Key West: Schooner Sunset Sail with Open Bar & Hors d'oeuvres

Summary

Sail past Key West icons at golden hour with drinks flowing and laughter in the salty air

You’ll board a classic schooner in Key West for a sunset sail past Fort Zachary Taylor and Sunset Pier, sipping complimentary drinks as you snack on plated hors d’oeuvres. With friendly local crew and an open bar included, expect laughter, golden light on the water, and a feeling you might want to chase again.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder if sunsets really look different in Key West? I did, until we stepped onto the America 2.0 schooner at the Bight Marina. The wood under my sandals felt smooth and a little warm from the day. A local crew member handed me a glass of something cold (champagne, I think — I was distracted by the way her accent rolled when she said “cheers”). We drifted away from the dock just as a pelican crash-landed nearby, making some kids laugh. There’s this hush that falls over people when you first get out on the water — like everyone’s waiting for something big to happen but pretending they’re not.

Our captain — I think his name was Mike or maybe Mark — pointed out Fort Zachary Taylor as we sailed by. It looked smaller from the water than I expected, but somehow more mysterious with all that history behind those walls. The hors d’oeuvres came around on little plates; shrimp with some kind of spicy sauce that made my lips tingle (I probably should’ve asked what it was). Beer and wine kept showing up before my glass was ever empty. Someone at our table tried to say “thank you” in Spanish to one of the crew and got it wrong; everyone laughed, including the crew, which made it feel less like a tour and more like a floating dinner party.

The light started turning gold as we passed Sunset Pier. People waved from shore — or maybe at someone else, but it felt like it was for us too. There’s this moment where you forget about your phone or what time it is; you just watch how the sky changes color over Mallory Square and listen to the sails creak overhead. I leaned against the rail and let my hand trail through the wind — salty, cool, almost sharp compared to how sticky-hot it had been back on land. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed out there, honestly.

I still think about that last stretch before we turned back: everyone quiet for once, just watching the sun drop into that endless line where sea meets sky. If you book this sunset sail from Key West, don’t rush off after docking — let yourself linger a bit longer in that glow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset sailing with drinks and views

• Board Schooner America 2.0
• Sail along Key West coastline
• View Fort Zachary from water
• See Sunset Pier and landmarks
• Enjoy complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres
• Relax and watch Florida sunset

Top questions

How long does the Key West sunset sail last?

The sunset sail lasts approximately 2 hours from departure to return.

Are drinks included during the schooner sunset cruise?

Yes, complimentary beer, wine, Champagne, and soda are included throughout your sail.

Is food served on board during this Key West sunset cruise?

Yes, individually plated hors d’oeuvres are served during the cruise.

Where does the Key West schooner sunset sail depart from?

The cruise departs from Key West Bight Marina; check in at their ticket booth 20-30 minutes prior to departure.

Is this sunset cruise suitable for children or families?

Yes, children can join; infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Can service animals come aboard?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board during the sunset sail.

Should I bring anything for cooler weather?

A light jacket is recommended as it can be cooler on the water during evening hours.

Are there any special events for holidays?

On Christmas Eve/Day enjoy holiday treats & photos; New Year’s Eve/Day includes a champagne toast & souvenir flute.

What’s included

Your evening includes boarding at Key West Bight Marina with easy check-in before setting sail aboard America 2.0. Throughout your two-hour journey you’ll enjoy complimentary beer, wine, Champagne and soda along with individually plated hors d’oeuvres served by friendly local crew—all while gliding past landmarks like Fort Zachary Taylor and Sunset Pier before returning after sundown.