Boca Chita - Biscayne National Park
Boca Chita is a small island that is located approximately 12 miles south of the Cape Florida lighthouse on Key Biscayne, and Boca Chita Key approximately 9 miles from Convoy Point.
WARNING!!! --- MOSQUITOES ARE REALLY REALLY REALLY BAD OVER SUMMER MONTHS!
At one point, Boca Chita was privately owned and as the owner was preparing the island for his own private use until which time his wife was fatally injured on the island. She later passed away due to the injuries sustained. He found the memories too deep to continue work on developing the island of Boca Chita and transferred ownership of the island.
Boca Chita is now owned and maintained by the U.S. National park services.
The fish are abundant, the water is clear, the location beautiful and facilities clean.
Tour the island of Boca Chita on your own private boat tour! Reserve your trip now!
Trash
Carry out all of your trash; do not bury it, leave it, or dispose of it in the toilets.
Facilities - Saltwater Toilets - No sinks or showers
Winds and Weather
Summer Thunderstorms - Hurricane season isJune through November
Prepare for sudden wind and changes at any time!
Fishing Regulations
State salt water fishing licenses are required. Biscayne Bay is a lobster sanctuary and lobstering is not permitted there. Full updated fishing regulations are available from any Park Ranger.
Do not dispose of any fish remains in the harbor or within 200 feet of the no wake zone. On Boca Chita Key, fishing is allowed, but not in the harbor, the no wake zone, the creek leading into the wetlands, or the western bulkhead of the island.
Fees
$20 per night per campsite
Up to 6 people - 2 tents
$20 per night per boat
Pay fees prior to 6 P.M.
Camping
Tent camping is permitted in designated areas and is limited to fourteen (14) consecutive days or no more than thirty (30) days within a calendar year. Reservations are not accepted as the camp sites are available on a fist-come, first-served basis.
In designated areas marked by a "C" on BBQ grill post. Group sites designated by a"G" on BBQ grill post. All tents must be in vicinity of the grill. Picnic areas have a "P" on the grill post. Do not move picnic tables.
Swimming
Swimming is not permitted within the harbor, the no wake zone, or in designated turtle/bird nesting zones.
Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. During quiet hours all noise must be kept to a minimum and generators or other machinery must be turned off. At other times, noise or music must be at a reasonable level and not infringe on other visitors.
Fresh water-1gal.@ person @ day,
Insect spray, compass, nautical charts, anchor, sunscreen, sunglasses, rain gear and tent with insect netting.
Nautical Charts
The charts are necessary for navigating your vessel through the shallow bay and coral reef areas. NOAA nautical chart #11451 "Miami to Marathon and Florida Bay" that includes all of Biscayne National Park. Order your chart from Florida National Parks and Monument Association, 10 Parachute Key #51, Homestead, FL 33034, 305-247-1216 or order online at www.nps.gov/ever/fnpma.htm
Protected Resources
All plants, animals, and artifacts are protected! Do not disturb them!
Do not cut mangroves or any other vegetation in any manner.
Do not hang, tie, or attach anything from trees or structures.
Coconuts may only be collected from the ground.
Pets
No pets allowed on Boca Chita Key.
No pets allowed on vessels in the harbor or attached to the island.
Wildlife
The sand beaches are closed from May 1 - August 15 for sea turtle and shorebird nesting.
Fires
Fires must be kept in grills and personal grills may not be placed on the boardwalk (dock), or picnic tables.
Dead and downed wood may be collected for burning only in the vicinity of the campgrounds.
Want to tour Boca Chita on your own private boat tour? Reserve your time now!