Coming to Key West and wondering what the best possible excursions are on our little island? Whether you arrive by land, air, or sea, there is a single answer: For the most epic and authentic Keys experience, getting out on a Key West boat ride is the must-do activity.
5 Reasons Key West Boat Rides Are Not To Be Missed
Getting out on the water in the Florida Keys can be accomplished in several ways. Besides taking a private boat tour like we offer on the Casual Monday, you might also want to consider a kayak or SUP rental. Paddlecraft offer an awesome and inexpensive way to explore some quiet areas—but you need to get away from town and look for places to see the beautiful wild side of the Keys.
There are also headboats (aka cattleboats), where you can pay per passenger to go snorkel or dolphin watching. If cost is a factor, these are a good way to spend a few hours away from shore. Sunset champagne sailing tours are also a classic option when looking for Key West boat rides. Jet skis are my least favorite way to enjoy the outdoors—they’re noisy and fast and scare away everything interesting about going out on the water.
But the point is, you’ve just got to hit the water and see what it’s all about! Here are five reasons why Key West boat rides are amazing.
It's the Only Way to Get to the Best Key West Sandbars
Looking for the best beaches in Key West? Sure, there are a few sandy spots you can get to by car…but Key West’s best beaches are its sandbars. And to get to the sandbar, you gotta take a boat. There are a ton of incredible sandbars to explore, like Snipes Point with its famous swing.
Pretty much all of the sandbars we go to on boat rides are about 30 or 45 minutes away from Key West. They’re in what the locals call the “backcountry,” the uninhabited area of mangrove islands and shifty sandbars that lie off the highway.
Wildlife and Eco Tour Opportunities on Every Trip
The simple act of getting away from the road and out on the water will immediately put you closer to nature in Key West. That makes a boat ride a must-do activity for any nature lovers visiting the Keys.
The water is clear, and on nice days, you’ll see the seagrass and sandy bottom flying along under the boat. We see big animals like dolphins, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, manatees, and sharks all the time. You’ll see birds all around, from pelicans to soaring frigatebirds.
Getting off the boat at the sandbar is always a treat. We see lots of big animals, but if you look closely, you’ll also see lots of creepy critters.
It's the Only Way to See the Coral Reef
Key West is home to North America’s only living coral reef, so snorkeling and diving are favorite activities here. Locals go out and dive for dinner or just to get away from it all. The reef is a great place to spend a hot summer afternoon; it sure beats any pool you’ve ever seen.
Key West boat rides are never complete without a little snorkeling. Whether you want to dive for lobster or check out our beautiful coral reefs, the water is clear, warm, and inviting. And the underwater world here is full of colorful reef fish. Most of the time, it’s easy to combine a sandbar or eco-tour private charter with a little snorkeling.
Get Away From the Crowd
Key West is a fairly compact place, and at various times, it can feel a little crowded. When the cruises are in town, or a festival is underway, hopping on a boat is a great way to find some personal space. While the popular sandbars can get busy on holidays, there are always quiet creeks to explore, beautiful scenery to be enjoyed, and lesser-known spots where you can spread your wings.
So whether you came to Key West to party and want a quiet reset or are a devout introvert looking for high-quality peace and quiet, a boat can help you find what you seek.
There's Something About a Boat
Jimmy B said it best—there really is “somethin’ ’bout a boat that gives a man hope.”
There are no traffic lanes or stoplights out there, just wind and tides. On an island like ours, your boat is more important than your car. Getting out on one of our Key West boat rides allows you a little taste of island life, free from the hassles of land.
How Do I Find the Best Key West Boat Rides?
I see you’re convinced and want to know more…it’s usually not a hard sell. Grab your sunblock and call Captain Zak to book your private Key West boat ride. We can go to the sandbar, snorkeling, or just cruise around looking at cool stuff.
So book a private sandbar cruise with Captain Zak on the Casual Monday and embark on one of the ultimate Key West boat ride.
