Totten Key

Overview

Totten Key is a remote, uninhabited island in southern Biscayne Bay—part of the upper Florida Keys inside the park. It spans roughly 380 acres and sits near Old Rhodes Key, edging the quiet backwaters of Jones Lagoon. There are no facilities, no trails, and no services. Access is only by water.

Why Go

If you’re chasing solitude and wild, mangrove-fringed shorelines, this is your spot. The adjacent Jones Lagoon is closed to motorized vessels, so paddling here is blissfully calm compared with the park’s busier boating corridors.

What You’ll See

Expect dense mangroves and subtropical hardwoods (think gumbo limbo, mahogany, ironwood, torchwood, satinleaf) hugging shallow bays and channels. Wildlife ranges from coastal and migratory birds to reptiles, with insects in force—this area is known for heavy mosquitoes in the wet season, and even the endangered Schaus’ swallowtail butterfly occurs in the region. Small mammals are present, and crocodiles are occasional.

How to Visit

Arrive by private boat, kayak, or paddleboard. There are no docks, no marked trails, and no established campsites. Some guided paddle outings in the park include Jones Lagoon (right beside Totten Key), which is a good way to experience the area without bringing your own gear. There are no scheduled ferries or tours that land on Totten Key itself.

If you need restrooms or picnic infrastructure, plan your base on a developed island like Elliott Key or Boca Chita and make Totten a side excursion by water.

Best Time to Visit

Aim for the drier, cooler months when mosquitoes and heat are less oppressive. Weekdays typically feel even more secluded. Light is softest early and late in the day for photography along the mangrove edges.

History Notes

The island takes its name from General Joseph Totten, tied to an 1848 coastal survey. In the early 1900s, Israel Lafayette Jones—an influential Black pioneer—purchased Totten Key and raised limes after storms ended pineapple cultivation, and later portions were sold to help form the national park.

Practicalities & Cautions

• No services of any kind: bring all water, food, and a means to pack out trash.
• Insects can be fierce in the wet season—serious repellent and protective clothing help.
• Shallow waters and mangrove channels demand careful navigation; carry proper charts or GPS.
• Watch your footing on muddy, slick shorelines and be aware of snakes and occasional crocodiles.
• Jones Lagoon is non‑motorized—respect the no‑motor rule and the fragile habitat.