Dolphin watching & sandbar tour from Key West: Unlimited drinks

Dolphins approach the boat. You float on a lily pad with a drink in hand.

This five-hour tour from Key West's Historic Seaport takes you to a secluded sandbar in Jewfish Basin and then into the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to watch wild dolphins. The boat includes unlimited draft beer, wine and mimosas; lunch (Cuban sandwiches, fried chicken, wraps and platters); water toys and snorkel gear; and a lily pad float. A live English-speaking guide explains the local marine life and ecosystems as you move between stops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary3h
2. South Beachpassing by

Sandbar and dolphin encounter tour

• Depart from Historic Seaport Key West
• Pass by South Beach
• Visit secluded sandbar at Jewfish Basin
• Relax with unlimited beer, wine, mimosas
• Enjoy complimentary lunch
• Explore Florida Marine Sanctuary dolphin playground
• Watch and interact with wild dolphins

The experience

The tour departs from the Historic Seaport in downtown Key West and passes South Beach on the way out. You'll spend the first part of the day at a shallow sandbar surrounded by turquoise water: the kind of place where you can wade, snorkel, toss a football or simply float on one of the lily pads while the crew keeps your cup full. The sandbar sits in Jewfish Basin, a protected bay known for clear water and calm conditions. Lunch arrives on the boat: fresh local Cuban sandwiches, fried chicken tenders, veggie wraps, fruit and cheese platters, plus soda and water alongside the beer, wine and mimosas.

Once you've had your time at the sandbar, the boat heads into the dolphin playground: the area of the sanctuary where wild dolphins regularly gather. These dolphins are accustomed to boats and often approach to investigate. You'll watch them play and move through the water from the deck, with your guide pointing out behavior and answering questions about how they live. The whole trip runs five hours, which gives you time to settle into both stops without rushing.

The boat has a restroom on board. Bring sunscreen and a towel if you have them. The crew does not provide these. Arrive 60 minutes before departure for check-in. The tour works for families, couples and solo travelers, and it's suitable for all fitness levels: infants and small children can come along, and service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Unlimited draft beer, wine, mimosas and soda.
• lunch with Cuban sandwiches, fried chicken, wraps and platters.
• snorkel gear and water toys at the sandbar.
• a lily pad float.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• and a restroom on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 60

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sunset Watersports

Is this one for you?At five hours, this tour fits a half-day outing and leaves your morning or evening free: ideal if you're arriving in Key West with a few hours to spare or want to combine it with another activity. The fixed schedule and all-inclusive drinks and food mean you're not managing logistics or budgets once you're on the water.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do the dolphins do when the boat arrives at the playground?

The dolphins in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are accustomed to human interaction and often approach the boat to investigate. You'll watch them play and move through the water from the deck, getting a close view of their behavior in their natural habitat.

Can I snorkel at the sandbar, or is it just for floating and swimming?

The sandbar visit includes snorkel gear as one of the water toys available. You can snorkel, swim, sunbathe or float on a lily pad. The choice is yours depending on what you want to do that day.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Lunch is included and consists of fresh local Cuban sandwiches, fried chicken tenders, veggie wraps, fruit and veggie trays, cheese and cracker platters, and pita with hummus. The menu offers options for different preferences, though you should confirm any specific dietary needs when you book.

How much of the five hours is spent at the sandbar versus watching dolphins?

The itinerary splits the day between the secluded sandbar in Jewfish Basin and the dolphin playground in the sanctuary, with travel time between them. Both stops are substantial enough to settle in and enjoy. The five-hour total gives you a full experience at each location without feeling rushed.

What's included in the unlimited drinks?

Unlimited draft beer, wine, mimosas and soda are included throughout the tour. The crew keeps your cup filled while you're at the sandbar and during the dolphin-watching portion.

Do I need to bring anything, or is everything provided?

Snorkel gear, water toys, lunch and drinks are all provided. Bring sunscreen and a towel if you have them, as the crew does not supply these. Arrive 60 minutes early for check-in.