boca chica kayak tour

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Boca Chica Marine Life Mangrove Kayak Tour

Quick Details

• Tag Start Times: 10:30am or 1:00pm

Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Calendar Available 7 days a week

Key Hole All experience levels welcome

Dollar Parties of 5 or more receive 5% discount

Bus Complimentary shuttle service provided upon request

Camera Bring your camera!

Boca Chica Kayaking

The Boca Chica kayak tour offers a great diversity of marine life and habitats in a small area, highlighted by fantastic tidal creeks . On emerald water , we meander through islands of exotic red mangroves or “walking trees.” You will want to bring your camera for this! Then paddle over sandy shallows brimming with:

• Unique coral
• Colorful sponges
• Queen conch
• Tropical fish

Your guide will catch some of these critters, so you can get to know them personally! As we drift near a tropical island, look for osprey nesting and wading birds feeding. Queen conch , small sharks , tarpon and stingrays are common, as is the spectacular spotted eagle ray .  Because our tours are sheltered from the wind, we encounter no large waves which makes for the perfect marine-life experience!

Meeting Place and Check-In Time

• If you have chosen hotel pickup, we will contact you before the tour to make arrangements. Otherwise, please meet your guide at the picnic area outside East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd. , Key West, FL 33040, located near the Key West International Airport. Once you arrive, briefly park your car ( no bikes/walk-ups/taxis allowed ) while you check in with your guide. Wait in the lot and then  follow your guide in your vehicle about 2.5 miles to the dock  where the kayaks will be waiting! Lost? Please call 305-394-0280 .
• Please arrive 35 minutes before your tour is scheduled to depart. We will leave right on time!
• Dress appropriately for the day’s weather. If light rain is predicted, bring a rain jacket!
• Wear a bathing suit and light clothing that you won’t mind getting wet. You may get splashed from time to time by paddle drip!
• In the winter, consider bringing a sweater or a windbreaker, as it can get chilly out on the water
• Feel free to bring your own beverages with you. You may even bring a small cooler that will fit in a tandem kayak
• Bring extra cash (~$40) if you’d like to purchase any Blue Planet Kayak souvenirs and to tip your tour guide
• Please do NOT bring your own kayak, as our dock does not allow personal kayaks
• We provide dry bags and PFDs

What is not included?

• Snorkeling or swimming are not included. The really cool stuff is seen in water only a few inches to a few feet deep!
• Chevron down Cancellation Policy

This tour will only depart if at least two people have booked. No refunds unless the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows will be charged the full price. For questions regarding cancellation contact Chad at 305.394.0280 .

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• Boca Chica, Panama
• 011-507-6723-8681
• 011-507-6513-1225
• 001-305-600-2071

floating in Panama

"krazy dog" guided kayak tours & rentals.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE with an ‘easy-does-it’ tour of the Panama ecosystem!!!

Ocean Kayak Rentals

Reel inn in panama is in a prime location to experience guided kayak tours that you will not soon forget, from gliding through mangrove trees to scooting across a tranquil bay, knowledgeable guides and top of the line ocean kayaks will guarantee you have an incredible experience.

Our Guided Kayak Tours start here at the mouth of the Estuary. Depending on which way the tide is running, you can head up the river, where you can zig zag amongst the never ending mangroves, or paddle out into the tranquil bay and enjoy the Mountains & Volcanoes off in the distance. Birds, Islands & raw nature surround you & the views & solitude are like nothing else!!

Every view is spectacular no matter where you go!

We have a large number of Ocean and Hobie kayaks and can handle groups from just 2 adventurers to 20. Fishing kayaks are also available.

Guided Kayak Tours range from 2, 3 or 4 hours and include a bilingual guide, drinks and a snack.

Our lush grounds offer a beautiful setting for a Picnic overlooking the ocean, and the shower & changing area is amazing.

Kayak Rental Rates

$20.00 per person per hour*, 2 person, 2 hour minimum, *group rates are available for parties of 6 or more..

• @reelinninpanama

+507 6723-8681

• Skype: 001-305-600-2071

Bucket List Fishing

Boca chica, chiriqui, panama, boca chica 00107-6000, panama.

