Charting a Course: Beach Day Bliss With a Key West Boat Charter
Key West is one of the premium places to visit if you're in Florida state. The bars open up at the crack of dawn, you've got plenty of sunshine to bask in, and there's plenty of history in the area. There's something for everyone if you look hard enough.
One of the best ways to make the trip through Key West is via a private boat charter. On Key West boats, you can sail around the island and avoid traffic. You may even find a secret spot only accessible via the water.
Here's why you should consider booking a Key West boat charter and how to book one for your next trip.
Key West Boating: Rent vs Charter
First of all, you should know the difference between renting a boat as opposed to chartering it.
When you rent a boat, you're gaining temporary ownership and responsibility over the vessel until you return it. Rentals are also usually limited to a day at most. That means you won't be able to travel long distances with it or use the boat throughout the entire weekend.
Meanwhile, chartering is more like renting the ship and crew. In most cases, it's similar to booking a small cruise - except you're on a smaller boat.
Chartering is best done if you're going to travel for a longer period of time. Keep in mind that it'll be more expensive than renting a boat, but you won't need to pack as much with you.
Benefits of Boat Rental in Key West
One of the many benefits of hiring a boat charter is that they're often experts in sailing the waters in that specific area. It's important to find a company that knows the islands and the laws regarding sailing around them.
In addition, you don't have to worry about operating the boat yourself when you charter. You can drink as much as you want, which you normally can't do without endangering yourself and everyone else on board. It's especially useful if you have no prior experience on the water or caring for a boat.
The captain of your boat will also know where to dock and anchor, as well as where the best sandbars are. If there's anywhere else you'd like to visit, just let them know before you set sail.
Private Boat Charter Options
There are two main boat options when chartering with Sea Monkey Charters. They are the Crackanoon and the Sea Monkey Deux.
The Crackanoon is our smaller option with a smaller engine, while the Sea Monkey Deux is better for larger parties and longer trips. Both are custom-built and operated by a knowledgeable captain.
We offer private tours daily. Reservations can be made for a full-day charter (8 hours), a six-hour charter, or a four-hour charter. They can start as early as 10 am or as late as 3 pm, depending on what you've picked.
Crackanoon
The Crackanoon is a 23-foot center console boat that boasts a 200-horsepower outboard engine. While it's not the largest choice, it's more than enough for a trip around the Key West islands.
You'll get a padded sundeck in the bow and rear seats in the stern. You also have an arch-style top that provides ample shade for anyone who wants to cool off.
This ship can seat up to six passengers at one time. It will cost you $700 for a half day, $900 for a three-fourths day, and $1,400 for a full day.
Sea Monkey Deux
The Sea Monkey Deux is a 27-foot center console boat that has a 400-horsepower outboard engine. Its T-top provides ample shade for both the captain and everyone seated behind them.
This ship can also seat up to six passengers at one time. It will cost you $800 for a half day, $1,050 for a three-fourths day, and $1,600 for a full day.
Key West Boat Charter Amenities
Our specialty is delivering our clients to beautiful, secluded areas that they'd otherwise miss on their own. That includes isolated sandbars and access to wildlife such as pelicans, manatees, and stingrays.
Swim or sunbathe in a deserted sandbar away from prying eyes. Take a dip and enjoy the water teeming with natural wildlife.
Once you reach a remote beach, you can unpack your picnic and whatever drinks you've brought along. Don't worry about drinking too much, as you aren't responsible for steering or caring for the ship.
Our family-friendly charters are also great for your canine friends. Our boats include a swim platform so they can access the sandbar with you. We also have a water bowl and other toys for them to enjoy.
Let us know in advance if you're bringing your pet so we can get our boats ready for them.
Things to Do in Key West
While you're in the area, you may as well check out some of the sights and sounds throughout Key West. Keep in mind that you don't go over your chartered time limit.
Some of the best things to do include taking a tour of the Hemingway home and museum, visiting the Dry Tortugas National Park, and visiting the Southernmost Point of the United States.
All of these provide great opportunities for photo ops, depending on your personal interests. At the very least, the National Park and the Southernmost Point are both great tourist destinations that are very accessible via your chartered boat.
If you have more time on your hands, you can also visit the Key West Aquarium and the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Fort Zachary Taylor also has some fishing and snorkeling activities you can partake in.
Take a Key West Beach Day
If you want to spend some time on the water but don't know how to operate a boat, then a private boat charter may just be the answer. Hire a captain to take your friends and family across the Key West islands and seek out private beaches. Bring along a picnic, your dog, and whatever else you'll need.
Sea Monkey Charters can offer you a great experience across the Lower Keys. Hire us for a few hours or for the whole day. Book a trip today and contact us with any questions about our services.