draw attention to Miami Beach and also Boca Chita Key.

The island was later bought by Mark Honeywell in 1937 and a holiday resort was built out that included a number of buildings that no longer stand. Mr. Honeywell purchased the island to hold exclusive parties and it sounds like he was quite the host! This was also short lived, but today we get to enjoy the lighthouse built in the 1930s.

The Good and Bad of a Biscayne Boat Tour

One of our biggest concerns about the tour was seasickness. Seemingly all of our family gets motion sickness on boats and the open ocean aspect of this tour had us pretty nervous. Thanks to Sea-Band wristbands, the style of boat used, and the relatively smooth day we were fine. The open air style of the boat and the ability to look forward always helps! It also makes it loud and windy but we were glad to accept that trade.

The route is nearly straight out from the visitor center, so once you get out into the deeper water the driver will have the boat running pretty fast but the speakers are loud and you can hear their program well. Our boat was mostly filled with older couples but there was at least one other family with small children.

Arriving out at the island brought something we hadn’t expected — music. Loud, loud music and lots of it! Chock that up to the many people who use these islands as a boating destination on the weekends, as all camping and docking fees are waived from May 1 to September 30. They dock at the island and stay for the day or camp for longer periods. It sure created a dichotomy between people partying and those of us on the tour! We would suggest going on a weekday to avoid this experience! The rangers don’t engage and instead encourage you to relax and settle in.

The lighthouse really is the star attraction on the island and getting to go up to the top on the observation deck is worth the price of admission (you can only go up in the lighthouse if you are on a tour)! You can see as far as Miami Beach and the Downtown area, as well as the Ragged, Sands and Elliott Keys.

Boca Chita also has a small beach area on the east side of the park where you can splash among the mangrove trees. We then took a short 1/2 mile hike looking for some solace and found a bit of it despite the music in the background. The trail leaves near the restrooms (they are flush toilets but expect to use hand sanitizer afterwards as there are no sinks on the island).

We saw a bit of wildlife, but mostly birds including a heron. We also got a great family picture that we used for our Christmas card! If you travel on your own to the island you can also use paddleboards in the lagoon area assuming the boat traffic is quiet.

The overall tour is 3 hours long and you will have plenty of time to tour the lighthouse, walk the island, splash around/swim, and be back to the boat for your return trip.

Overall, it was an interesting trip but didn’t feel at all like a normal National Park experience. We were disappointed with all the people and the music when we were expecting something much different. Other than the short trail we found, there weren’t any good hikes on the island and the most redeeming part of the trip was the lighthouse and the history we learned about the island. If you choose to go on a Biscayne boat tour to Boca Chita Key we hope this post helps you go in with more realistic expectations than those we had.

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Reader Interactions

September 12, 2021 at 11:38 pm

Thanks for the honest review. I am planning a trip for next summer and will keep your tips in mind. Thanks!

October 7, 2021 at 2:19 pm

You’re welcome! Hope our post is helpful for your trip planning and that you have a great vacation!

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Boca Chita Key

Top ways to experience Boca Chita Key and nearby attractions

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BOCA CHITA KEY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park

Harbor and Boat Dock

Picnic Area

Boca Chita Key Loop Trail

Boca Chita Key is the northernmost of the three tourist-friendly islands at Biscayne National Park. It has a harbor and boat dock that allows overnight docking, a campground, a picnic area, and a short hiking trail. It is the most popular of all the developed keys and mainly caters to the Miami “party” crowd, as evident from the stack of beer cans piled high directly under the “This is a Trash Free Park” sign. I did not see anyone who was not drinking, including me and my buddy Mike, who provided a boat for my trip.

From what I have read, salsa and rap music permeate the air all night long on the weekends (I had no problems on a slow Thursday night). When a Ranger arrives things quiet down, but everything gets turned back up to 11 as soon as he or she leaves. Police can show up as well and hand out tickets for noise violations. However, it is generally accepted that if you camp at Boca Chita on a busy weekend that you know the situation, so don’t be a party pooper. Families and those seeking peace and quiet camp at Elliott Key .

Swimming is allowed wherever you can access the shore, though from May 1st through August 15th certain areas will be marked as “closed” due to turtle and shorebird nesting. Also, there is no swimming in the harbor or in the No Wake Zones. There are swimming spots on the north side of the island near the individual campsites and at the group campsite, and on the south side of the island with a view of Sands Key (access the south side via the Boca Chita Key Loop Trail).

Beach near the group campsite on Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park

Boca Chita Key Campground area swimming access in Biscayne National Park

View of Sands Key from Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park

If you are coming to Boca Chita to tent camp during the weekend, you probably won’t have a problem finding a campsite because most people sleep in their boats. What you need to worry about is finding a place to dock your boat. I came to camp on a Thursday in early March and the boat dock was about 60% full, but I am told that on weekends from November through April that it will be full by noon. You can always access the dock to unload your gear and then anchor off shore, but if you don’t have some sort of dinghy, you must wade back in. Keep in mind that if you do get a dock space, if you leave you might not find a spot when you return. For those without a boat, there is no shuttle service to the island for campers, though Biscayne National Park Institute, the main park concessionaire, does run day trips to the island that allow for short, one-hour visits. See the Guided Tours and Excursions web page here on National Park Planner for more information.

The lighthouse on Boca Chita Key does not work. It was built by the island’s former owner, Mark Honeywell (founder of the Honeywell electronics company), back in 1937. He tried to use it as a navigational aid for friends coming to his island, but it was quickly shut down by the U. S. Coast Guard. It has served as a decoration ever since. The lighthouse is not open unless a park Ranger is around, which is not all that often. Some guys told me that they had been on the island for three days and only saw a Ranger once. If you get a chance to climb it, the view from the observation deck is supposedly very nice. The lighthouse is only 65-feet tall, so there aren’t too many stairs to climb.

Lighthouse on Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park

Honeywell supposedly used to fire the cannon located at the base of the lighthouse whenever guests arrived.

