Key West Cruising Itinerary

Once your checkout at the base is complete head Eastward by sailing in the Hawk’s Channel towards Newfound Harbor. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet and relaxing night at anchor. On the journey to this anchorage you will likely see some of the dolphins and turtles that frequently swim these waters. Once you have dropped anchor take the dinghy over to Picnic Island for a walk and swim. If you are a smaller group you can take the dinghy up a residential channel to reach Looe Key Tiki Bar and Boondocks restaurant.

If you are looking for a more luxurious experience consider stopping into Little Palm Island Resort for a fine dining experience. Overnight dockage is available here and grants you access to all of the resort’s facilities including the spa. In order to dock here you must call ahead and make a reservation, this also goes for the restaurant and dinghy dockage.

Get an early start in the morning to ensure a good mooring ball spot at Looe Key Reef, a popular snorkeling site only 5 miles south of Little Palm Island. The voyage from the anchorage to the reef takes about 90 minutes. As one of the most vibrant and colorful reefs in all of the Keys, this underwater rainforest hosts all manners of life. From 300 pound goliath groupers, to parrot fish, and living corals. This reef is a preservation site which is why it has some of the best snorkeling in the Keys and an abundance of natural beauty. Once you are done exploring Looe Key head over to Bahia Honda State Park or stay at Newfound and spend one more night in this protected harbor.

The sail to Marathon is a beautiful journey, on the way you will pass the seven-mile-bridge while being surrounded by crystal clear waters. If you get an early start make a stop at Sombrero Key and grab a mooring ball for some snorkeling at the historic lighthouse. Some of the creatures you may see while exploring this underwater rainforest include living coral, trumpetfish, and parrotfish. This reef is popular because like many reefs in the Keys it is between 5-30 feet deep bringing you up close and personal with unrivaled beauty.

When you are ready to get settled for the night, just outside of Boot Key Harbor is a great spot to anchor. Take the dinghy to shore and enjoy the local cuisine at any of the nearby restaurants. There are also several great marina options inside Boot Key Harbor giving the opportunity to enjoy more land-based activities.

There are several options for activities on Duck Key. This island is overflowing with picturesque ocean views, stunning coastlines, and delicious local seafood. If you are looking for a more luxurious experience, reserve a slip at Hawk’s Cay Marina and enjoy fine dining or the resort amenities.

Enjoy a sunset at anchor and pour yourself a good drink while you soak up the tropical atmosphere of this peaceful island.

Bahia Honda is a State Park that offers travelers a full emersion into the natural beauty of Florida. Drop anchor and head over to the public beach where you will find a gift shop, visitor center and public restrooms. There are a myriad of activities and things to explore on the island including bird watching, hiking, snorkeling, swimming, sight seeing, and wildlife viewing. If you are looking to soak up some sun and relax head over to the beach with a picnic and enjoy the calming sounds of the ocean and birds around you.

To anchor for the night we recommend heading back to Newfound Harbor unless it is an easterly wind in which case Bahia Honda is safe to anchor. There are strong tidal currents which can make it challenging to stay for the night.

On your way back to Key West sail outside of the reefs for a look at the historic and impressive ruins of American Shoal Lighthouse. As early as 1851 a series of offshore lighthouses were built to mark the reefs, American Shoal Lighthouse was one of the most recently built being completed in 1880. This structure stands 109 feet tall above the waterline and is a marvel to view. Make time for a stop at another beautiful coral reef for snorkeling on your way back towards Key West.

Please make sure to notify the base of you imminent arrival to the fuel dock. Make sure to arrive before 5:30 pm for fueling and pump out.

Check in of new guests at the base will coincide with your check out time, please be prepared to welcome aboard a base representative about an hour before disembarking and allow time for debriefing. Once you have checked out head into town and explore everything Key West has to offer. Duval Street is the main strip of shops, restaurants, bars, and museums. Head to the tip of Key West and see the southernmost point of the United States. If you are a history buff Key West if full of historical houses including the Ernest Hemingway Home, Robert Frost Cottage, Audubon House, Harry S Truman Little White House, and Tennessee William’s House.