The Florida Keys
Explore the southeast Florida coast and the renowned Florida Keys. Start by exploring Key West, the most southern point in the continental USA. Take in the former residence of Ernest Hemingway, enjoy the sunset celebrations in Mallory Square, visit Smathers Beach and tour the Key West Lighthouse. When planning your sail from Key West, make time for Key Biscayne with its breathtaking Bill Baggs State Park. Biscayne Bay offers calm cruising and Elliot Key is a popular anchorage if you want to snorkel, swim or explore. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the 800 islands that make up the Florida Keys, which can offer everything if you love being out on the water, such as watersports, fishing, and incredible sunsets. You can stop by Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon to name just a few. At Key Largo you can explore the living barrier reef before heading to Islamorada with its six keys bursting with history and known for its fishing.
If you worry you won’t have time to see everything you want to, you can also do a one-way charter by starting or ending your charter in Key Largo, Marathon, Key West, or Miami. Miami offers the South Beach strip on Ocean Drive, the famous long stretch of white sand with a backdrop of Art Deco architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. There are plenty of hip restaurants and great shopping. Miami has become a thriving arts scene too with art museums, private art collections open to the public and an annual contemporary art fair. For those seeking a longer sail, you can head to the Dry Tortugas National Park and the uninhabited Marquesas coral reef islands. For those looking for a more challenging sail, you can head out east to Bimini in the Bahamas.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 Key West: Board and overnight in the marina or anchor in front of Key West.
Day 2 Key West – Bahia Honda Key: Make the most of the watersports and anchor at Rodriguez Key or Tavernier Key. If you’re looking for facilities, try the Pilot House Marina.
Day 3 Bahia Honda Key – Indian Key: Explore the Indian Key State Park – a great opportunity to paddleboard or kayak. Head to the south-west of Indian Key to overnight.
Day 4 India Key – Key Largo Reef: Snorkel with the colorful marine life – we recommend Molasses Reef, Conch Reef and French Reef in the state park. Explore Key Largo and anchor nearby or in the marina.
Day 5 Key Largo Reef – Long Key: Go ashore for a hike in Long Key State Park and see the wildlife, try a spot of fishing or swim and snorkel. We advise anchoring on the northwest of the island.
Day 6 Long Key – Marathon: Enjoy browsing the shops to find souvenirs or dine locally. Marathon has a welcoming, upmarket atmosphere which is perfect for a day out.
Day 7 Marathon – Key West: Watch the sunset in Mallory Square – it’s a must-see and one of our favorite things to do on a Key West yacht charter. Treat yourself to a delicious meal in one of the many restaurants.
Day 8 – Key West: Head back to the marina after a leisurly morning.
