Key West Sailing Charter Answers Your Frequently Asked Questions

They are already launched boats that are located offshore. The backdrop is a few other sailboats nearby. No houses. The closest land as it is owned by the Navy, and does not allow public access.  You will be tucked into a safe cove. North Fleming boating residents have the best location for calm conditions on this mooring. 

Previously we were at the docks in downtown Key West for many years as Key West Sailing Adventures, Inc.  Since 1995 our customers and their needs have evolved; we had more requests to stay aboard only or go out on longer excursion sails that is why we moved to our moorings.   Anyone who wants to experience the outdoors at sea will not be turned away.  If you are not sure if this is for you, please feel free to send an email ask any questions, get a quote on set up of a few basic provisions or what a custom package for a special occasion quote would be.  We are a phone call away either the main number or office.  If you have physical limitations, please discuss with our team what that might be in advance.  Whether you are disabled, had recent surgery or medical equipment, this all must be divulged in advance in order to provide good choices and assistance.  Someone must be able to have a companion to help with getting aboard first a vessel taking the harbor tour water taxi then getting on your boat.  

Should you choose to take a sail and snorkel trip or an overnight with crew trip, please have someone who can help you.  If this is on your bucket list, let us make sure you are properly prepared for what to expect.  These are additional services that you may add to your stay after you book your stay at the mooring at the time of your booking or closer to your stay.  Ask us for a best time and day to sail.

Usually weather will play into your plans to stay on the boat and to sail.  Always check with our main number, the office at least two days out from your stay we will ask our local NOAA office what the weather is like.

Add an a LIGHT - soft bags ONLY no hard luggage you will want to toss it into the ocean! Usually backpack with two tops or t shirts, a cover up and a hat, two swim suits, one to wear one to dry, we recommend shorts that are the type that are like swim wear one to wear one to dry, soft jogging type wear it gets cool at night that can be easily rolled up, some sun block, travel brush and person items of your choice, travel size tooth paste and tooth brush, small sized shampoo or body wash.  We keep some things on board like this but people who have sensitive skin should bring their own.  Remember you are camping on the water.  If you have multiple stops on your vacation, talk to us about options where to stow away excess luggage either in your car or there are lockers at the Key West Ferry Boat too.  Forget hair dryers, curling irons, or items that are strong surge; it's DC and hair doesn't  need high maintenance at sea.  Bring phone and your plug in style charger. 

Good question and it depends on whether or not you are based or going to a hotel during your stay.  If we have free city parking options near our office (its just open street free city parking not insured or monitored and safe neighborhood) we can share that with you or pay $40 a day to park near where the water taxi departs or where your car can be safe in an insured covered lot in town.  Once you get set up, Uber or taxi back to your parking space if we are not able to help shuttle you to where you need to go.  Since that could be any of two or three places where the water taxi departs, we will work with you on this.  It's a bit of a quandary on a two by 4 mile island.

First we hope that you can reschedule; normally we give an email with a email and promise to reschedule.  We go case by case; if weather is bad we do consider refunds if you are not returning to the area and review situation with you and we are a small business.  

HIGHLY RECOMMEND - travel insurance and there are more than one option.  We have the right to refuse a booking if you don't get travel insurance especially during the hurricane season any where from May - end of November there could be traveling issues.  Airlines are the most challenged lately than in the history of traveling on a plane.  We have heard of www.travelex.com and www.insuremytrip.com guests that take these insurance plans have a peace of mind that covers mode of travel/ plane - rental car, where you stay what activities you do.  Depending on your vacation, plan to invest in anywhere from 5-15% value as it will vary.

Families should discuss before booking what they want to experience and have children under 12 approved.  Small children under 12 tor those that cannot swim should have a vest on at all times according to USCG regulations. Some booking sites will not allow children only adults at sea.  This is type of vacation that can be an excellent option to enjoy nature and to learn about sailing. Just want to stay and stare at the stars at night watch a sunrise or sunset with your own cocktails?  Fabulous.  It's like you are on a movie set.  If your charter wants to go back and forth by water taxi on your own that can be arranged.  There is more than one company to choose for water taxi services and only a few limits on times.  It is up to you and we can share with you those connections.

Transportation to and from the boat can be arranged at no charge in our 20 ft Mako (upon availability) - just tip your captain.  

Ship 2 Shore, Key West is a commercial water taxi service that is available to book online through their Fare Harbor Calendar. Additional trips for coming ashore may be scheduled with a local water taxi, if you want to have dinner out or a day of shopping.

Check-in is between 3pm to 7 pm.  You will take a water taxi to the moorings to your vessel. 

Check-out is by 11 am.