ULTIMATE Guide to the Best Key West Sunset Cruises
If you are planning a Key West vacation, you might wondering what you should in the evenings. One of my favorite nighttime activities in Key West is to go on a sunset cruise!
Key West sunsets are so legendary, they have a nightly festival to watch them from Mallory Square. However, I much prefer to avoid the crowds and watch them from the water!
Luckily, there are tons of different sunset cruises to choose from in Key West! In this post, I’ll provide a list of the 9 best sunset cruises in Key West, which are each unique and have something special about them! Plus, I’ll answer all your burning questions like what to wear, what to expect, etc.
Key West Trip Planning at a Glance
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Key West to help plan your epic adventure!
Where to Stay:
Havana Cabana at Key West (Budget/Moderate)
Margaritaville Beach House (Moderate)
Casa Marina Key West (Luxury)
Full guide on Where to Stay Here!
When to Visit:
– April and May for great weather and few crowds; Winter is high season and summer is low season
Things to Do:
Smathers Beach
Ernest Hemingway Home
Duval Street
Snorkeling or jet skiing
Sunset cruise
Top 9 Key West Sunset Cruises and Which to Choose
Let me start by saying there are plenty of options for sunset cruises in Key West, and one for every price point and style!
Below I will give a summary of 9 different cruise options, including the price, overall rating, what’s included, etc. This will help you choose the right one for you!
Personally, my ideal sunset cruise is one that includes an open bar, live music, a little bit of food, and costs under $100. Hence, my number one choice below!
Note: Some of the cruises below link to Viator.com, which has some awesome benefits, including flexible cancellation policies and a “reserve now, pay later” feature! However, I do recommend checking the pricing of each cruise on the tour companys’ websites as well, in case they are running any promotions. Viator does have a Lowest Price Guarantee policy in case you do find something cheaper after you’ve already booked!
#1: Highest Rated Sunset Cruise: My Top Pick!
If you search for Key West sunset cruises on TripAdvisor, this tour with Sebago Watersports is the most highly rated, with over 3,000 reviews!
This is personally the company and tour we included on our last Key West itinerary, and we had a fabulous time. The live music was fun, the food was delicious, and the drinks were flowing! I definitely recommend this cruise for those visiting Key West.
Personally, I don’t need a full dinner on these types of cruises, but I do love snacking, which is why this cruise is perfect!
They also had a good selection of drinks, including homemade rum punch and sangria! If you’re looking for a full bar though, this may not be the best option for you.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: $80
- Rating: 4.7/5 stars⭐
- Includes: Open Bar, Live Music, Appetizers
#2: Best Sunset Cruise with Full Buffet Dinner
Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise with Tropical Buffet Dinner
Price: $93
Duration: 2 hours
Rating: 4.3/5 stars
If you’re looking for a sunset cruise that includes a full buffet dinner (instead of just apps), this Key West dinner cruise is your best option! In addition to unlimited well drinks, beer, and wine, it also includes a buffet dinner with a tropical twist.
The food includes fresh fish, Cuban bread, sweet plantains, and more! However, my personal opinion is you will find much better food on land, so this isn’t my first choice!
I do like the option of being able to pay cash for premium drinks, if you’re not interested in the selection that’s included in the cost!
Similar to the first cruise listed, this one also has live music, which really should be a requirement on any sunset cruise in the Florida Keys!
#3: Lowest Priced Key West Sunset Cruise
Key West Sunset Champagne Catamaran Cruise
Price: $60
Duration: 1.5 hours
Rating: 4.7/5 stars
For those looking to save a little money, this Key West Sunset Champagne Cruise is the lowest of all the options, around $60. This cruise is also a little shorter than the others (1.5 hours instead of 2).
It does not include hard liquor, just champagne, sangria, wine, and beer. There is also no live music onboard, unfortunately. However, it has great reviews and you can’t beat the price!
Need help planning your trip to the Florida Keys?
As a Florida local who’s visited the Keys over 20 times, I’ve put all my knowledge and insider tips into this Florida Keys Digital Travel Guidebook!!
This guide offers everything you need in one place – from where to stay and what to do, to the best times to visit and essential driving tips.
