Boca Chita Island Experience | Biscayne National Park Institute

Quick Details

Departure Location: Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove

Duration: 3.5 hours

Start Time: 9:15 AM & 1:15 PM

Available Days: Daily morning and afternoon

Age Limit: All ages are welcomed – Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult

Important Information:

Please be aware this trip does NOT depart from the Dante Fascell Visitor in Homestead, FL.
See Keeping You Safe from COVID-19 for additional information before you book

Adults (ages 13 and older): $79

Child (ages 5-12): $49

Young Children (under age 5): Free

Departing from Coconut Grove, visit Boca Chita Key and learn about the park!

Each guided cruise lasts approximately three and a half hours and includes opportunities to explore and learn about popular and scenic Boca Chita Key and the northernmost part of Biscayne National Park. On the way to Boca Chita, you’ll pass the historic Stiltsville houses that appear to be floating on the Bay and Soldier Key, the first key of the Florida Keys chain. Once on the Boca Chita, you’ll be able to see the lighthouse up close, explore the island, and hike the short trail. Naturalists will tell you about the history of the park and the surrounding areas.

Staying in Miami? This is our northernmost departure location making it a convenient way to visit Biscayne National Park, the largest marine park in the National Park Service.

Island Amenities:

There is a picnic pavilion on the island along with bathrooms. We have drinking water available, please bring a refillable container to minimize trash. Our boats have shade, but there are also additional areas where you can relax in the sun. There are no guest sales on the island, please bring everything you will need to enjoy your visit with you.

Check in with your Captain at Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove, FL. Your boat will be docked directly next to the northside of the Miami City Hall building before Pier 1. 3500 Pan American Dr, Miami, Florida 33133. Please arrive 30 mins before your trip.

Parking

Please note: You will have to pay for parking at this location, there’s no free parking options.
- We highly recommend parking in the Regatta Harbour Parking Garage located at 3351 Pan American Dr, Miami, FL 33133.
- There’s also a paid parking lot between Pan American Dr. and Regatta Park. We recommend using the parking app for this parking lot in the case that you might want to extend your parking time.
This Biscayne cruise is great for all ages. We do ask to keep an eye on younger passengers in your group to ensure everyone’s safety.

Please keep in mind, there’s a large step up movement that guests must take in order to get onto the boat.

All minors must be accompanied by an adult.

This program has movements that could cause problems for pregnant women, those with recent surgeries or back injuries, and can cause motion/sea sickness. To best accommodate you and make your trip safe and enjoyable, please make a note in your reservation or privately notify our captain or mate if:
- You have any recent surgeries
- You have any back injuries
- You have any medical conditions
- You are prone to motion/sea sickness
- You are pregnant
- You have any other concerns regarding your safety and health
Please note: If it is determined the trip may not be suitable for you based on the days conditions a full refund will be offered.
We recommend that you bring along the following:
- Water Bottle
- Snacks
- Reef safe sunscreen
- Towel, picnic blanket, hat, sunglasses
- Bug repellent
You can also bring a small cooler and a bag with you on the boat. On windy days Please do not bring anything that you don’t wish to get wet. We recommend storing any valuables in a waterproof bag.
What equipment is provided during the program?
- There are emergency life jackets on the boat.
Boat Information
- The boat will be a Corithian that’s 40 ft long. It could hold a max of 30 passengers. During the trip, the boat stays in the bay the whole time, this will lessen the chance of motion sickness.
- While cruising in the bay, especially on a windy day, there’s a chance that water will splash into the boat; we highly suggest storing anything that you don’t wish to get wet in a drybag.
Online waivers will be sent with the booking confirmation. No printing necessary. You can even complete the waivers on your phone! Adults over the age of 18 must complete and submit their own waiver. Minors ages 17 and younger must have a parent or legal guardian complete and submit a waiver on behalf of the minor. For snorkeling activities there are separate waivers for adults and minors, please be sure you are completing the appropriate waiver. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. To complete the waiver process, you will need to confirm your email address through and email that will be sent by Smartwaiver.
Is there a place on the boat to hold my stuff?
- You can keep items on the boat during your excursion but there is a possibility of them getting wet during the trip, we ask that you use a dry bag and keep personal belongs hidden inside of your vehicles.
Is this a glass bottom boat?
- This is not a glass bottom boat, but in shallow areas the seagrass will be visible from the side of the boat. This trip will not go out to the ocean side, coral reef barriers will not be seen.