easy
2–3 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical effort required beyond optional paddle boarding or swimming.
Stock Island Charters offers private sunset cruises and sandbar tours in the waters off Key West, Florida. Enjoy calm seas, wildlife encounters, and personalized service from Captain Donnie on a trip designed for families, groups, and pet owners alike.
Key West, Florida, located at the southernmost tip of the continental United States, is a legendary destination for water lovers. Stock Island Charters offers a unique way to experience the weather-beaten beauty and vibrant marine life of the Florida Keys with private sunset cruises and sandbar tours. Captain Donnie brings local knowledge and a personable approach, turning every outing into a personalized voyage on the Gulf of Mexico's crystal-clear waters.
These trips center around key natural features like Snipers Key Sandbar, a rarely crowded stretch of pristine white sand surrounded by calm, shallow waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, or just relaxing. The sandbars serve as quiet islands floating at sea, accessible only by boat, providing guests with a private-water experience far from the bustling downtown. Along the way, the route threads through mangroves alive with local sea life, offering chances to spot fish, rays, and even turtles.
Sunset cruises captivate with changing skies painted in orange and pink hues, the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photo moments. Captain Donnie’s guided tours emphasize education and fun, sharing insights about the unique ecology of the Keys—such as the importance of the mangroves as nursery grounds for young sea creatures—and pointing out natural landmarks that many visitors miss.
Stock Island Charters stands out thanks to its emphasis on family-friendly and pet-inclusive adventures. Guests often praise the calming, customized pace and the freedom to pack food and drinks, making any outing comfortable and tailored to individual groups. Visitors seeking a serene escape from the usual tourist crowds will find a welcoming, knowledgeable host and a gateway to the lesser-known corners of the Key West waterscape. Whether paddling through narrow mangrove channels or drifting gently at sunset, this is a hands-on way to engage with Florida’s subtropical marine environment.
Evening panels like sunset cruises mean varying sun exposure, so pack sunscreen and hats to stay comfortable.
Food and drinks aren’t usually provided, so bring refreshments and towels for a full day at the sandbar.
Sandbars and shallow waters may have shells or coral fragments—water shoes protect your feet while moving around.
Florida’s sun and sea breeze can dehydrate quickly. Carry water, especially when spending hours on the boat or sandbar.
The Florida Keys have a rich maritime heritage linked to early sea trade and wrecking, shaping local culture and navigation routes.
Local efforts focus on protecting mangrove ecosystems and marine habitats critical to sustaining the Keys’ biodiversity and fishing industry.
Protects skin from intense sun exposure on open water.
summer specific
Protect your feet from sharp shells and coral near sandbars.
For drying off after swimming or paddle boarding.
Staying hydrated in the Florida sun is crucial during the trip.