Cannon at the base of the Boca Chita Key Lighthouse in Biscayne National Park

Boca Chita Key has a restroom with flush toilets that use salt water, but there is no fresh water and therefore no sinks or showers. There is no electricity either, so bring a lantern with you after dark. I’d hate to see what the restroom looks like on a busy weekend after a bunch of puking drunks get done using it.

Restroom facility at Biscayne National Park’s Boca Chita Key

There are three other buildings on Boca Chita Key. On the south side of the harbor, the building that looks like a stone barn is actually a garage built by Honeywell to house a few of his collectable automobiles. This is now used by the National Park Service for storing maintenance equipment. A second, smaller building is a storage shed built by Honeywell, and it’s still used as a storage shed today.

Garage built by Mark Honeywell on Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park

Mark Honeywell’s storage shed on Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park

On the north side of the harbor is a small building with a steep, triangular roof. This is a chapel built by Honeywell.

Chapel on Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park

I camped on Boca Chita Key in early March, and the mosquitoes were already bothersome, though not burdensome. They do tend to go away during the day in the open areas once things heat up, but they are around 24-7 in the surrounding maritime forest. At night they come back out in force, so you’ll need either bug repellent or clothing for protection. The temperature was nice during my visit, so I just wore long pants and a thin jacket and my hat with a mosquito net on it—I hate applying bug spray when I can’t take a shower before going to sleep. A park employee told me that by the end of April that you won’t be able to function on any of the islands without full mosquito suits, which all employees wear. I am not sure how bad they are in the dead of winter, but the Biscayne National Park website claims they are year-round pests. I was also told that gnats and biting flies would soon join the party.

Boca Chita Key is a trash free island, meaning that you must take your garbage with you. Obviously, not everyone follows the rules. Also, no pets (except for service dogs) are permitted anywhere on the island, not even in your boat. If a Ranger sees you with a pet, you will be asked to leave. Those who argue can be fined on the spot.

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Biscayne National Park

Outdoor Experiences

Water, water everywhere. That’s Biscayne National Park , the largest marine sanctuary in the U.S. National Parks system. Ninety-five percent of its nearly 173,000 acres is in Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, making it a world-class aquatic wonderland within an easy drive of just about anywhere in Greater Miami & Miami Beach.

Renowned for its biodiversity, Biscayne National Park is made up of four ecosystems: coastal mangrove hammocks, Biscayne Bay’s shallow lagoon waters, coral limestone keys and the third-largest offshore reef in the world. These ecosystems sustain thousands of wildlife species , including 20 that are threatened or endangered, such as the manatee, hawksbill sea turtle and American crocodile. Part of the Biscayne Birding Trail , the park also boasts more than 110 species of birds, including the roseate spoonbill, wood stork and the ultra-rare mangrove cuckoo. The area is also home to 600 native fish species.

Check out the Visitor Center

Since most of the park is accessible only by boat, first-timers should stop at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead. The center has a museum and art gallery along with information about the park. It’s also the starting point for the scenic Convoy Point Jetty Walk through the surrounding bayside hardwood hammock. The visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

All guided boat, paddle and snorkel eco-adventures within the park depart from the visitor center and are handled by the Biscayne National Park Institute , the park’s only authorized onsite outfitter. To ensure your spot, book your half-day or full-day tour ahead of time on the institute's website.

Explore Biscayne National Park By Water

Paddle the Park

Whether you choose a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard, the best way to experience the coastal wilderness of Biscayne National Park is on the water.

A favorite excursion is the guided paddle tour of Jones Lagoon , a secluded, mangrove-fringed lagoon at the southern end of the park. Yellow stingrays, loggerhead turtles, juvenile bonnethead sharks and an otherworldly meadow of Cassiopeia (upside-down jellyfish) are just a few of the wildlife you may encounter. If you’re a birder, keep your eyes peeled for white-crowned pigeons, and bring binoculars to observe roseate spoonbills and frigate birds in their rookeries. Are you planning to explore on your own? The 7-mile expanse from the mainland to Elliott Key is traversable but best undertaken by experienced kayakers.

Snorkel the Florida Reef

Some of the park’s greatest sights lie beneath the water. Explore colorful living reefs and a coastal mangrove habitat, and visit coral-covered ships that met their fate on the Florida reef. The Institute offers several guided snorkeling and scuba trips .

Anemones, green moray eels and schools of technicolor fish, such as rainbow parrotfish and angelfish, are just a sampling of the reef dwellers you might uncover. Be aware that ocean conditions change, and you may end up snorkeling in the calmer, mangrove-fringed waters of the bay.

Are you curious about exploring the watery tombs of historic wrecks? From May through August, the Institute sometimes offers guided snorkeling tours of the Mandalay or the Arratoon Apcar , the shallowest of the six mapped shipwrecks on the Maritime Heritage Trail . If you’re a certified scuba diver, charter tours outside the park offer diving excursions and private charters to the deeper shipwrecks on the trail and the reef.

Exploring the Florida Keys

Two of the northernmost islands of the Florida Keys archipelago are located within Biscayne National Park.

A powerboat tour is a good way to see scenic Boca Chita Key , an islet that’s home to coconut palms and a smattering of other native flora as well as historic limestone structures. While you’re there, stroll along the short path through a mangrove hammock or climb the island’s landmark lighthouse to take in cinematic vistas of the Atlantic.

You’ll also need to go by boat to explore Elliott Key , the largest of the park’s islands. Once you’ve wandered along the one-mile loop trail, hit the six-mile road (also called Spite Highway) down the center of the island to see a maritime forest where mangroves, buttonwood, gumbo-limbo and torchwood, the host tree of the endangered Schaus’ swallowtail butterfly, abound.

Along with the many tours the Institute offers, tours are also available from commercial operators. See the list on the National Park Service website. For the full land and water experience, opt for a sailboat tour to Boca Chita followed by a visit to Elliott Key or Adams Key , where you can kayak, paddle or snorkel the translucent bayside waters and explore the diverse soft coral habitats.

Pitch a tent and get lulled to sleep by warm ocean breezes at either Boca Chita Key or Elliott Key. Both islands offer campgrounds for tent site and boat-docking fees from $25-$35. See the National Park Service site for reservations . Campers take note: If you don’t bring it, you won’t have it. The campsites are charmingly primitive. Aside from toilet facilities on both islands, you won’t find any amenities, so pack water, food and supplies. Water and showers are available only at the Elliott Key campsite.

