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Skip the Winter with a Miami Yacht Charter

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Best Miami Yacht Charter Deals Right Now!

Miami yacht charter at www.boat.me

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We know the struggle

Winter in the Northeast and the other colder parts of the US is OK. There are, in fact, lots of good things about it. Brisk walks under chilly, but bright skies. Hot chocolate in front of big roaring fireplaces. Hearty stews and warming soups and the simple joy of a snowball fight.

There are however, plenty of downsides too. Cars that won’t start because they’re too cold. Slushy snow and ice that makes it hard to walk, let alone drive. Snow shoveling. A house full of cabin crazy folks who want to go outside but don’t because, well, they don’t want to freeze to death, so they all stay in and fight and argue instead.  Yes, winter can be OK, but most people do wish that they could go back to the beach, if only for a day.

Yacht Charters in Miami

Miami yacht charters. Click to book.

It’s for these reasons and more that Florida winter vacations are so very popular, especially with the Northern folks. Here in Florida, Santa makes his rounds in his board shorts and if you want to eat Christmas lunch on the beachfront while topping up your tan you can.

There’s a way out!

Many of those who head south for a winter vacation in Miami choose to stay at one of the city’s admittedly fine hotels. And that’s great, but there is an alternative, or perhaps an extra to consider, when planning a Miami winter vacation.

41 Sea Ray Miami Yacht charter

41′ Sea Ray Yacht. Click to book.

Taking advantage of the fact that a Miami yacht charter is easily and readily available – and often at a price that is far less extravagant than you might have imagined – allows you to take your Miami winter adventuring to a whole new level, as it opens up so many more opportunities. Like what, we hear you ask. How about any one – or all – of these, just for starters.

A Day Trip to Bimini with Miami Yacht Charter 

Located just 50 miles east of Miami by sea, the three islands that make up the District of Bimini – North Bimini, South Bimini, and East Bimini – offer the kinds of simple summer pleasures that any still thawing out vacationer will enjoy immensely. Stunning sandy beaches, world class fishing – Bimini is not known as the Fishing Capital of the Bahamas for nothing – amazing yet affordable dining and that is just the beginning. It’s a history buff’s paradise too and legend says that it is in Bimini that Juan Ponce de León found his Fountain of Youth, and so if you want to spend an afternoon looking for it, why not?

Yacht charter to Bimini at www.boat.me

86′ Azimut Yacht. Click to book.

A Cruise Around the Keys

The Florida Keys are unique in so many ways and there really isn’t a single one of them that should be skipped over if you can help it. Florida Keys boat rental affords you the chance to cruise the Keys in style, skipping the crowded public ferries and boat tours in favor of an experience that is far more sophisticated and satisfying.

From enjoying some REAL Key Lime Pie to meeting Ernest Hemingway’s famous six-toed cats to exploring some of the most beautiful waterways and beaches in the world the Florida Keys really do offer something for everyone and it’s all better when experienced with a private, luxury yacht at your disposal.

Key West yacht charters at www.boat.me

Key West Charters. Click to book.

Stage Your Own Mini Bahamas Cruise

Ever wanted to go on a cruise around the Bahamas, but aren’t too keen on the idea of a standard cruise ship? The crowds, enforced itineraries and endless generic buffets aren’t for everyone, especially if all you really want is to experience the Bahamas while also getting away from it all, including overly energetic kids and slightly dodgy cabaret acts.

Yacht charter in Miami

44′ Azimut Yacht Charter. Click to book.

A Miami yacht charter offers you the opportunity to stage your own, perfect for you, cruise around the Bahamas. You don’t actually have to do the hard work of sailing (unless you want to) as you can hire an experienced captain to do ‘the driving’ for you. By the same token although almost every yacht charter in Miami does come equipped with a great galley you don’t have to use it, you can bring along a great chef to do the cooking while you just enjoy the fruits of their labor in style.

Just try it, trust us!

Miami luxury yacht charter

88′ Lazzara Yacht. Click to book.

