Boca Chita Key harbor in Biscayne National Park
Boca Chita Key is the most popular of the three tourist-friendly islands in Biscayne National Park, and on weekends during the tourist season (October through April) most likely all dock spaces in the harbor will be full by noon. It should be no problem to get a space during the week. I visited on a Thursday in early March and the harbor was about 60% full. Overnight docking is limited to 14 consecutive days, and 30 days total per year. All dock spaces are taken on a first come, first served basis.
Boats dock using cleats along the bulkhead of the harbor, like parking along a curb on the road. This means that large boats can take up a lot of “parking spaces,” thus there is no set number of boats that can dock at one time. Boats are allowed to raft two deep to add additional room.
Boca Chita Key Harbor in Biscayne National Park
There is a fee to dock from 6 AM to 6 PM on Fridays through Mondays and on Federal holidays (currently $25). There is no fee on Tuesdays through Thursdays during these times. If you are docked beyond 6 PM on any day of the year, there is a $35 fee, which includes being able to tent camp on the island. This is in addition to the daytime docking fee (if one applies). Payment must be made using the Recreation.gov app on your phone. It is best to download and install the app before heading to the park due to a potential lack of cell service. If there is no service, you can still make the payment. Information is stored in the app, and payment will be processed when you get to a location with service. For the latest fees, check the National Park Service’s official Fees and Passes web page for Biscayne National Park.
If you are trying to camp on the island and there are no long-term dock spaces, you can access the temporary dock space to unload your gear and then anchor offshore, though you must wade or swim back if you do not have a dinghy. This is a party island and many boats come for the day, so it is possible that dock space may free up after 6 PM.
Those in small boats like the one I and my buddy, Mike, arrived in, a 13′ Boston Whaler, need to be aware that during low tide your boat can end up slightly under the dock. When high tide comes in, it can get stuck as it rises and can be damaged or sunk. It’s like riding up an elevator with your arm sticking out of the door. We had to tie an anchor to the side and toss it towards the center of the harbor to keep the boat away from the dock. Do this before you get too drunk and forget about it.
The entrance to the harbor at low tide is only 4′ deep. To figure low tide, add 1 hour and 43 minutes to Miami’s Government Cut tide schedule. High tide is plus 1 hour and 24 minutes.
Except for service dogs, no pets allowed on the island or even in your boat. Park Rangers will ask you to leave if they spot any pets.
Boca Chita Key harbor in Biscayne National Park
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Last updated on June 30, 2025
