Florida Keys Boating Guide
Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by Boatsetter Team
The Florida Keys are surrounded by crystal clear waters with the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
For someone who loves boating, fishing, watersports, or just about anything having to do with fun on the water, few spots on Earth have the same irresistible draw as the Florida Keys. This 125-mile-long archipelago of about 1,700 islands, commonly divided into the Upper Keys, Middle Keys, and Lower Keys, is world famous for its clear emerald waters, diverse wildlife, and laid-back attitude. Millions of visitors flock here every year, many renting a boat to gain unfettered access to the countless bays, sandbars, and fishing hotspots.
Explore boat rentals in the Florida Keys
Boating in the Upper Keys
The Upper Keys begin with Key Largo, the northernmost key connected to the mainland by the overseas Highway, which is also the largest of this island chain at 33 miles long. Since it’s just about 90 minutes south of Miami, Key Largo is a very popular destination. It’s perhaps best known for the amazing diving opportunities, and is often called the “Diving Capitol of the World.” Several famous dive spots are found here, like the Christ of the Abyss statue, Molasses Reef, and the undersea John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Many of these are accessible by snorkelers as well as divers (see 8 Snorkeling Spots in Key Largo to find out where).
From Key Largo the Upper Keys stretch south down to Lower Matecumbe Key. But don’t drive down the Overseas Highway too fast, or you’ll pass another top destination: Islamorada. This grouping of six keys (Plantation, Windley, Upper and Lower Matecumbe, Indian, and Lignumvitae Keys) also has fantastic diving and many people come here just for that reason, but fishing may be an even bigger draw. From Islamorada there’s easy access to mangroves, islands, and flats providing magnificent inshore fishing to the west.
Meanwhile, the famed Islamorada Hump to the east will satisfy the urges of offshore anglers. You can check out the many possibilities in our Fishing in Islamorada Guide and remember, there are plenty of options to rent a fishing boat in Islamorada. If, on the other hand, kicking back and relaxing at a sandbar known for its festive atmosphere is more to your liking, note that Islamorada is also home to one of the top ranked sandbars in the Florida Keys.
Boating in the Middle Keys
Long Key down to the Seven Mile Bridge is generally considered the Middle Keys, and the top hotspot in this stretch is Marathon. This 10-mile-long town consists of 13 different islands and once again its easy access to crystal clear waters and natural reefs makes diving a huge draw. The fishing is awesome here, too. But Marathon has an added attraction that sets it apart thanks to a number of unusual eco-touring opportunities. Marathon is home to a dolphin research center where you can swim with the dolphins, a sea turtle hospital where you can experience guided educational programs, the Florida Keys Aquarium, and the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center.
See our Marathon, FL Boating Guide to learn about more of the options and activities you can enjoy here, from finding dock-and-dine restaurants to snorkeling at coral reef parks. Also be sure to check out the 5 Best Marathon Key Beaches.
Boating in the Lower Keys
From Big Pine Key heading south there’s plenty to see in the Lower Keys, but there’s no doubt that the biggest draw of all is Key West. Life here revolves around the water, boats, and all things aquatic, so get your trip started off right by renting a boat in Key West and taking in the sights. Key West is the southernmost point in the United States and the four-mile-long island is famous for its laid-back attitude and free-spirited vibe.
Again, like the rest of the Keys, diving, snorkeling, and fishing are huge attractions for boaters visiting Key West. The town also has an aquarium, a vibrant night life (who hasn’t heard of Duval Street?), and some of the best beaches around. On top of those draws Key West is a venue of choice for powerboat racing. In fact, this is where the Race World Offshore World Championship is held, and international boat racing teams from across the globe compete here to earn the title of fastest in their class.
Check out Key West Water Activities You Must Experience and Boating in Key West, FL: Everything You Need to Know to learn more about everything from snorkeling in and around Key West to sunset cruising opportunities.
Spectacular surroundings, endless aquatic activities, and tropical winters make the Florida Keys one of the top destinations for boaters worldwide. And whether you visit the Upper Keys, the Middle Keys, or the Lower Keys, one thing is for sure: however long your visit may be, it won’t be long enough.
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With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites ranging from BoatU.S. Magazine to BDOutdoors.com. Rudow is currently the Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk, he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.
