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Key West is a fabulous destination for boaters. Whether you are looking for a Sunset Cruise in Key West or a Boat Tour, Key West is the perfect destination for the boating enthusiast. The entire area of the Florida Keys is a designated National Marine Sanctuary, meaning that there are additional rules and regulations for boaters that are crucial to know to avoid breaking the law and getting fined. You can take a boat on your own to explore the reefs offshore, opt for a charter around the best spots for fishing, enjoy the sunset from a sailboat or go kayaking.
If you're heading to Key West on a road trip from Miami, you'll want to plan ahead to see all the amazing sights in between. Check out this amazing blog post by The Quirky Travel Guy on his detailed journey from Miami to Key West, with great recommendations on things to see and where to stay. If you're staying in Miami for a few days before you venture to Key West, check out our Miami Boating Guide for all the info you need to know for boating in Miami.
While boating in Key West, paying attention to the backchannel depths and navigation markers is important. Inexperienced boaters can get themselves into trouble if they cruise too quickly or end up in shallow waters. Pay attention to the markings when navigating the channels and you’ll be just fine.
Embarking on a fishing charter while in Key West is sure to be an experience you’ll never forget. Travelers can head out on full-service charters and expect to catch snapper, grouper, tuna, and the occasional shark. The boats are fully-equipped and the crew of deep-sea charters are knowledgeable and provide an excellent experience.
Catamaran rentals are popular in Key West thanks to the calm winds and water that provide a comfortable sailing experience. For visitors in need of an adrenaline rush, there are countless jet ski rental facilities as well as parasailing opportunities.
Chartering a yacht for a day of cruising, relaxing, and watching the sunset is a popular choice for many travelers staying in Key West. Booking up your yacht charter early is recommended, as the island is very small and boats can be booked up during the busy season.
Many people who are traveling Florida and find themselves in Key West never want to leave - and some people never do. It's a paradise for many travelers, with an enchanting atmosphere that draws people back time and time again. If you feel like you never want to leave the keys, you're not alone - this article by The Professional Hobo, details meeting these locals who have chosen to make Key West their permanent home. It's great for retirees or people looking for a chance of pace and a more tropical slice of life.
Key West is home to many sailing regattas, boat races, and other waterfront events that take place throughout the year.
One of the most popular is the Key West Super Boat International Championships. This takes place over several days and includes exhibitions of race boats on display, launching and racing of boats, boat parades and other live entertainment and events during the week. The power boats that are showcased during this event are among the top in the world, and many people come to watch offshore racing and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
The Key West Fishing Tournament attracts anglers of all ages, from seasoned fishing professionals to young novices trying their hand at making the best catch.
While on land, there is plenty to experience while in Key West. For literature lovers, a visit to Ernest Hemingway’s house is a must. Mallory Square is a hub for restaurants and shops on Key West and it provides a great view of the sunset. Duval Street is another great option if you’re looking to indulge in retail therapy or grab a bite to eat.
There are several marinas for boat rentals and charters scattered throughout Key West. Most of the marinas are on the island's northern side, but they run from the east to the western side. Galleon Marina and Conch Harbor Marina are great choices. City Marina at Garrison Bight is noted for fishing boats and charters. The Key West Historic Seaport is another top-rated marina on this part of the island. On the south side, Casa Marina Beach House is a good option for boat rentals.
The Florida Keys are an archipelago of over 1500 islands stretching off the southern coast of Florida. Key West is one of the most popular for tourists and it’s also considered the southernmost city in the United States. It’s known for its laid-back beach culture, beautiful white sand beaches, and being a haven for rest and relaxation. While being known for its Floridian elegance, it is a very different Florida than Miami or Naples. It has a modest charm without the flashy money of some other Florida cities.
The best time to visit Key West is between March and May, when the winter crowds have gone and prices drop. The weather is perfect at this time, in the 70s-80s, with minimal rainfall compared to the rest of the year. The summer months see far fewer tourists due to heavy rains and high humidity. If getting wet doesn’t scare you, booking in the summer will secure you a trip at a much lower rate, but at the risk of running into hurricane season.
Getting to Key West can be expensive. There is an airport in Key West that services several routes in the United States, but fares are typically steep due to its smaller size. A popular option for travelers going to Key West is to fly to Miami or Fort Lauderdale and then rent a car to drive down to Key West. This can be a more economical option and will allow you to visit other parts of the Keys as well. There are also express ferries and other boat options to get access to Key West by water.
Boat rentals in Key West cost between $100/hour for a small powerboat rental up to $1,800/day for private yacht rentals. The average price for a boat rental in Key West is around $300/hour for a motor yacht or pontoon rental.
The best time of year to visit Key West is late spring and early summer, between April and June, to avoid Spring Break crowds and the high temperatures of peak summer. Fall is also a good time to visit; September and October are good months to travel to Key West.
The journey from Miami to Key West takes 3-4 hours by boat. You can charter a boat from Miami to Key West for a scenic trip.
Seeing the famous Mangrove Trees is a must. Anthony was a superb guide and went above and beyond to make the experience one we will never forget. Don’t hesitate in booking boat time with him.
JP is fantastic host and Carlos was the ideal captain! Had a blast with my guys on my bachelor party in the keys. JP delivered excellent service, communication and a fantastic boat. Would highly recommend and continue to recommend JP. Thanks again!
We all enjoyed the hole trip, it was our last day in key west and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish our trip to key west. We all felt save with Anthony as a captain, he told us a lot about the island as we sailed around. The biggest recommendation from us if you are looking for something to top your vacation
Stop looking! THIS is your boat/captain experience. I researched the heck out of what boat to hire for our trip to Key West. And we saw a ton of other boats/captains on our sandbar sunset trip…this is the best boat and Anthony was by far the most warm, service oriented, and knowledgeable captain. And his little pug, Mystic, absolutely made the trip feel like we were on our own boat. We will be back and will use Anthony every time.