Whatever you can think of, there is probably a Miami yacht charter option available to meet your needs and provide you with the winter vacation of your dreams. Just take a look at BOAT.ME has to offer! From sporty catamarans to luxury yachts that even the swankiest celebrities would approve of there’s something to suit any taste and almost any budget. So why not consider skipping the ice and snow this winter and enjoying some Florida sun instead? Even if you only stay for a few days it will make all those cold winter months to come so much more bearable, we promise!

Islamorada boat rentals: your trip to Paradise

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According to many who have spent time there, paradise isn’t hard to find; it’s just off the coast of mainland Florida in the form of the Florida Keys. And Islamorada boat rentals is the best way to explore it!
Islamorada boat rentals
Though most people immediately think of Key West when you mention the Florida Keys, and it is an amazing town, there is a great deal more to this unique coral cay archipelago than that. In all, there are over 1,700 islands making up the archipelago, although most are very small and only a small percentage of them are populated.
So you see, fun in the Florida Keys is not limited to Key West and there really is something for everyone. A weekend – or a long weekend perhaps – can offer a great introduction to this tropical playground and, as shuttle service is available to The Keys from both Miami International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, it’s pretty easy to get to from anywhere. But what can you do in a weekend? What should you do? Here are just a few suggestions and ideas.

Get Out onto the Water

If there is one thing there is an awful lot of in the Florida Keys it’s water. And while it’s beautiful to look at from the vantage of a sandy beach, or from the heights of the world famous Seven Mile Bridge, it can be even more rewarding to get out there and enjoy it in person, and as you might imagine, there are lots of ways to do that.

Islamorada boat rentals: catamaran for trips to Key West

Fish the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World”

As a first time visitor will quickly see boats are everywhere in the Florida Keys. And renting a boat on your trip here is essential! Whether you are into fishing and therefore Islamorada boat rentals would be of great interest to you (more about that in a moment) or your want to hit the water right where the action is and rent a boat in Key West you’ll find plenty to choose from at BOAT.ME. Just make sure you do it upfront to get the best rates!
Why would a fishing fanatic be interested in Islamorada boat rentals you might ask? Because the village – Islamorada is an incorporated village made up of six of the Keys; Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key – is considered by many to be “Sport Fishing Capital of the World”.
islamorada boat rentals: fishing charter
The waters around Islamorada have been immortalized in literature, and fished, by the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey. And there are all kinds of fishing choices available, from back country fishing to offshore sportsfishing, shark fishing, patch reef fishing and even party boat fishing. And of course, even if your day with an Islamorada boat rentals and your favorite fishing rod ends up not being as productive as you’d like you’ll still have a marvelous day and back onshore there are a number of fabulous restaurants that serve, as you might have guessed, some truly delicious seafood and more.

Cruise the Keys

If you rent a boat in Key West doing so can be a great way to set off on a little cruise of The Keys of your own, taking in other great spots like Key Largo, Tavernier and much more. There are many kinds of boats available too and offerings to suit most budgets.
Islamorada boat rental and jet ski
The one thing first timers do need to realize is that navigating the waters of the Florida Keys is not always easy for those who are less experienced boaters, and they can even be bit challenging for those who are. Many boaters new to the often shallow waters have had the inconvenient and unpleasant experience of running aground. That’s why when choosing to rent a boat in Key West you may want to inquire about hiring its captain as well!

See the Sights with Islamorada boat rentals

Both on land and at sea there is a lot to see, and a great many amazing places to visit that will entertain, inform or just simply delight you. Some of our personal favorites include the following:

Islamorada’s Theater of the Sea

This is one of the oldest marine life centers in the world and it’s home to all kinds of animals, some rescued and some born there, all living in safety and surrounded by care. It’s both an educational and entertaining trip and kids love it.

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

The great novelist and the Florida Keys are inextricably linked. For ten years he occupied this grand home in Old Town Key West, writing, relaxing and reveling in all that the turquoise waters surrounding the island had to offer him.
The home remains pretty much as he left it, and a trip there is a must for any literature buff or fans of Americana and architecture. But there’s another little bonus too; spending time with “Hemingway’s Cats”. More than 40 cats live on the property, many of whom are descendants of a six toed cat named Snow White, a personal pet beloved by the man himself. All of the cats are polydactyl – meaning they have six toes – and they are cared for by a personal staff of veterinarians and volunteers. Many of them like the visitors a lot too and are not afraid to show it!

