Sunset Boat Tours in Key West

Sunset has been a celebration in Key West every evening forever. There are plenty of ways to enjoy it, but getting out on the water on one of the many Key West sunset charters should be on everyone’s island visit bucket list.

Picking the right boat cruise is critical–and there are many choices. It doesn’t matter if you want to find the best booze cruise Key West offers or a quiet, intimate sail–choices abound. Be sure to make your sunset sailing plans early in the day–these trips fill up as the day goes on. If you’re eyeing a private charter during a busy time of year, it’s best to make plans before you get to the island.

Sunset in Key West – It’s a Tradition, It’s a Party, It’s an Event

Some may find it quirky and weird, but celebrating every sunset is a staple of island  life. Everyone celebrates differently. For some, it’s an excuse to take a moment to unwind after a busy day–to enjoy a little peace, quiet, and natural beauty. For others, it’s an excuse to meet friends for a drink or to get the party started.

For the locals, sunset traditions are a daily ritual. So what will you do today? Claim your favorite chair by the beach? Join the crowds in Mallory Square? Or maybe just take the boat out and just let it drift in the harbor while the sun slides below the horizon?

But you don’t have to be a local to enjoy a Key West sunset celebration all your own.

Key West has many options, both on land and on the water. But the absolute best sunset experiences happen on a boat.

Why You Need to Book a Sunset Cruise When Visiting Key West, Florida

The best sunset views come from getting a little ways off the island. Not only will you have an uninterrupted vista of the horizon, but you’ll also get the benefits of looking back at the island or watching dolphins play.

There is something beautifully serene about watching day turn to night from the water. The sunset sail Key West offers is a unique experience. It allows you to taste island life from the local’s point of view. You can even dive in with a Key West dinner cruise to combine a great meal and lively entertainment.

You aren’t short of booze cruise options, from party barge to tipsy tiki. Sail on a historic schooner and enjoy tapas and wine, or feel the beats on a charter catamaran with 50 of your closest friends.

Sunset Tours Key West — Your Options

Picking the best sunset cruise Key West has to offer your group means picking your vibe and picking your boat. Do you want a sailing experience with nothing but the sound but the wind in the sails, or does the boat not matter as much as the live band, open bar, or dinner buffet?

Private Sunset Charters

The first choice is whether you want to grab a seat on a big boat or charter a boat all to yourself. Both are easy to find on the island. The private sunset cruise Key West options are generally offered on smaller boats, both power and sail, that seat six passengers or less.

Private charters are a great way to combine excursions as well. For example, you might want to spend the afternoon at the sandbar or snorkeling on the reef and time the arrival back into town perfectly for sunset. Most charter boat captains are happy to oblige.

Each company does things differently, but generally, you can expect these cruises to have water and sometimes other refreshments or snacks. Generally, they’re more of a BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze) cruise since the boats are small and every customer wants something a little different.

Catamaran Sunset Cruise Key West

Power catamarans hold a crowd but still have room for everyone to spread out. Several local operators sell sunset tours per person and fill the boat up. This is the opposite of the private charter since you’ll share your cruise with strangers. But on the other hand, it’s a great way for individuals or couples to see the sunset from the water without chartering an entire boat.

Sunset Dinner Cruise Key West

Each sunset cruise is a bit different. There are a few that operate buffet-style dinner cruises. These usually include live music and a full bar. In some cases, it’s an open bar; in others, it’s pay as you go. Dinners range from wine and cheese to full-service buffets– it all depends on the boat and how it’s set up.

Sunset Sailing Charters

Chartering a sailboat for your sunset cruise is an entirely different experience. Sailboats are more traditional, and you’ll likely enjoy a mellower and more laid-back experience. Sailing is about the quiet time on the water, drifting slowly like the sun toward the horizon. Since there’s no rush to get to sunset, sailboats make a great choice for sunset cruises.

Sailboats range from smaller six-passenger charters to large catamarans. Check out a schooner sunset sail Key West style for a special treat!

Historic Schooner Sunset Sails

Key West has been a popular port of call for sailors for hundreds of years. A handful of beautiful schooners and historic wood sailboats call Key West home.

Schooner cruises vary in size and complexity depending on the boat. Some are smaller with fewer passengers and a more intimate setting. Some are larger with a bigger crowd. Some serve wine and hors d’oeuvres, while others feature a full bar.

Booze Cruise Key West

In Key West, the party doesn’t get started until the sun touches the horizon. So you won’t have to look far if searching for the best booze cruise Key West offers.

Plenty of boats offer full bars, but don’t assume that everyone does. For example, some boats are BYOB–which is very common on smaller private charters. Also, don’t assume that an open bar means anything you want–most boats have limited space to carry supplies, so you won’t find the selection you will back on land.

Live Music Cruises

Many of the best sunset dinner cruise Key West charters have live music. While small boats will have sound systems and allow you to play your own tunes, some larger boats often feature live bands. Steel drums are an especially popular way to ring in the new evening.

A Key West sunset cruise with live music is a special event, to be sure, so ask around and see which charters are offering which types of music. You’re bound to find something right up your alley.

Tiki Sunset Cruise Key West

The tiki is a six-passenger vessel that makes for the perfect–and utterly unique–Key West sunset experience. Most tiki cruises, despite their name, are BYOB–not the typical sunset booze cruise Key West is known for. Check with your operator to see what’s included. Some charters are on round tikis that move slowly and stay near the town, while others are built on fast-moving pontoon boats and can take you to the reef for snorkeling or the backcountry for sandbar tours.

Sunset Cruise in Key West FAQs

Best sunset cruise?

The best sunset cruise Key West offers will depend on your party and what you’re looking for. Sunset sails vary greatly, from the type of boat, the number of people aboard, and the vibe. Some are party boats with open bars, dinner buffets, and live music, while others are intimate sails with only your close friends and the captain.

Best sunset cruise with music?

Several operators offer a Key West sunset cruise with live music. If you’re specifically seeking a type of music or a particular vibe, ask around and see which cruise best suits your group. A few options include Fury’s Commotion on the Ocean, Sunset Watersports’, or Sebago’s sailing catamaran sunset cruise Key West.

What is the best way to watch the sun set in Key West?

There are a lot of ways to see the sunset. Of course, most people want to catch the “official” sunset celebration in Mallory Square at least once during their visit. But on a sunset sail, Key West really comes alive. From the water, sunsets are especially beautiful–plus, you’ll get to enjoy a tranquil evening on the water, too. Private or per- person charters are available in any kind of boat–power or sail, BYOB, or booze cruise.