We hired Anthony for a 4 hour boat cruise and had an absolute blast. The boat (a 23' Boston Whaler) was very comfortable to ride and also provided shade when it got too hot. Anthony took us to sand bars, shared his knowledge of the Keys and even procured a 12 pack for us from a party boat when we ran out (a rookie mistake indeed!). Anthony is a very competent captain and I felt safe the entire time. We've hired several boats with captains before and Anthony is the best one by far. The bonus was he brought his 20 lb pug, Mystic, who is soooo sweet and always well-behaved. What a day!! Thank you so much, Anthony!!
Anthony was they best host and such a great fit for our group! He took us on with only a days notice and had good communication from the beginning to the end of our ride. He reassured us of any concerns from refund questions to weather questions. We have already said Anthony will be the captain we call in anytime we are in the keys... fun attentive, caring host and even gave us a tour and went beyond in helping us create lasting memories. You can't go wrong with this ride and it's captain!!
Key West is a fabulous destination for boaters. Whether you are looking for a Sunset Cruise in Key West or a Boat Tour, Key West is the perfect destination for the boating enthusiast. The entire area of the Florida Keys is a designated National Marine Sanctuary, meaning that there are additional rules and regulations for boaters that are crucial to know to avoid breaking the law and getting fined. You can take a boat on your own to explore the reefs offshore, opt for a charter around the best spots for fishing, enjoy the sunset from a sailboat or go kayaking.
If you're heading to Key West on a road trip from Miami, you'll want to plan ahead to see all the amazing sights in between. Check out this amazing blog post by The Quirky Travel Guy on his detailed journey from Miami to Key West, with great recommendations on things to see and where to stay. If you're staying in Miami for a few days before you venture to Key West, check out our Miami Boating Guide for all the info you need to know for boating in Miami.
While boating in Key West, paying attention to the backchannel depths and navigation markers is important. Inexperienced boaters can get themselves into trouble if they cruise too quickly or end up in shallow waters. Pay attention to the markings when navigating the channels and you’ll be just fine.
Embarking on a fishing charter while in Key West is sure to be an experience you’ll never forget. Travelers can head out on full-service charters and expect to catch snapper, grouper, tuna, and the occasional shark. The boats are fully-equipped and the crew of deep-sea charters are knowledgeable and provide an excellent experience.
Catamaran rentals are popular in Key West thanks to the calm winds and water that provide a comfortable sailing experience. For visitors in need of an adrenaline rush, there are countless jet ski rental facilities as well as parasailing opportunities.
Chartering a yacht for a day of cruising, relaxing, and watching the sunset is a popular choice for many travelers staying in Key West. Booking up your yacht charter early is recommended, as the island is very small and boats can be booked up during the busy season.
Many people who are traveling Florida and find themselves in Key West never want to leave - and some people never do. It's a paradise for many travelers, with an enchanting atmosphere that draws people back time and time again. If you feel like you never want to leave the keys, you're not alone - this article by The Professional Hobo, details meeting these locals who have chosen to make Key West their permanent home. It's great for retirees or people looking for a chance of pace and a more tropical slice of life.
Key West is home to many sailing regattas, boat races, and other waterfront events that take place throughout the year.
One of the most popular is the Key West Super Boat International Championships. This takes place over several days and includes exhibitions of race boats on display, launching and racing of boats, boat parades and other live entertainment and events during the week. The power boats that are showcased during this event are among the top in the world, and many people come to watch offshore racing and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
The Key West Fishing Tournament attracts anglers of all ages, from seasoned fishing professionals to young novices trying their hand at making the best catch.
While on land, there is plenty to experience while in Key West. For literature lovers, a visit to Ernest Hemingway’s house is a must. Mallory Square is a hub for restaurants and shops on Key West and it provides a great view of the sunset. Duval Street is another great option if you’re looking to indulge in retail therapy or grab a bite to eat.
There are several marinas for boat rentals and charters scattered throughout Key West. Most of the marinas are on the island's northern side, but they run from the east to the western side. Galleon Marina and Conch Harbor Marina are great choices. City Marina at Garrison Bight is noted for fishing boats and charters. The Key West Historic Seaport is another top-rated marina on this part of the island. On the south side, Casa Marina Beach House is a good option for boat rentals.
The Florida Keys are an archipelago of over 1500 islands stretching off the southern coast of Florida. Key West is one of the most popular for tourists and it’s also considered the southernmost city in the United States. It’s known for its laid-back beach culture, beautiful white sand beaches, and being a haven for rest and relaxation. While being known for its Floridian elegance, it is a very different Florida than Miami or Naples. It has a modest charm without the flashy money of some other Florida cities.
The best time to visit Key West is between March and May, when the winter crowds have gone and prices drop. The weather is perfect at this time, in the 70s-80s, with minimal rainfall compared to the rest of the year. The summer months see far fewer tourists due to heavy rains and high humidity. If getting wet doesn’t scare you, booking in the summer will secure you a trip at a much lower rate, but at the risk of running into hurricane season.
Getting to Key West can be expensive. There is an airport in Key West that services several routes in the United States, but fares are typically steep due to its smaller size. A popular option for travelers going to Key West is to fly to Miami or Fort Lauderdale and then rent a car to drive down to Key West. This can be a more economical option and will allow you to visit other parts of the Keys as well. There are also express ferries and other boat options to get access to Key West by water.
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