BOAT.ME BLOG

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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

This 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!

 

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.

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.

 

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

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.

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!