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Boca Chica Kayak Tour - Blue Planet Kayak Eco-Tours

• United States    
• Florida (FL)    
• Florida Keys    
• Key West    
• Key West - Things to Do    
• Blue Planet Kayak Eco-Tours

We really enjoyed the sunset kayak trip we took with Blue Planet. We've done many other kayak... read more

We had a wonderful time exploring the mangroves, watching the sunset, viewing wildlife, and... read more

Boca Chica Kayak Tour

An amazing time! Lots of time spent in and around the mangrove creeks. Got to see fish, birds, conch, jellies, urchins, tree crabs, and (luckily for us) a squid. Our guide gave us great background on the critters and the marine environment we explored. Well worth every penny!

My husband and I didn't plan as many activities prior to our arrival in Key West this year. We picked up a brochure of Blue Planet kayak tours at our B&B (Artist House). The company provided shuttle service to/from our B&B, water and dry bags. Our tour was guided by owner of company Chad who is an environmental scientist with over 20 years experience in the Keys area. A quick safety course, instructions on paddling and we were off. As we all know, each trip you never know what wildlife you'll encounter on the water. We were very fortunate to see an abundance of different fish, rays, etc as Chad pointed them out. He also talked about the animals, grasses, mangroves, etc. My husband grew up in southwest Florida. He even learned something new about the sea grasses!!! We had a great 2.5 hours paddling through the exterior and interior of mangroves. It was beautiful. I personally liked being inside the canals of the mangrove forest. We loved it so much, we signed up for their night tour for the last day of our stay in Key West. Our tour guide was Adam. We saw different spices and night life than the day light tour. Adam was very knowledgeable too. We learned about night life in the sea. It was great way to finish our adventure in Key West. We will be back again!!! Thanks Blue Planet for a great experience!

Well worth the fee, wildlife guided tour is well done guide is very knowledgeable, next time we're doing the night trip

We really enjoy kayaking with Blue Plant. Chad and his group are great. We have done both the day and the evening tours. Our favorite is the day time. You are able to see more of the sea life. However, it was cool going through the mangrove trees with our headlamps at dark. Either way you will not be disappointed and you are in the Keys what a great place to be. :)

Very nice tour. Guide was knowledgeable and entertaining, although slightly hard to hear at times (we had a big group and were warned that might be the case unless we really stayed close). Awesome experience getting close to wildlife. I would suggest to tell future guest to bring a light jacket and snacks for the sunset tour. We did and it was invaluable

Our TOP experience in Key West. Nature is beautiful and the guides really can show you that with their knowledge and communication skills.

Blue Planet Kayak Eco-Tours

Review Highlights

“ From the moment we got into the kayaks I was enjoying the warm water, scenery, marine life , and the knowledge shared. ” in 8 reviews

“ We met a nurse shark on our way as well as a starfish, a sea cucumber, several varieties of rays, and a conch . ” in 13 reviews

“ This was our second time taking a kayak tour with Andy - he's amazing! ” in 5 reviews

Location & Hours

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2933 Seidenberg Ave

Key West, FL 33040

Serving Key West Area

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Overall rating

Andy was great! Extremely knowledgeable. The views were amazing. Worth every penny! They pick you up at no extra charge.

Okay. If you want truly one of the best kayak adventures, the night time mangrove tour was A M A Z I N G !! See if I can remember everything we saw... lobster, shrimp, octopus, stingray, and a baby little shark!! He's great at entertaining and giving you a quick history on the mangroves! I can't wait to go back again, one piece of advice eat before you go, might go past end time, all the restaurants will be closed!

Had a blast today enjoying kayaking in the Key West mangroves. Andy was a great guide. Would highly recommend Blue Planet Kayak Eco-Tours.

We had a Great time, fun kayaking at night and learning a lot. Chad was a great guide, he was very knowledgeable

Kayaking in the Mangroves

Being picked up and dropped off was the cherry on top. From the moment we got into the kayaks I was enjoying the warm water, scenery, marine life, and the knowledge shared. Headlamps could have been brighter. My crew of 9 was a bit much, would've liked to explore and take more time through the mangroves. Overall great! Waterproof bags and water provided. Definitely worth every penny.

Don't let the "less than beautiful" loading area fool you. The owner was very nice and knowledgeable. He had some great "dad " jokes. The kayaks are all clean and in good condition. The oars/paddles were also in good condition. I would like to have seen the whole area be cleaned up. I can see how it could scare some folks away with all the junk lying around. Life jackets were not mandatory for adults but were available if you felt safer with one. The guide was also very nice and knowledgeable of the mangroves and the ecosystem within and around them. The tour through the mangroves was amazing. It was very interesting to see how they grew through the salt water and the animals that call them home.

