Florida
Biscayne Bay to Boca Chita
About this paddle route
Biscayne National Park is 95 percent water, and its islands are reachable only by boat. Boca Chita Key, with its ornamental 1930s lighthouse and small harbor, is the most visited of them and sits about seven miles out from the mainland ramp. Elliott Key, a few miles south, is the largest island in the park and the first of the true Florida Keys.
Out of Homestead across the bay to the Boca Chita lighthouse and down to Elliott Key.
Highlights
What earns the trip
- Boca Chita Key’s lighthouse and stone harbor, built as a private estate
- Elliott Key has the park’s only island campground with water
- Clear shallow bay water the whole crossing
- Miami’s skyline is visible on the horizon from the islands
Stops
- 1
Homestead Bayfront Marina
The mainland ramp beside the park headquarters.
- 2
Boca Chita Key
Harbor, lighthouse and primitive camping.
- 3
Elliott Key
The park’s largest island, with a harbor and campground.
When to go
Best time to go
December through April, when the bay is calmest and the humidity drops.
Planner estimate for the mapped line: 1h 4m
Before you go
Know before you go
- The bay is shallow and grassy. Prop scarring seagrass is both damaging and enforceable.
- Overnight dockage at Boca Chita is first come, first served, with a fee.
- There is no fresh water on Boca Chita. Elliott Key has it, seasonally.
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