Day 181 Boca Chita, Biscayne Bay

Tight quarters at the many shallow banks coming up the ICW near Biscayne Bay








Palm layed over during hurricanes and rights itself







Us at Boca Chita lighthouse circa 1930's







Tom & Diann at Boca Chita, Noah Genda in background








Coming up on Gilberts Marina near Key Largo, ICW








Tom at old cannon, Boca Chita National Park - Biscayne Bay








Tom at base of Boca Chita lighthouse








Diann at beach, Boca Chita - Very clear water








Tom at old Boca Chita lighthouse









We had breakfast on board before departing Tarpon Basin near Key Largo. Great day for a leisurely cruise up the ICW to our destination of Boca Chita National Park located on the Keys of Biscayne Bay. It was a great ride up the ICW with beautiful views of wilderness. The Everglades National Park was on our port side and every once in a while a little sign of civilization. The views were fantastic, water a little shallow in some areas, but never touched bottom.

Arrived at Boca Chita about 2:00 PM and what an absolutely gorgeous Park/Key. This is a boaters paradise, accessible only by water, with meticulously groomed grounds. We felt like it was our own private Caribbean island. We walked around the park in amazement looking and snapping pictures of the beauty. It is located about sixteen miles SE of Miami across Biscayne Bay. It originally was the private island of Mark Honeywell (Temp Control Entrepreneur). He hosted many social functions here for the powerful, rich and famous. He gifted it to the National Parks and it is what is today.

For $20 a night we were allowed to tie up to the sea wall in a very protected harbor with concrete walk-way/boardwalk. There is no electricity, wifi, fresh water, showers or office and no pets allowed even if they do not get off of the boat. The over the air TV reception is very good and the quite, remote, away from it all is very worthwhile. Thursday was a free day to just relax, walk the island. Tonight we are grilling fresh salmon for our evening dining. There are only two other vessels here and it will be whisper quiet. We are so glad we made this stop on our journey.

Friday after coffee, breakfast and getting the boat prepared we will cast lines for a short cruise across Biscayne Bay to Coconut Grove/Dinner Key Marina for a stay through the week-end.