What more wonderful way to end your island day than embarking on one of the best sunset cruise Key West excursions to wind down at the end of your day.
I love boats: sailboats, catamarans, private charters, 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 boats, sunsets, and warm waters, I have gathered the best sunset cruise Key West options for you in this easy travel guide. Maybe you have a special occasion or special events to celebrate?
Best Sunset Cruise Key West
If you head out for a sunset cruise in Key West, which I absolutely recommend you do, you have a variety of options.
Here are three top-rated sunset cruises you can enjoy for families, friends, or adults only, and some of the best things are that they include snorkeling stops right before the sun sets straight from downtown Key West.
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 upper deck where there are some seating options and just chill on the deck.
This gorgeous 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.
There is no live music, but the vibe is good (you can talk, you don’t need to shout, and you can hit the dance floor (deck) anytime). The crew is entertaining and friendly, and the sea, views, and winds are 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 in the main cabin on the lower deck 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 temperature in these tropical waters, just where the Atlantic meets the Gulf of Mexico, is just incredible, and the reefs have vibrant marine life, tropical fish, and the occasional turtle!
What Is Included In This Tour
Included in the Snorkel and Sunset Sails are:
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Restroom on board
- 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 is one of the best sunset cruises for adults only. However, it does not have the snorkeling option (alas), 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 sunset cruise and a tranquil experience. On the way back, you will have the best view of the Key West Harbor, and you can pair that with a tropical mixed drink!
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 craft beers (domestic and imported)
- An international selection of premium wines
- Local taxes
3. Dolphin Sunset Sail With Wine & Tapas
This luxury 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 the amazing crew, good food, soft drinks, and drink-drinks – and 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 United States, there are many more reasons to go to Key West than just having your photo taken by the red marker point.
This southern destination is a shiny, polished pearl, an eldorado of art, culture, history, and natural water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, or jet skiing.
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 outside of lounging on a sunset cruise.
- Jet Skiing
- Visit the Hemingway Museum
- North America 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 West Tour Train
- Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
- Audubon House and Tropical Gardens
- Visit Higgs Beach
- Key West Aquarium
- Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
- The Rum Distillery
- Key West Historic Seaport
- 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 the Florida Keys.
Also read: Navigating Luxury: Royal Caribbean’s Brand New Ship Icon of the Seas Cruise
Wrap-Up Sunset Cruise Key West
The best way to enjoy the famous Key West sunset 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 sunset dinner cruise on the sea, you are in for seriously good times.
I have already researched all the reviews for the tours in this article, so you don’t have to, but you can easily check ratings and book online and check for yourself.
If you make a booking, you just show your voucher from your phone upon arrival before your tour – easy-peasy.
PS: There are also lots of other amazing things to do in the Sunshine State of Florida, so don’t miss out!
From theme park heaven and hiking in Orlando on the eastern coast to the stunning beaches in Southwest Florida or city life in Miami.
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