What more wonderful way to end your island day than embarking on a sunset cruise Key West to wind down before heading back to your hotel or out for the night (or out clubbing)?
I love boats: sailboats, catamarans, day cruisers, yachts, anything. So, needless to say, I went on a cruise when visiting Key West, and joining the sunset cruise is the perfect way to wind down after a long day of exploring on foot.
If you, too, love catamarans, sunsets, and warm waters, a Key West sunset cruise will get you all that.
If you choose the one I did, you will also start early enough to have snorkeling stops exploring beautiful coral reefs while the sun is still up.
Magical Sunset Cruise Key West
If you head out for a sunset cruise in Key West, which I absolutely recommend, you have a variety of options.
Some are for families, others for adults only, and some include snorkeling stops!
1. Snorkel & Sunset Sail Key West
I decided on the top-rated Key West Snorkel & Sunset Sail for my boat tour, which lasted three hours and included a snorkel stop and an open bar after the snorkeling was over and done. It was a super experience!
As this sunset cruise with a snorkeling stop is a bit longer than most of the others where you are staying out of the water, the departure time is at 5:30 pm in the afternoon.
Many people are on this tour, but as the catamaran is sizable (not sure how many feet, though), it does not feel crowded at all.
You can stay “inside” under the roof or find a spot in the bau or on the second deck where there are some seating options and just chill on the deck.
This sunset cruise is not adults only, and although it does have a festive atmosphere, it is not a full-on party boat as I have experienced in other places.
But the vibe and music are good (you can talk, you don’t need to shout), the crew entertaining and friendly, and the sea, views, and winds impeccable!
Departuring while the sun is still up, you will arrive at the snorkeling site above the coral reef after around half an hour of sailing out.
The security briefing is thorough, and you will be handed a neat little life jacket, fins, and snorkel on the journey, so you will be all set as soon as you get there!
The water temperature in these waters, just where the Atlantic meets the Mexico Gulf, is just incredible.
Although the reefs outside Key West do not compare to places like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia (if you happen to have been there), the reefs here have quite a bit of marine life, tropical fish, and the occasional turtle!
What Is Included In This Tour
Included in the Snorkel and Sunset sail are:
- Restroom on board
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Bottled water
- Snorkeling gear
- Soda/Pop
Bring sunscreen (the sun is still up), swimwear, towels, sunglasses, any snacks you may want, and good vibrations!
2. Adults-Only Champagne Celebration Sunset Cruise
This top-rated sunset cruise for adults only does not have the snorkeling option, lasts for two hours, and departs from Key West at 6:30 pm in the evening.
This cruise is also on a catamaran, and as the maximum number of passengers is 14, it is a more intimate and tranquil experience.
What is included in this tour:
- 2-hour sunset cruise
- Champagne-inspired gourmet cheese buffet
- Domain Chandon Brut Classic Champagne (additional champagne upgrades available)
- Ice-cold beers (domestic and imported)
- An international selection of premium wines
- Local taxes
3. Dolphin Sunset Sail With Wine & Tapas
This catamaran dolphin sunset cruise offers tapas pairings to accompany your wine while watching the sunset!
The cruise departs at 6 pm and lasts for about two and a half hours.
Reading through hundreds of reviews, the vast majority are top-notch, happy with both crew, food, and drinks – and it seems the vast majority have also been able to spot dolphins on tour!
Although this is not an adult-only cruise, it probably is best suited for adults as there is an open bar and no water activities during the cruise.
What is included in this cruise:
- Wine & Champagne
- Soda
- Tapas snacks
Quick Guide: Incredibly Charming Key West
Being the proud location of the Southernmost Point in the whole of the US, there are many more reasons to go to Key West than just having your photo taken by the red marker point.
An eldorado of art, culture, history, and natural water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, or jet skiing, Key West is a shiny, polished pearl.
There are cute shops, a plethora of restaurants, art galleries, and alternative stores everywhere, and Key West is also big on organic healthy food.
Here is a list of things to do in Key West outside of lounging on a sunset cruise.
- Jet Skiing
- Visit the Hemingway Museum
- The US southernmost point bouy
- Stroll down Duval Street
- See the sunrise or sunset from Mallory Square
- Visit Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
- Explore Harry S. Truman’s Little White House
- Key West Lighthouse
- Conch Tour Train
- Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
- Audubon House and Tropical Gardens
- Visit Higgs Beach
- Key West Aquarium
- Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
- Key West Rum Distillery
- Day Trip to Dry Tortuga National Park
- Key West Shipwreck Museum
FAQ Boat Tours Key West
Is There A Boat Tour From Miami To Key West?
There is no boat tour option from Miami to Key West. You may enquire with private boat rental companies about this option if that is of interest to you.
Is There A Ferry From Miami To Key West?
There are no ferries going directly from Miami to Key West. You can drive to either Marco Island or Fort Myers and find a ferry to Key West from there.
Is There A Cruise From Miami To Florida Keys?
No, there is no cruise directly from Miami to Florida Keys.
Also read: Navigating Luxury: Royal Caribbean’s Brand New Ship Icon of the Seas Cruise
Wrap-Up Sunset Cruise Key West
Doing a sunset cruise from Key West in Florida, where there is nothing but water, sky, and the golden setting sun to your east, west, and south, is truly a magic experience!
Whatever type of cruise you prefer, there are a variety of options, whether you just want to sip a glass of champagne, jump in the water, or have a dining experience on the sea.
I have already researched all the reviews for the tours in this article.
You can easily check ratings and book online, as I did, and check for yourself. If you make a booking, you just show your voucher from your phone upon arrival before your tour – easy-peasy!
There are also lots of other amazing things to do in the Sunshine State of Florida, from theme park heaven and hiking in Orlando on the eastern coast to the stunning beaches in Southwest Florida or city life in Miami.
Related blog posts:
Snorkeling with Sharks in Florida: The Ultimate Adrenaline Experience
Key West vs Miami From A Pro Traveler: Find Your Perfect Destination
YES, A Day Trip To Cuba From Miami Is Possible! Here Is How To By An Expert
