Homestead, FL to Boca Chita (State Park)

We left Black Point Marina at 0810 on Tuesday, 30 Jan, destination Boca Chita Harbor located about 20 miles south of Miami on Biscayne Bay. The day was perfect for cruising. Boca Chita is only about 10 miles north of Black Point Marina, but because our reservations didn’t begin until 1 February in Ft. Lauderdale, we wanted to stay here for a night at the recommendation of fellow boaters who have stayed here before. We were not disappointed. It is a lovely island, once owned by the Honeywell family in the late 1930’s.


The island is not very large – you could walk all the way around it in 30 minutes - but there is a pavilion, lighthouse, grills, a boat ramp, restrooms, and a few vacant small buildings spread over the island. There is no water or power there, but the view is absolutely beautiful. When it was originally developed by the Honeywells, it was a private place where they could take their big yachts and their friends and party for the weekend in privacy. Guess that’s how the rich folks live. The island is well maintained and patrolled by the Florida National Park Service law enforcement.

Upon entering the Harbor, there were two other boats tied to the sea wall. Not long after our arrival, there were 12 boats in the Harbor. We got there just in time!! A couple of them left before nightfall, but the others remained there for the night. After we got tied to the wall and settled in, we took off to explore the island which did not take long since it is such a small island, but it was enjoyable and provided for a little exercise. The day was windy, and the temperature was cool enough to require a light jacket. We spent the late afternoon reading, having dinner, playing "Rummikub," (the Captain won and has been challenged to another round!!), and then called it a night.