Key West: Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling

A Detailed Look at the Key West Sunset Sail & Early Morning Snorkeling Tour

If you’re considering a day on the water in Key West, this combined snorkeling and sunset dinner cruise offers a bit of everything. From the early morning snorkel sessions at secret reef spots to an evening cruise filled with good food, drinks, and live tunes, it sounds like an engaging way to experience the island’s marine beauty and lively atmosphere.

What makes this tour appealing? For starters, we love the variety — snorkeling in the morning and unwinding with a sunset sail in the evening means you get both adventure and relaxation. Plus, the full open bar and buffet dinner in the evening add a nice touch of indulgence. However, a potential downside is that the experience, rated only 3 out of 5 based on limited reviews, might not blow everyone away. It’s a tour that suits travelers who enjoy a lively, social vibe and are okay with a somewhat busy, packed schedule.

If you’re someone who appreciates a well-rounded, fun-filled day on the water and isn’t looking for a super-exclusive or ultra-luxurious experience, this tour could fit your needs. It’s especially suited for those who want to combine active snorkeling with a festive sunset cruise, all in one go.

Key Points

• Two-Part Experience: Includes a morning snorkeling trip and an evening sunset sail.
• All-Inclusive Drinks: Unlimited well-brand mixed drinks, beer, wine, and champagne during the sunset cruise.
• Tasty Food: A Caribbean-inspired buffet dinner with flavorful options like jerk chicken and fried fish.
• Live Music & Atmosphere: Enjoy live entertainment that keeps the energy lively on both parts of the trip.
• Flexible Schedule: Free time in the afternoon between activities allows optional exploration or relaxing.
• Budget-Friendly: At $159.99 per person, it offers a good combo of activities, food, and drinks, though some might find it pricey for what’s included.

The Morning Snorkeling Adventure

Your day kicks off early, around 8:15 am, with a meet-up at the Historic Seaport Pier at 201 William St. The tour starts with a light breakfast—think cereal, muffins, fresh fruit, and juices—to fuel you up for the water. We liked how it’s not just a quick splash but a well-organized snorkeling trip, with the boat heading to some of Key West’s best reef spots, like Sand Key Light House and Eastern Dry Rocks.

The review from Tammy_K captures the vibe well: “The early morning snorkeling was great. Loved the party atmosphere and the free flowing drinks. The DJ was great and kept the party going.” While the snorkeling itself is the highlight for many, the atmosphere on board seems to be lively and relaxed, perfect for those looking to have a splash of fun early in the day.

The boat used for this excursion is a custom 55-foot luxury catamaran, designed to comfortably hold up to 85 guests. It’s well-equipped with two decks, modern restrooms, and a sun deck that’s perfect for soaking up the morning sun. The crew studies the best times of year for snorkeling, so chances are you’ll experience good visibility and calm waters.

Why it works: This part of the tour is great for those who want to see marine life, enjoy some sunshine, and start the day actively. Plus, the trip is relatively quick and efficient, so you won’t feel rushed but still get a solid snorkeling experience.

The Free Afternoon: Rest or Explore

After the snorkeling, you return to Key West around 2 pm. This window offers a good chance to relax, grab some lunch, or explore the island. Some travelers might appreciate an opportunity to wander around, visit local shops, or just unwind at a café.

It’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t specify any included activities during this time, so your experience here depends on your preferences. We’d recommend using this break to indulge in some local bites or just lounge around and recharge before the evening.

The Sunset Dinner Cruise

Around 4 pm, you’ll board the same or similar catamaran for the sunset cruise. This part lasts approximately 2 hours and offers a different vibe—a relaxed, festive atmosphere with live music and a buffet dinner.

The buffet is Caribbean-inspired, featuring hearty and flavorful options like Caribbean roast pork, fried fish, grilled chicken marinated in pineapple and soy, along with classic sides like beans and rice, plantains, and pasta salad. It’s a good spread, especially if you’re hungry after the day’s adventures.

The drinks flow freely, with an open bar offering unlimited well-brand mixed drinks, wine, beer, and champagne. You can even order premium brands for an extra charge or opt for a drink upgrade for $19, which would give you top-shelf options.

The live music adds an upbeat backdrop—an eclectic mix of cover songs that suit diverse tastes. As you sail past sights like Mallory Square and Sunset Key, you’ll have multiple decks with plenty of room to settle in and view the sunset. The crew often adjusts the route based on weather, but generally, you’ll get a front-row seat to the changing colors over the water.

Authentic perspective: One guest mentioned that “The dinner was good but felt the Maimai could have been seasoned,” pointing to some variability in food quality. Still, many find the buffet satisfying, especially when paired with the lively atmosphere and drinks.

Who Will Love This Tour?

In the end, this experience is perfect for travelers seeking a fun, social day on the water. It works well if you’re eager for a mix of adventure, good food, and lively entertainment, without breaking the bank. It’s especially suited for those who want a relaxed, festive vibe and enjoy meeting fellow travelers.

It’s an all-in-one option for a full day’s worth of marine fun—snorkeling, sunset views, music, and drinks—making it a solid choice for groups or couples looking to pack in multiple experiences.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a lively, well-rounded package that makes the most of a day in Key West. While the snorkeling part is praised for being enjoyable and the party atmosphere onboard the boat is lively, the experience might not be for everyone. Some guests found that the dinner could have been more seasoned, and the review rating suggests it’s not a top-tier experience but still a fun, engaging option.

The value lies in the combination of activities, with plenty of opportunities for photos, socializing, and soaking up the sunset. If you like the idea of a busy, social day with good food, drinks, and marine sights, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

However, if you’re after a more serene or gourmet experience, or you prefer quiet, untouched nature, you might want to look for alternatives. Still, for a lively, social, ocean-inspired day, it hits many of the right notes.

FAQ

Where is the meeting location for the Sunset Sail & Early Morning Snorkeling Trip?
You will meet your group at the Historic Seaport Pier at 201 William St, Key West FL 33040, right next to the Waterfront Brewing Company and The Marker Hotel. It’s a central spot and easy to find.

Is there parking nearby?
Yes, parking is available at the Key West Bight parking lot, which is close to the meeting point. Keep in mind that parking rates will apply.

How early should I arrive?
Plan to arrive about 40 minutes early for both activities—so around 8:35 am for the snorkeling and about 4:20 pm for the sunset cruise—so you have plenty of time to settle in.

Is the open bar available during the snorkeling trip?
No, the free-flowing drinks are only served during the evening sunset cruise. During the morning, only a light breakfast is provided.

What type of boat is used?
The sunset trip is aboard a 55-foot luxury catamaran, fully equipped with two decks, modern restrooms, and a top sun deck, designed for comfort and safety.

What should I bring?
Bring your ID, a camera, and reef-safe sunscreen (which is available onboard). A hat and sunglasses are also helpful for sun protection.

Can I bring a special diet or allergies?
Unfortunately, the food options are set menu-style; there’s no mention of accommodations for dietary restrictions. You may want to bring your own snacks if needed.

In all, this tour offers a lively, all-around experience that shows off Key West’s marine life and stunning sunsets. It’s best suited for those who enjoy socializing, good food, and a festive atmosphere while exploring the water. Just be prepared for a busy, fun-packed day that may not suit those seeking quiet or a more refined experience, but for many, this balance of adventure and entertainment makes for a memorable trip.