Your free insider's guide
The Insider's Key Largo Trip Planner
Welcome — and thank you for grabbing our trip planner! After 40+ years on the water in Key Largo, we've learned exactly what makes a day on Florida Bay unforgettable. Here's everything you need to plan the perfect trip to the Upper Florida Keys.
Best time of year & tides for clear water
The Florida Keys are beautiful year-round, but a few simple things make the water clearer and the day calmer:
- Wind matters most. Lighter winds mean glassier, clearer water. Calm mornings are often the prettiest time to be on Florida Bay.
- Mind the tides. Around a higher or slack tide, the shallow flats tend to look their clearest. Big tidal swings can stir up sediment, so the hour or two around slack water is usually best for visibility.
- Light is everything. Mid-morning to early afternoon sun lights up the turquoise shallows; late afternoon delivers that golden glow for sunset sails.
- Seasons. Winter and spring often bring drier, breezier days; summer is warm and calm but can build afternoon clouds, so earlier departures are a safe bet. We'll always help you pick the right time when you book.
What to bring
We provide the gear, drinks and know-how — you just bring yourself and a few essentials:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (mineral / non-nano zinc) — better for you and the reef
- Hat & polarized sunglasses — the glare off the water is real
- A waterproof phone case — for worry-free photos
- A towel and a light layer — breezy on the water, especially at sunset
- Any personal medications you may need during the trip
- Just yourselves — an 18% crew gratuity is already included in your booking total, so no need to bring cash for tips
Leave the cooler-stuffing to us — we bring ice, bottled water and cups. BYOB is welcome in moderation on most charters.
Choosing your experience
Every trip we run is fully private — your boat, your crew, your day. Here's the quick way to choose:
- Island Adventure Snorkeling — calm, shallow, often-wadeable snorkeling for all ages; no swimming skills needed.
- Sunset Champagne Cruise — a romantic 2-hour sail with a champagne toast as the sun goes down.
- Private Eco Tour — a backcountry Island Safari for dolphins, manatees and mangroves aboard our 17′ RIB.
Reef-safe & eco etiquette
Florida Bay sits inside a protected National Marine Sanctuary bordering Everglades National Park. A few easy habits keep it pristine for the next visitors:
- Wear reef-safe mineral sunscreen and apply it before you get on the water.
- Look, don't touch — never stand on, grab or kick coral and seagrass.
- Give wildlife space — admire dolphins, manatees and birds from a respectful distance.
- Pack it out — keep all trash aboard; nothing goes in the water.
- Follow your crew's guidance — they know how to enjoy these waters responsibly.
We come to you
No need to hunt for a marina or fight for parking. We offer private bayside pickups between Mile Marker 92 (MM92) and MM103 in Key Largo. When you book, we'll confirm the exact pickup spot that's most convenient for you.
Ready to plan your perfect day?
We'd love to help you choose the right experience, the right tide, and the right time of day. Book online or give us a call — we've been doing this in Key Largo since 1983.
Book Online →