This is a trek I wanted to do well before I moved to Miami. Stiltsville has an amazing history, going back nearly 100 years! There are stories of speak-easies during prohibition era, eccentric parties and disputes with the law. Today, these brightly painted houses are mostly unused, only seven survive after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. This location makes a great destination for paddlers of any skill level. Pictures were taken by Philip and Jen on November 28, 2014, wind was about 5 knots. Where to set in: The best way to get here is to set in at the harbor at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park (see map). Entry to the park is $5, parking is free and there is no Kayak-Launch Fee. There is no launch ramp for kayaks, so you need to lower it down the sea-wall in the harbor which can be a bit intense for larger boats. If you prefer, you can set in on the beach side of the park, but then you have to paddle the tidal current, which can get very choppy around the tip of the key. Once you're out of the harbor, you may feel the tide pulling you into and out of the bay. This current is most intense about 100 ft from shore, once you're on the shallow banks (pink on map) it'll be easier. |
Things to see on the water: From no-name harbor, there's plenty to do just around the park. If you go north, you can see a mangrove preserve and even further are the picturesque houses of Mashta island residences. On any clear day, you can see Stiltsville about a mile and a half south from the mouth of the harbor; just point your boat in that direction and go! While heading south, you'll see fishermen on the shore maybe even iguanas sunbathing. One landmark is the Cape Florida Lighthouse, which marks the southernmost tip of Key Biscayne, after this its a little under a mile to Stiltsville. |
Be careful: Unless you're very lucky/unlucky, you're never the only one out on the water. Fishing boats are the norm in South Florida, but staying safe isn't tough. Any fast-moving boat should keep to deep water, so stick to the shallow bank and you'll be fine. Stiltsville is built up on several shallow banks, with a pretty major channel between them. If you see lots of boat traffic, stick to the northern bank and you'll have no trouble (trust us, there's plenty to see just there). It is illegal to climb onto any of the buildings, just look at them from your boat and you'll be fine. |