Key West Custom Boating Charters

custom charter key wests
Dream Catcher Charters’ Capt. Steven Lamp poses with a barracuda and a group of kids on a custom charter.

Most people that visit Key West want to spend some time on the water while they are here. That is understandable considering the beauty of the clear waters, and the fun that you can have on them fishing, snorkeling, or just relaxing with a drink.  So one of the most popular boating trips that we offer down here are our Custom Boating Charters. On these trips, offered exclusively by Dream Catcher Charters, one of their professional and courteous captains will customize a trip just for you.

Snorkeling in the calm backcountry waters is a great time for both beginner and experienced swimmers. Depending on the conditions of the day and the experience level of the group, the captain may bring you to a shallow ship wreck or a patch reef where you can explore the waters for tropical fish and other sea life. The depth of the water generally ranges from about three to thirty feet. Since our waters are generally warm, we can snorkel year round. And for those rare, cooler days, just ask the captain for a shorty wet suit before leaving the dock.

Beach combing a deserted island is another popular request on these charters. The backcountry of Key West is dotted with uninhabited mangrove islands only accessible by boat. And while many of these islands are completely covered by mangroves with no place to walk, we have a few beautiful beach options where you can explore, get a suntan, or have a picnic lunch.

Dolphins like the famed Flipper are abundant in the Key West waters. And while we cannot swim with them or feed them because of legalities, they are unafraid of our boats and we have lots of fun watching them play and getting some great photographs.

Sightseeing and eco-tours are a great way to see the water side of Key West. The islands of the backcountry are a haven for bird life and we often see species such as eagles, ospreys, gulls, pelicans, ibis, flamingos, terns, hawks, and many, many more species.  And if birding is not exactly your thing you can learn a lot about the local area, both naturally and historically speaking.

We cannot forget about fishing. Generally on these custom charters the goal is to bend a rod. We get into all types of fun species of fish such as sharks, mangrove snappers, jacks, barracudas, sea trout, ladyfish, jacks, and more, all depending on the conditions and season you are visiting. Catch and release is the desired practice as the guides do not want to destroy the rich resource of the backcountry, but keeping a fish for dinner is certainly a possibility.

Sometimes people also ask us about clothing optional chartering. This is fine with the the captains as well, as long as you are happy and advanced notice is given. Other requests received in the past such as hiring out the boat as a chase boat, a research vessel, or a ferry have been handled as well.

Four, Six, and Eight hour charters are available, and vessels can carry up to 6 passengers maximum. Prices start at $425 and go up rom there depending on the trip specifics.

What we supply:

  • snorkel gear
  • flotation noodles
  • fishing gear
  • bait
  • fishing licenses
  • cooler with ice and bottled water
  • photography and videography services available

What you should bring:

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun tan lotion
  • food and drink
  • towels
  • camera

Booking a charter is easy, but advance bookings are highly recommended. Key West’s Dream Catcher Charters offers 4, 6, and 8 hour charter.  To make a reservation you can contact Dream Catcher Charters at 1-888-362-3474.

To see what is happening on the island during your visit, check out our Key West Events Calendar to see other upcoming special events. For more information about the fun side of Key West… things to do and see in our island city, go to our Key West Web Site.

And before deciding where you are going to eat while visiting Key West, be sure to read my  restaurant reviews; check out our restaurant review section of this blog as well as our restaurant reviews. Learn from my mistakes, lol.

Feel free to Email Me if you have any questions about Key West!! Or give me a call if you want to book a custom boating charter.. 
305-292-7212

About the author: Island Genn

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