If you’re up for a group adventure, check the Institute’s website for seasonal package trips that combine history, sailing, paddling, hiking and camping.

Boat Launches And Nearby Marinas

The Dante Fascell Visitor Center has no marinas or boat ramps (it does have a kayak, canoe and paddleboard launch), but you can launch boats from several nearby public access points that flow into Biscayne Bay:

• Herbert Hoover Marina at Homestead Bayfront Park (feeds directly into Biscayne National Park) at 9698 SW 328th St., Homestead, FL 33033.
• Black Point Park & Marina (ideal for access to Boca Chita and Elliot Key) at 24775 SW 87th Ave., Miami, FL 33032.
• Matheson Hammock Marina near Coral Gables at 9610 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL 33156.
• Crandon Marina on Key Biscayne at 4000 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FL 33149.

Planning A Biscayne National Park Trip

Getting to biscayne national park.

Depending on traffic, the drive from Downtown Miami could take anywhere from one hour to 90 minutes. From the Florida Turnpike, take Exit 6/Speedway Boulevard and go left on Southwest 328th Street to the visitor center. The NPS site has more-detailed directions , including the route from US Highway 1.

The Homestead National Parks Trolley runs weekends from late November through April and goes from Downtown Homestead to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center.

On your way to the park, stop by the Tropical Everglades Visitor Association and get more information about everything you can see and do in the area.

The Best Time To Visit Biscayne National Park

While Miami enjoys mild winters, each season offers you a different experience at Biscayne National Park.

• The water is clearest in the coldest months, but the park will be busier. If you want to spend a lot of time in the water, a 3-mm wetsuit will keep you comfortable longer while you’re snorkeling, swimming or diving.
• Thunderstorms are common in the summer months, so if you plan to visit in these less-busy months, return to land before the afternoon storms begin and check weather forecasts.
• Fall through spring brings excellent sailing weather, but the same winds that are great for sailing can make visibility less-ideal for snorkeling or diving.
• Campers in March, April and November enjoy warm weather with relatively low humidity, but September remains the least-crowded month, so if you want solitude, that’s your best bet.
• Holiday weekends can get busy on the water. These are not the best days for taking out kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.

Good to Know

• The glorious Miami sun will make you thirsty, so make sure you have at least one gallon of water per person per day, especially at Boca Chita Key, which has no fresh water.
• No matter the season, you will need mosquito repellent. Be sure to get one containing DEET. If you plan to camp, pack incense-style mosquito repellent, too.
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen and bring enough to reapply it every two hours (more if you’re in the water).
• Fishing of any kind in Florida, whether from the shore or a boat, requires a license.
• Paddlers should have a float plan and make sure someone not paddling with you knows it.
• Only Elliott Key and the Dante Fascell Visitor Center allow pets.
• Make reservations in advance for campsites, guided tours and watercraft rentals, especially in the cooler months.

By: Kate Fox | November 10, 2023

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Biscayne National Park Planner (Everything You Need to Know)

Biscayne National Park is, hands down, one of the most tantalizing and extraordinary national parks in America. While it’s not filled with dirt trails and lush forests, this park still woos travelers with its spectacular underwater treasures.

As a matter of fact, 95% of this national park sits under Florida’s sparkling, crystal clear turquoise water. With its colorful coral reefs, exhilarating outdoor pursuits, and shipwrecks, Biscayne National Park is a veritable ocean playground.

What’s more, this 270-square-mile aquatic paradise has a diverse ecosystem full of uniquely shaped corals and multi-colored fish. Did we mention that it’s home to photogenic lighthouses and miles of beautiful wavy seagrass and mangrove channels?

For a memorable, sunny, and salty escape here, check out our extensive our Biscayne National Park travel guide.

While exploring Florida we suggest: Fodor’s Florida Travel Guide

Biscayne National Park Map

Table of Contents

If you’re looking for a Biscayne National Park map, the one featured below will show you the proximity of the national park to Miami and Homestead. I’ve also marked the visitors center for reference.

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:  Above you’ll find a map of our highlights for Biscayne National Park. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of places we mention in this travel guide. “Star” the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a new window for a larger version.

Brief History of Biscayne Bay

In 1513, Juan Ponce de Leon became the first European to discover the Florida Keys. After the arrival of the other Spanish conquistadors and explorers later in the 1500s, the Florida area came under the Spanish rule.

From the 1500s to the 20th century, Spanish fleets sailed regularly past the keys and were usually caught in massive hurricanes. There were at least  two 18th-century ships from Spain wrecked in the national park area.

In the 1890, as modern communities expanded, developers looked into Key Biscayne’s undeveloped areas for new projects. A bustling industrial seaport was then, in 1962, proposed for Biscayne Bay’s mainland shores.

Thankfully, there were conservationists who succeeded in fighting to preserve the bay. In 1968, the bay was designated a national monument. A few years later, in 1974, Biscayne Bay was redesignated as a national park.

Plan Your Visit to Biscayne National Park

How to get to biscayne national park.

The Dante Fascell Visitor Center, situated in Homestead, is the main access to the national park. From Downtown Miami, you can reach this gateway in 90 minutes or less. Just hit Exit 6/Speedway Boulevard and drive left on Southwest 328th Street.

You may also use Google Maps or any other navigational apps to reach the visitor center.

• Address: 9700 SW 328th St, Homestead, FL 33033, United States
• Contact number: (305) 230-1144
• Website: https://www.nps.gov/bisc/planyourvisit/the-dante-fascell-visitor-center-gallery.htm

Besides the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, there are other gateways and marinas to the park, including Crandon and Homestead Bayfront.

Nearby Marinas and Boat Launches

Even though it has a paddleboard, canoe, and kayak launch, there are no boat ramps or marinas at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center.

