| Key West Travel Guide - Visitor Information for Key West, FL in the Florida Keys

Key West July 4th Fireworks Cruises

David Dlugitch — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 15:28:29 +0000

Watch the Key West fireworks show from the water, with a choice of boats and amenities.

If you will be in Key West during the July 4th weekend, plan on seeing the Independence Day fireworks display.

Fireworks in Key West will be launched off the White Street pier. But the best place to see the show is from the water. Don’t miss out on this fun experience.

A Key West tradition is to head out on a boat to enjoy the show, the night sky, calm water, and of course – cold beverages.

TIP: Book your trip early. Last year all fireworks cruises sold out in advance.

Choices for July 4, 2026 fireworks cruises:

Sebago Fireworks, Sunset, & Dinner Cruises

About the Boats: Wide & stable catamaran (69′ in length – providing room for 80 guests).

Includes:

Enjoyable Sunset Cruise
Full 4th of July Picnic “Upscale American BBQ” (menu items include: Pulled Pork Sliders, Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer, Assorted salads and dessert – all DELICIOUS!)
Full-liquor bar, champagne, beer, wine, and soft drinks are included
Live music from Key West musicians
Great fireworks viewing
You’ll have almost 3 hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the cruise, food, and drinks.

Trip Time: 7:15pm – 10pm

Cost: $169.95 + tax per person ($182.70 total)

For reservations and information:

Wind & Wine & Fireworks Cruise

About the Boat: 65′ schooner. This cruise will leave after sunset to view the fireworks.

Includes:

On this trip you will enjoy a traditional Keys sailboat, premium wines and beers, plus snacks and dessert trays. Water and soda are also provided, so everyone can settle in and enjoy the evening.

Trip Time: 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm (7:30 check-in)

Cost: $129 + tax per person (ages 13+); $115 + tax per child (12 & under)

For reservations and information:

Deep Sea Fishing

David Dlugitch — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 00:01:39 +0000

Key West deep-sea fishing is world class – legendary for large and powerful game fish.

Mahi-mahi, or as the locals call it “dolphin fish”, is a summertime focus for offshore fishing.

Offshore of Key West, deep-sea fishing is at it’s finest.

On a deep-sea fishing charter, you’ll head out in a custom-crafted off-shore boat to troll for big-game fish found in deeper waters – outside the barrier reef.

These Key West fishing boats are 40+ feet in length and equipped with fighting chairs and proven gear that bring in sailfish, marlin, tuna, wahoo, dolphin and many other trophy fish.

A mate will be on board to assist the anglers and provide plenty of ice and water.

You’ll need to bring sun protection, food, beverages, and your “Hemingway Spirit”.

Flats Fishing Charters

David Dlugitch — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 23:40:38 +0000

Stalk bonefish, hunt tarpon, and outsmart permit in the shallow waters of Key West’s backcountry.

The beauty and excitement of a day on the flats is an unforgettable Key West fishing experience.

Flats skiffs, as they are known in the Keys, go into the very shallow and stunningly beautiful backcountry of the Florida Keys. There, they stalk the most challenging and exciting inshore gamefish. Once in the shallows, the flats guide will raise the motor and maneuver the boat from a poling platform with a twenty foot pole. Experience is everything when it comes to flats guides.

Three fish comprise what is known as a “Key West Grandslam”: Tarpon, Bonefish, & Permit. Manage to catch all three in one day and the International Gamefish Association will give you a certificate to commemorate your achievement of a lifetime. Hooking up with any one of them is a day you will never forget.

Sneaking up on a Permit in shallow water is the ultimate challenge in flats fishing

It is amazing the fish you’ll find in the shallow waters of the Keys. Bonefish are Permit spend their days foraging the turtle grass and sand flats for shrimp and crabs hiding on the bottom. Hopefully, these spooky fish will not notice as your guide push-poles the boat into casting position. These fish don’t give it away easily, and if you are able to hook up with one, you will not forget the speed and power of these reel-burning fish.

Tarpon, dubbed the Silver King are a religion unto themselves. Anglers travel from across the country (and world!) to come to Key West for the annual spring Tarpon migration. Actually the largest of the herrings, this toothless giant has adult scales the size of credit cards! The Tarpon’s scientific name is Megalops Atlanticus: huge-eyed Atlantic Ocean fish. They use their incredible vision and years of experience (at 150 pounds the Tarpon is over 50 years old) to hunt crabs, shrimp, mullet, and whatever else gets in it’s way. When hooked, the fish ferociously leaps from the water, rattling it’s head and gill plates, trying to dislodge the hook. Many succeed. The Florida record is 263 pounds.

Light Tackle Fishing

David Dlugitch — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 23:32:23 +0000

Catch snapper, grouper, tarpon, and more on these versatile Key West fishing charters

Mutton Snapper – a favorite of Key West fishing captains and charters.

Light-tackle fishing boats are typically 28 – 32 feet in length and are versatile in where they can fish. This gives you an endless variety of fish to catch.

On light-tackle charters, experienced Key West boat captains can seek sharks and other large bottom fish, or anchor over reefs and wrecks to reel in such delicious fish as yellowtail snapper and black grouper. In the spring and early summer, the focus turns to Tarpon, as an annual migration bring thousands of large fish to the area.

The boats have a “bimini top” to keep the sun off, and plenty of room to move around as you fish. A few of these light-tackle fishing boats will combine activities and provide a bag of snorkel gear if you want to swim.

Light tackle boats have a six passenger maximum as per US Coast Guard regulations.

| Key West Travel Guide - Visitor Information for Key West, FL in the Florida Keys

Key West July 4th Fireworks Cruises

Things to Do Menu

Watch the Key West fireworks show from the water, with a choice of boats and amenities.

Choices for July 4, 2026 fireworks cruises:

Sebago Fireworks, Sunset, & Dinner Cruises

Wind & Wine & Fireworks Cruise

Deep Sea Fishing

Things to Do Menu

Key West deep-sea fishing is world class – legendary for large and powerful game fish.

Flats Fishing Charters

Things to Do Menu

Stalk bonefish, hunt tarpon, and outsmart permit in the shallow waters of Key West’s backcountry.

Light Tackle Fishing

Things to Do Menu

Catch snapper, grouper, tarpon, and more on these versatile Key West fishing charters