Comments and Feedback

Who to call in Key West for Boat Towing Services?

QUESTION: Just planning ahead for our trip down from Fort Lauderdale, and if an emergency happens out on the water we need to know who to call. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I really do not boat enough to need towing insurance. But if the engine will not fire, I have to call someone before we take the three day drift to Havana Cuba! ANSWER: One option is to call the Key West Harbor Services at 305-454-3121. Double check me on the phone number, but that is the line I have in my PDA. Also, having a basic boat travel plan passed to someone on shore is always a winner. Even if it is someone back up in South Florida. Just set a expected deadline and another mandatory deadline for the two of you to connect over the phone and declare the voyage as complete. If there is no contact by the mandatory deadline, the call can then go into the Southernmost Coast Guard (305-292-8856), and they will advise you of the standard protocol here. Also, do know that the Key West Harbor Services covers the water from the Dry Tortugas to Big Coppitt Key. Have a sweet time boating.

Fishing and Watersports is a big delight

The water is the biggest natural attraction down on the island and it is prime time! You can boat, swim, and jump in the water about anywhere you can easily get out. Plus, this is a boater friendly community, with tons of docking spots for: old fashioned burgers, picnics, swimming, topless sunbathing, or just to paddle around scenically on a kayak.

Florida Keys Boating and Motorcycle Events

Certainly you will want to checkout our big celebration, the one and only Key West Poker Run. One of the biggest events of the year in Florida, as motorcycle enthusiasts take on the Overseas Highway! Many stops at the coolest places along the way make this a Florida Keys wide party. Our website url link is included. Thanks for posting it on your Key West Boating Website.

Where can we get Fuel while Boating in Key West?

In the middle of the Island, bayside, is Garrison Bight Marina. This is where we go, as they have fuel at the dock. The staff does a good job and you do not even have to exit off the boat if you do not want. Plus, they have all the service, fishing supplies, bait, tackle, Yamalube, and OMC oil. Located at 711 Eisenhower Drive.

Guest Comment on Key West Boat Rentals

It all worked out so nice, four of us with our two children. They wanted to do the boating. Who would not want to play on the water here. So it was all about finding the rental location. This is the spot for a boat rental. You head out the same Key West Seaport as the Key West Express. That is the giant boat that goes to Naples and Fort Myers Beach. Our family loves that trip, which takes about 3 hours. Vacation to Mile Marker Zero cannot be beat. I also like the Snorkeling & Sunset Cruises. Most of the boats are actually custom-built catamarans, with all the cool add-ons. Everyone has to be a passenger on mid-day snorkel excursions or go with the sunset cruises. Just a few thoughts on having fun on the water off Old Town. Best Regards, Gale, Dave, and the kids!

What key elements regarding Boat Registration in Monroe County Florida?

QUESTION: I will be vacationing in Key West over the spring and summer and am bringing my boat. Planning to park it in a high and dry dock at Garrison Bight Marina, so I just call and they put it in the water from me. My concern is legality of my out of state boat usage in Florida. Any advise on issues with the police or Coast Guard using the boat?

ANSWER: The rules are you have to register the boat if you are going to use it over a three month period. However, I do not know how the Coast Guard would be able to quantify when you got here or how long you have been using the boat in the area. So that seems to be unenforceable, and a bad law. But, 90 days is the rule. For details on that or any of the other odd rules regarding boat registration, call any of the many Monroe County Tax Collector's Offices. The basics are highlighted below.