However, you may launch boats from a number of nearby access points flowing into the bay, including:

• Crandon Park Marina (Key Biscayne) 4000 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
• Matheson Hammock Park Marina (near Coral Gables) 9610 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL 33156
• Black Point Park and Marina (perfect for access to Elliot Key and Boca Chita) 24775 SW 87th Avenue, Miami, FL 33032
• Herbert Hoover Marina (Homestead Bayfront Park) 9698 N. Canal Drive, Homestead, FL 33033

Best Time to Visit Biscayne National Park

The best time to visit Biscayne National Park is summer when the weather is normally warmer. Furthermore, the seas are calm during these months, meaning it’s ideal for diving and snorkeling.

Still, visitors should be ready for thunderstorms and mosquitoes when visiting the park in summer.

How to Get Around Biscayne National Park

The best way to explore the park is by boat, especially since it’s mostly made up of water. If you have your own boat or vessel, you may explore the park on your own.

We recommend consulting with a ranger first before you venture into this exquisite natural wonder. That way, you’ll know where to go in Biscayne National Park, and ensure that your skills and knowledge are up to the challenge.

Alternatively, you may book a tour through Biscayne National Park Institute , which provides a variety of excursions within the park.

We booked the full-day sailing trip that departs from the Dante Fascell Visitors Center and with favorable weather and wind, were able to visit Boca Chita Key. The trip is very exclusive with only 6 visitors per trip.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Biscayne National Park?

There’s no admission fee for this national park. There are, however, fees for certain activities and tours within the park. Camping, for one, costs a few bucks per night for each tent on Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key.

Campers with boats that need to be docked will have to pay an overnight fee of $20. Additionally, group camping is available for $30 a night.

While the park itself doesn’t charge admission, you’ll need to book a tour or charter a boat to see the actual park. So actual costs will vary depending on your choices for exploring.

Best Things to Do in Biscayne National Park

There’s never a dull moment in Biscayne National Park. With an open mind and an adventurous soul, you can experience a world of adventures both in water and on land in this park.

For an unforgettable escape, check out these recommendations.

Snorkeling in Biscayne National Park

One of the most popular and top activities is to go snorkeling in Biscayne National Park. With the park being located at the starting point of the Great Florida Barrier Reef, there is no mystery about this favored activity.

You can expect to see healthy coral, plenty of fish species, and plenty of other marine critters when you hop in the protected waters of Biscayne Bay.

While the reefs here don’t compare to the ones we’ve seen in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, there is something special about experiencing the marine life that abounds in the only living reef off the coast of the USA.

Explore the Maritime Heritage Trail

The Maritime Heritage Trail is, no doubt, the national park’s undisputed crown jewel. Ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling, this underwater paradise is home to some of the numerous shipwrecks in Biscayne National Park.

There are five wrecks that span almost a century and a wide range of vessel types and sizes along this trail.

Take a Reef Cruise

Enjoying a reef cruise is one of the best and most fascinating ways to visit this national park. On this cruise, you’ll come in contact with over 320 kinds of fish, spiny lobsters, crabs, and shrimp.

Plus, you’ll spot tons of birds as you take this cruise, including cormorants and herons.

Boats depart from Convoy Point, and you’ll get an insightful orientation to the extraordinary fauna and flora of the bay before leaving.

There’s also a glass-bottom boat tour that lets you get a peek into the underwater world without ever getting wet.

Visit the Jones Family Historic District and Lagoon

Want to add a hint of history to your nature trip in Biscayne National Park? Then don’t forget to experience a kayaking escape on the Jones Family Historic District and Lagoon.

The area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it an amazing pit stop for history buffs. The area is made up of Totten Key and Porgy Key, in which the Jones family grew key limes and pineapples in the 19th century.

Stop by the Dante Fascell Visitor Center

Spend a few hours at this visitors’ center, and watch a short film that will take you on an eye-opening virtual journey through the national park. Afterward, appreciate the interpretive exhibits displayed inside the visitors’ center.

Before leaving the area, pause at Dante Fascell Gallery, and watch a variety of striking contemporary art.

Explore Boca Chita Key

No list of the best things to do in Biscayne National Park is complete without a tour of Boca Chita. Led by a park naturalist, this three-hour boat tour lets you climb the historic lighthouse of the island.

On a clear day, you’ll see the striking skyline of Miami from this lighthouse. While it has never been a working lighthouse, this man-made attraction is still a sight to behold.

You’ll learn more about the history of this lighthouse and island through the knowledgeable park rangers.

Kayaking in Biscayne National Park

Paddlers will have ample opportunities to explore and see the mangrove shoreline along Biscayne mainland. You can rent a kayak or canoe by the national park concessioner. Don’t forget to drop by the visitor center for suggested routes and weather conditions.

That said, kayaking from the mainland to either Elliot Key or Boca Chita Key should not be attempted. If you wish to kayak around these islands, you’ll need to book a tour that visits them with a kayaking option.

Enjoy a SUP Adventure

If you’ve booked a sailing or boat trip out to either Boca Chita Key or Elliot Key, then you’ll likely have the opportunity to hop on a SUP board. This is a great way to see the reef and get up close to the mangroves in protected waters.

We find using SUP boards to be more intimate than a kayak and you can also snorkel from them! Just be sure to hang onto the tether while swimming so your board doesn’t blow away.

Hiking the Trails

Even with its limited land area, the park does have a few trails for those who want to stretch their legs. Hiking trails within the park include the Jetty Trail, Adams Key Loop, Elliott Key Loop, Spite Highway Trail, and Boca Chita Key Loop.

You’re not going to put serious miles under you on any of these trails, so don’t expect that. However, it’s a great way to explore the islands looking for interesting flora and fauna while seeking unique vantage points.

Where to Stay in Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park has a couple of excellent campgrounds. One is located on Boca Chita, a popular island destination for day trips. The other sits on the park’s largest island, Elliot Key.

You’ll have to shell out $25 a night on any of the park’s campgrounds. The fee includes boat docking and camping. Both campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Although it has restrooms, there’s no shower or sink in Boca Chita Key’s campground. Also, there’s no drinking water available on this island. So, make sure to bring plenty of drinking water on your camping trip.