Dry Tortugas National Park

Despite its name this stunningly beautiful park is made up of 99% water and is a hot-spot for scuba divers. Its also a world renowned haven for birds of more than 300 different species and their are plenty of very knowledgeable guides to help you spot them as many as you can. And finally, no trip here would be complete without heading to Fort Jefferson, the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere, located in the heart of the park.
Islamorada boat rentals: paddle boards and more!

Head to the Beach

Did we mention that there is also a great beach at the Dry Tortugas National Park? There is and it’s far from the only one. Some of our favorites include the very family friendly Sandspur Beach on Big Pine Key, the lively Zachary Taylor State Park Beach on Key West, the very relaxing Rest Beach which offers a quiet respite nearby and the dog friendly Higgs Beach is close too. To get the most out of your beach time do a little beach hopping, it’s fun and there’s lots to do, or not to do, depending on your preference.
Islamorada boat rentals

Eat!

Yes, if you don’t try at least one slice of Key Lime Pie while you are down in the Florida Keys we think you’ll really be missing out. But as the whole area is something of a foodie’s paradise as well there is lots more to try. Incredible locally caught seafood – conch fritters are a must and if you’re in Key West for Lobster Festival you’re in for a treat. Because there is such a Caribbean vibe to life in the Keys there are lots of other dishes to try too and you should, even if you’re not too familiar with them, it’s all part of the experience!
Islamorada boat rentals for lobster season

Visit John Pennekamp State Park when you Rent a Boat in Key West

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Visiting the state of Florida awards you with many exciting opportunities, some that you may never have even imagined. In spite of that, one of the most common activities happens to be snorkeling and diving, which is definitely something that you will want to look into when you get a chance.

That being said, you might want to not only rent a boat in Key West, but also check out John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – it offers endless possibilities and the ability to enjoy a beautiful underwater world. Today we’re going to take an in depth look at this amazing place which may potentially become your next vacation destination.

boat rentals in Key West

A Look at Pennekamp – Your Best Reason to Rent a Boat in Key West

John Pennekamp State Park was first established in 1963, and as a point of interest, it was actually the first undersea park in the United States. It sits next to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and encompasses an area of 178 nautical square miles. Some of the primary attractions in this area include:

  • * Coral Reefs
  • * Seagrass Beds
  • * Mangrove Swamps

 

An interesting and fun fact about this area is that it actually extends three miles into the Atlantic ocean, and houses the only living coral reef in the continental United States. With that being the case, you can actually find the park on the National Register of Historic places, having been added in April of 1972.

Exploring the park

When you use boat rentals in Key West to explore this amazing place there are actually several very cool things for you to find. There is plenty of tropical vegetation, shore birds, and of course the extensive marine life that you’ll find just below the surface. As always, however, you’re probably coming here to see the coral formations, which the park is more than happy to show off. It’s one of the most diverse underwater marine life communities in the United States and one thing that you’re going to want to scratch off of your bucket list.

If you want to see the coral reef via your own snorkeling expedition, you can actually arrange for an in-water guide, which costs a bit of money but in our opinion is entirely worth it. If you are an experienced snorkeler, you can simply take to the water and enjoy all that nature has to offer.

boat rentals in Key West

A Diving Expedition

If you want to take your underwater exploration to the next level, then it would do you some good to consider diving. John Pennekamp State Park is a popular destination for divers all around the world, and there are plenty of reefs and underwater formations for you to explore. If you don’t have the equipment, you can participate in one of the park facilitated diving opportunities. Check the park for times and locations, it might be the best decision that you ever make.

Pitch a Tent and Cast a Line

There are lots of things for you to do in the area if you so desire, one of which is camping. The state park features 47 camping sites for tents or RV’s, along with full amenities that ensure you’ll not only be happy, but also comfortable. If you want to try your hand at fishing, know that there are several designated areas, but you will need to make sure you obtain a saltwater fishing license for every member of your party. Make sure you check with park officials for rules and regulations regarding fishing as certain types are prohibited.

