Key West Sandbars
Key West is a beautiful island with tons to see and do. We've got beautiful sunsets in Mallory Square, <<exploring Duval Street>>, and chickens roaming the back roads. But going to the beach for the day seems a natural choice when you're on an island.
So, to the beach we go! But, wait. Where is the best beach in Key West? The internet will point you to Smathers, Fort Taylor, Higgs, or Harvey Park. But are these really the best–are they where the Conchs go?? (Fun fact–local Keys people are known as “Conchs”)
Nope, the locals favor the sandbars over the beach. And after a boat ride through the beautiful backcountry, spotting dolphins and riding over the shallow waters surrounding Key West, you’ll soon realize that Key West sandbars are truly some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Where are the Best Beaches in Key West?
Key West has a reputation as a beach town–but you could probably fool the locals. In actuality, Key West is an island town with few beaches.
There are beaches, of course. Smathers Beach is the longest at just over a mile long, and Fort Zachary Taylor has a beautiful beach inside the state park. There are others as well, a few smaller and more private. They are sprinkled around the island, some harder to find than others. With so little sand and so many people, you’ll often find them crowded on nice days and a bit wanting compared to other destinations renowned for their rankings on those best beach lists.
You have to understand a little bit about the geology of the Florida Keys to know where to find a beach. The Keys are low-lying limestone islands that would wash into the sea if it weren’t for the vegetation growing here. Tropical forests of Red Mangroves bind the rock and soil together, allowing these islands to weather storm after storm, year after year. A sandy beach may be beautiful, but it will wash away quickly.
You’ve got to get offshore to find sandy beaches and postcard-perfect paradise settings in the Keys. That’s right, the best beaches in Key West are sandbars– submerged at high tide and exposed only during the party hours set by the moon and tides every day.
Don’t get us wrong–there are some beautiful beaches in Key West. But for the absolute best views and fun times, you will want to check out a Key West sandbar excursion when you’re here.
Key West Sandbar Adventures
Finding the sandbars is half the adventure. Sandbar excursions combine a boat trip, wildlife viewing, and beach-going into one fun day.
Getting There – Best Sandbar Trips in Key West
You can’t walk, drive, bike, or scooter to the good sandbars. Everyone in the Keys has a boat (or a friend with a boat!). That’s because the best stuff is off the highway and away from the crowds.
So, you need a boat to get to the sandbar. What do you do? You could rent one for the day, or, if you have your own boat, you could bring it down on a trailer. But navigation in the backcountry off of Key West is tricky with tons of shoals, shifting sandbars, narrow channels, and confusing cuts.
So most visitors to the island will opt for a sandbar cruise in Key West. There are plenty of options, some in large boats with many passengers and other small Key West private sandbar charters.
Tides and Winds
A Key West sandbar adventure is all about the weather. Every day has a low tide, but every day on the sandbar is different. Hot summer afternoons are best for vibrant tropical colors and floating in the cool water with your favorite beverage. Cloudy days are perfect for wading and hunting for shells and spotting wildlife.
There are enough sandbars in the waters off of Key West that a knowledgeable boat captain can find a great spot no matter what day you want to go.
What is a Key West Sandbar Charter?
A sandbar charter is a small boat cruise to the sandbar, perfect for folks without access to their own boat. You get the boat and a professional captain who is an expert at navigating the local waters. The captains are guides who know where the sandbars are and the best ones for your adventure.
Larger boats are generally cheaper per person, but you will share your ride with strangers. These buses will get you there if you’re looking for a ticket to the pretty beach. These are usually 50-foot power catamarans. They are open-air boats with great views, fresh air, and room to stretch out.
Private sandbar charters are generally smaller center console fishing boats. These boats travel quickly and only hold six passengers. Generally, a private charter on a boat like this will be a more intimate experience that you’ll share with only your friends or relatives. In other words, your charter is yours alone.
A private charter has more flexibility when it comes to customizing your trip. The captain will ask you what you want to see and where you’d like to go. They’re happy to oblige if you want to combine a little snorkeling or dolphin watching with your sandbar trip.
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