On the bright side, the campground is equipped with picnic tables and grills. But you’ll need to bring all of your own food and supplies to the island. With that in mind, be sure to pack out every single thing you pack in. Including your garbage. Leave nothing behind.

Meanwhile, Elliot Key’s campground has scores of convenient amenities. Not only does it offer drinking water, but it also has cold water showers, grills, picnic tables, and restrooms.

Where to Stay Near the National Park

Not fond of camping? Guess what? There are plenty of non-tented accommodation options near the park, ranging from upscale hotels to budget-friendly inns.

If you’re not planning to camp within the park, take note of our recommended places in nearby Homestead and Florida City below:

• Quality Inn
• Best Western

What to Pack for Your Visit

Not sure what to bring your vacation to this national park? Do yourself a favor, and check out our general packing list.

• Refillable water bottle
• Hiking sandals or boots
• Camera and tripod
• Bathing suit
• Rashguard or sun shirt
• Hiking shorts or pants
• Mosquito repellent
• Snacks and pack lunch

Looking for more information on what you should pack when visiting Biscayne National Park? Check out our Essential Packing List for Florida

You might also like:

• How to Get to Dry Tortugas National Park
• Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip Planner
• Ultimate Key West Itinerary
• 18 Amazing Things to Do in Key Largo
• What to Do in Islamorada, Florida
• Ultimate 3 Day Weekend in Miami Itinerary
• Ultimate US National Parks Bucket List

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

1 thought on “Biscayne National Park Planner (Everything You Need to Know)”

The Aquatic Paradise, eco-system, crystal clear water of Biscayne National Park really appeal a lot, wishing to visit the place soon.

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6 Iconic Florida Keys Lighthouses to Brighten Your Journey

• By Site Staff
• In Florida Travel

Whether you're embarking on a solo adventure or exploring with your loved ones, there's an undeniable thrill in discovering the hidden gems that await you.

Getting the chance to marvel at the magnificent historical lighthouses that dot the landscape between Boca Chita and Key West is an absolute must.

If you have these already on your itinerary, then you will want to know where each one is and how to find it when you are in Florida.

These picturesque structures offer not only breathtaking views, but also a glimpse into the rich maritime history of the Florida Keys.

When our kids were younger, we used to play "lighthouse spotting" as we traveled along the coasts (both of the Pacific and the Atlantic).

They were quite young, so we usually skipped any actual tours (with a few exceptions along the Oregon coast ).

With that in mind, I prepared a list of the lighthouses along the Overseas Highway, aka the road to Key West.

In this post, we're sharing what we learned about each lighthouse's history and let you in on some tips on getting to each one.

The six lighthouses along the Florida Keys are -

• Boca Chita Key Lighthouse

Carysfort Reef Lighthouse

Key largo lighthouse, alligator reef lighthouse, sombrero key lighthouse, key west lighthouse.

Keep reading for more information on each one and how to work them into your Florida Keys itinerary.

Don't miss out on our full guide to the 66 awesome things you can do along the Florida Keys too!

Boca Chita Lighthouse

This 65-foot beauty calls Boca Chita, Florida; it's home and has since the 1930s .

Built by Mark C. Honeywells, it was placed at the north end of the harbor and made with white brick and limestone.

Honeywells had initially built it to use for business purposes; however, he hadn’t gotten the proper permission for building and had to shut it down almost immediately.

Although it is not a functioning lighthouse, its natural beauty and well-crafted structure is a beautiful sight for tourists and locals to see when proper staff allows it.

This time is usually between September and May, with select days and times also available during the summer as well.

You can look out over the entire Miami skyline from the observation deck.

The Boca Chita Lighthouse is situated at the end of the harbor in Biscayne National Park , which means that the most natural entrance is through the park.

You can get to this park by way of US Highway 1.

The Biscayne National Park has no entrance fee and no parking fee unless you plan to stay overnight, so this is an excellent option for families who travel on a budget.

Click here to visit their official site.

The Carysfort Reef Lighthouse was commissioned by Congress to be built starting in the 1840s .

Becoming the third screw-pile lighthouse in the entire U.S. was a big honor, but the construction turned into a much bigger project than originally intended.

The red color of the lighthouse and the white lantern were chosen because sailors could easily see them against the dark waters at night.

The original structure was built with a fully-enclosed balcony and keeper’s quarters but was eventually taken down.

This lighthouse is not open to the public for tours or observation, likely because it is one that is actually in the middle of the water.

Still, if you want to get close enough to see it, you can schedule a snorkeling expedition nearby to get a closer look.

With the reefs of the area being a big draw for tourists, many businesses will rent out boats and equipment for you to do so.

The Key Largo Lighthouse history is a long one, fraught with delays and money issues all along the way.

Initially, this lighthouse's lantern was used to construct the Rebecca Shoal Lighthouse.

Still, after much trouble with getting proper funds to finish construction and eventually vandalism, the structure was destroyed and sold piece by piece to junkyards.

After all this, the lantern was discovered by a previous owner of the Rebecca Shoal Lighthouse and used as the lantern for the new lighthouse he was building in Key Largo.

This original piece is still there, and the lighthouse was sold to new owners who painted the building with a distinct red and white checkerboard pattern and turned the building into guest rooms for tourists to stay.

In 2014, the light was turned off, and the building is now vacant. You can get to this location by driving, and the beach area has access to many nearby wedding venues.

The Alligator Reef Light got its name in honor of the Navy Schooner “Alligator” which was an anti-piracy ship in the Key West.

Initially built in 1873 , this light was made as an iron pile skeleton frame with a lantern that’s black and a light that sits 136 feet above the sea.

The light shines both red and white light that alternated so sailors could tell which sector they were in.

This lighthouse had a large number of keepers throughout the years, but the lighthouse was automated in 1963.

This may have been a bit sad for the men keeping it safe, but with the area prone to hurricanes, it was much safer to have no person put in harm’s way.

The light was deactivated in 2015, but in 2019 it was said that the lighthouse would be given to any agency that wanted it to use it for education or preservation .

This lighthouse is located in the waters of the Alligator Reef, which means that you can’t access it by road.

However, you can choose to snorkel or dive in the area to get a closer look. You can also rent a boat to travel to it.

