The idea of taking my own boat to Key West is ludicrous. But can you boat to Key West?? I’ve always wanted to go to Key West. Whether you’re taking a boat or plane, it’s only a few hours’ drive from Miami.
However, with the price of boat slips being so high right now, I feel like there must be another way — a cheap way? I know…I know, you don’t have to explain it to me any further.
This idyllic destination is known for its breathtaking marine life, scenic beaches, and historical landmarks.
But what is the best way to get to the island?
A boat is a perfect way to explore the island, especially if you want to see some of its top attractions like the Historic Seaport, Mallory Square, and the Southernmost Point.
It’s also home to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.
If you’re looking for a day trip, you can choose between Key West Bight Marina and Man of War Harbor.
You can also choose from many other options to reach the island, including parasailing.
Parasailing will give you a bird’s eye view of the island and will guarantee you the perfect vacation selfie.
If you prefer a more laid-back water activity, then kayaking or paddleboarding may be right for you.
These activities will give you the chance to get up close to wildlife and mangroves.
Besides the beautiful scenery, there are also many safety considerations.
Be sure to bring life jackets for everyone on board. If you plan to spend a lot of time out on the water, you can also invest in a depth finder.
You don’t want to make a mistake and be stuck in a storm.
This destination is also known for its watersports, so it’s important to keep your distance.
Can You Take a Boat From Fort Myers to Key West?
Can you boat to Key West from Fort Myers? You can take a boat from Fort Myers to the island of Key West, which is close to the famous Duvall St in Key Largo.
The ferry dock is only a few blocks away from the infamous Duvall St.
The boat ride will take about four hours, but it is much cheaper than flying. You will be able to enjoy the white sandy beaches and go shelling.
A day cruise from Fort Myers to Key West will give you about five or six hours to explore the island. You won’t be able to spend a night there, and most day trips will return at the same time.
If you want to visit Key West for longer, however, you can consider taking an overnight cruise instead.
This way, you won’t be paying for parking and the ticket itself.
Another option is to take the Key West Express. This ferry is known for its comfort and speed. It is a 170-foot catamaran and is all aluminum, featuring turbo diesel engines and jet propulsion.
The vessel is equipped with satellite television and state-of-the-art electronics. You can even take a pet on board, as long as it is kept in a crate or cage.
The boat will depart from Fort Myers Beach and Matanzas Harbor and will arrive in Key West around noon.
The Key West Express is a popular ferry service that runs daily trips between Fort Myers and Key Largo. This service runs three and a half-hour round-trip and offers two air-conditioned levels.
You can often see dolphins on the open seas as you go along. A day trip will also cost you less than a single-car ride and will be easier than you think.
Is There a Boat That Goes From Miami to Key West?
Many tourists base themselves in Miami, which means there are a variety of tour companies that will take them to Key West and back.
The best way to get from one island to another is to rent a car or take a boat, but a boat might be the best option for some.
You can also take a bus to Key West. A bus trip is a relaxing way to see the island. It’s a great way to get out of the city and enjoy the Overseas Highway as you take in the Florida Keys.
And the ride to Key West is only about a couple of hours long, so you’ll likely have plenty of time to explore the island.
If you have a car, you can take it to Key West by car or by plane. US-1, which runs through the Florida Keys, passes through the town, so it’s a convenient way to get from Miami to Key West.
This route takes approximately three and a half hours to drive from Miami. The US1 highway offers some spectacular views and great places to stop along the way.
Another way to get to Key West is to take a ferry. Many of these services include a glass-bottom boat ride. You can get a great deal when you book this trip in advance.
And because you’ll be traveling in luxury, you’ll get to relax and enjoy the trip. You can even choose a boat that will pick you up from your hotel or resort.
If you’re interested in getting to Key West by boat, book a boat excursion.
How to Get to Key West by Boat From Miami
Can you boat to Key West from Miami?
If you’re an experienced boater, you can easily sail to Key West from Miami via the Intracoastal Waterway.
After reaching Long Key, international markers apply. Be sure to read your boat’s manual for specific instructions.
If you’re unsure how to get to Key West by boat, there are plenty of marinas in the area, so make reservations as soon as possible.
