Sightseeing in Key West via Boat Charter
Millions of people flock to the Florida Keys every year to enjoy sunny weather, sandy beaches, and beautiful blue water.
If you're going to see Key West in all of its glory, sightseeing tours are the way to go. In particular, Key West charter boats allow you to take in everything Key West and the surrounding area have to offer. It's the best way to have a bit of freedom while you explore the amazing natural beauty of this one-of-a-kind place.
Today, we're going to tell you about the best sightseeing points of interest when you're taking boat charters in Key West. There aren't many places in the world like Key West when it comes to boating, swimming, and soaking up the sun. Each of the places we'll discuss today beautifully illustrates this point.
Don't wait to book your Key West boat charter rental. Keep reading and see what you've got to look forward to on your upcoming Key West vacation.
Marquesas Keys
Key West is an amazing place to vacation, but boating in Key West gives you the opportunity to see attractions that are off the beaten path. The Marquesas Keys, which is as far west as our Key West charter boats travel, is an uninhabited group of islands about 20 miles away.
What makes the Marquesas Keys so special is that they're covered by mangrove forests. If you've never seen mangrove forests before, they're a spectacle to behold with their distinctive tangle of roots that makes them look like they're floating above water.
If you fancy sitting on the beach, you'll need to go to the northernmost Key, which is the only part of Marquesas not covered in mangroves. Although you won't find any humans there, you might see rays, sharks, and sea turtles roaming around.
Sand Key Lighthouse
On the way to or from the Marquesas Keys, you can stop by the Sand Key Light. This lighthouse has been rebuilt numerous times over the years as erosion, hurricanes, and flooding have toppled it at various points in its history.
The iron structure sits alone on an island that's far too volatile to house human inhabitants. It's a sight to behold, a formidable structure to marvel at during your trip.
Woman Key
Woman Key is 13 miles west of Key West and just east of Boca Grande. When your boat charter rental pulls up to this wildlife refuge island, you'll see clear shallow-water flats leading up to the south-facing beach and dunes.
A good portion of the beach is closed off for wildlife protection. Residing there are loggerhead turtles and countless species of wading birds, as well as a good variety of shore birds.
Boca Grande
Not to be confused with the community of Boca Grande off of Florida's gulf coast, this Boca Grande is an uninhabited island famous for its sandbar tours. It's one of the most popular Key West travel destinations and you'll likely find dozens, if not hundreds, of other boats resting on the sandbars.
As with Woman Key, Boca Grande is home to a wide variety of migratory and wading birds, not to mention even more loggerhead turtles. If you're going to visit Boca Grande via boat charters in Key West, it's important to decide early. During busy seasons, the area may be closed to prevent environmental destruction.
The Gulf Stream
For those that enjoy fishing, Key West is one of the best places in the world. In particular, you're going to enjoy fishing in the gulf stream, which is the stuff of legends for deep-sea fishing lovers.
Sitting on the boat is peaceful and relaxing, but cast your bait into these deep waters and you may catch an enormous mahi-mahi or tuna. Your charter boat will be one of only a few in the area, making for an ideal Florida fishing trip.
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach and State Park
The Fort Zachary Taylor Beach and State Park sits on the southern part of Key West, accessible by car or boat. It's one of the major Key West points of interest, allowing you to take in amazing vistas while you swim in the clear blue ocean or make rare wildlife spotting with a pair of binoculars.
In addition to the natural beauty, Fort Zachary is an important piece of American history. It's a National Historic Monument with a massive collection of civil war weaponry.
The fort was also an important defense post during the Spanish-American war. You'll be able to stroll through the red brick corridors and get a true sense of the history that Key West is steeped in.
Snipe Point
Snipes Point is where you'll find the world-famous Snipes Sand Bar. It may be famous, but you aren't likely to find a ton of other visitors at this sand bar, simply because it's relatively inaccessible for most people—but not for you with our knowledgeable boat charter.
Sandy beaches aren't as widespread in the Florida Keys as they are on mainland Florida. This is the real reason why Snipes Point is such a fantastic sightseeing destination. If you want to swim and relax on a beach near Key West, this is the place to do it.
The Mud Keys
The Mud Keys are a series of small islands around 15 miles northeast of Key West. Again, you're going to find the islands mostly covered in red mangroves, but the islands themselves are dissected by creeks that you can boat through. It's one of the best spots in the entire region for birdwatching.
Weaving through the islands, you'll see ospreys, herons, and frigatebirds. There is a nearby sandbar that allows you to lounge in the water and soak up the sun.
Booking Key West Charter Boats
These are just a few of the best places to see in Key West charter boats. When you visit the Keys, you'll find plenty of Key West boat charters, so choosing the right one for your trip will be important.
If you want to experience all of these more secluded around Key West, SeaMonkey Charters is your best bet. We're a family-owned business that loves showing new people the amazing sights, wildlife, and experiences to be had in Key West. Contact us today to check out our boats and book your trip.