But unlike other lighthouses that are further from the highways, you can get a glance at this structure when you are near Islamorada and on the overseas highways.

The Sombrero Key Lighthouse is located on a submerged reef in Marathon, Florida .

This lighthouse dates back to the early 19 th Century and the Spanish, which is where this light got its name since they had called the area Cayo Sombrero.

This area was once an island, but as time passed, the land was washed away. At low tide, the reef below can sometimes be seen.

This structure was built in 1858 and is 142 feet tall, making it the tallest of all the Florida Key lighthouses.

This structure is a skeletal, octagonal pyramid that was made of iron and painted red.

The tower comes with two different platforms, one of which held the generator for the light, and the other was the keeper’s quarters.

This lighthouse was officially deactivated in the year 2015.

Now, this area is a popular spot for snorkelers and divers, and you can also often see several boats close to the area with people trying to get a closer look at the lighthouse.

Both options are a great way to see the structure, but with the tower being so tall, it is better to take a boat to the Sombrero Reef, so you’re able to get a good look at the lantern and the top of the lighthouse.

The Key West Lighthouse is an older building than others being built back in 1825 .

The 65-foot tower is not the same one that stands there today, as the original building was devastated during the Great Havana Hurricane of 1846.

Because of some slow governmental reorganizing, it took some time to rebuild, but it was finished in 1848.

The original lighthouse was made of brick and painted white but had a blue lantern at its top.

The lantern has since been replaced due to hurricanes damaging it in 1873, but it still remains blue today.

In 1894, construction on the tower began again after the landscaping became a problem for sailors.

The rebuilt structure of 1848 was only 50 feet tall but was later raised.

This was due to tree growth around the lighthouse, which blocked the view of the light for those at sea.

The building was raised until it was around 100 feet above sea level and is now a functioning museum as part of the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarter Museum.

If you want to see this lighthouse, you can now take a tour of the building, climb up the 88 steps to the top of the tower, and look out over the view.

You can even take a tour of the grounds, which has the keeper's quarters, which is now filled with nautical artifactual finds, furniture from the time of original construction, as well as vintage maps and antique photos.

Because this lighthouse is home to a museum, it is easy to find by map or GPS, and there is parking available near the museum so you will be able to drive there for a day of sightseeing.

For a small fee, you have access to both the keeper's quarters and the lighthouse, and parking is free. Kids under the age of 6 are free too.

More Florida Fun

I'm going to wrap up this post by asking for your feedback. If you've traveled to the Keys or perhaps are a local resident, let me know what you think about this list.

And if you're planning your own Florida trip, then maybe you'll find these posts helpful too :

Our Florida Bucket List

7 Florida itineraries for one week in the state

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Super well presented and great tips, when solo travelling its definitely a great idea to book at least 1 tour! I found I got super lonely on my first trip in Florida as when I got there I realised there was mostly European tourists.

When was the Cosgrove Shoal lighthouse removed and replaced?

Hi Gordon, I don’t have that information. Looks like Wikipedia doesn’t either .

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Boca Chita Key

• Nat'l Parks

Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park is easily accesible with the boat trips provided at the Park. The Park through its concessioners conducts boat tours to Boca Chita and this is a great way to get out in the waters of the bay and explore a bit of these undeveloped islands.

Currently 3-hour boat tours are being provided daily by Biscayne National Park Institue. The tours depart in the afternoon at 1:30 pm. aboard a 25-passenger USCG Inspected powerboat from the Park's visitor center.

To get out on a boat in Biscayne Bay on a sunny day is just wonderful, fresh salty air, blue skies, the wind on your face... enjoying the beautiful landscape and nature. The mangroves along the coastline... shorebirds overhead and wading nearby... cormorants, pelicans, seagulls... the Miami skyline in the distance, and if you're really lucky, dolphins will show up and perform a trick or two... you never know what you will see along these waters.

It takes about 45 minutes to reach the island and as you approach Boca Chita, the first thing you see is the 65-foot lighthouse overlooking the small harbour where the boat drops you off.

Normally you will have about an hour to enjoy the surroundings. In most cases, a park ranger or volunteer comes along and gives an introduction into the history, wildlife and ecosystems of the park and the Keys in particular.

You can start by going up the lighthouse and scoping out the views or just wander around the island.

Boca Chita Key is quite tiny, you can literally go from one end to the other in minutes, and there is absolutely no danger of getting lost.

There are paved paths to bring you around, lots of palm trees for shade and picnic tables.

You can bring a cooler along and refreshments and snacks to enjoy during your outing.

Aside from the little marina maintained by the park and the restrooms, there are no facilities in the island, no cafeteria, no shops, no nothing. You must bring everything AND take away everything you brought including your garbage.

There is also a small beach with a protected lagoon which is great for swimming and catching some rays.

Along the mangrove shoreline and the shallow seagrasses, look for tiny critters and crabs, also along the sandy banks. There are no remarkable snorkeling spots around the island, the excellent snorkeling is at the coral reefs which are quite a few miles offshore.

Overnight camping is available at Boca Chita Key. There are restrooms but NO showers or drinking water available.

Camping fees are $25 per night including tent site and boat docking. Camping is available at Elliott Key also. Here's more on Camping at Biscayne National Park .

There are views of the Miami skyline from the north end of the island.

Overall, plan on about three to four hours for the trip. It is a pleasant and easy outing from the Biscayne Park Visitor Center and a great way to enjoy the bay for a few hours.

During weekdays Boca Chita Key is peaceful and quiet. On weekends though, the island is very popular with local boaters that come for the day and can be crowded and noisy.

Another thing to beware of is the mosquitos which can be quite vicious even during the cooler season so be sure to bring mosquito repellent .

Booking a Boca Chita Key Boat Trip

When? Daily at 10:00 am and 1:30 pm, reservations highly recommended. Temporarily suspended due to Covid-19 precautions Duration Approximately 3 hours How Much? Adults $44 Children (5-12) $34 Under 5 FREE

More Info and Booking: Biscayne National Park Boca Chita Guided Tours

All-Day Sailing Trip

There is also a Sail, Paddle, and Snorkel Island Visit conducted daily. These are full-day trips that bring you to one of the keys, either Boca Chita or Adams Key where you have lunch ashore and then anchor in a protected area where you can swim, paddle, or snorkel. Note that the snorkeling is NOT in the outside reefs. Cost is $159 per person. More info and booking .

