Yacht charter in the Florida Keys
Cruising the Florida Keys on a crewed yacht offers sheltered passage along an archipelago extending southwest from mainland Florida. The region features shallow waters, barrier reef systems, and mangrove-fringed channels, suiting families, divers, and charterers seeking gentle coastal navigation. Yachts typically cruise between Biscayne Bay and Key West, stopping at the barrier reef for snorkelling and shallow anchorages inside the Florida Reef Tract. Due to prevailing shallow depths, shallow-draught motor yachts and catamarans are particularly well suited to navigating the bank waters and inland channels.
Best time to charter
The primary charter season runs from December to April, characterised by comfortable temperatures around 24°C to 27°C and prevailing easterly trade winds. Peak demand occurs from Christmas through March. May and June bring calmer seas and warmer water before the Atlantic hurricane season peaks between August and October. Summer months are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and lighter breezes, resulting in quieter anchorages.
Anchorages and harbours to know
Wisteria Island Anchorage
Located northwest of Key West Bight, this anchorage provides holding in soft mud and sand with tender access to the historic town marinas.
Newfound Harbour
Situated near Looe Key, this sheltered harbour offers good holding in sand and mud with direct access to the offshore barrier reef.
Boot Key Harbour
Positioned in Marathon, this enclosed natural harbour features a managed mooring field and anchorages well protected from open ocean swell.
Rodriguez Key
Lying off Key Largo, the lee of this mangrove island provides reliable holding in mud for shallow-draught vessels during easterly winds.
Garden Key (Dry Tortugas)
Located nearly seventy miles west of Key West, this remote anchorage provides sandy holding and shelter behind coral reefs beside historic Fort Jefferson.
Practical tips
- Getting there: Key West (EYW) and Miami (MIA). Key West's marinas are about 10 minutes from Key West airport; the drive from Miami takes about 3.5–4 hours.
- Fly into Key West (EYW) or Miami (MIA); Key West's marinas are about 10 minutes from Key West airport; the drive from Miami takes about 3.5–4 hours.
- Adhere strictly to Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary regulations by using designated mooring buoys rather than anchoring directly on sensitive living coral heads.
- Monitor vessel draught carefully, as many passes and anchorages along the Intracoastal Waterway and Florida Bay carry controlling depths under two metres.
- Arrange major provisions in Key West, Marathon, or Key Largo before departure, as smaller Keys have limited facilities for restocking fresh goods.