Will I get a sunburn?

As it reflects off the water, the sun out on the water is brighter than on land. We highly recommend using some sunscreen– a minimum of 30 SPF or higher. Also, if you are prone to sunburn, you may want to wear protective clothing. And nothing reduces the glare off the water as well as polarized sunglasses.

What wildlife will I see?

Ocean wildlife, like wildlife everywhere, is diverse and unpredictable. Every trip will offer different species. Key West is filled with dolphins, manatees, tarpon, sharks, barracuda, turtles, and many species of birds. The reefs are brimming with exotic tropical fish and corals. Of course, we can not predict nor guarantee what you will see, our experienced crew will do their best to point out any interesting wildlife that you may encounter during your charter. Keep a camera handy.

Are children welcome?

Yes. Sunset Sail Key West is kid-friendly. However, all children must be supervised by an adult for the duration of the trip. Children 6 and under will be provided with a lifejacket they are required to wear on-board.

Can I sail the boat?

Weather and traffic permitting, everyone who wants to will get a chance to man the helm and get a taste of what it’s like to sail.

What about weather?

The captain always checks the weather before sailing– if unfavorable conditions are expected and the charter cannot go out, we offer you the option of rescheduling for another day. Summers are hot with the occasional thunderstorm rolling through and light winds. With milder temperatures and less rain, fall is one of the nicest times of year to sail. Winter is our windy season, great for faster, sportier sailing. Remember to bring a light jacket or sweater as it can get chilly on the water. Spring is similar to fall with the winds calming down later in the season.

What about hurricanes?

Should a storm threaten the islands, we get plenty of advance warning. They are rare and are not something to worry about. The Keys have a system in place to warn us of any impending danger and a plan to evacuate if necessary.

Will I get seasick?

Some people are prone to motion sickness– if you suffer from carsickness, that’s a strong indicator. We do our best to keep our vessels sailing smoothly and make sure everyone is comfortable. There are over the counter remedies you can take if you think the motion may bother you, just remember to take it at least 45 min before sailing. Some people find wristband products to be helpful, too.

Can we bring alcohol on board?

Yes. You are welcome to bring any adult beverages of your choice. We have coolers stocked with ice to store your drinks and keep them nice and cold.

Which is the better boat, Conch West or High Tide?

That depends on what type of trip you want to take. High Tide is good for short trips. There is plenty of room on the deck for everyone and it’s a fun boat to sail around. Conch West has room below deck and is ideal for overnight and special occasions like weddings and such. Let us know what you have in mind and we can suggest which boat would be the better fit.

Is there cell phone signal while we are out on the water?

For the most part, yes. As long as we are in sight of Key West, you should have some signal, but that can change due to weather conditions. Longer trips, such as overnight sails may venture out of cell phone range. We suggest enjoying the radio silence. But not to worry– we will always remain in VHF radio range, allowing us to call for help in case of an emergency.