Key West, located at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, is a much sought-after motor yacht charter destination.
Its turquoise waters and laid-back atmosphere make it a paradise for water-based activities. Whether you prefer snorkelling, fishing, relaxing on secluded beaches or simply enjoying the privacy of your yacht, there is something here for everyone.
The island city is just 90 miles north of Cuba, and is the perfect staring point for a motor yacht charter to explore this gorgeous coastline.
Key West has a laid-back island vibe unlike anywhere else in Florida. Chartering a yacht allows you to experience this atmosphere from the water, passing by the colourful historic buildings, lively marinas, and lush mangrove forests that give the Florida Keys their distinctive character.
Key West's location at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys provides direct access to the shallow, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. This allows yacht charters to explore diverse environments from quiet coves to the open ocean.
Key West is known for its diverse marine life, including abundant colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, dolphins, and sea turtles. Snorkelling or diving in these waters is a remarkable experience and a must on your motor yacht charter itinerary.
Key West enjoys a tropical climate with warm, sunny conditions nearly year-round. This makes it an ideal destination for boating and water activities, regardless of the season.
Key West is located at the southernmost tip of the United States, surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Florida Keys. The area offers stunning views, vibrant marine life and numerous secluded islands and sandbars to explore.
Make sure to explore the nearby spots like the Dry Tortugas National Park or The Marquesas.
The United States is renowned worldwide for its incredible service and making guests feel at home is part of the American experience.
Explore the unique cultural and historical attractions, such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum or the Harry S. Truman Little White House.
This protected ecosystem encompasses hundreds of islands, channels, and mangrove forests, perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and wildlife viewing from your motor yacht.
Located 70 miles west of Key West, this remote national park is only accessible by boat. A motor yacht can anchor near the historic Fort Jefferson and transport guests to the island's beaches and diverse bird colonies.
Spend time dockside in Key West's marinas and harbours, taking in the lively atmosphere, shops and restaurants that give the town its unique flair.
Key West's main drag is lined with eclectic shops, lively bars and historical landmarks. Stroll down Duval Street, stopping at iconic spots like Sloppy Joe's Bar, Ernest Hemingway's former haunt, for a taste of the island's fun nightlife.
Join the lively gathering at Mallory Square each evening to witness Key West's legendary sunset. Street performers, artisans and vendors create a festive atmosphere as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant hues.
History buffs will appreciate a visit to this Civil War-era fort nestled within a picturesque state park. Tour the fort's ramparts, relax on the sandy beach, and soak up stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Watching the sunset over the ocean from the deck of a yacht is a quintessential Key West experience. The skies often put on a stunning display of vibrant colours during the golden hour.
The waters off Key West are home to the only living coral reef in the continental United States. Motor Yacht charters provide easy access to excellent snorkelling and scuba diving sites teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life.
Motor Yacht charters in Key West are popular year-round due to the warm climate. However, the peak charter season in South Florida typically runs from late November to April when the weather is pleasant and the water is warm.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 25.6°C (78°F) | 19.7°C (67°F) | 0.0mm |  SSE |
| FEB | 27.4°C (81°F) | 21.5°C (71°F) | 0.2mm | ESE |
| MAR | 27.7°C (82°F) | 21.8°C (71°F) | 0.2mm | SE |
| APR | 29.0°C (84°F) | 23.2°C (74°F) | 5.6mm | SE |
| MAY | 30.2°C (86°F) | 23.5°C (74°F) | 2.6mm | SSE |
| JUN | 32.0°C (90°F) | 25.8°C (78°F) | 1.5mm | SSW |
| JUL | 33.4°C (92°F) | 27.3°C (81°F) | 3.7mm | ESE |
| AUG | 33.1°C (92°F) | 27.4°C (81°F) | 3.6mm | SE |
| SEP | 31.9°C (89°F) | 26.1°C (79°F) | 5.7mm | ESE |
| OCT | 30.0°C (86°F) | 24.5°C (76°F) | 0.3mm | ESE |
| NOV | 27.2°C (81°F) | 22.6°C (73°F) | 3.3mm | ESE |
| DEC | 24.5°C (76°F) | 19.8°C (68°F) | 4.5mm | SE |
Visitors from the UK and non-European destinations will typically be able to fly directly to either Fort Lauderdale Airport or Miami Airport (MIA).
