Key Largo: Sunset Cruise with Dolphin & Manatee Sighting

Summary

Key Largo sunset cruise gentle waters dolphins manatees laughter

You’ll drift across calm Key Largo waters as daylight fades, sharing laughs and snacks while looking for dolphins or maybe a slow-moving manatee. Feel free to bring your favorite drinks—there’s a cooler on board—and let local guides show you their favorite spots as the sky turns gold and pink.

What’s the experience like?

“You brought snacks, right?” someone called out as we stepped onto the boat in Key Largo — I’d totally forgotten, but the captain just grinned and pointed at the cooler. “No worries, we’ve got water. Anything else is fair game.” The sun was already starting to melt into that syrupy gold you get over Blackwater Sound. There was this salty tang in the air, mixed with sunscreen and something sweet from someone’s open bag of cookies. I kept listening for dolphins — you know how sometimes you hear them before you see them? — but mostly it was just the gentle slap of water against the hull and a few seabirds heckling each other overhead.

Our guide, I think her name was Jamie, pointed out a spot where manatees like to hang around. We didn’t see any at first — just this lazy ripple that could have been anything — but then someone shouted and there it was, a gray shape drifting by so slow it almost looked fake. Jamie told us about how they come up for air every few minutes, which made me weirdly anxious for them (I’m still not sure why). The whole vibe was relaxed, people sharing drinks (no glass allowed, which makes sense), passing around chips. It felt like everyone had slipped into that easy Florida pace where nobody’s really in a hurry.

I tried to take a photo of the sky when it went all pink-orange behind the mangroves, but honestly my phone didn’t do it justice. There’s this hush right before sunset that I didn’t expect — even the chatter quieted down for a minute or two while we watched the last bit of light slide away. Someone said they’d seen dolphins on their last Key Largo sunset cruise, so we kept scanning the bay until it got too dark to tell what was water and what was shadow. It’s funny how fast time goes when you’re just floating there with strangers who suddenly feel kind of familiar.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Key Largo sunset boat cruise

• Board boat at Key Largo
• Cruise Florida Bay and Blackwater Sound
• Enjoy sunset views
• Look for dolphins and manatees
• Bring own food and drinks

Top questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the Key Largo sunset cruise?

Yes, you can bring your own snacks and beverages (including adult drinks), but no glass containers are allowed.

Is water provided during the Key Largo boat tour?

Yes, there’s a water cooler with paper cups available on board for all guests.

Are dolphin or manatee sightings guaranteed?

No sightings aren’t guaranteed, but guides will point out spots where they’re often seen.

Is the Key Largo sunset cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas of the boat are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants or small children join this boat tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on board.

Are service animals allowed on this sunset cruise?

Yes, service animals are welcome on board.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at the departure point.

How long does the Key Largo sunset cruise last?

The duration isn’t specified but typically lasts through sunset hours over Blackwater Sound.

What’s included

Your evening includes a boat cruise along Florida Bay from Key Largo with a friendly local crew guiding you past dolphin and manatee hotspots at sunset; there’s a water cooler with paper cups on board (so no need to lug bottles), plus you’re welcome to bring any snacks or drinks—just skip glass containers for safety.