Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key are both popular weekend destinations for Miami and Fort Lauderdale area boaters.
How to Get There from the Miami Area: Starting at the Rickenbacker Bridge in Key Biscayne (Marker 69), you will follow the rhumb line that will take you south along the middle of Biscayne Bay. Key Biscayne will be on your port side as you run south and will also block the larger chop from affecting you. However, you will be running in an exposed area of the bay once you run south and are no longer protected by land (Key Biscayne).
Featherbed Banks: Depths along the route are about 10-13 feet. Set your heading towards Featherbed Bank Day Beacon 4; this will place you on a short channel that cuts through Featherbed Bank. Keep the red markers on your starboard side and greens to port as you travel south. Make sure to stay in the channel.
Once you clear Featherbed Bank, run an east-southeast course for about 3 nm towards Elliott Key. Make sure to keep the sand bars to your port side. The depths will be about 9-10 feet.
Featherbed Bank Channel is the safest, most well-marked course. However, smaller boats that draw 3 feet or less can take the alternate channel to the east of the Featherbed Banks (East Featherbed Bank). The markers are #1 Red and #2 Green. Keep red on your starboard side and green on port. There is another short channel after this one located about 1.3 nm that you will need to also take. This alternate channel will take you closer to Boca Chita Key on your left (port) side.
Boca Chita: You will see Boca Chita before Elliott Key. If you decide to visit Boca Chita, you can head towards the red and green floating markers that will take you into Boca Chita. I want to stress that East Featherbed Bank Channel and Boca Chita Channel are shallow channels, so watch your depth. Check your chart and/or guidebook for specific information on this.
Boca Chita is a picturesque island with a beautiful small lighthouse and a protected harbor where you can tie up for the day or weekend. The nominal overnight fee is based on an honor system.
Once you tie up at the Boca Chita seawall, you can get off the boat and explore the island. There is a small beach on the north end (watch out for strong current), public restrooms, and hiking trails.
Take note that weekends can get crowded at Boca Chita Harbor, and finding a place to tie up may prove to be a challenge. No dockmaster or staff is monitoring the harbor except for a ranger who may stop by now and then. The airplane-sized mosquitoes can also wreak havoc on unsuspecting visitors, so make sure to bring plenty of mosquito repellent. There are BBQ grills, picnic tables, and tiki huts on the island. However, make sure to leave Fido at home as pets are not allowed on the island, and they are very strict about that.
Sands Key: Approximately 1 mile south of Boca Chita, you have Sands Key, a popular weekend party place where small boats anchor and play loud music. Further south you will have the island of Elliott Key.
Elliott Key: While Elliott Key is about 7 miles long and has an average width of 2,500 feet, it is mostly uninhabited except for a ranger station. The island is mostly made up of mangroves. There are camping sites, BBQ grills, and picnic benches. More on that later.
Park Marina: There are 33 boat slips available at the park headquarters marina, but you can also anchor just off the shoreline if you prefer, or if your boat needs more depth. Some larger boat owners anchor in deeper water and take their tenders ashore.
Rules: Elliott Key is part of the Biscayne National Park. There are park rules that apply to fishing, spearfishing, wake, rafting up, etc. Also, the use of motorized personal watercraft ("jet skis/wave runners") is prohibited in Biscayne National Park, so make sure to review the park regulations before you visit. Inflatable tenders with engines or oars are permitted.
Camping: Elliott Key features campsites nestled among the coconut palms. Each campsite has a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. Remember, if you go looking for a grocery store or restaurant on the island, you will not find any, so plan accordingly and bring everything you need for your stay. Don't forget the mosquito spray!
Hiking: For those who enjoy hiking, the main trail is a one-mile loop that winds through the mangroves and hammocks. There are sections along the hiking trail that offer glimpses of the bay on the west side and the ocean on the east side. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can also explore the six-mile "Spite Highway" that runs down the center of the island. Again, be aware that the giant mosquitoes are smart; they will not attack you until you are deep within their territory, and then BAM! They attack! So DON'T FORGET THE MOSQUITO SPRAY! However, be warned these mosquitoes are not deterred by repellents as much as the mosquitoes that we have at home. You have been warned!!
Fishing: There are some fishing restrictions in Biscayne National Park and on the island as well, so study up on the rules as they apply to fishing. You can cast a line off the maintenance dock or from the shoreline outside of the no-wake zone. Just remember to obtain the correct fishing license beforehand. Florida residents need a Florida fishing license, and non-residents can obtain a 3-day pass for about $17.00 at just about any fishing or boat supply store.
Snorkeling: If you enjoy snorkeling, the waters around Elliott Key are teeming with marine life, making it a great spot for snorkeling. However, the east side along the patch reefs is much better. There you can explore the coral reefs and seagrass beds. You might also see colorful fish, turtles, and even dolphins. Getting from the west side of the island to the east side can be a challenge, so study up on your navigation charts. The most popular crossover channels are Caesar's Creek, Broad Creek, and Angelfish Creek.
Beach: Elliott Key has a small beach where you can soak up the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax.
Kayaking: You can rent a kayak or canoe at the park headquarters marina and explore the mangrove forests and waterways around the island. This is a great way to get up close to the natural beauty of Elliott Key.
Overnight Camping: You can also camp out at Elliott Key, so campers, bring your tents! The lack of light pollution makes Elliott Key a great place to go stargazing. On a clear night, you can see millions of stars and even planets like Jupiter and Saturn.
Swimming: The waters around the west side of Elliott Key are shallow and calm, making it a great place for swimming.
No matter what your interests are, you're sure to find something to do on Elliott Key. Just remember to pack everything you need, as there are no stores or restaurants on the island. And be sure to follow all park regulations to help protect this beautiful natural area.
For Intermarine Customers: If you need additional information on Elliott Key or Boca Chita, just call Intermarine at 954-894-9895 and leave your phone number or email address for Captain Tony.
July 11, 2024
