If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Biscayne National Park, you’ve probably run into the exact same roadblock that panics so many travelers: 95% of this park is completely underwater.
When you look at photos of Biscayne’s most iconic landmark—the gorgeous, 65-foot historic stone lighthouse on Boca Chita Key—it’s easy to feel a little left out if you don’t happen to own a private yacht.
But here is the good news: You absolutely do not need to own a boat to visit Boca Chita Key.
Just like we discovered on our trip to Voyageurs National Park, water-based parks just require a little insider planning to unlock. In this guide, I’m going to walk you through exactly how to get across the bay, climb that beautiful lighthouse, and enjoy a day on the island—completely boat-free.
Boca Chita Lighthouse
The Best Way to Get to Boca Chita Key: Official Guided Cruises
The absolute easiest and most reliable way to visit Boca Chita Key without a boat is to book an official excursion through the Biscayne National Park Institute.
They are the park’s official non-profit partner, meaning their captains are certified naturalists who know these waters inside and out.
They offer a few different options depending on where you want to depart from:
1. The Heritage of Biscayne Cruise (Departs from Homestead)
Departure Point: The Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead, FL.
Cost: Roughly $83 for adults, $49 for kids.
Duration: 3.5 hours (includes about 1 hour of land time on the island).
The Vibe: This is a wonderfully relaxed, fully wheelchair-accessible power catamaran ride across the shallow, clear waters of Biscayne Bay.
2. The Boca Chita Island Experience (Departs from Coconut Grove)
Departure Point: Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove (closer to downtown Miami).
Cost: Around $83.
Duration: 4 hours.
The Vibe: This cruise gives you a two-for-one bonus because it usually glides right past the famous, historic stilt houses of Stiltsville on the way out to Boca Chita Key! Note: Because of the dock setup in Miami, this specific departure cannot accommodate an ADA ramp.
Pro-Tip: Book your tickets at least a few weeks in advance! Because these are the only public boats heading out to the keys, weekend slots fill up incredibly fast.
You can see the mainland from the island
What to Expect When You Arrive at Boca Chita Key
Once the boat pulls into the beautiful, protected harbor, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto a private tropical estate. And historically, you did! The island was bought in the 1930s by a wealthy industrialist named Mark Honeywell, who built the structures as a lavish party ground for his high-society friends.
Here is what you shouldn’t miss during your hour on land:
The Iconic Lighthouse: Built entirely out of local coral rock, it looks like something out of a storybook.
The 0.5-Mile Loop Trail: Right next to the harbor pavilion is a short, flat trail that winds through a tropical hardwood hammock and leads to a quiet, rocky beach area. It’s a great, quick walk to stretch your legs.
Essential “Survival” Tips for Non-Boaters
Since you’ll be arriving on a tour boat rather than your own vessel, you need to keep a few unique rules in mind to make sure your island escape stays paradise-perfect:
There is Zero Infrastructure: Boca Chita is wonderfully primitive. There is no drinking water, no electricity, no food stands, and no trash cans on the island. You must bring your own filled water bottle and snacks, and you must pack out every single piece of trash you bring with you.
The Mosquito Warning: Because the keys are surrounded by dense mangroves, the mosquitoes can be fierce, especially if the wind dies down. Bring bug spray!
Can you drive to the Biscayne National Park lighthouse?
No. There are no bridges connecting the mainland to Boca Chita Key. The only land-based portion of the park you can drive to is the Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead. Everything else requires a boat.
Are there bathrooms on Boca Chita Key?
Yes! There are basic, flushing restrooms available near the harbor area, but keep in mind there are no sinks or running water outside of the toilets—so bringing some hand sanitizer in your daypack is a very smart move.
Is Boca Chita Key worth it if you don’t own a boat?
A thousand times, yes. Paying for the tour ticket gives you a beautiful, narrated boat cruise across a stunning marine ecosystem and access to one of the most unique, photogenic views in the entire National Park System.
Have you visited any of the water-based national parks? Let me know your favorite tips in the comments below!
