Weekend Getaway: Miami to Key West by Boat
160 nautical miles through the most beautiful water in North America. Here's how to plan the run every Miami boater needs to do at least once.
The Run Every Miami Boater Should Do
Miami to Key West by boat is one of those bucket-list runs that becomes an annual tradition once you've done it. About 160 nautical miles through some of the most beautiful water in North America, past coral reefs, mangrove islands, and the Florida Keys. Here's how we plan it.
Boat Requirements
This is an offshore run — it's not a casual sandbar trip. You need:
- A seaworthy boat with a reliable engine (and ideally a backup motor)
- GPS/chart plotter with updated charts — the Florida Keys are notoriously shoal
- VHF radio (essential for offshore)
- Full safety kit including an EPIRB for offshore work
- Fuel range of at least 100 miles between fill-ups
Center consoles in the 25–35 ft range are the ideal platform. Twin engines for reliability.
The Route
Option A — Inshore (Florida Bay): Head south through Biscayne Bay, exit through a bay cut, and run down through the shallow Florida Bay route. Protected from ocean swells but requires careful navigation in tight channels.
Option B — Offshore (Atlantic side): Run out through Government Cut and go offshore down the Atlantic side of the Keys. Deeper water, faster, and generally smoother in good conditions. Watch the Gulf Stream current as you approach Key West.
Most weekend runs use a combination: offshore down the Keys, anchor overnight in the Keys backcountry, final push to Key West in the morning.
Fuel Stops
- Islamorada: Bud N' Mary's, Postcard Inn. Plan for a pump-out here if doing the two-day run.
- Marathon: Boot Key Harbor — anchorage or mooring balls available, fuel at the city marina.
- Big Pine Key: More remote, good if you want a quiet overnight with serious bone fishing nearby.
Overnight Anchorages
Boot Key Harbor (Marathon): The most popular Keys anchorage for good reason. Protected, mooring ball field managed by the city, dinghy dock access to town.
Rodriguez Key: A quiet anchorage south of Key Largo. Good holding, relatively protected, off the main traffic route.
Content Keys (near Big Pine): Remote backcountry anchorage with incredible bioluminescence at night in the right season. Shallow — check your draft.
Key West Arrival
Key West Bight marina in the old town is the most convenient arrival point — restaurants, bars, Mallory Square all within walking distance. Call ahead for slip availability, especially on holiday weekends.
Must-Stops Along the Way
- Hen and Chickens Reef (off Islamorada): Snorkeling stop with abundant fish and hard coral.
- Indian Key State Park: Ghost town ruins on a small island accessible by boat only.
- Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary: Some of the best reef snorkeling in the Keys. No anchoring on the reef — use the mooring balls.
Weather Windows
The best months for this run are November through April. Summer is doable but afternoon storms require early starts and flexible plans. Avoid cold fronts in winter — they create short, steep seas in Florida Bay.
Check the NOAA 24-hour and 48-hour offshore forecast before departing. If seas are forecast above 3–4 feet, reconsider. The Keys will still be there next weekend.