About Your Chartered Sailboat, Stay on an Anchored Mooring in Key West

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 excursions 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 to ask any questions, get a quote on the setup of a few basic provisions, or find out what a custom package for a special occasion quote would be. We are a phone call away, either the main number or the office. If you have physical limitations, please discuss with our team what that might be in advance. Whether you are disabled, have had recent surgery, or have 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, and then getting on your boat.
Should you choose to take a sail and snorkel trip or an overnight 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 the best time and day to sail.

Usually, the 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.

Pack soft bags ONLY, and no hard luggage, please! Bring a few tops or T-shirts, a cover-up and a hat, two swimsuits, one to wear and one to dry; we recommend shorts that are the type that is like swimwear, 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 toothpaste and toothbrush, 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 for stowing away excess luggage, either in your car or in the lockers at the Key West Ferry Boat. Forget hair dryers, curling irons, or items that have a strong surge; it's DC, and hair doesn't need high maintenance at sea. Bring your phone and your plug-in style charger, although we can't guarantee a signal when you are offshore.

Good question. 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 (it's just open street free city parking not insured or monitored and a 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 can be a challenge on a 2 x 4 mile island.

Firstly, we hope that you can reschedule; normally we give an email with an email and promise to reschedule. It is, of course, on a case by case basis; if the weather is bad, we do consider refunds if you are not returning to the area. We will review the situation with you, but we are a small business, and we ask you to be considerate of this.

Travel insurance is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – and there are many options. We have the right to refuse a booking if you do not have travel insurance coverage, especially during the hurricane season (May to the end of November), as your travel plans could be affected. We have heard of www.travelex.com and www.insuremytrip.com. Guests that take these insurance plans have peace of mind that covers the mode of travel/ plane - rental car, where they stay, and what activities they do. Depending on your vacation, we suggest that you should plan to invest in insurance at around 5-15% of the holiday value.

Families should discuss with us ahead of booking to determine what they wish to experience and to have children under 12 approved. Small children under 12 or those who 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 an excellent vacation option for enjoying nature and learning about sailing. Do you just want to stay and stare at the stars at night and watch a sunrise or sunset with your own cocktails? Fabulous. It's like you are on a movie set. Suppose your charter wants to go back and forth by water taxi on your own, and that can be arranged. There is more than one company to choose from for water taxi services, and there are only a few limits on time. It is up to you, and we can share with you those connections.

Transportation to and from the boat is complimentary for the first arrival and last departure. During your stay, transportation can be arranged with 2 hours' notice between 9 AM and 5 PM. Outside these hours, transportation is also available with 24-hour notice.

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 go shopping.

Check-in is between 3 pm to 7 pm. You will take a water taxi to the moorings of your vessel.
Check-out is by 11 am.

Do you know what a "Berth" is on a boat?

Yes, there are toilets, BUT, don't put anything in the toilets/heads (unless it was something you ate first!)