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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.
While boating in Key West, it’s important to pay attention to the backchannel depths and navigation markers. 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 the 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. The majority of the marinas are on the northern side of the island, but they run from the east to western sides. 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.
Experiencing the water has never been easier thanks to GetMyBoat. GetMyBoat allows you to quickly search, compare prices, submit rental inquiries, and pay for your rental or charter from the convenience of your phone or computer. We offer a secure platform for renters to facilitate a seamless rental transaction. For boat owners, we connect millions of renters to their boat and provide the security and safe checks on each rental transaction.
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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 for 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.
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 also 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.
We had a fabulous time out on the water with Austin. He did a great job communicating with me in the planning of our day. The locations he picked, the paddleboards, chairs, and fishing equipment all made for a fun experience. We will be back!
Mitch was very prompt and had good communication with us before we met with him. He went over his boat and explained the gps. He had some great trips programmed in and it was effortless to navigate to these spots. We would rent from him again without question.
JP was on top of his communication. We loved having Carlos as our captain. We had a nice conversation and experienced one of the best sunsets in Key West!
All was great only thing I would ask for would be to set GPS to more sandy spots that are available than the two that every tourist goes to. But Mitch was easy to work with and very accommodating!!
Captain Anthony was a true professional. We were a group of 6 (4 adults and 2 teenagers). We explored the back country and found a few hide away beaches and places to explore. Boat is new and had no problems and being able to Bluetooth into the sound system was a plus. Kids and adults had a blast and Captain Anthony was attentive to our needs. We went with the lunch package which was perfect for a day of boating as it included a barbecue with all the fixings. Made for a perfect day. Highly recommend Captain Anthony with his newer boat, plenty of room, sound system, barbecue lunch, and his great attitude. We will see him again!
Gold medal for Austin!! Everything about this day was exceptional. Austin was so knowledgeable, well prepared, and shared some very special hidden local gems with our family of 6. He was kind, encouraging, and really made all of us feel safe and at home on the water. He gave us an eco-tour of a nursery where we saw sharks, stingray, and even found some very rare queen conch, which we left, as they are protected. Our boys loved every second of this adventure! He tailored every detail to our needs and enjoyment. A true host of the Florida Keys! Book him!! You will be so glad you did!
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