With detailed breakdowns of each Key, 2 sample itineraries, a packing checklist, plus an exclusive Google Map with over 100 pinned locations, it’s designed to make your trip easy and unforgettable!
#4: Best Bang for Your Buck: Dolphins, snorkel & Sunset
Key West Dolphin Watching, Snorkel, and Sunset Cruise
Price: $65
Duration: 3 hours
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
I highly recommend this combination dolphin watch sunset cruise if you are looking to kill three birds with one stone: snorkeling, dolphin watching, and watching the sunset!
This cruise is extremely well priced for all three of these activities, as most snorkel trips are going to run you $50-$100 by themselves.
However, you won’t have a full half day in the water on this cruise (like other snorkel trips), since the entire cruise is 3 hours long.
But, if you are short on time in Key West, this could be a great option in order to pack as much into one day as possible!
Pssst: If you are visiting other parts of the Keys on your trip, I recommend skipping this tour and opting to snorkel in Key Largo or Islamorada instead!
#5: Best Luxury Key West Sunset Cruise
Wind and Wine Sunset Sail with Danger Charters
Price: $125
Duration: 2 hours
Rating: 4.9/5 stars
Those looking for something more luxurious for their Key West sunset cruise need to check out Danger Charters!
Their Wind and Wine sunset sail is the only sunset cruise in Key West that pairs wine (or beer) with gourmet cheese and meats (if you love charcuterie boards, this is the tour for you!).
But it’s not just a sample – the tour includes unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks in addition to the tasting.
It also takes place on an old schooner ship instead of a catamaran like most other sunset sails, which means less people!
I will definitely be adding this cruise to my Florida Keys itinerary the next time I visit!
Pssst: Planning a trip to Key West? Don’t miss my complete list of 25 epic things to do in Key West! It includes activities like must-see Key West bars, restaurants, and attractions!
#6: Key West Sunset Cruise with Dance Floor
Fury’s Commotion on the Ocean Sunset Cruise
Price: $80
Duration: 2 hours
Rating: 4.6/5 stars
This was my first ever sunset cruise in Key West, and it certainly left an impact on me!
What sets this Fury Water Adventures Sunset Cruise apart from the others is the large flat top dance floor at the front of the boat. The live music on the boat is normally a full band, and there is plenty of room for dancing!
This cruise also includes margaritas, champagne, beer, wine, plus some appetizers. A great option for those looking for a more party atmosphere.
Fury is a common Key West water sports company, and they have many other tour options, like eco tours, jet ski tours, and Key West parasailing!
#7: Most Action Packed Key West Sunset Cruise
Fury’s Island Adventure and Sunset Combo Cruise
Price: $120
Duration: 4.5 hours
Rating: 4.5 stars
If you’re looking to pack in as much as possible on your sunset cruise and love adventure, this Island Adventure and Sunset Cruise is the tour for you!
Although it’s a little pricer than the others, it is definitely the most action-packed! I will definitely be trying out this tour next time I visit Key West because it seems very off the beaten path.
Included in the cost is a trip to a nearby sandbar in the Key West back country where you can kayak and snorkel! They also provide fun floats if you just want to hang in the water.
Then, you will head back towards Key West and admire the gorgeous sunset with a glass of champagne! Also included in the tour cost is snacks and lunch, plus beer and wine!
#8: Best Key West Private Charter Sunset Cruise
Sunset Sail Private Charter Cruise
Price: $695 for 6 guests, $75 for each additional
Duration: 2 hours
Rating: 4.7 stars
If you are traveling with a large group and want something more private, hiring a private sunset sail charter is definitely the way to go!
For $700 for a group of 6, you’ll have an entire sailboat to yourself as you cruise around Key West. And if you have 12 people, the cost per person is surprisingly reasonable (around the same cost as the other public sunset sails in this guide!)
Light refreshments, soft drinks, and water is provided. Alcohol is not included in the cost, but you are welcome to bring your own on board and store it in the provided cooler.
#9: Key West Sunset Cruise on Glass Bottom Boat
Key West Glass-Bottom Boat Tour with Sunset Option
Price: $70
Duration: 2 hours
Rating: 4/5 stars
For people with children, glass bottom boat tours can be a really fun excursion, especially if you don’t want to get in the water! This glass bottom boat sunset cruise will take you through North America’s only living coral barrier reef.
