The allure of palm trees and white sand beaches visible from the sundeck of your yacht all while floating on turquoise waters is enthralling. This can all be yours without a passport and a just quick flight from anywhere in the United States. The southeastern shores of Florida offer storybook memories, picturesque backdrops, and delightful culinary diversity.
Once you settle in and depart from Fort Lauderdale, enjoy a short cruise down through Miami’s vibrant skyline and into Elliott Key. Located within Biscayne National Park, Elliott Key was once home to pineapple plantations and has now adopted a more serene atmosphere. There is something for everyone in this peaceful area of the coast. Envelop yourself in its coral reefs, islands, and mangrove forests. Dolphins, turtles, and pelicans make the Biscayne Bay Lagoon their home as well as Florida’s favorite sea cows, manatees. Enjoy a dive or snorkel at the underwater Maritime Heritage Trail which links six shipwrecks spanning over several centuries and sizes. For coastal views, stop over to Boca Chita Key Lighthouse or take a guided tour at Convoy Point to learn more about the local ecosystems.
Moving South, set beautifully between Everglades National Park and North America’s only living coral barrier reef, lies Key Largo. While you might not find The Beach Boys here now, Key Largo has been coined the “Diving Capital of the World” and is an ideal location for water sports. One can kayak through the mangroves or jet ski along the coast. No trip to Key Largo is complete without a visit to Pennekamp Park, the most visited snorkel site famous for its underwater “Christ of the Deep” statue and surrounding reefs.
Just East of Key Largo, you will discover Rodriguez Key. This island is charming, quaint, and favored by gorgeous birds who explore the protected shallow waters. The National Marine Sanctuary is full of endangered wildlife and their habitats, such as bird nesting, feeding areas, and turtle nesting beaches.
The next leg of your cruising itinerary will take you into the heart of the Florida Keys, Marathon Key. Known for some of the best fishing in the world, you can spend the day here catching tuna or grouper and your private, onboard Chef will prepare a delicious sea-to-plate meal for you and your guests.
You will be surprised waking up in this part of the U.S. as it resembles a favored part of the Exuma islands with water so clear and fish so brightly colored. Let your captain cruise by the famous seven-mile bridge to Little Palm Island where your guests can utilize all the amenities that this island has to offer, including the blue lagoon pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the pristine white sand beaches. Indulge in ultimate island isolation here with its dotted seashell beaches, tropical foliage, and acres of pristine paradise…the perfect day for rest and relaxation.
Rise and shine in beautiful Little Palm Island and cruise over to the southernmost point of the USA, Key West. With its palm lined streets and Caribbean air, Key West is the ultimate Florida Keys destination. Dock at Stock Island Marina and enjoy lunch or dinner at one of their three notable restaurants. One of the favored brunch spots is Blue Heaven, famous for their sky-high key lime pie and lobster eggs benedict. Explore the town and all its gems inclusive of Ernest Hemingway’s house museum and discover why this island is famed for its pastel-hued, conch-style houses. As the sun goes down, you will truly understand why Key West is famous for her sunsets.
Another notable point of interest in the Keys is the Dry Tortugas. After cruising through the Marquesas Keys, a beautiful uninhabited island chain, the yacht will make its way to the Dry Tortugas. The Dry Tortugas is a series of islands 70 miles from Key West with a rich history, most known for the soldiers who served at Fort Jefferson, but also encompasses a sea of waving palms, seabirds, and turquoise fish. This is a special isolated park where the waves and tropical birds provide the perfect charter soundtrack.
After a serene trip South to the Tortugas, it is time to make our way back up to the northernmost part of the Florida Keys, Elliot Cay. Stop for a snorkel at Sandwich Cove, Hurricane Reef, or the Mandalay Wreck.
Since this is your final evening in the Keys, be sure to have the Chef cook a fresh catch, or perhaps steam a fresh lobster to end the Florida Keys journey.
Revel in your last full day of water toys, tender rides, and snorkeling while enjoying all Miami has to offer. Cruise by Stiltsville, wooden stilted houses at the edge of Biscayne Bay, and experience your last night out at Seaspice or Kiki on the River, two Miami hot spots accessible by boat.
Travelling by private yacht to this part of the United States is easy, carefree and a generally inexpensive vacation one can enjoy with family and friends. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, milestone or just need an extended weekend away, our team can make your trip memorable and unique. Contact us today to learn more or inquire on a custom itinerary for your group.