A yacht charter is often the highlight of a Key West trip, whether it is a sunset sail, a day of fishing, or a private boat for a wedding party. The part people forget to plan is the trip to the dock: a group spread across hotels, a departure time the captain will not move, and a pile of bags, coolers, and gear.
Here is a quick tour of the main Key West marinas and how to get everyone there on time.
The main Key West marinas
- Key West Bight (the Historic Seaport): the busy harbor at the north end of Old Town, home to many sunset sails, snorkel boats, and private charters, with restaurants and bars along the boardwalk.
- Conch Harbor and A&B Marina: on the Key West Bight waterfront, popular with larger private yachts and charter boats.
- Garrison Bight: on the island's north side near North Roosevelt Boulevard, home to much of the charter fishing fleet.
- Stock Island: just over the bridge from Key West, with marinas that host many visiting and charter yachts, and a quieter, working-waterfront feel.
Your captain or charter company will tell you the exact marina and slip. Ask for it when you book, along with where groups should meet.
Why getting to the dock is harder than it looks
Parking near the Historic Seaport is limited and fills up quickly, especially in season and around sunset. A group arriving in several cars or rideshares tends to trickle in at different times, and charters run on schedule, so late guests can hold up everyone or miss the boat.
Then there is the gear: luggage for guests going straight from the airport, coolers and provisions, fishing tackle, dive bags. That does not fit in a sedan, and nobody wants to carry it six blocks.
Getting your group there together
The simplest plan is one pickup for the whole group. Our yacht transfers collect everyone at the airport, a private jet terminal, or the hotel and drive straight to the marina, with room for luggage, provisions, and dive gear. We serve every marina in Key West and on Stock Island, plus marinas up the Keys on request.
When you are back ashore, the same works in reverse: we meet you at the dock and take the group on to dinner, the hotel, or the airport. For a wedding on the water or a corporate charter, several vehicles run together so the whole party arrives at once.
Charter day checklist
- Confirm the marina, the slip, and the boarding time with your captain.
- Plan to arrive at least fifteen to twenty minutes before departure.
- Tell your transportation the guest count, bag count, and any big items like coolers or dive gear.
- Arriving by cruise ship instead? See our cruise port transfers.