We were very fortunate to have Kristen as our guide. Her willingness to share all her knowledge is done with tremendous enthusiasm. She is well studied on the creatures as well as the environment Slow paced and very calm tour. Highly recommend!

Spotted slug was just one of the many discoveries

Chad was great! No frills and worth every penny! Just roll with it. Be sure to bring your sun screen.

Do not recommend! Our guide, Chad, was very rude, mean, and unwelcoming. Whenever I asked questions, he laughed at them as if I was asking a stupid question (I asked about the wildlife a lot... sorry I don't know about the birds here!). He made us (my mom & I) feel very unsafe. I was very nervous being stuck in the middle of the ocean with this man. Do a kayaking tour with any other company except this one!!

My wife and I had a great time kayaking with our guide Sarah. She pointed out some interesting facts about the mangroves and the sea life within and around them, and pulled a few examples out of the water for us to see and hold. We had a really good time. And really appreciated the pickup and drop off by Chad.

Kayaking through the mangroves

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Boca Ciega Bay Island Kayak Tour

Set out on an unforgettable journey through the serene waters of Boca Ciega Bay with the Boca Ciega Bay Island Kayak Tour. Paddle through mangrove islands and encounter playful dolphins and graceful manatees in their natural habitat. Led by experienced guides, this two-hour adventure promises a unique exploration of picturesque lagoons.

Whether you’re a first-time kayaker or a seasoned enthusiast, this tour caters to all skill levels. With a limited group size, participants can enjoy a personalized experience in the vibrant ecosystem. Find out more about the hidden gems awaiting on this enriching kayak tour.

• Relaxing guided kayak tour through mangrove lagoons
• Encounter dolphins, manatees , and diverse wildlife
• Experienced and knowledgeable ECOmersion kayak guides
• Suitable for first-time kayakers and families

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Tour Duration and Group Size

During the Boca Ciega Bay Island Kayak Tour, you will embark on a 2-hour guided adventure limited to 8 individuals, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience.

Safety measures are in place to guarantee a secure journey through the mangrove islands and lagoons. Participants will have the opportunity to interact closely with the tour guide, who’ll provide insights into the local environment and wildlife.

The small group size allows for more intimate participant interaction and fosters a sense of camaraderie among the kayakers. On top of that, the limited number of individuals ensures that each participant receives personalized attention and guidance throughout the tour, enhancing the overall experience.

This setup also enables the group to move efficiently through the waters, maximizing wildlife spotting opportunities.

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

Embarking on the Boca Ciega Bay Island Kayak Tour presents a remarkable opportunity to observe an array of wildlife species in their natural habitat. Participants can look forward to:

Bird Watching : Witness the graceful flight of herons, ospreys , and pelicans as they soar above the mangrove islands and lagoons.

Marine Life : Keep an eye out for playful dolphins, gentle manatees , and colorful stingrays swimming alongside your kayak.

Breathtaking Sightings : Catch a glimpse of the stunning roseate spoonbills wading through the shallow waters, adding a splash of vibrant pink to the serene blue-green surroundings.

With each stroke of the paddle, nature enthusiasts are sure to be captivated by the diverse and captivating wildlife that call Boca Ciega Bay home.

Experienced Tour Guides

Guided by seasoned experts, participants in the Boca Ciega Bay Island Kayak Tour benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience provided by the tour guides. These guides offer expert insights into the local ecosystem, pointing out unique plant and animal species along the way.

Their passion for the environment shines through as they lead the way through guided exploration of mangrove islands and lagoons. With their guidance, kayakers have the opportunity to spot dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

The experienced kayak tour guides ensure a safe and informative journey, suitable for all levels of experience. Whether it’s your first time kayaking or you’re a seasoned paddler, their expertise adds depth to the adventure.

Booking and Reservation Details

For easy planning, visitors can reserve their spots for the Boca Ciega Bay Island Kayak Tour with a simple click and pay later, ensuring a stress-free experience. When booking this exciting adventure, participants can enjoy the following benefits:

Payment Options : Reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for travelers.

Tour Guide Expertise: Knowledgeable and experienced kayak guides ensure a safe and informative journey.

Wildlife Viewing : Encounter dolphins, manatees, and other fascinating wildlife up close during the tour.

