Florida Keys Yacht Charters
A Classic Florida Experience: The Florida Keys
Florida Keys yacht charters are one of the most popular yachting vacations in the continental US. Florida Keys are composed of more than 40 islands south of Miami and offer the best diving and snorkeling in the US. The 110 miles of Florida Keys chain are also the home to North America’s only living coral barrier reef.
Just off the southern tip of mainland Florida are the Florida Keys, a chain of tropical islands that stretch 120 miles from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. The islands — each with its own distinct personality — are a playground for all ages, whether snorkeling with schools of colorful fish, diving to explore a famous shipwreck, fishing for the perfect marlin, or simply enjoying an umbrella drink while watching a gorgeous sunset.
From laid back escapes to daily adventures, the best way to experience all that the Florida Keys have to offer with a custom yacht charter vacation.
Florida Keys Yacht Charter Highlights
- Over 1700 islands to explore
- World-class sportfishing
- Home to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States
- Warm temperatures and waters year-round
- Some of the world’s best sunsets
Best Time to Charter a Yacht in the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are the ideal year-round yacht charter destination. Average highs range from 75F/24C in January to 89F/32C in August. Winter months are the driest, and the Keys don’t experience the cold fronts that can bring frost to the mainland. When temperatures are at their peak, the ocean breezes will cool you down. From late May through October, thundershowers and rain can pop up, but wet weather rarely lasts the entire day. Best of all, the waters are warm and calm throughout most of the year.
Florida Keys Yacht Charters – Top 3 Places to Visit
Key Largo
The first and northernmost of the Florida Keys is Key Largo, a natural paradise both on land and under the sea. Referred to as the Diving Capital of the World, it is home to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary which includes the world’s largest artificial reef, the 510-foot USS Spiegel Grove shipwreck.
Key Largo is also a sportfishing destination, with over 600 species of fish in the surrounding waters, including the popular yellowtail snapper. For a truly memorable experience, check out one of the island’s dolphin encounter programs where you can learn more about the mammals or even swim alongside them.
Islamorada
Located just 90 minutes south of Miami, between Everglades National Park and the Florida Strait, Islamorada is a village made up of six islands. Islamorada is known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World. For anglers, you can fly fish in the shallow backcountry waters for bonefish, redfish and tarpon in the morning, then head offshore and try to snag a sailfish that same day.
Divers will love exploring the area reefs and visiting the History of Diving Museum that includes intriguing finds, like a 16th-century treasure chest. Take a step back in time to Florida in the early 1800s at Indian Key Historic State Park and Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, or hike the tropical nature trails at Long Key State Park.
Key West
The southernmost key in the chain and the southernmost point in the United States, Key West is actually closer to Cuba than it is to Miami. Spanning just two by four miles and with a population of around 27,000 full-time residents, you’ll find its Bahamian and Cuban heritage all over the island.
Famed for its natural beauty, history, climate, art, architecture and abundance of activities for all ages, it’s a great option for family charters or couples charters. Visit the Ernest Hemingway Museum and discover why Key West captivated the acclaimed author. Snorkel or dive the area reefs and shipwrecks.
Florida Keys Week-Long Yacht Charter Itinerary
Day 1: Biscayne Bay & South Beach
When you arrive in the Sunshine State, you’ll be greeted by the crew of your South Florida yacht charter, who will assist you with your luggage and help you board your luxury yacht. You’ll get your sea legs with a cruise in Biscayne Bay and along the Intracoastal Waterway where the beautiful homes of the rich and famous can be seen on Fisher Island, Palm Island, Star Island, and Hibiscus Island. We’ll return to dock at South Beach, where you’ll experience the best of Miami nightlife. Enjoy a drink and the ocean breeze at a beach party or head indoors to one of the finest nightclubs in the country for a wild night of dancing.
Day 2: Head to the Florida Keys
While you recover from your night of partying in Miami, you can sip on fresh-brewed coffee as we head south towards the Florida Keys. You can enjoy a variety of water sports along the way – from diving to wakeboarding, waterskiing etc.
Day 3: Key Largo
Today you’ll certainly want to go snorkeling or diving, in this self-proclaimed Dive Capital of the World. On land, there is much to explore and plenty of activities to take part in, including dining, shopping, golfing, and much more! Key Largo is a wildlife haven with two state parks, a national park, and a national marine sanctuary. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is America’s first underwater park and offers an amazing array of fishes and colorful coral. As the sun sets, you can tender out to Indian Key, where you can watch the colors fade from the sky on this natural key.