You can book a ferry from Miami to Key West, but it’s not a regular service. Instead, you can hire a private boat. Then, choose a fishing charter or book a day trip to Key West.
You can also choose to take the Key West Express daily from the Gulf coast. However, remember that the schedules may differ depending on your destination.
If you’d rather stay on the island for a few days, you can always use a ferry to reach Key West.
There are many ways to travel to Key West from Miami. The US1 Highway (also called the Overseas Highway) offers gorgeous vistas and great places to stop.
While driving to Key West from Miami, the US1 highway is the best way to reach the island. It’s also one of the easiest ways to get to Key West by boat.
The scenic route along US1 is worth the drive.
You can also rent a floatplane to get to the island. This is an inexpensive alternative to private jets and provides a fun, scenic flight over the water.
There are many other options, including public buses, pedicabs, and sightseeing boat tours. You’ll want to make reservations for activities in advance.
Many of these activities sell out early, so make sure to book well in advance.
How Long Does it Take to Boat From St Pete to Key West?
Can You Boat to Key West from St. Petersburg? Depending on your skill level, you can easily navigate to Key West on your own.
You can either head out along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) or the Gulf of Mexico. The Intracoastal Waterway is specially marked until the end of Long Key.
Thereafter, international markers will be used.
However, you should consult the appropriate manual before setting out. If you do not have your own boat, you can always book a boat service in Key West.
Alternatively, you can board a high-speed catamaran. You can take this ferry from Fort Myers Beach or Marco Island.
Once on board, you can stroll around the historic Seaport District, enjoy fine restaurants, and take advantage of the bar scene.
Typically, a boat ride takes three to five hours. It is best to plan your trip a day in advance, as ferries tend to depart early in the morning.
When you take a boat from St Pete to Key West, you must allow enough time for the trip.
If you are traveling by bus, expect the journey to take between 2 and 3 hours.
A car will take more than twice as long. It may also take three days to drive to Key West. It will cost a little more than that, but it will save you a lot of time.
If you are planning to spend the night in Key West, you’ll likely need to book a hotel before the trip. Usually, you’ll have four hours to see the island.
The trip may cost you as much as $63 USD for a one-way ticket. There are many options available, and it is up to you to find one that suits your budget and schedule.
How Long is a Boat Ride From Tampa to Key West?
Traveling from Tampa to Key West is a great way to explore the island and its surrounding areas, but how long is a boat ride from Tampa to the islands, and can you boat to Key West from Tampa?
Sailing boats take weeks to travel the entire route, while powerboats are usually shorter and allow passengers to reach Key West in a single day.
Sailboats offer a great experience for a Florida vacation because they let passengers take their time and visit several different destinations along the way.
Catamarans are particularly nice for charters, as they offer plenty of space and stability.
When traveling by boat, travelers should check if the boat is handicap accessible.
Some cruise ships do not have elevators to the upper decks, so passengers with mobility issues will have to use stairs to get from one deck to the next.
Another consideration is the weather, which can change the duration of the trip.
A typical boat ride from Tampa to Key West is about three and a half hours. However, this time may vary depending on weather conditions.
Once in Key West, travelers can spend their time exploring the town’s historic district and shopping for local goods. Other visitors choose to stay in one of the many resorts or spend the entire day at the beach.
This combination of activities makes Key West an ideal destination for a Florida vacation.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or just a relaxing getaway, both cities offer plenty to do.
In Conclusion
Still wondering if you can boat to Key West? Yes, you can boat to Key West. I don’t think the route is all that different from what many boats take.
So if you want to make your way to Key West by boat, you can. However, it isn’t going to be your fastest option.
The largest, and perhaps most important difference, is that you might want to avoid the shipping lanes. Any marina near Key West should be able to direct you in the right direction and help you find a safe passage.
You will be at the mercy of the tides and the weather, and it probably won’t be much fun.
There are a host of private boating companies that will make the circumnavigation more convenient and comfortable for a variety of price ranges as well, so if you really want to get there by boat—it can be done.
The largest, and perhaps most important difference, is that you might want to avoid the shipping lanes.
Any marina near Key West should be able to direct you in the right direction and help you find a safe passage.
You absolutely can boat to Key West. The only question is whether you’d want to.
