Top 5 Sandbars in Key West to Explore by Boat

Top 5 Sandbars in Key West to Explore by Boat

Key West, FL, has a lot to offer its tourists and residents. At the top of this list are sandy beaches, warm turquoise waters, and a gentle off-shore breeze. The Florida Keys, however, go beyond normal beach experiences to give something different: sandbars. Sandbars are areas of sand that sit above water.

Sandbar Tours In The Florida Keys
Book our most popular tour: Hopping Sandbars in Key West Boat Trip

Key West Boat Trips offer tourists an entirely different way to experience the ocean. Imagine being immersed in the ocean, sitting atop extraordinarily soft sand, soaked in the oceanic water, taking it all in. No swimming, no holding of breaths, just sitting on the sand and enjoying the popular sand and surf. Better yet, imagine intimate sandbar parties, lunches, and dinners.

If that sounds like heaven, here are the top 5 sandbars to explore by boat:

Sandbar: Boca Grande

People whose bucket list has a sandbar party on them have definitely come across Boca Grande in their search. It is a favorite destination, located 14 miles west of Key West. A portion of this Island is normally exposed during the low tide, allowing people to take in the ocean distinctively. The surrounding waters in Boca Grande are also notably deeper than all other sandbars.

This allows tourists to enjoy ultra-soft sand as they fish. As if that’s not enough, it is a popular destination for friendly dolphins. Unfortunately, this makes it quite crowded during holidays. Off-peak seasons are therefore the ideal time to enjoy this sandbar. This time would be particularly appealing to couples looking for a romantic setting.

Romance In The Boca Grande Key
Romance In The Boca Grande Key

Since the beach has a gentle curve, the sense of privacy between different boaters is guaranteed. The sand bar is therefore a one-of-a-kind intimate setting for couples. Snorkeling with a loved one on a 4-hour private tour with Key West Boat Trips would be specifically unforgettable.

Away from couples, sometimes all one needs is a bit of time away from their jobs, relationships, and family. A time to be alone, and reflect. Well, the Boca Grande sandbar is so far into the water that there is no network reception! Talk of no distractions. As one enjoys sponge garden snorkeling in just 5 feet of water, all there is to do is unwind!

Sandbar: Snipe Point

Also known as Snipes, it is one of the most popular if not the most popular sandbar in the Florida Keys. It is situated near a mangrove island and is considerably longer than Boca Grande. This means that the sandbar can hold many people at a go. When lucky and the place is empty, one can enjoy a long relaxing stroll along the soft sand.

Key West Sandbars
Key West Sandbars

Depending on the spot chosen, note that water could immerse an averagely tall person till just above the waist. It, therefore, allows for swimming, snorkeling, and strolling. A great time to visit would be sunset, to take in the phenomenal view. Since it is closer to the town, a 2-hour private boat trip by Key West Boat Tours will suffice. Hop on one and capture an unforgettable sunset cruise!

Sandbar: Woman Key

It is the perfect destination for wildlife lovers. This is because it is located in the National Wildlife Refuge. This is a conservation center that seeks to protect bird nesting areas located in mangroves. While these nesting areas are out of bounds, a smooth boat ride along the backcountry waters allows people to enjoy it from a distance.

To navigate these sections easily, it would be wise to partner with an experienced charter boat company. For this, the 3 hour Key West Lunch Cruise would be ideal. Not only will guests enjoy freshly made lunch in the water, but they could also enjoy an enjoyable swim through the beautiful backcountry waters.

The stretch of sand in Woman Key is also long, allowing people to anchor their boat and enjoy strolls. The sandbar however has numerous live Conchs, but bear in mind that they are endangered species! Look but don’t touch! Well, one may touch, but safely put them back since they are protected.

Sandbar: Mud Keys

It is located about 11 miles northeast of Key West. This makes it a popular destination for people who’d like to swim or snorkel in knee-deep shallow waters without traveling too far into the ocean. Here, riders also enjoy a mangrove maze made of a series of islands apart from sandbar Key West.

Mangroves In The Florida Keys
Mud Keys Sandbars and Mangroves

It is truly an adventurous ride, and throwing in a Key West Dinner Cruise alongside a visit here could be a perfect way to conclude a trip to Key West. We offer sandbar tours with a 3-hour dinner cruise, where friends and families can bite on some mouthwatering seafood as they enjoy the breathtaking scenery! Noice!!!

Sandbar: Marvin Key

This one is for adventure lovers! Marvin Key is located in the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. It is a privately owned key and is quite underdeveloped. This is probably because it is hard to find, with a narrow entry that is tricky to locate.

Nevertheless, do not be fooled. It is not as secluded as it sounds. Rather, it is a locals’ hub, popular with local boaters and the general public. It is also sometimes used as a backcountry campsite.

Looking for this sandbar may seem like too much work, but the tropical paradise will be worth the trouble. It is worth noting that even though it is a favorite spot for the residents of Key West, it is kept pretty clean. This says a lot for the boaters of KeyWest, to say the least!

Memories to Last a Lifetime!

Whether it’s a trip to one or all of the sandbars in the Florida Keys, we offer the perfect launchpad for the next vacation. With friendly captains, experienced guides, and reliable boats, these boat tours will guarantee a phenomenal time at Key West. With different packages that include dinners, lunches, and even sandbar hopping, these custom-crafted sandbar trips will have anyone nostalgic!

That said, leave the hustle and bustle behind and come dip those restless feet into ultra-soft sand. Think babies’ hands are soft? This sand will have anyone rethinking it! Leave the crowd behind and take time to visit one of Florida’s most unique natural features: sandbars in the Florida Keys!

Ready for your next adventure?