elliott key

Planned a visit to go hiking on Elliot Key in Biscayne National Park. The National Park Service does not have a concessionaire under contract at this time to take visitors out to the Key so you must locate and hire your own water transportation to reach Elliot Key which is approximately 7 miles off shore. We contracted Tropic Sea Tours, (305-669-1645), which provide us transportation from the Homestead Florida Marina to the Key and back at a reasonable price. The boat's captain, (Ed del Campo), made us feel right at home and provided us with drinks and snacks during our trip over to Elliot Key, (approx. 20 min. ride). Tropic Sea Tours anchored their boat at Elliot Key and waited for us to finish our day hike, (8 miles round trip), before taking us back to the marina for the day. The Key was pretty much deserted upon our arrival. The Ranger Station on the Key is currently closed but there is drinking water, picnic tables and restrooms available. Make sure that you bring plenty of mosquito repellent as they are very aggressive on the key at this time of year. The Key's main trail is a 7 mile north to south trail which is well marked but only has a couple of locations where you can get some good views of the bay.

The Good: A great location, fantastic views of Miami and very nice setting. Visiting Jan through March is best to avoid mosquitos, bring bug spray. Nice trails for exploring from Bay to Ocean side. Recommend camping on on Northern point (furthest from Ranger station/restrooms), good breeze, views and fishing. The Bad: None of the regulations are enforced. Loud- night club sized amps/speakers on back of boats blaring music so loud you can hear on opposite side of island. This goes on daily and nightly into early hours of morning. Generators going all night long, with cables everywhere. The Park Service does not enforce noise ordinances at all or maintain restrooms. Overflowing toilets are common and showers are not kept clean. Better during week vs. weekend part boaters. Sad for such a great location

We just enjoyed this beautiful area so much. The weather was perfect for a great day at the beach and enjoying the sites.

Had planned to take a day trip out to Adams and Elliott Keys along with snorkeling. However the park concessionaire had recently broken the contract with the NPS, leaving little else to do, other than the visitor center and the beach/board walk. Was looking forward to the trip, but was out of our hands to do something else. Am sure it's much better when everything is running. The NPS hadn't even gone out for bids on a replacement, so it'll be a while.

We have been out here several times on my friend's boat. We throw the anchor in and hang out for hours. The kids and adults alike have a blast swimming, rafting and kayaking. The water is so clear and the island is a piece of paradise. Highly recommend it - good times had by all.

If ya like yer camping with peace & quiet, forget Elliott Key. That's unfortunate, cause it has potential. I used earplugs *and* earmuffs!The "primitive" ocean side is better, but it's a (usually) buggy schlep to the facilities on the bay side.

Elliot Key is a beautiful location. I've been there several times on my friend's boat. Beautiful, relaxing, very special. It's a great boat ride from Miami. Nice to stay there for a few days and just enjoy the sun, the ocean, the peace, the silence.... really worth it!!!

I've only been by boat and it's always a good time. A few caveats...there are certain times of year where the mosquitos are insane over there. I recommend a repellent of some sort. Also, this may not be the best place to bring families because on some Saturdays and Sundays, SOME boat goers have no problem with being a bit overly sexual (READ: naked and dancing), which may be inappropriate for the little ones. This is especially true on Columbus Day weekend, and any other big boat weekends in Miami. Nevertheless, you can anchor a bit farther away from the crowds and have a fantastic day.

I have anchored off Elliott Key many times, usually in the area of Coon Point.Nice swimming and no crowds during the week.Interested in knowing more about the unsuccesful attempt to develop the island in the 60s and 70s.Have tried hiking across to the ocean, but the mosquitoes are horrendous.Captain Mark Wallace