Boat Launching In Florida Keys: Best Spots To Know

The Florida Keys is a popular boating destination, with thousands of boaters visiting each year to fish, dive, snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which extends from south of Miami to the Dry Tortugas, offers spectacular resources such as coral reefs, shipwrecks, and seagrass beds that attract divers, fishers, and boaters alike.

The Florida Keys present a unique set of challenges for boaters, especially first-time visitors navigating shallow island waters. With a range of ecosystems, from coral reefs to mangroves, and various activities on offer, there are many things to consider when deciding where to put in your boat.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo)

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is the first undersea park in the United States, offering a unique glimpse into the underwater world. The park has a very good deep-water boat ramp located at the marina that can handle most boats up to 36 ft in length. There is a $10 launch fee, which is paid along with the entrance fee at the ranger station.

The park offers four different types of boat tours to ensure that all visitors have the opportunity to experience the park's coral reef system. The glass-bottom boat tours depart three times per day, while the snorkel boat trips depart four times per day. Both tours last 2.5 hours, allowing for approximately 1.5 hours of reef time. The Encounter, a wheelchair-friendly snorkelling vessel, features wheelchair tie-downs and an oversized marine restroom.

The park also has a PADI Five-Star Gold Palm dive shop, offering a full range of scuba courses, including a Resort Course that introduces beginners to diving and the coral reef in just one day. The four-hour scuba diving tours offer divers two-location, two-tank dives.

Canoeing and kayaking through the park's waters are popular activities, with 50 miles of natural mangrove wilderness trails to explore. Fishing is permitted in designated areas.

Looe Key Marine Sanctuary (Big Pine Key)

Looe Key Marine Sanctuary, located south of Big Pine Key, is a diver's paradise. The coral reef, named after the HMS Looe which ran aground and sank there in 1744, is a National Marine Sanctuary and a Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA). With a rich history, unique shape, varying depths and excellent water clarity, Looe Key is an excellent scuba diving and snorkelling site for people of all skill levels. The reef is home to a diverse range of marine life, including over 150 species of fish such as yellowtail, angelfish, parrotfish, barracuda, sergeant majors and moray eel, as well as several species of sharks and rays.

The coral reef at Looe Key has been growing for 7,000 years, resulting in about fifty species of coral, including the endangered staghorn and elkhorn corals, as well as star, brain and fire corals. Many of these corals are named after the shapes of their namesakes on land, such as elkhorn and staghorn. Looe Key is also home to a new diving attraction, the Adolphus Busch, an artificial reef located about three miles west of the main reef. This 210-foot ship is a great wreck-diving location and a popular place for lobstering in the Keys.

As part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Looe Key is protected by a system of mooring buoys that boaters can tie off to, helping to prevent damage to the coral reef from boat propellers and anchors. These buoys are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are free of charge. When visiting Looe Key, it is important to follow guidelines for responsible boating and reef etiquette to help protect this fragile ecosystem.

To explore Looe Key, contact local scuba dive or snorkel charter companies to schedule a day trip. These companies can provide the necessary equipment and guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience exploring the underwater paradise of Looe Key and other nearby sites. Remember to practise good seamanship and safe boating, maintain a safe distance from divers, and avoid disturbing the marine life.

Bahia Honda State Park (Big Pine Key)

Bahia Honda State Park, located on Big Pine Key, is a popular destination for visitors to the Florida Keys. The park offers breathtaking views of the iconic Florida Keys scenery, including palm-lined beaches, gin-clear waters, magnificent sunsets, and balmy sea breezes. It is known for its calm and shallow waters, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkelling. The park also has an interesting history, as it was once a remote island that was transformed into a tropical destination by Henry Flagler's ambitious effort to build a railroad to Key West in the early 1900s.

The park offers a variety of activities and amenities for visitors. There are three beautiful beaches—Sandspur Beach, Calusa Beach, and Loggerhead Beach—that provide a natural soft powder beach experience. The Atlantic side of the park has rockier shores, while the Gulf side offers calmer and shallower waters that are ideal for families. The park also has a marina, and boat trips to the reef for snorkelling excursions are available. Kayaks and snorkelling gear can be rented at the park's concessionaire, which also offers chairs, snacks, and lunches.

Bahia Honda State Park is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers. It is an excellent place to observe wading birds and shorebirds, and visitors can also learn about the island's plants and animals. The Old Bahia Honda Bridge trail offers a spectacular view of the waters below and is a popular spot for stargazing at night. The park also has camping spots and well-maintained bathroom facilities, making it a great option for those looking to spend more than a day.

The park is open 365 days a year, from 8 am until sundown, and there is an entrance fee of $4-10 per person, depending on the season. It is recommended to arrive early on weekends and holidays, as the park may close temporarily when it reaches maximum capacity. Overall, Bahia Honda State Park is a must-visit destination in the Florida Keys, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and a range of outdoor activities.

Key West Historic Seaport

The Key West Historic Seaport is a 20-acre facility that has been a global maritime trade base for the last 200 years. It is located in the Key West, which is the last stop on the line before you’re adrift in the water and heading for Cuba about 90 miles away. The place has long been a haven for colourful characters ranging from Tennessee Williams to Ernest Hemingway. Several presidents also vacationed here; Franklin D. Roosevelt was a particularly big fan.

Today, the seaport is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a blend of old and new Key West. It features a 150-slip marina and a variety of boating excursions, as well as world-class dining, shopping, and water activities.

Things to Do & Attractions

There are over 50 local businesses located within the Key West Historic Seaport, ranging from boat charters and local art galleries to restaurants with live entertainment. You could easily spend a full day exploring the different attractions, including:

• Key West Bight Marina
• Duval Crawl: a do-it-yourself bar crawl along Duval Street
• Sloppy Joe's Bar: pouring drinks since the 1930s, with live music most nights
• The Bull and Whistle Bar: filled with murals depicting the city's history, and selling coolies to keep your drinks cool
• Southernmost Point: a giant "buoy" on land that marks the southernmost point in the continental United States
• Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: the writer's former residence, now a popular tourist attraction

Bars

For those who want to sip cocktails while watching the sunset over the harbour, or enjoy live local music and bocce ball, there are several atmospheric bars to choose from, including:

• Turtle Kraals
• Conch Republic Seafood
• Schooner Wharf

Hotels

Within a few blocks of the historic seaport, there are over 50 different hotels, many of them quaint guest houses or local bed and breakfasts with charming amenities.

Restaurants

Foodies can indulge in authentic Cuban cuisine and fresh seafood at establishments like:

• Half Shell Raw Bar
• Schooner Wharf
• Conch Republic Seafood Company
• Turtle Kraals
• Fisherman's Cafe
• The Waterfront Brewery
• B.O.'s Fishwagon

Shopping

Shopaholics can explore art galleries, surf shops, and local craftwork.

Key West Bight Marina

The Key West Bight is a twenty-acre facility that has become a go-to destination for those wanting to experience the old waterfront of Key West. Visitors can enjoy a mix of old and new experiences, from sailing on a historic schooner to diving, fishing, parasailing, or taking a catamaran trip to the reef.

The marina is known for its affordable rates, pleasant atmosphere, and friendly staff, making it a popular choice for live-aboards and commercial tenants. The nearby "Old Town" and the Harbor Walk, lined with restaurants, shops, and attractions, further enhance its appeal.

Overall, with its blend of history, modern amenities, and natural beauty, Key West Bight Marina is an ideal destination for boaters seeking a unique and memorable experience in the Florida Keys.

Frequently asked questions