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2 Awe-Inspiring Biscayne National Park Tours

Last Updated on May 5, 2024 by Bonnie

When visiting Biscayne National Park , your first goal should be to get out on the water. That’s because 95% of the park is underwater. Without your own boat, the best way to do this is with one of the Biscayne National Park tours operated by the Biscayne National Park Institute. Whether you are taking a boat tour or doing something more active, such as snorkeling at Biscayne National Park, the water is where you really experience all that the park has to offer.

On our most recent visit, we actually took two different Biscayne National Park tours: the Snorkel & Paddle Eco-Adventure and the Boca Chita Island Experience. On the snorkel and paddle tour, we had a chance to get in the water and really see the underwater plant and animal life. As you’d expect, it was a physically demanding tour. The Boca Chita Island tour, however, was perfect for those looking for something a bit more relaxed. 

Whatever your interests, the Biscayne National Park Institute should be your first stop for exploring the park without your own boat.

(Disclaimer: When we link to places where you can buy our stuff or places we stayed, we are using special codes that earn us commissions on the sales at no additional cost to you. Please see our  Review Policy   for more information.)

About the Biscayne National Park Institute

The Biscayne National Park Institute is a non-profit partnership between Biscayne National Park and the Florida National Parks Association. The Institute provides Biscayne National Park tours and educational experiences for visitors. The proceeds from the various tours and programs are used directly to support Biscayne National Park.

The Institute offers a variety of Biscayne National Park tours, providing visitors to the park with a wide range of experiences. Visitors looking for some adventure can take a snorkel and/or paddle tour. Those looking for a more relaxed tour can take one of the daily boat tours to picturesque Boca Chita Key or a once-a-month evening cruise through Biscayne Bay.

On each tour, you’ll learn about the history and natural world of Biscayne National Park, as well as the surrounding area.

Snorkel & Paddle Eco-Adventure at Biscayne National Park

I’ll be honest, the Snorkel and Paddle Eco-Adventure is probably not a tour that we would have chosen for ourselves. When the folks with the Biscayne National Park Institute reached out to us and suggested this tour, however, we were intrigued. We thought this would be a good opportunity to push ourselves a little and try something different, so we accepted. 

While parts of the tour were challenging, we really enjoyed it and highly recommend this tour even if you’re not experienced at paddleboarding or snorkeling. Just make sure you can handle the physical aspects of paddleboarding, even if you have to sit or kneel as we did. 

On the 6-hour tour, we spent about 45 minutes getting to the paddleboard location in Jones Lagoon and about two hours paddleboarding through the area. From there, we went over to nearby Adams Key for a picnic lunch. 

After lunch, we relocated again for the snorkeling portion of the tour. The captain/tour guide will decide the best location based on the weather and visibility. We ended up on the bay side of one of the keys. We had about an hour to snorkel before heading back to the visitor center.

One of the things we loved most about this tour is that the boat is limited to only six people. This made the experience much more personal than many other tours that we’ve done.

Paddleboarding in Biscayne National Park

While we have both been canoeing and kayaking, this was our first time paddleboarding. The hardest part of paddleboarding is keeping your balance when standing. Sitting or kneeling on the board, however, really isn’t that difficult. It can be tough on your knees after a while, though. 

Grant attempted to stand a couple of times early on but was never successful. Let’s just say that he figured out the water temperature fairly quickly. I didn’t even attempt to stand until we were close to the end of the tour. I made it upright but was very unsteady. I’ll be honest, I stood long enough for Grant to get a picture, then promptly spent the rest of the tour sitting or kneeling.

What I enjoyed most about this part of the tour was getting to see the underwater plant and animal life up close and personal. Our guide did a great job finding unusual sea creatures, telling us about them and letting us see them up close. 

During our paddle, we saw a sea cucumber, a spotted sea hare (a type of large sea slug), a few starfish, many Cassiopea jellyfish and a couple of small nurse sharks. Of course, we also saw countless fish and birds.

We paddled all around the lagoon and through mangrove tunnels. At times the water level was so low a few people got off and walked their boards through the seagrass. Most of the time, though, the paddling was fairly easy. Staying balanced while sitting or kneeling was, thankfully, much easier than I expected!

Snorkeling in Biscayne National Park

Grant loves to snorkel and dive. I, however, do not. I’m actually not a fan of open water. 

I don’t mind being ON the water – in a boat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. For whatever reason, I don’t like being IN the water. I am a fairly good swimmer when it comes to pools. There is something about the vastness of the ocean that is overwhelming, though. I can handle shallow water, as long as I can stand, the water is clear and the bottom is free of plants; I really don’t like walking on seagrass or other plants that could be home to little (or big) critters.

When the park offered this tour and the opportunity for snorkeling in Biscayne National Park, I knew this was something Grant would love. Snorkeling is definitely not my thing, but I didn’t want Grant to miss out on the opportunity. 

As expected, Grant took off snorkeling and explored all over the area. In the open cove, he found plenty of fish and a few pieces of coral. His favorite part was looking in and under the mangroves and finding all the fish taking shelter among the roots. 

I, of course, just hung out at the boat. Thankfully, our guide was very understanding. She got out one of the paddleboards which I used to “snorkel” and still have something to keep me “grounded.” 

While I didn’t get very far away from the boat, I was able to see a variety of plants and small fish. The highlight was seeing an eel hanging out and swimming through the grass. 

I also learned that breathing through a snorkel really isn’t as difficult as I thought it might be.

What to Expect on the Snorkel and Paddle Eco-Adventure

Throughout the boat ride and the paddling, our captain/tour guide provided a history of the park and the area. We learned many great stories of previous island inhabitants and why Biscayne National Park was created. 

As we started out from the dock, our boat had some mechanical difficulties. I really have no idea what was wrong, but the captain handled it very well. She acted quickly, without panicking and got us on our way so we could enjoy the day.

