Adventure Collective
Experience the Magic of the Key West Lighted Boat Parade Aboard America 2.0 - Key West

Experience the Magic of the Key West Lighted Boat Parade Aboard America 2.0

Key Westeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3 hours

Fitness Level

No special fitness required; suitable for all ages and mobility levels though limited wheelchair access on America 2.0.

Overview

Join the Key West Lighted Boat Parade aboard the majestic America 2.0 for a festive, three-hour cruise through a harbor glowing with imaginative holiday decorations. Celebrate the season on this elegant schooner, combining maritime tradition with holiday magic.

Attraction
Boat Tour
Events
Sailing
Water Activities
Key West, Florida

Key West Lighted Boat Parade aboard America 2.0

From $104 • 3 Hours

Select participants and date

Adventure Photos

Key West Lighted Boat Parade aboard America 2.0 photo 1

About This Adventure

Join the enchanting Lighted Boat Parade aboard the eco-friendly Schooner America 2.0, where you'll witness up to 30 beautifully decorated vessels gliding through Key West's harbor. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with complimentary refreshments, games, and the chance to support local non-profits, making this a memorable holiday experience for all!

Key Points About This Tour:

  • 50% ticket sales will be going to a local non-profit Reef Relief!
  • Onboard silent auction, raffle giveaways, games, and more!
  • 3-hour excursion on Schooner America 2.0
  • $104 per person
  • Views of all participant vessels dressed in holiday lights
  • Participate in holiday lights parade and contest
  • Includes complimentary hors d'oeurves and holiday cookies
  • Includes complimentary beer, wine, champagne, and soft drinks

Join us for Key West's Annual Lighted Boat Parade, a favorite maritime holiday event. Sit aboard the fastest, most elegant schooner, the brand new eco-friendly, America 2.0 as we parade through the Bight and Harbor of Key West! She'll be fully decorated in Holiday decor with up to 30 other Key West vessels. Cruise aboard America 2.0 while taking in this magical display of holiday spirit.

All of these vessels will have the opportunity to show off their creative and imaginative holiday decorations as they glide by the viewers and judges at the Schooner Wharf Bar.

On this 3 hour sailing adventure, you will:

  • Sail aboard the majestic America 2.0 glowing in moonlight, decorated in the most stunning decorations.
  • View up to 30 other Key West Vessels dressed in Holiday decor
  • Enjoy hot cider, conch chowder and cookies along with complimentary beer, wine, champagne, soda, and water.
  • Be part of a celebration that has been happening for over 20 years

America 2.0 features the best in comfort, teak decks, mahogany-trimmings, and a soaring rig! Sit back and relax while she cruises through the evening, basking in the golden moonlight that dances in the night waters.

Bring your family and/or friends and join our courteous and professional crew for this late night celebration cruise that will highlight your Key West experience!

Please Note: Sails will not be raised on this parade due to maneuverability.


What Is Not Included?


Meeting Location

  • The Key West Bight (Key West, FL)
  • (Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)

FAQ

Do sails sell out frequently?

Sails do sell out. Potential guests are encouraged to check the website or call the week of the date you would like to attend to check availability for public trips and to book as early as possible.

What happens if the sail is sold out?

Unfortunately, we do not have a wait-list for our sails, so please book in advance.

Is there parking, where? And how much is it?

Parking in Key West may be somewhat limited. There is a local municipal parking lot at the corner of Caroline Street and Margaret Street, very close to our ticket booth where you check in! Further information will be provided upon purchasing your tickets.

What type of ticket should I buy if I'm bringing a very young child?

For children ages 12 and under you should purchase a reduced price Child ticket for $45.

What exactly do we see on the sail?

Our route is a set course that will take you through the bight and harbor of Key West. You will be able to see up to 30 other Key West Vessels decorated in Holiday Decor. You will see some attractions along the way, but the focus of this trip is on the parade.

Is food served during the sails?

There will be conch soup and holiday sweets. Guests are more than welcome to bring their own picnic.

How about drinks? Should I bring those?

No, it is illegal for you to bring alcohol of your own on board. Our cruise includes complimentary hot cider, beer, wine, champagne, soda, and bottled water. (One quick note: we will serve a few rounds, but it is not an unlimited booze-cruise. We aim to create an elegant, relaxing, peaceful, and safe experience for all of our guests.)

Is the Schooner America 2.0 safe?

Absolutely. While known for its speed, the Schooner America 2.0 is a safe and gentle vessel. Along with your captain, there is a minimum of two crew members on every sail to make sure you feel comfortable and at home on the water. We are stocked with water, beverages, blankets and life jackets should you feel you need one. There are also private marine heads (bathrooms) and salons below.

How steady is the sailing? Am I likely to get seasick?

On this particular cruise the crew will not raise sail due to the course and maneuverability of the parade. The America 2.0 is a steady, gentle vessel. It is very rare for our guests to become seasick. While most people do not experience any sea sickness on the schooner, you may want to consider light medication if you normally take it for motion sickness. We cannot officially advise you to take any medication, however.

