Florida Keys yacht charter
A chain of islands curving 120 miles from Key Largo to Key West: coral reefs, legendary fishing, sunsets and the remote Dry Tortugas, all without leaving the United States.
Get My ShortlistCall 1-561-463-6840Reefs, fishing and Key West, no passport needed
A Florida Keys charter usually starts in Miami or Fort Lauderdale and cruises south through Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon to Key West, with the Dry Tortugas as an optional extension. Because the trip stays in U.S. waters, the yacht must be permitted to carry paying guests in the United States, which narrows the fleet compared with the Bahamas. Florida sales tax applies to charters, about 7–7.5% including county surtax. Many guests combine the Keys with a crossing to Bimini.
America’s own island chain
The Keys sit between the Atlantic and the shallow Gulf waters of Florida Bay. On the ocean side, a living coral reef runs the length of the chain, protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. On the bay side, calm flats are home to tarpon, bonefish and permit. Ashore, the mood shifts from the fishing villages of the Upper Keys to the colour and nightlife of Key West.
Shallow water makes catamarans and moderate-draft motor yachts the best fit, and captains often run Hawk Channel inside the reef for a smoother ride.
Key Largo to Key West and beyond
Key Largo
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park in the United States, for snorkelling and diving.
Islamorada
The self-styled sportfishing capital of the world, with excellent waterfront dining.
Marathon and Bahia Honda
Sombrero Reef, Bahia Honda State Park’s beaches and the Seven Mile Bridge.
Key West and the Dry Tortugas
Sunset at Mallory Square, then, in good weather, a run west to Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park.
A sample week: Miami to Key West
Miami to Key Largo
Cruise south through Biscayne Bay to Key Largo; afternoon snorkel at Pennekamp.
Key Largo to Islamorada
Morning fishing on the reef edge, then dinner ashore in Islamorada.
Islamorada to Marathon
Snorkel Sombrero Reef and anchor off for the night.
Marathon to Bahia Honda
Beaches and clear water at Bahia Honda State Park.
Bahia Honda to Key West
Arrive in Key West for sunset at Mallory Square.
Key West
Explore Old Town, or, with a settled forecast, cruise to the Dry Tortugas.
Key West disembarkation
Fly home from Key West or cruise back towards Miami.
U.S. charter rules decide which yachts you can book
Charters that start and end in Florida must use a yacht that is legally allowed to carry paying guests in U.S. waters. Many of the large yachts you see in Miami and Fort Lauderdale are foreign-flagged and can only charter outside the U.S., for example in the Bahamas. U.S. rules also cap how many guests most charter yachts may carry, often six or twelve, unless the vessel is inspected and certified for more.
We only shortlist yachts that can legally do your trip. For larger groups and events we work with Coast Guard-certified vessels, and if you would like a foreign-flagged superyacht, we plan the charter to start in Bimini or Nassau.
What a Florida Keys yacht charter costs
Weekly charters in the Keys follow similar ranges to the Bahamas: crewed catamarans from about $20,000–$40,000, and motor yachts of 75–100 ft from about $60,000–$120,000, plus expenses. Because fewer yachts are permitted to charter in U.S. waters, availability is tighter, so plan early.
Add Florida sales tax (6% state plus county surtax, about 7–7.5% in total), a crew gratuity of 15–20% and, on motor yachts, an APA of 25–35%. One-way charters ending in Key West may include a return-delivery fee.
Ranges are our own guide and vary with yacht, season and availability.
Planning the Keys by yacht?
Tell us your dates, group and the kind of week you have in mind. Within one business day we reply with yachts that are genuinely available, with every cost set out in advance. There is no fee to you: the yacht pays our commission.
Get My ShortlistCall 1-561-463-6840Your brokers
Hansel Sneed
Founder and Yacht Charter BrokerHansel founded Sneed Charters in 1992 and has spent more than three decades matching families, couples and companies with crewed yachts across the Bahamas, Florida and the Caribbean.
Adrian Sneed
Yacht Charter BrokerAdrian handles day-to-day charter planning, from Nassau day charters to week-long journeys through the Exumas and the Abacos, and works directly with captains and owners on availability, relocation and pricing.
Florida Keys yacht charter FAQs
Usually in Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Some yachts can start in Key Largo or Key West, and one-way charters are possible.
Not if the charter stays in U.S. waters. If you add Bimini or another Bahamas stop, guests need passports.
Charters in U.S. waters must use yachts permitted to carry paying guests there. Many large foreign-flagged yachts can only charter outside the U.S.
Florida sales tax of 6% plus any county surtax, usually about 7–7.5% in total, applied to the charter fee.
Yes, in settled weather on a capable yacht. Dry Tortugas National Park lies about 70 miles west of Key West, and park rules and permits apply.
Related charters and guides
Sources checked November 2026: NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary; Dry Tortugas National Park; Florida Department of Revenue – sales tax.