Visitors inside the US can fly to Key West Airport (EYW), take a scenic drive, or even take a ferry.
The official language of the US is English.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar ($)
The US is the home of tipping, and it's typically calculated as a percentage of the total bill, often around 15% to 20% of the pre-tax total.
For luxury and comfort on the water, a motor yacht charter from Key West is hard to beat with many offering a range of activities from water sports to spa treatments to enhance your experience.
Depending on the individual yacht's amenities, you can try out jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks and more. The power of most motor yachts also means you can cover more ground and explore a greater variety of locations. This combination of luxury, freedom and relaxation is what motor yacht charters are all about.
A luxury motor yacht charter from Key West offers custom-designed vessels boasting cutting-edge technology and lavish amenities.
With a wide array of water toys available, the yachts powerful engines and advanced stabilisation systems ensure smooth, swift travel to your chosen destinations.
While onboard, a highly skilled crew, including trained chefs and wellness experts, provide impeccable, personalised service.
A luxury motor yacht charter isn't just a vacation; it's an immersive journey and a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and tailored luxury.
Motor yachts have powerful engines, so typically offer higher speeds and can cover greater distances than sailing yachts.
Motor yachts generally provide a more stable platform than the average sailing yacht, both while cruising and at anchor.
Motor yachts rely exclusively on engine power, whereas a sailing yacht typically uses wind and sail as their primary source.
While they can cover more range in shorter times than sailing yachts, this means motor yachts consume more fuel which can affect your final costs for the charter.
Motor yachts are less dependent on wind conditions, allowing for more predictable and potentially wide-ranging itineraries and schedules.
The experience on a motor yacht is often more akin to a luxury hotel, with the emphasis on comfort and amenities.
Many motor yachts have a relatively shallow draft or hull depth, allowing them to access areas that deeper-keeled sailing yachts cannot.
Motor yachts often feature more expansive interior spaces and amenities as the design isn't constrained by sailing requirements.
A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Key West and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our motor yacht fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Key West and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
Crewed charters from Key West come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
Key West is a popular charter destination, and therefore, booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream motor yacht via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
Key West boasts a fantastic sailing climate with warm temperatures and calm waters surrounding the Keys.
It's easy to navigate and explore the numerous islands and cays that make up this stunning archipelago.The nearby cruising area includes the wider Florida Keys archipelago and the Marquesas, situated to the west of Key West. The Dry Tortugas National Park lies 70 miles to the west, and if you feel like venturing further afield, there's the Bahamas and the start of the Caribbean on your doorstep.
Key West is also a vibrant and culturally rich city with a unique blend of Caribbean and Floridian influences. The historic Old Town is a treasure trove of charming Victorian-style houses, lively bars, and quaint shops. Visitors can tour Ernest Hemingway's former residence, stroll along famous Duval Street, or indulge in delicious seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
Not to be forgotten is the hospitality and friendliness of the Key West community. Locals are known for their laid-back attitude and love for the sea, making charter groups feel very welcome. Combining all these factors creates a truly unique and memorable yacht charter experience in the Florida Keys that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.
When chartering a motor yacht from Key West, consider factors such as budget, motor yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.
The peak charter season in South Florida typically runs from late November to April when the weather is pleasant and the water is warm.
The typical times for a motor yacht charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.
Once you've found your perfect motor yacht, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.
The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.
There are typically four main types of boats and yachts you can hire from Key West, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, and Luxury Yachts which includes Superyachts.