Is there a bathroom on the boat?

Yes, the boat is equipped with two bathrooms that are accessible at all times. We call them "marine heads" and they are unlike the bathroom you use at home. It involves pumping and there are simple directions posted in the bathrooms on how to use them.

Can I stow anything (eg, my luggage) during the sail?

There is an area below deck where you may store your belongings. Please keep in mind that this area is not guarded, so we cannot take responsibility for any broken, lost or missing items. But we have not had any problems with items being left on prior sails.

What should I wear?

On this parade cruise we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and footwear (high heels are not recommended). Feel free to come in light, casual clothing, but bring a light jacket just in case, especially since we'll be out on the water in the evening!

Where does the sail finish?

Our sails will end at the same dock from which they departed.

Can I get a refund or reschedule my tickets after buying them?

Because we are guaranteeing your space on the sail, tickets cannot be refunded once purchased.

Do you ever cancel sails due to bad weather?

The sail usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather situations. The only time we cancel a trip is in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. Our captains monitor the radar to watch fronts and cells in the area on days when inclement weather is possible. Cancellations are made on the day of the sail, by the Captain, up to 1 hour prior to sail time. If you have purchased tickets for a sail that is canceled, you will have the opportunity to to reschedule your tickets (subject to availability), take a full refund or receive credit towards a future event.

What happens if it starts raining when we're out on our sail?

Don't worry, we won't melt! Trips with a little wetness have proven to be some the most memorable bonding experiences for our guests. (This all depends on attitude of course...) If we are caught in a rain shower we have ankle-length button-down raincoats available for all of our guests aboard the America 2.0.

Is gratuity included in the price of the sail?

Gratuity is not included in the price of the sail. It is customary to reward your crew with cash tips following the trip.

Is the schooner wheelchair accessible?

No, unfortunately the schooner is not wheelchair-accessible.

Can I book a private charter sail?

Yes, private sails on the Schooner America 2.0 can be a unique and elegant event for your group. If you are interested in booking a private sail, please contact us by clicking the 'Contact this Seller' link.

Can I get married aboard America 2.0 in Key West?

Yes. Two of our captains in Key West are capable of performing marriage ceremonies aboard the America 2.0. For further details and arrangements, please click on the 'Contact the Seller' link.

Are gift certificates available for this sail?

No, unfortunately there are no gift certificates available for this particular sail. There are, however, gift certificates available for our regular Daytime and Sunset Sails, and they make a perfect gift for holidays, birthdays or any other occasion! To purchase a gift certificate for one of these sails, please click on "List of All Activities" to the left of the page and then on "Buy a Gift Certificate" at the bottom of the page.


Policies

Refund/Rescheduling Policy Customers will receive a full refund with 48 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.

Other Policies Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather. The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability), receive credit for a future event, or receive a full refund.


About

Classic Harbor Line

Classic Harbor Line (Operators of a series of classic style vessels in Newport, RI, New York City, and Boston, MA) bring the 105-foot Schooner America 2.0 (of NYC, NY) to Key West, FL for the winter months of November through April.

This 105 foot sailboat, certified for 75, was designed and built by the sam boat-builders who crafted Key West's former pride, Schooner AMERICA. Scarano Boat Building of Albany, also crafted all the vessels in the famed Classic Harbor Line fleet: the 1920s style yacht "Manhattan" of NYC , and the schooner Adirondack of NYC as well as the Adirondack III of Boston MA, and Adirondack II of Newport RI.

Classic Harbor Line is well known for their outstanding captains and crew and standard of hospitality. Whether you sail with them in Newport, Boston, New York, or Key West, guests are known to not only rave about the beauty and maintenance of the boats, but of the lasting warm impressions that their hosts provide. Guests are treated like royalty, beverages are cold and the vessels sail like a dream!

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early to Secure Seating

Check in at least 30 minutes before departure to board smoothly and find the best spots on deck for viewing.

Dress in Layers

Evenings on the water can cool quickly, so bring a light jacket or sweater to stay comfortable throughout the cruise.

Use Motion Sickness Prevention if Needed

While the schooner offers a steady ride, those prone to seasickness should bring medication just in case.

Parking Is Limited Near the Dock

Plan ahead for parking in downtown Key West; several municipal lots are nearby but fill quickly during events.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Bottlenose dolphins commonly swim near the harbor.
  • Brown pelicans often glide over the water’s edge during the sail.

History

Key West has a long boating tradition, with its harbor hosting annual holiday boat parades for decades, celebrating maritime culture and community.

Conservation

Half of ticket sales support Reef Relief, a local nonprofit dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Florida Reef Tract.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Key West

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Light Jacket or Sweater

Essential

Evening temperatures on the water can drop unexpectedly during winter months.

winter specific

Comfortable, Slip-Resistant Shoes

Essential

Ensure safe footing on the schooner’s teak deck, especially when it’s wet or dark.

Compact Camera or Smartphone

Capture the stunning illuminated boats and festive atmosphere.

Small Backpack or Bag

Store your essentials and any light layers you may remove during the sail.