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Island Camping Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Camping tents under the palms on Boca Chita Key

Spend a night (or a few) under the stars in Biscayne National Park. Captain Pablo runs you and your gear across the bay on Mako My Day, our Mako 253, at 7 AM, drops you at Boca Chita Key or Elliott Key, and comes back for you at 7 AM on the day you choose. $450 round trip, fuel included, for up to 6 campers with light camping gear. Paid in full at booking.

Good to know before you go

  • Captain's pick: Boca Chita Key. The bugs on Elliott Key are pretty bad year round.

  • Campsite fees are not included. They are paid directly to the park on the island: download the free Recreation.gov app, create a login, then scan the QR code at the island kiosk. It works without cell service and goes through once you're back in range.

  • Campsites are first-come, first-served. The park doesn't take advance reservations.

  • Boca Chita Key: grassy campground with picnic tables, grills and bathrooms, but no running water, so no showers, sinks or drinking water. Bring all the water you need. No pets allowed (service animals only).

  • Elliott Key: restrooms with sinks and cold showers, picnic tables, grills and drinking water (bring backup water anyway). Leashed pets allowed in developed areas.

  • Each campsite has a charcoal grill and a picnic table. Bring your own charcoal and cooking utensils.

  • Park quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

  • There are no garbage cans on the islands, so all trash must be hauled back out with you.

  • Bring plenty of mosquito repellent and reef-safe sunscreen. Bugs can be heavy, especially in summer.

  • Pack light: tents, sleeping gear, coolers and food, sized to fit 6 guests on a 25' boat.

  • Park campsite fees cover up to 6 people and 2 tents per site.

Captain's packing list for a great stay

Camp and sleep: tent, hammer for tent stakes, extra stakes and rope, sleeping bags, pillows, a sleeping pad or air mattress, camp chairs, a tarp, sweaters for cool winter nights, ponchos

Cooking and food: lots of food, ice and drinks, charcoal, lighter fluid, matches or a lighter, cast iron skillet, cooking utensils, BBQ tools, BBQ cleaning brush, cooking oil, cutting board, aluminum foil, a can opener, zip-top bags, paper plates, cups, forks, knives and spoons, paper towels

Water and cleanup: plenty of drinking water, soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, garbage bags (there's no trash pickup on the islands, so everything comes back with you), a portable camp shower

Light and power: battery-powered lights, flashlights or headlamps, extra batteries, power banks for charging phones

Personal: bathing suits, towels, reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito spray, a first-aid kit, any medications you need, a dry bag for phones and electronics

Provided on request

  • A cooler for your stay, free of charge. Keep food and garbage in a closed cooler or on the boat, since the park asks campers to keep it away from wildlife.

  • Ice can be bought at the Loggerhead Marina store before departure.

  • Forgot something? With notice before your trip, Captain Pablo can help source items for you. The customer covers the cost of the items.

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