Day 4: Key West
In the early morning, we’ll cruise to Key West, where you’ll have to opportunity to view the unique island culture that is world-famous. As the southernmost point in the continental U.S., Key West touts clear blue skies and beautiful weather. During the day, enjoy watersports, fishing, diving, golfing or shopping, because once the sun sets, you’ll be ready to truly begin your Key West experience. Head to Mallory Dock for the Sunset Celebrations, which is an impromptu occurrence every day of the week. You’ll see musicians, jugglers, and mimes as you walk to one of the sidewalk cafes, open-air bars, or elegant restaurants. This is what Key West is all about.
Yacht charters to Key West are like nothing else. This island breaks all stereotypes and all the rules to become a destination that is uniquely Key West.
Many people recognize Key West as a party town. This may be due to the fact that there are more bars per capita here than anywhere else in the country. The local bars know how to treat their patrons. The Schooner Warf Bar, for instance, meets the needs of its clients’ wild side by starting happy hour at 9:00 in the morning. However, one thing that people don’t realize about the island is that it also has more churches than anywhere else in the United States.
Key West yacht charters are popular because of the Caribbean-style atmosphere, the beautiful sandy beaches, and the stunning coral reef. The 160-mile-long reef is the third-largest in the world and the only one in the United States. Key West beaches are unlike any others in the Florida Keys because the sand was shipped from the Caribbean on barges.
Day 5: Marqueses Keys
We’ll head even further west to the Marqueses Keys, a group of uninhabited islands that are surrounded in mangroves. You may want to take out the kayak and explore the environment up close. Enjoy an afternoon of water sports and sunbathing before relaxing on the deck of your yacht with a cocktail in hand to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
Day 6: Little Torch Key
As we make our return trip, you’ll enjoy a fabulous gourmet breakfast al fresco style so you don’t miss a second of the stunning scenery. We’ll take time to stop at any of the smaller Keys we may have missed along the way, such as Little Torch Key for dinner at the exclusive Little Palm Island Resort and Spa.
Day 7: Miami
Today will be your last day on your Florida yacht charter. You’ll enjoy a delicious brunch served by your personal chef before packing your things in preparation for reaching Miami. We look forward to seeing you again as you make a return trip to the beautiful Florida Keys!
Florida Keys Yacht Charters – What to See & Do
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary – Extending from south of Miami westward to the Dry Tortugas, The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is the world’s third-largest barrier reef in the world and the only one in North America. Home to over 6000 species of marine life, it’s a popular destination for swimming, fishing, boating, ecotourism and more. It is also one of the most popular spots for diving, especially the Shipwreck Trail and the world’s largest artificial reef, the USS Spiegel Grove, a 510-foot retired Navy ship that was intentionally scuttled in 2002.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – Located in Key Largo, this is the first undersea park in the United States. Explore the reef on a snorkeling, scuba diving or glass-bottom boat tour. Rent a kayak, paddleboard or canoe and make your way through the mangrove trails. Or spend a day at Cannon Beach where you can swim to the remnants of an early Spanish shipwreck just 100 feet from shore.
History of Diving Museum – This museum on Islamorada is known for its dedication to preserving, collecting and displaying artifacts related to the history of diving around the world, and the role that the Florida Keys has played in this history. Exhibits include the Treasure Room with its 16th-century iron treasure chest and 70-pound silver bar, a display breaking down the evolution of underwater photography, and the collection of atmospheric diving suits.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum – Located in the heart of Old Town Key West, Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote here for over 10 years. Step back in time by taking a guided tour of the house and gardens, and be sure to look out for the world-famous six-toed cats that live on the property.
Key West Aquarium – Situated in Key West’s Mallory Square, the aquarium is a popular attraction for the entire family. Stroll through the shark, jellyfish, and alligator exhibits, learn about sea turtle conservation or watch one of the animal feedings throughout the day.
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in the Florida Keys?
Yacht charter rates in the Florida Keys start from approximately $20,000 US up to $170,000 US, depending on the size of the boat, the year it was built, the number of cabins, amenities, selection of water toys, and season. Contact Worldwide Boat and one of our yacht charter specialists will help you select the yacht that best fits your needs and budget.
Book Your Florida Keys Yacht Charter with Worldwide Boat
Take advantage of the convenience of chartering close to home with a Florida Keys yacht charter. The Keys are just a short flight away yet they feel like a different world completely. Enjoy the natural beauty and serenity on one of our Florida Keys yacht charters with endless exciting things to do and see!