When you rent a boat in Key West shore excursions are most definitely an option and there are tons of things to see. You can Take a walk on the Mangrove and Wild Tamarind trails, and you can even seek a tour guide if you want. You don’t want to miss a single opportunity in this park and it won’t be too long before you’re enjoying what could be the best vacation you’ve ever experienced.

Above and Below the Surface

As a point of interest we’d like to mention that the park features a 30,000 gallon saltwater aquarium along with natural history exhibits detailing the park both above and below water, making it an outstanding educational opportunity if you want to bring the kids.

If you want to drop below the surface, make sure you take a look at the ‘Christ of the Abyss’ exhibit, which is an 8 foot tall statue of Jesus Christ sitting in 25 feet of water. It is the third casting of Cristo Degli Abissi, donated to the Underwater Society of America in 1961.

As you can see, there are lots of things to do, lots of things to see, and a great reason to rent a boat in Key West.

 

Islands you Must Visit in When you Rent a Boat in Key West

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If you’re planning on taking a trip to Florida, or more specifically Key West, then there is a good chance you want to do some island hopping. The area has plenty of great island and you can use boat rentals from Boat.me to make your way across the watery expanse. If you want to rent a boat in Key West you will obviously need to go to the best source and get the highest quality boat possible, but it all starts with making sure that you know your way around the water, and most importantly, that you know about these great islands that you can visit while you’re exploring the waters of the Florida Keys.

Rent a Boat in Key West

The Key Islands you Must Visit When you Rent a Boat

Some of these island destinations are pretty obvious, but it stands to reason there may be some you don’t know about. Let’s start with the most well-known island in the area: Key Largo.

Key Largo

When you look at boats for rent for the purpose of seeing the islands, Key Largo needs to be at the top of your list for obvious reasons. It’s beautiful, first of all, and secondly, it’s easy to get to. It holds good proximity to the mainland and is actually connected to the rest of the Florida Keys via Highway 1. As a side note, Key Largo is actually home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which encompasses 70 nautical miles of the Atlantic. Additionally, it hosts the only living coral reef in the continental United States along with the underwater statue of Jesus Christ which makes it a very popular spot for all kinds of activities which include:

  • Kayaking
  • Camping
  • Scuba Diving
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Snorkeling

Don’t forget to check out the restaurants in the area for an edible experience you won’t forget before you head back out onto the water.

Islamorada

If you’re already at Key Largo, why not take your boat half an hour south and visit Islamorada? Rather than being just one island it’s a chain, about twenty miles long. This small group of island is a great fishing spot, and is in fact referred to as the ‘Sports Fishing Capital of the World’. If you’re looking for adventure on the sea, this is definitely a place you’re going to want to visit. Not only will you have a chance to get some great fishing in, you’ll be able to take some snorkeling trips and even visit several nearby state parks which include:

  • Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
  • Indian Key Historic State Park

Once again, don’t forget to check out the food opportunities including the M.E.A.T Eatery and Taproom. There are lots of sights, sounds, and tastes to take in when you visit this island.

Marathon

BoatThis island was a former fishing village which was founded by New Englanders in the early 1800’s, and it’s definitely a spot that you will want to visit. If you’re into sea life, then you’re definitely going to want to take a look at the Turtle Hospital which serves as a small non-profit for the care of injured sea turtles. In addition to that, don’t forget to visit the Dolphin Research Center – if you’ve ever wanted to swim with the dolphins, now is your chance. You can access this one by boat, or via the 7 mile bridge which connects the Knight’s Key to the Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys.

Bahia Honda Key

At the West End of the Seven Mile Bridge you’ll find a small island that was once a camp for workers building the overseas railways, though today it is home to the Bahia Honda State Park. It features a public beach and more than 500 acres of land to explore. If you tire of the land, don’t’ forget to check out the off-shore island. There are plenty of great opportunities for all kinds of activities, so make sure you stop by and enjoy the scenery – it’s here waiting for you!

Rent a boat for one day or multiple days and enjoy all that these islands have to offer ; you’re bound to have a great time!