The guides on the tour will point out all the different sea creatures and marine life you may see: from fish to sharks to lobsters to turtles! As the sun sets, you’ll be given a glass of champagne to toast with!
One unique factor of this tour is that the interior of the boat is enclosed and air-conditioned, which can be a great perk! There is also a sunny deck you can lounge on too, if you want to be outside.
Similar to some others on this list, this tour is a great combination trip at a super reasonable price point!!
Frequently Asked Questions About Key West Sunset Cruises
Now that you have an idea of what the different sunset cruise options in Key West are, I wanted to cover some frequently asked questions!
From what to wear to when to go, preparing for your sunset cruise will make sure you have the best experience.
How long are Key West sunset cruises?
Most of the sunset cruises in Key West last around 2 hours – some a little less, some a little more.
Where do Key West sunset cruises leave from?
Almost every single sunset cruise in Key West will leave from the Key West Historic Seaport just outside of historic Old Town. When you book a tour, they will give you an address and meeting point. Most of the tour companies have small booths around the marina where you can check in, and then they will give you more detailed instructions on which boat to get on!
What time do Key West Sunset Cruises Depart?
it depends! What time your cruise departs will depend on which tour you choose and what time of the year you are visiting! For example, in the summertime, sunset may not be until 7-8pm, so you can expect the cruises to leave around 6-6:30pm. However, in the wintertime, the sun sets much earlier, so cruises may leave as early as 4:30pm! You can use this website to check the exact time of sunset on a specific date.
How much do Key West sunset cruises cost?
You can expect to pay between $50 – $100 per person for a sunset cruise in Key West.
What’s included in the price?
Every sunset cruise is unique in what they offer and how much they cost! For example, some of the cruises include full buffet dinners, which are going to be closer to the $100 per person range. Some cruises offer unlimited alcoholic drinks and no food, while others offer passed appetizers in addition to the drinks! Most of them will also have live music, which is a huge plus.
What’s the drinking age in Key West?
The drinking age in Key West is 21 years old. However, that does not mean you have to be 21 to go on a Key West sunset cruise! Almost all of them allow children and minors. Just expect to be carded if you are planning to drink!
What should I wear on a sunset cruise?
Sunset cruises in Key West are pretty casual affairs. I’ve seen people in jean shorts and flip flops, but most people dress in resort casual no matter what time of year you are visiting the Keys. For women, remember that it will be windy once you’re out on the water, so I don’t recommend skirts or dresses that can blow up easily! Also, leave the high-heeled shoes at home.. For men, anything from shorts and a t-shirt to jeans and a polo is acceptable. I would expect most men to be in shorts – you are in the Keys after all!
Make sure to check out my guide on What to Wear in Key West for even more packing tips, plus a free printable!
What Else is There to Do in Key West?
That wraps up my guide to the best sunset cruises in Key West! Watching the sunset is the ultimate bucket list activity to do in Key West, and it’s even better when you do it on the ocean! You absolutely have to get out on the Key West water while visiting.
From booze cruises to luxury private charters, there is a sunset cruise for every type of traveler. I hope this guide gave you an overview of all the different types of sunset cruise options so you can pick the perfect one for you!
Wondering what else there is to do in Key West? Don’t worry, there’s plenty! Next up, check out my list of free things to do in Key West so you can save a few pennies while there.
Or, check out my other blog posts about Key West below! ⬇️
The Ultimate 3 Day Key West Itinerary (With A Map Of Key West)
25 EPIC Things You Need To Do In Key West, Florida
Things To Do In Key West For Couples: A Complete Guide!
10 FREE Things To Do In Key West, Florida!
ULTIMATE Guide To The Best Key West Sunset Cruises
What To Wear In Key West: Complete Key West Packing List
Should You Visit Key West In January? Yes! Here’s Why
Should You Visit Key West In December? Yes! Here’s Why
Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!
Save this post for later!
Enter your info below and I'll email you the link to this blog post so you can refer back to it later 🙂
2 Comments
Comments are closed.