Once we reached the paddleboarding location, our guide gave us the basics of how to paddleboard. You certainly do NOT have to have any experience before this tour. In fact, only 2 of the 6 people on the tour had prior paddleboard experience. We spent about 2 hours paddling with little to no shade, so I’d also suggest reef-safe sunscreen and perhaps a long-sleeved sun shirt. You can get both of these in the Biscayne National Park gift shop when you check in for your tour.

You’ll need to bring your own lunch and a water bottle. There was a cooler on board and plenty of water to refill your bottle as needed. 

In terms of snorkeling, our guide helped us all to get situated and in the water. We were free to explore on our own, as long as we stayed within sight of the boat. In addition to me not being comfortable snorkeling, there was another couple who I don’t think could even swim. They did not speak English well, so we weren’t sure. The guide did a great job of working with us all to help ensure we still enjoyed the snorkeling portion of the tour.

Boca Chita Island Experience

The three-hour Boca Chita tour is perfect for visitors of all ages. On the 45-minute ride to the key, the tour guide will tell you some of the history of Boca Chita Key and the other keys in Biscayne National Park. Once we arrived, we had about an hour and twenty minutes to explore on our own before returning to the visitor center.

Boca Chita Key is a small island in Biscayne Bay, once owned by Mark Honeywell. In the 1930s, he developed half of the island to include an ornamental lighthouse, a small chapel and a garage. The other half of the island was left natural and today includes a short walking trail.

The Honeywells often hosted parties, with guests making the trek from Miami Beach aboard luxury yachts. Many of the structures still stand today, including the cannon that was fired to announce guests when they arrived at the island! Visitors can climb the 65-foot lighthouse for an impressive view of the island and the surrounding water.

What to Do on Boca Chita Key

We started our Boca Chita Key tour by checking out the view from the lighthouse. Yes, you have to climb the narrow, winding staircase to the top, but it really was not a difficult climb. The view from the top was well worth the small effort to get up there. The blue water of Biscayne Bay provided a picture-perfect sight in all directions.

From the lighthouse, we could also easily see all the private boats, both big and small, tied up in the harbor. When we were there, we spotted what looked like a tugboat converted into a “yacht.” I suppose it is the RVers in us that were fascinated by this.

There is a small man-made beach if you’re interested in sitting out in the sun or swimming.

Next, we headed over to the short trail that runs across the undeveloped side of the island. On the trail, you’ll find plenty of shade from the surrounding trees. Unfortunately, you’ll also likely find more mosquitoes. 

The trail used to wrap around the island, but Hurricane Irma destroyed the footbridge, For now, you’ll have to just turn around then retrace your steps back. In all, it took us 15-20 minutes to walk the trail. That was with a few stops for pictures.

There are also plenty of picnic tables if you want to bring lunch with you. We actually brought our lunch but didn’t have time to eat before we had to get back on the boat. By this time, the wind had picked up and clouds had moved in, so the timing ended up being pretty good. 

What to Expect on the Boat Ride

The high-speed boat that takes you to Boca Chita Key is mostly covered, with seating around the perimeter. As we boarded, the captain warned us that we may get a little wet, especially if seated towards the front. As predicted, those sitting in the front did get splashed, some more than others. 

While a few people did get fairly wet, overall the trip wasn’t that bad and everyone dried out quickly. For the most part, it was a smooth and easy 45-minute trip.

By the time we left Boca Chita Key, the wind had picked up and gray clouds covered the sky. It was obvious to us all that the return trip would be a little rough. Indeed, the winds blew water just about everywhere. Everyone in the first half of the boat was pretty much soaked by the time we returned to dock at the visitor center. 

A lot of folks did squeeze in towards the back of the boat for the return trip, but there just wasn’t enough room for everyone to get out of the “splash zone.”

Pro tip: wear lightweight clothing that will dry quickly.

I’d certainly suggest sandals or some sort of shoes that can get wet. How wet you get will depend on where you are sitting and how big the waves are. Just know that you might want a change of clothes by the time you get back.

Other Things to Do at Biscayne National Park

Both of our Biscayne National Park tours with the Biscayne National Park Institute included great information from the tour guides on the history of the park and its purpose. I would also suggest at least a quick stop at the visitor center, where you’ll find a view exhibits and a park film. The film has a few different parts that provide more information about the underwater life and history of the area.

There is also a short walking trail just off the visitor center. If you don’t have time for a tour or snorkeling in Biscayne National Park, I definitely suggest that you at least walk the trail. The trail should only take you about 10-15 minutes unless you want to spend more time enjoying the fabulous Florida weather or fishing.

If you have your own boat, you can camp on Boca Chita Key or Elliott Key. Both have bathrooms, but no showers. 

Final Thoughts on Biscayne National Park Tours

When we first visited Biscayne National Park in 2012, we just stopped at the visitor center and walked the short trail. We did not get out into the water at all. While we were happy to “check it off” as a visit, we knew we didn’t really get to experience what the park is all about.

Getting to do a couple of tours with the Biscayne National Park Institute really was the best way to experience what this park has to offer. We truly enjoyed snorkeling at Biscayne National Park. Since the vast majority of the park is underwater, that is the best way to see all the plants and animals that make a home there. 

If you’re more like me and prefer to stay above water, the boat tours offer much of the same history with a lot less physical activity. Boca Chita Key may not be big but we had a great time exploring. And, it is one of the most picturesque places we visited in the park.

We enjoyed everything about our tours with the Biscayne National Park Institute and highly recommend them both.

A special thanks to the Biscayne National Park Institute for sponsoring our Snorkel and Paddle Eco-Adventure tour. To clarify, we paid for the Boca Chita Key tour ourselves. As always, all opinions are our own.

Looking for more on the Florida National Parks? Check out our articles on Visiting Florida’s Northeast Parks , Things to Do in Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve and our Guide to the South Florida National Parks .

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As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices for booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

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Last updated: September 22, 2022

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9700 SW 328th Street Sir Lancelot Jones Way Homestead, FL 33033

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