01
Key Largo reefs
Snorkel the coral reefs off John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Life Is
Better
On A Boat.
Miami to Key West
Cruise the length of the Florida Keys on a private yacht. No passport, no traffic on US-1. Just open water, sandbars and sunset at Mallory Square.
Good
Vibes
Bigger
Horizons
Distance
150 nautical miles
Cruise time
5–7 hours
Trip length
1–5 days
Passport
Not needed
Trip overview
Boat from Miami to Key West
Head south from Miami through Biscayne Bay and down the Keys, past Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon. Stop along the way or run straight through to Key West. Your captain picks the ocean side or bay side based on the weather. Distances are approximate.
- 1 day
One way
Cruise down in a day and fly home from Key West, or drive back on US-1. The trip itself is the experience.
- 2–3 days
Weekend
Stop at the Islamorada sandbar, then spend one or two nights in Key West before cruising home.
- 4–5 days
Keys explorer
Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and Key West, with reef snorkeling and a new stop every day.
Sample itinerary
Sample 3-day Keys trip
Reefs, a sandbar and two sunsets on the way down the Keys. Shorten it to one day or stretch it to five.
- Day 1 · AM
Key Largo reefs
Leave Miami early and snorkel the reef off John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
- Day 1 · PM
Islamorada sandbar
Swim in knee deep water, grab dinner on the water, and spend the night in Islamorada.
- Day 2 · AM
Marathon
Snorkel Sombrero Reef and cruise under the Seven Mile Bridge.
- Day 2 · PM
Key West by sunset
Dock near Duval Street in time for the Mallory Square sunset.
- Day 3
Key West morning
Breakfast and a walk around Old Town, then cruise back or fly home.
Stops on the way
What to do in the Keys
02
Islamorada sandbar
Anchor in knee deep water, swim, and grab lunch at a waterfront restaurant.
03
Marathon
Sombrero Reef, Seven Mile Bridge views, and an easy overnight stop.
04
Key West sunset
Duval Street, Mallory Square at sunset, and the Southernmost Point.
Bus tour vs. private yacht
There's no ferry from Miami to Key West. Here's how a yacht compares with the day tour bus.
| Compare | Bus or day tour | Private yacht with Book My Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Route | US-1, bridges and traffic | Open water on the Atlantic or bay side |
| Travel time | 3.5–4 hours each way | 5–7 hours with stops you choose |
| Stops | Gas stations and rest stops | Reefs, sandbars and Islamorada |
| Cost | About $100–$200 per person day tour | From about $320 per guest (10 guests) |
| Who's with you | A full tour group | Only your group |
| Swimming on the way | No | Yes, at reefs and sandbars |
Key West trip pricing
Every price covers the whole yacht. Pick one way, a weekend, or the full run of the Keys.
One way
From $3,200/per group · about $320 per guest for 10
- Miami to Key West in a day
- Stop at a sandbar on the way
- Fly or drive home
Weekend
From $6,000/per group · about $600 per guest for 10
- Night in Islamorada
- Sunset arrival in Key West
- Cruise back to Miami
Keys explorer
From $10,500/per group · about $1,050 per guest for 10
- Key Largo, Marathon, Key West
- Reef snorkeling every day
- Captain plans each stop
No surprises
What your Keys trip covers
Your quote includes the yacht and crew. Marina nights and travel home are planned separately.
Included
Licensed captain and crew
Coolers with ice, water and sodas
Snorkel masks, fins and floats
Beach towels and onboard speakers
Stop suggestions for every leg
Not included
Fuel for the run down the Keys
Marina fees in Islamorada and Key West
Catering and meals (add-on)
Hotels and return flights
Gratuity for the crew
Featured fleet
Boats for this trip
Comfortable cruisers for a full day running down the Keys, with a licensed captain on board.
How it works
01
Browse & choose
Pick a yacht with the range and comfort for a full day on the water.
02
Plan your trip
One way, weekend or full Keys trip. We plan the stops and add-ons.
03
Book & board
Pay your deposit, bring an ID, and meet your captain at the marina.
System Live
Packing list
What to bring
No passport needed. Pack light. Soft bags stow easier than hard suitcases.
Essentials
- 1
Government photo ID
- 2
Swimsuit and cover-up
- 3
Reef-safe sunscreen
- 4
Sunglasses and a hat
Smart extras
- 1
Light jacket for evenings
- 2
Walking shoes for Duval Street
- 3
Seasickness medicine
- 4
Soft-sided overnight bag
Frequently asked questions
About 5 to 7 hours on a fast yacht. It's roughly 150 nautical miles down the Keys. Stops at sandbars or reefs add time.
Not comfortably. That's 10 to 14 hours of cruising. Most groups go one way or stay at least one night.
Yes. Key West International Airport has direct flights to Miami and other cities, and the drive back on US-1 takes about 3.5 to 4 hours.
Two nights lets you stop in Islamorada and enjoy Key West. Four or five nights covers Key Largo, Marathon and the reefs too.
Either the Atlantic side along Hawk Channel or the calmer Florida Bay side. Your captain picks based on wind, draft and where you want to stop.
No. Key West is part of Florida, so there's no customs or border check. A government photo ID is enough.
Popular stops include the reefs off Key Largo, the Islamorada sandbar, and Marathon near the Seven Mile Bridge.
Yes, on yachts with cabins. The boat docks at a Key West marina within walking distance of Duval Street.
Yes. The Florida Keys reef runs the length of the route. Key Largo and Looe Key are two of the best snorkeling spots.
Photo ID, swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a light jacket for evenings, comfortable shoes for Duval Street, and a soft overnight bag.
Yes. Time your arrival for sunset, or take the yacht out around Key West Harbor for an evening cruise.
Message us on WhatsApp with your dates, group size, and one way or round trip. We'll send a quote, and a deposit secures it. Refundable with 24 hours' notice, except crew fees.
One way trips start around $3,200 for the group, about $320 per guest with 10 people. Weekend and multi-day trips cost more. See the pricing above.
No. The Key West Express ferry runs from Fort Myers Beach and Marco Island, not Miami. From Miami, your options are a private boat, a bus tour, a flight or the drive.
September and October bring the highest hurricane risk and the most rain. December to April is peak season, so book early for those months.
Most yachts on this route cruise at 20 to 30 knots, about 23 to 35 mph, depending on size and sea conditions.