 

Experience the Pristine Sunsets with Sailboat Rentals in Key West

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How many sunsets have you seen in your life? We’re asking a petty serious question here, actually. If you think about it, there’s a good chance that for the vast majority of the sunsets that occur, you’ve been sitting in your living room, probably glued to the television or the computer screen. Actually you’ve probably spent a lot of sunsets at work, in the office or on the factory floor. Is it really possible to watch a sunset if you live in the city? All of those buildings definitely get in the way unless you’re willing to travel to a more remote location, and you probably aren’t going to do that, because who has time anymore?

The bottom line, is you don’t seen sunsets anymore, almost no one does. How amazing must it be to be standing in a beautiful, open space as the red hot sun surrenders its grip on the day and vanishes beneath the horizon line? It’s a thing of beauty and if you’re going to be vacationing in Florida, you absolutely deserve to see it. The best way to do so is with sailboat rentals in Key West.

Take to the Water with Key West Boat Rentals

Key West sits a few miles south of the Florida Coast and is home to many amazing attractions, quite a few of which you will probably want to take advantage of. The greatest thing about Key West, however, is the fact that it faces the West, precisely where the sun sets. You can have a completely unobstructed view of the Indian Ocean and the sunset that will occur in the evenings. This is, without a doubt, a great way for you to spend some, or even all of your vacation. The sunsets in Florida are fantastic, especially of you care to experience them on the water.

sailboat rentals in Key West

Getting the Perfect Sailboat Rental

Boat.me is an outstanding service in Key West and the part is it doesn’t require any planning ahead on your part. Our boats are available to anyone that wants to rent them on short notice, giving you the ability to make a last minute decision even at the tail end of your vacation. After all, who wouldn’t want to end their outstanding and amazing Florida vacation with a view of the glorious sunset? We know we certainly would! That being said, you definitely have a wide array of choices when it comes to finding the right boat for your purposes whether it’s a sailboat, a speed boat, or even a yacht – it all depends on your purpose and the number of passengers that you want to bring with you.

The Boat.me Difference

Generally, with Boat.me you will be renting a vessel from someone who has not only cared for it very well, but someone who will be willing to act as a charter for you in the event you don’t want to pilot the boat, or you simply don’t know how. Don’t let inexperience stand between you and the open ocean! Let Boat.me take you where you need to go in Key West.

Not only will you be able to rent some of the most incredible and prestigious boats from our website and our valued members, you will also find that you are able to rent boats that you might not have otherwise had access to. For example some of our boats are work millions and you will be able to rent them for a faction of that. In other words, you’re going to be able to experience the class and sophistication of a high end boat while experiencing the amazing sunset that only Key West can offer.

Now would definitely be a great time to start looking at a boat rental in Key West, giving yourself the chance to experience nature at its finest. It won’t be too long before you’re riding the waves alone or with friends and family. We’ve got the boat you need, you just need to come get it.

 

Rent a Boat in Key West for Lobster Season

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Key West offers many opportunities for the wayward traveler or tourist and one of them happens to fall during a little time of year that we like to call ‘lobster season’. Lobsters are literally the most expensive thing on the menu and with good reason – they taste delicious! There’s nothing quite like heading out there into the deep blue sea to get them yourself, and you can take advantage of regular lobster season which launches on August 6 and carries on through March of next year. With the season coming up, now would be a great time to look into a Key West boat rental offer from Boat.me

Key West Boat Rental from Boat.me

The Benefits of a Key West Boat Rental from Boat.me

There are a plethora of benefits to renting a boat from Boat.me rather than a typical rental service, and we’re going to go over them right now. First of all, you are able to book at the last minute. If the mood for lobster fishing suddenly strikes you and you don’t happen to own a boat, then you don’t need to wait until one becomes available. Boat.me uses boat rentals facilitated by other owners rather than providing company owned boats. You will be getting access to boats that are tried and true, with the best part being the available equipment. Most boat owners will leave fishing equipment onboard their boat, ensuring that you’ll have everything you need for the ultimate high seas adventure – you really couldn’t ask for more, especially during lobster season.

In addition to having access to a boat when you need it, you’ll find that you have access to many different types of boats. We believe that one of the best parts of boat rentals in Key West from Boat.me is the ability to rent high end, highly prestigious boats rather than sticking with dinghies or generic pontoon boats. The owners of each boat will set their own prices, meaning you can get pretty much whatever you want at a fraction of the cost. There’s a whole new world of boating out there for you, and for a few days, you can feel like a millionaire.

