Key West Jet Ski Tour: 28-mile island ride with sandbar stop

You ride the newest jet skis in the Florida Keys, not older rentals.

A guided jet ski tour around Key West covers 28 miles of coastline in 90 minutes, with stops at the Southernmost Point, Boca Chica Sandbar, and the Florida Keys Wildlife Sanctuary. The morning departure is the first trip out on the water and costs less than later tours. Jet skis, fuel, gear, and a second rider are included; drivers and riders can switch at stops so both get time at the helm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Morning Jet Ski Tour Around Key West

• Start jet ski tour early morning
• Circle entire island of Key West
• Pass Smathers Beach
• Pass Fort Zachary Taylor
• Pass Higgs Beach
• Pass Dog Beach
• Pass Simonton Beach
• Pass South Beach
• Pass Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
• Stop at Southernmost Point
• Stop at hidden local sandbar
• Stop inside Florida Keys Nature Sanctuary
• Switch drivers and riders during stops
• Return to starting point

The Experience

The tour departs early—the first group on the water—which is why the price drops below the standard rate. You'll ride top-of-the-line jet skis around the entire island, passing Smathers Beach, Fort Zachary Taylor, Higgs Beach, Dog Beach, Simonton Beach, South Beach, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The 28-mile route takes 90 minutes and breaks at two key stops: the Southernmost Point, where you can stand on the marker, and Boca Chica Sandbar, a shallow stretch where you can climb off and wade.

At the sandbar and the wildlife sanctuary, drivers and riders swap roles. If you came as a passenger, you take the controls for the next leg. If you drove the first stretch, your co-rider gets their turn. An expert guide leads the group, points out local history and wildlife, and handles the safety briefing before you leave the dock. All gear fits in the jet ski—no separate equipment to manage—and fuel is included, so there are no hidden charges at the end.

The tour includes a free second rider, so you're not paying double if two of you go. Shuttle pickup is available based on availability; public transportation options are also nearby if you prefer to meet the group at the dock. The morning slot fills fast because of the price and the calm water that early in the day, so book ahead if you want the earlybird rate.

What’s included

• Jet ski rental with fuel.
• all safety gear and helmets.
• expert guide in English.
• a second rider at no extra charge.
• stops at the Southernmost Point, Boca Chica Sandbar, and the Florida Keys Wildlife Sanctuary.
• complimentary shuttle pickup based on availability.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sunset Watersports

Is this one for you?The early start—you're on the water before most visitors finish breakfast—is what keeps the price down and the water calm. If you want to ride jet skis without paying full rate and prefer a morning departure, this tour delivers both.

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Top questions

Can I switch between driving and riding during the Key West jet ski tour?

Yes. Drivers and riders can switch at each stop—the sandbar and the sanctuary—so both of you get time at the helm during the 90-minute tour.

What's included in the morning jet ski tour price?

The tour includes the jet ski, fuel, all safety gear, an expert guide, and a second rider at no extra charge. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges at the end.

What happens at Boca Chica Sandbar during the tour?

Boca Chica Sandbar is a shallow stop where you can climb off the jet ski and wade in the water. It's a break in the ride where drivers and riders can switch roles before heading back out.

Do I need a boating license or safety certification for this tour?

A Florida Boaters Safety Test is required; the operator will text you the link and it's straightforward to complete before your tour.

Is the morning departure really cheaper than later tours?

Yes. The earlybird tour is the first trip out on the water and offers a discounted rate compared to standard daytime departures, plus the water is calmer early in the morning.

What's the Florida Keys Wildlife Sanctuary stop like?

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is a protected area you pass through and stop in during the tour. Your guide shares facts about the marine life and history while you're there.