3 Top-Rated Wonderful Sunset Cruise Key West Options! (2023)

What more wonderful way to end your island day than embarking on a sunset cruise in Key West before heading back to your hotel or out for the night?

If you love catamarans, sunsets, and warm (Caribbean and) Atlantic waters, a sunset cruise in Key West, will get you all that, in addition to exploring beautiful coral reefs and various living creatures on the snorkeling stop.

I love ALL that, so needless to say, I went on a sunset cruise when visiting Key West in July 2023, and it was the perfect way to wind down!

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Incredibly Charming Key West

Being the proud location of the Southernmost Point in the whole of the US, there are many more reasons to go to Key West than just having your photo taken by the red marker point!

An eldorado of art, culture, history, and naturally water activities in all its forms, Key West is a shiny polished pearl!

I actually mean that quite literally; the town is incredibly well kept with classic southern architecture sprawling with details engulfed in lush gardens and decor!

There are cute shops, a plethora of restaurants, art galleries, and alternative stores everywhere, and Key West is also big on organic healthy food!

But for this article, let’s get down to three top-rated options for a sunset cruise outside the southernmost key!

Sunset Cruise Key West

If you head out for a sunset cruise in Key West, which I absolutely recommend, you have a variety of options.

Some are for families, others for adults only, and some include snorkeling stops!

I have come to love doing these short day or sunset cruises in different destinations that I visit, and in particular, I love the catamarans!

They are so elegant and beautiful, and with enough winds, the sensation of flying across the water into the sunset in complete peace and quiet is so much better than a “standard” tourist boat.

Snorkel & Sunset Sail Key West

In July 2023 went on the top-rated Key West Snorkel & Sunset Sail, which lasted three hours and included a snorkel stop and an open bar after the snorkeling was over and done with, and it was a super experience!

As this sunset cruise with a snorkeling stop is a bit longer than most of the others where you are staying out of the water, the departure time is at 5:30 pm in the afternoon.

Many people are on this tour, but as the catamaran is sizable (not sure how many feet, though), it does not feel crowded.

You can stay “inside” under the roof or find a spot in the bau or on the second deck where there are some seating options and just chill on the deck.

This sunset cruise is not adults only, and although it does have a festive atmosphere, it is not a full-on party boat as I have experienced in other places.

But the vibe and music are good (you can talk, you don’t need to shout), the crew entertaining and friendly, and the sea, views, and winds impeccable!

Departuring while the sun is still up, you will arrive at the snorkeling site above the coral reef after around half an hour of sailing out.

Security briefing is thorough, and you will be handed a neat little life jacket, fins, and snorkel on the journey, so you are all set as soon as you get there!

The water temperature in these waters, just where the Atlantic meets the Mexico Gulf, is just incredible.

Although the reefs outside Key West do not compare to places like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia (if you happen to have been there), the reefs here have quite a bit of marine life, tropical fish, and the occasional turtle!

What Is Included In This Tour

Included in the Snorkel and Sunset sail are:

• Restroom on board
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Bottled water
• Snorkeling gear
• Soda/Pop

Bring sunscreen (the sun is still up), swimwear, towels, sunglasses, any snacks you may want, and good vibrations!

Adults-Only Champagne Celebration Sunset Cruise

This top-rated sunset cruise for adults only does not have the snorkeling option, lasts for two hours, and departs from Key West at 6:30 pm in the evening.

This cruise is also on a catamaran, and as the maximum number of passengers is 14, it is a more intimate and tranquil experience.

What is included in this tour:

• 2-hour sunset cruise
• Champagne-inspired gourmet cheese buffet
• Domain Chandon Brut Classic Champagne (additional champagne upgrades available)
• Ice-cold beers (domestic and imported)
• An international selection of premium wines
• Local taxes

Dolphin Sunset Sail With Wine & Tapas

This catamaran dolphin sunset cruise offers tapas pairings to accompany your wine while watching the sunset!

The cruise departs at 6 pm and lasts for about two and a half hours.

Reading through hundreds of reviews, the vast majority are top-notch, happy with both crew, food, and drinks – and it seems the vast majority have also been able to spot dolphins on tour!

Although this is not an adult-only cruise, it probably is best suited for adults as there is an open bar and no water activities during the cruise.

What is included in this cruise:

• Wine & Champagne
• Soda
• Tapas snacks

Wrap-Up Sunset Cruise Key West

Doing a sunset cruise from Key West in Florida, where there is nothing but water, sky, and the golden setting sun to your east, west, and south, is truly a magic experience!

Whatever type of cruise you prefer, there are a variety of options, whether you just want to sip a glass of champagne, jump in the water, or have a dining experience on the sea.

You can easily check ratings and book online like I did, choose the one with the best reviews and suits your preferences, and then show your voucher from your phone upon arrival – easy-peasy!

There are so many amazing things to do in the Sunshine State of Florida, from theme park heaven and hiking in Orlando on the eastern coast to the stunning beaches along Southwest Florida or city life in Miami!

Check out more Florida travel tips here.

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