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Cape Florida
Cruise to the southern tip of Key Biscayne for a protected stop at No Name Harbor, a historic lighthouse climb, and classic Miami-area beaches—all by boat.
Cape Florida marks the scenic southern tip of Key Biscayne and the gateway between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic. It’s best known for the Cape Florida Lighthouse inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park—one of South Florida’s most iconic navigation landmarks.
For boaters, Cape Florida is a near-perfect day trip: you can approach from Biscayne Bay, tuck into No Name Harbor for a calm, protected anchorage, then step ashore for lighthouse tours, shoreline walks, and an easy waterfront meal at Boater’s Grill. Arrive early on weekends and holidays—this park can temporarily close when capacity is reached.
What to Expect When Boating to Cape Florida
A classic Biscayne Bay run with big views, shallow-water areas nearby, and a protected harbor option at the tip of Key Biscayne. Expect heavy recreational traffic on weekends, possible park capacity closures for landside entry, and set-time access for the lighthouse tower/keeper’s cottage tours.
Find This Destination
Getting There
About 8–12 miles by water from Downtown Miami/Biscayne Bay routes (varies by starting marina and no-wake zones).
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About This Destination
Cape Florida is the namesake cape at the southern end of Key Biscayne and home to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. The park’s centerpiece is the Cape Florida Lighthouse—there has been a lighthouse on this site since 1825—making it a memorable navigation landmark and a rewarding shore stop. The area is also tied to early Florida history (the “Cape of Florida” name is attributed to Ponce de León’s 1513 expedition) and the park interprets Cape Florida’s role as a place of refuge and passage for Seminole Indians, fugitive slaves, and Black Seminoles. For today’s visitors, it’s a mix of historic tours, beach time, and boating-friendly access via No Name Harbor.
Boats to Get You There
Giuli at Key Biscayne
Giselle at Key Biscayne
Robalo Crandon
Donzi Dream
Balboa at Key Biscayne
Shining Force at Key Biscayne
Molto Piaciuto at Key Biscayne
Bubble at Key Biscayne
Le Grand Bleu at Key Biscayne
Blue
Pelican IV
Bramante
Giuli at Key Biscayne
Giselle at Key Biscayne
Robalo Crandon
Donzi Dream
Balboa at Key Biscayne
Shining Force at Key Biscayne
Molto Piaciuto at Key Biscayne
Bubble at Key Biscayne
Le Grand Bleu at Key Biscayne
Blue
Pelican IV
Bramante
Local Boater Tips
Use this destination pin for general planning: 25.6656585, -80.1578248 (Cape Florida).
For a protected stop, target No Name Harbor (approx. 25.676667, -80.162850) and verify depth/draft with current charts and tides (often cited around 11–12 ft).
Overnight boat camping/anchoring at No Name Harbor is typically $20 per boat per night via honor stations; bring cash/check. Day-use by vessel is commonly $8 if you’re not staying overnight.
Harbor rules matter: mooring to the seawall is not permitted 11 p.m. to 8 a.m., and no more than two boats may be moored together.
Plan around lighthouse tour windows—tower and keeper’s cottage access is only during tour times; confirm the day’s schedule with park staff/signage.
Arrive early on weekends/holidays: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park may close when capacity is reached and may not reopen for at least two hours.
Popular Boat Day Routes
Biscayne Bay Cruise → No Name Harbor → Lighthouse & Beach
Run down Biscayne Bay, anchor in No Name Harbor, then head ashore for a lighthouse tour and a walk to the beach. Great for families and first-time visitors.
Cape Florida → Boater’s Grill Dock-and-Dine
Tie up/arrive by sea near Boater’s Grill (approx. 25.675783, -80.161850), then enjoy a relaxed waterfront meal before a short shoreline stroll inside the park.
Cape Florida → Stiltsville Photo Loop
After Cape Florida, cruise toward Stiltsville for iconic photos of the historic bay houses. Note: public access to the structures themselves is permit-only—enjoy from the water and follow all posted restrictions.
Cape Florida → Nixon Sandbar (tide dependent)
Pair your Cape Florida visit with a shallow-water hangout. Go around rising/high tide and use caution—depths and conditions change; verify local guidance and charts before entering.
Explore Cape Florida with BoatPass
BoatPass makes Cape Florida an easy, repeatable day on the water—perfect for a lighthouse stop, a calm harbor break, and a Biscayne Bay cruise. Membership covers captain, fuel, and docking on all trips, so you can focus on timing the tour, picking the calmest window, and enjoying the ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cape Florida is at the southern tip of Key Biscayne in Miami-Dade County, inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. The general destination pin is 25.6656585, -80.1578248.
Yes. Boaters commonly use No Name Harbor, a protected harbor inside the park, as an anchorage/boat-camping stop. Verify current rules, depths, and fee payment methods with the park and your charts before arrival.
Overnight boat camping/anchoring is typically $20 per boat per night via honor stations (cash/check recommended). Day-use by vessel is commonly $8 if you’re not staying overnight—confirm current fees with the park.
Yes. The park notes that mooring to the seawall is not permitted from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m., and no more than two boats may be moored together. Follow posted signage and ranger guidance.
The lighthouse tower and keeper’s cottage are accessible only during tour times. Tour schedules can vary by day/season—confirm the day’s tour times with park staff or onsite signage when you arrive.
Yes. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park can temporarily close when capacity is reached, especially on weekends and holidays, and may not reopen for at least two hours. Arriving early helps.
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