Boca Chita Key
Boca Chita Key
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Key in Biscayne National Park offering nature hiking trails.
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4.0
101 reviews
Excellent
48
Very good
30
Average
16
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Patricia L
Ventura, CA39 contributions
Jan 2020
Biscayne National Park is 95% underwater, so unless you snorkel or scuba, you will not be "seeing" the great majority of the park. We took the 3 hour r/t boat ride to see Boca Chita Key. It was a lovely day and the ride was pleasant - an hour out, an hour on the key and an hour boat ride back to the visitors center. We climbed up the decorative lighthouse, walked around the Key, ate the lunch we brought with us on the small beach and admired the view. Nothing to shout about, but it was pretty and we learned a bit about the history of the area from the boat "captain". Had the water been clearer and the sky not been overcast, we would have taken the snorkel option, it just wasn't a good day for a snorkeling adventure. We enjoyed touring the Visitor's Center when we returned. Actually the highlight of the day for us was seeing manatees swimming in the canal right outside the park entrance. We're from the west coast, so we'd never had the opportunity and it was cool. We're glad we went and would go back to do some in the water activities next time we're in the area.
Written 26 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
allerton21
Key Largo, FL196 contributions
Mar 2020
This was former retreat of Honeywell family who built a private island paradise; but not much left but for foundations now. We arrived via sailboat. Luckily our draft was just 3 feet> the entry channel is a pretty shallow patch. Tied up at horseshoe shaped marina dock. Easy to find a spot. Light breeze kept bugs away from our boat, but if you venture inland you better have LOTS of bug spray on. Lots of picnic benches and grills. No concessions for sale so bring what you want to eat and drink and carry tour trash away. Lighthouse is fun to visit but is locked unless a tour guide is handy. Immaculate grounds ! So a relaxing spot to watch the water and if you overnight, the lighted Miami skyline.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colleen C
Troy, NY2,518 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This is a very small Island at the Northern end of the Biscayne NP. You can walk the hike and see the lighthouse all within an hour. The hike is mostly covered by the tropical foliage, then there is a open field where the Barn that the parties used to be held at and finally the Northern end has clean beaches and the Faux Lighthouse. Anyone can go onto this Island and pay a fee on the National Park website in order to camp over night and dock the ship.
Only bad thing about this Island is PLEASE use the Restroom before you go onto this Island~ the men's & women's side are very unsanitary which is saying it nicely.
Only bad thing about this Island is PLEASE use the Restroom before you go onto this Island~ the men's & women's side are very unsanitary which is saying it nicely.
Written 30 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NancyAV
San Luis Obispo, CA30 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
This was the Worst National Park experience I’ve ever had. First, the boat ride out was soaking wet. We couldn’t look around because the sea spray was so intense we had to keep our heads down. Then when we got to Boca Chita, it was Party Central, filled with yachts blaring music and loud, drunken people. Yes, the lighthouse was interesting—but mostly because it was “a fancy lawn ornament,” in the words of our guide. It is not now nor has ever been a functioning lighthouse. The bridge for the trail was put, so there was nothing to explore beyond the yachts. I’ve never before wanted less time at a park, but I couldn’t wait to leave. Terrible experience and I’ll never go back under any circumstances!!
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason Homey
Lewis Center, OH710 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I took my trip from Key Biscayne National Park. It is one hour on a boat there, one hour back and a little over an hour on the island. On our way over, we experienced something rare in Florida according to our boat Captain, fog. Once we neared the island though, all that disappeared. The island itself is a tiny gem. With beautiful views and paths around the island, I found it very fun to explore. He lighthouse is pretty quaint as well. Our tour allowed us access to it and the nice view of the area. The water was so clear there we were able to see a shark and a sting ray very clearly. Our guide gave us a history of the island as well. On the way back, we got to stop for a bit to see a group of 8-10 dolphins playing in the water and feeding. A great trip!
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
216jent
Grand Rapids6 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
While we loved seeing Boca Chita key and it was fun to walk around the island for an hour. The boat tour was just OK. We had expected there to be more of an informative narrative during the 45 minute trip each way to and from the key. But there was virtually nothing. There was a naturalist on board, Spencer, who worked at the Biscayne bay Institute. But she didn’t talk more than five minutes for an intro when we got on the boat and five minutes when we were on the island. I guess I expected that during the boat ride they would talk about the wildlife, history and about the park. My tween and teen kids thought the boat ride was boring but the island was cool. We did not feel like this boat trip. We did not feel this boat ride was very representative of the Biscayne bay national park. I’d suggest to pick a different experience. Also, if you sit in front expect to get wet.
Written 17 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MamaPearl
Sayre, PA169 contributions
Feb 2020
Biscayne National Park is mostly all water so to enjoy it, you need to spend time on or in the water! We took a 4 hour trip from the Park to Boca Chita Key which is a tiny Key off the coast of Biscayne. The water was pretty rough so our ride was also a little rough, but a LOT of wet spray unless you were lucky enough to get the back seats! We had no idea to expect this so be warned if you take this trip! It was a beautiful hot day so it did not ruin our experience. Upon arrival at the Key, we were allowed to climb the small decommissioned lighthouse which was kinda cool! History of the Key was very interesting. Definitely worth the trip. Don't need to spend a huge amount of time here...our tour gave us about an hour, which was plenty.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fearlesskaz
Towson, MD47 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
We stopped here as part of a snorkeling tour. Family of adults with 7, 10, and 12 year old kids enjoyed this! Seeing the lighthouse (we got lucky and were there when it was open to climb), the beach, and the beautiful water were highlights. There is a “hike”/walking path that was not secluded or particularly beautiful. Unfortunately, visitors have left trash around there. Definitely a party vibe with multiple different boats around the island playing loud music. The water is beautiful and clear!
Written 10 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B C
Northville, MI9 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Nikos was a great naturalist. The captain was super nice also. We had 2 teens with us who enjoyed every minute. We learned some history and info about the birds In the area. The lighthouse was pretty cool but the small beach was amazing. My kids swam for a good 30 min and they loved it because they can see the fish while swimming. I would recommend Biscayne park to everyone. We also took a snorkeling tour which was equally amazing. So much to do. Spend some time exploring this park.
Written 30 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah S
Westminster, CO1,087 contributions
Aug 2020
We took a boat tour to Boca Chita Island while visiting Biscayne National Park. My son even got to complete the Junior Ranger Program while we were there. The boat tour was really great but remember to bring jacket/sweaters; we froze for that little while to and from the island. The Boca Chita Island itself is pretty neat, very pretty and interesting to hear about the history and see the current sailors come in to use it for a rest spot. Our guides were Jessica and Jamie who were great!
Written 6 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It depends which boat you are on; we were on a sailboat with 6 of us and there was a head
Written 13 June 2019
Hola estoy pensando en ir a acampar el próximo fin de semana y me interesa saber si se puede llevar perros
Written 15 October 2018
De donde sale el barco para llegar a este lugar?
Written 7 November 2017
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