Boca Chita Lighthouse
Location & Light Range
About Boca Chita Lighthouse
Constructed in 1940, the Boca Chita Lighthouse is a 20-meter cylindrical tower made of unpainted coral stone, featuring a lantern and gallery. It stands on the west side of Boca Chita Key, within the Biscayne reef area, approximately 10 miles south of Key Biscayne. Though intended as a navigational aid by its former owner, Mark Honeywell, the Coast Guard ordered its light extinguished shortly after it was first lit in 1940. The structure was incorporated into Biscayne National Park in 1980. A restoration in 2013 repaired the dome with hurricane-proof glass.
Why it matters: The lighthouse serves as a significant daybeacon for boaters in the Biscayne reef area. Its unique construction and history also contribute to the heritage of Biscayne National Park.
Tower & Structure
- Tower Height
- 20m
- Tower Shape
- cylindrical
- Tower Color
- unpainted
- Material
- stone
Structure: A 20m round coral stone tower with lantern and gallery, unpainted.
Location
- Country
- 🇺🇸United States
- Region
- Florida
- Sea Region
- Biscayne reef, on the west side of Boca Chita Key, about 10 mi south of Key Biscayne
- Latitude
- 25.5248°
- Longitude
- -80.1761°
References & Identifiers
- Nearest Port
- Miami(14.1 km)
Construction & History
- Year Built
- 1940
- Heritage Status
- Biscayne National Park (1980)
Significant events: Coast Guard ordered light extinguished, incorporated into Biscayne National Park (1980), dome restored (2013)
Visiting
- Open to public
- Site open, tower closed
Nearby Vessels
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