Lobster Fishing Essentials

Before you embark on your epic quest for the chicken of the sea, there are a few things that you will need to know. First of all, you will indeed need to obtain a recreational license or lobster permit which will cost you $5.  These licenses can be obtained at the state website, or you can purchase them at most marinas.

Once you obtain your license you will be able to use any recreational gear for spiny lobster which includes:

  • Dip Nets
  • Bully Nets
  • Grabs

These items are the only ones allowed in the pursuit of lobster. Keep in mind that  you cannot use anything that would penetrate the exoskeleton of the lobster, which means spears are prohibited. Chemical traps are also prohibited, which definitely limits your options but does make the process a bit more sporting.

Rent a Boat in Key West

Get Out There

When you rent a boat from boat.me you’re not just getting a boat – you’re getting an experience. That being said, now would be the time to take a look at everything we have to offer. Hundreds of boats are available for rent right from our website whether you want to go with something large for a group of people, or a smaller boat to take out by yourself. As lobster season approaches, we’ll be prepared to give you the Key West boat rental that you need to truly make the most of it. Remember, boat.me offers speed boat rentals in Key West along with fishing boat rentals and even yacht rentals if you want to take it that far. With great prices and high availability, there are absolutely no limits!

 

 

 

Visit These Three Snorkeling Hotspots when you Rent a Boat in Key West

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If you’re looking for a great way to spend the majority of your Florida vacation, then Key West boat rentals are without a doubt your key to adventure and excitement. There are lots of things to do in Key West, as you have probably already figured out, but the greatest excitement can be found beneath the waves, rather than in the cities. There’s an entire world of adventure down there just waiting for you to discover it, and it all starts with renting a boat. Before you can go, however, you need to be aware of the different snorkeling locations in and around Key West – don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Finding the Best Snorkeling Locations

There’s a lot of water in Key West, to put it mildly. Even if you take advantage of a boat rental in Key West you will need to know where to go, and it is not always self-explanatory. Generally, the consensus is that anywhere in the Florida Keys is a great place for snorkeling if you have a boat, but if you’re not an experienced boater or snorkeler, then you’re going to need some guidance. That being said, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best locations in Key West to drop anchor and explore the sea bottom.

Before we get into that, however, let’s talk a bit about Key West. First of all, it’s the most popular boating destination in the Keys, and one of the greatest benefits is that it is not nearly as popular as the northern areas. That being the case, it’s a bit quieter, and a bit more enjoyable if you’re looking for solitude and a less busy area to boat in.

Be Your Own Captain!

One of the biggest problems with snorkeling in Key West is actually finding a prime location. You can snorkel anywhere, but on the south side of the island you’ll mostly find areas that are rife with seaweed, and while that might be interesting to a raw beginner, those who came looking for the colorful backdrops normally seen in snorkeling videos are going to be sorely disappointed. The following locations will serve to provide great snorkeling opportunities during your boat rental in Key West

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

This area is so named for the Civil War era fort that like so many others sits on the coast as a haunting reminder of America’s past. Apart from that, however, the southwest tip of Key West provides a series of man -made breakwater areas that do a great job of providing fish filled areas. It’s a great opportunity to see Florida’s marine life at its finest. One important thing to note about this area is that it tends to play host to high currents, so be very careful if you choose to swim outside the breakwater.

Higgs Beach

You won’t have to pay a dime to get in here, other than the gas expenses to move your boat from one place to the next. Visitors who rent a boat in Key West love to frequent this location for the exploration opportunities. Most of the easy life in this area can be seen below the old dock right off the beach, and you’ll find plenty of other great secrets as well. If you get tired of exploring beneath the surface, you can always retire to the beach and enjoy a day in the sun – it features some of the clearest waters in Florida, and a great experience overall.

The Florida Keys present some of the greatest diving and snorkeling opportunities in the country and when you rent a boat in Key West from Boat.me you will be able to not only take advantage of them, but explore locations you never even imagined. Remember, Boat.me has a wide selection of water craft suitable for exploration, snorkeling, or just hanging out on the water.