Location and Directions

To reach the unforgettable starting point of the Boca Ciega Bay Island Kayak Tour, visitors should head to War Veterans Memorial Park at 9600 Bay Pines Blvd. in St. Petersburg, FL 33708. Upon entering the park, follow the main road until you spot the sign for ECOmersion Kayak Rentals on a big white trailer. Park nearby and proceed to the trailer for check-in. The tour begins at the bottom of War Veterans Memorial Park, offering scenic beauty with mangrove islands and lagoons to explore. Participants should be prepared for navigational challenges as they paddle through the pristine blue-green waters of Boca Ciega Bay, home to dolphins , manatees, and other wildlife.

Common questions

Can I Bring My Own Kayak for the Tour?

While participants cannot bring their own kayak for the tour, they can enjoy the convenience of included equipment through kayak rentals. The experience offers solo kayaking with the guidance of skilled tour guides, ensuring a safe and enriching adventure.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants on the Kayak Tour?

Age restrictions for participants on the kayak tour are typically based on safety guidelines and the physical capabilities required for the activity. It’s essential to check with the tour provider regarding any specific age limitations in place.

Is There a Restroom Available at the Starting Location?

Restroom availability at the starting location varies for kayak tours. Restrictions may apply, so it’s essential to check the specific tour details. Make sure to inquire about restroom facilities when booking to ensure a comfortable experience.

What Should I Wear and Bring for the Kayak Tour?

When preparing for the kayak tour, participants should wear weather-appropriate clothing, water shoes , and pack snacks. Bringing camera gear to capture memorable moments is also recommended. These essentials will enhance the experience on the water.

Are There Any Food or Drink Options Available During the Tour?

During the tour, participants can enjoy snack options and choose from various beverage choices. Picnic arrangements and catering services are not provided. It’s recommended to bring along any food or drinks you may need.

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Experience the magic of Boca Ciega Bay on the island kayak tour. With a small group size and knowledgeable guides, you’ll have the chance to spot dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife up close.

Book your adventure today for an unforgettable journey through the serene waters and mangrove islands of this beautiful bay. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create lasting memories and connect with nature in a unique way.

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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!

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EXPERIENCE Panama

Mangrove kayaking.

The mangroves are one of the most important and diverse ecosystems on the planet. They are natural protection barriers that act as nurseries for the small fish who take shelter from larger predators under the unending root garden. Learn more about this ecosystem and get close to the amazing wildlife that inhabits the green labyrinths as we gently glide through streams and estuaries.

A  guided Kayaking tour through the Mangroves of San Lorenzo (Boca Chica). Enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife as you navigate your kayak through these beautiful waters.

Duration: 3-4 hours.

Be sure to wear a hat, waterproof shoes and sunscreen.

Cooler with ice and snacks provided. 

Price: $55 a person

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Per Adult pricing is $145 USD and per kid pricing is $120 USD

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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 contains affiliate links from which Florida Rambler may earn a small commission if a purchase is made. This revenue supports our mission to produce quality stories about the authentic Florida destinations 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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Last updated: February 6, 2024

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Tours Boca Chica

Live an extraordinary experience Tours Boca Chica is located in The gulf of Chiriqui, one of the most beautiful destination in Panama offering inshore sport fishing/daily, private and personalized boat tours . Boca Chica is a small fishing village along the Pacific coast of Panama. Primarily as an entrance to the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park. The natural beauty of this place is impressive.

This Village is the jumping off point for a chain of 25 protected islands. This park encompasses many unique ecosystems including mangroves and coral reefs. These islands offer pristine white sand beaches lined with palm trees, in stark contrast to the other dark sand and rocky beaches of the Pacific coast.

Whilst the family is enjoying the beach you can treat yourself to some excellent inshore fishing in the Gulf of Chiriqui. You”ll not only be able to catch variety of fish, you”ll have the opportunity to set a personal trophy as it is Cubera snapper and rooster fish.

How to get to Boca Chica

The easiest way to get to Boca Chica is by car and it is about 60 KM from the city of David, but it is also possible to get there by bus. Taking a local bus would probably cost around $ 5-10 USD in total from Davíd city. Find the bus that goes to Hornocitos. Here you will have to get off and transfer to another bus heading to Boca Chica or take a taxi to Boca Chica (about $ 10-15 USD). Both the bus and taxi will drop you off at the Boca Chica Marina, which is the meeting point for most tours. Contact us and ask for private transportation from the city of David

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3 Island tour: $180.00

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Island tours, whale watching & beach tour, dolphin watching & beach tour, secas island tour, bird watching in the mangrove/islands, sunset watching.