Top Key West Dinner Cruises

There are a wide variety of Key West dinner cruises to choose from. Looking at ratings and reviews given by previous customers, these are the best cruises available right now:

• Key West Sunset Sail with Full Bar, Live Music and Hors D’oeuvres
• Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner and Drinks Included
• Key West Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise with Open Bar and Live Music

Yes, travelers generally find a Key West dinner cruise is worth it. Key West is famous for its magnificent sunsets, and the ultimate view is from the water. Set sail along the coast just before sunset and enjoy unobstructed views across the Gulf of Mexico as you dine on board.

A Key West dinner cruise typically costs about US$90 per person and includes a buffet dinner and unlimited wine, beer, and other drinks. If you don’t want a full meal, there are also more budget-friendly sunset cruises departing from Key West that serve hors d’oeuvres or tapas with an open bar.

It depends. Key West dinner cruises typically set sail about an hour or two before sundown, so you can watch the sunset from the water. In the summer months, this usually means boats set sail between 5:30pm and 6pm, while in the winter, boats will depart earlier. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the cruise departure time to check in and secure a good seat.

Key West cruises offer the best of both worlds: admire the colorful coastal city from the water, then leave the crowds behind and set sail for the open ocean. Enjoy a prime view of Key West Harbor and Mallory Square as you glide along the coast, then take in unobstructed sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico. You might even see the moon rise as you cruise back to shore.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Key West aside from dinner cruises. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Sunset Cruises
• Snorkeling
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Catamaran Cruises

Key West dinner cruise prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best cruises to book now: 

• Key West Sunset Sail with Full Bar, Live Music and Hors D’oeuvres
• Key West Sunset Sail: Dolphin Watching, Wine, and Tapas
• Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Live Music & Drinks Included
• Key West Schooner Sunset Sail with Bar & Hors D’oeuvres
• Key West Small-Group Sunset Sail with Wine and Hors D’oeuvres

There are several Key West cruises available, so compare your options carefully before deciding. Check whether a full meal is served or just appetizers, and whether drinks are included or charged separately—it’s wise to bring some cash for the bar, just in case. Also take note of the onboard facilities: Boats with air-conditioned cabins are a smart choice in summer, but the best views are from an open-air top deck. Arrive early to snag a window seat with a prime sunset view.

Key West is a pretty casual place, and most dinner cruises have a similarly laid-back approach to dress codes. You can always check ahead with the tour operator if you want to be sure, but smart-casual clothing is usually the way to go. Pack a light cover-up—it can get breezy on the water, especially in the cooler months.

Most Key West dinner cruises offer a full refund if you cancel with 24 hours’ notice. You can often also rebook for a different date, depending on availability. However, cancellation policies vary by tour operator, so make sure to review the rules before booking. If a cruise is canceled due to the weather, you should be offered the option to rebook for another date or receive a full refund.

A typical Key West dinner cruise includes a buffet dinner with a wide selection of meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes, while others serve a selection of appetizers or tapas. Most cruises offer either an open bar or an optional drinks package, and there’s usually a selection of cocktails, mixers, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Many sunset cruises also feature live music or entertainment on board, and some even have a dance floor. Check the tour description for more details, as inclusions vary.

Most Key West cruises set sail from the main harbor, where you’ll find the Key West Ferry Terminal. Check the tour details for the exact address (often at the tour operator’s office near the waterfront) and the meeting time (usually 30–60 minutes before departure). Parking around the harbor is limited, so it’s best to arrive by taxi or on foot—it’s just a short walk east of Mallory Square or north of the Old Town.

Yes. Sunset party cruises and cruises with an open bar are a great choice for couples or groups of adults. While these cruises aren’t strictly adults-only, they are aimed at guests 21 and older and tend to attract fewer families. If you do want to bring kids, they must be under your supervision at all times.

Most Key West dinner cruises spend between two and 2.5 hours on the water. You’ll set sail about an hour before sunset, ensuring a prime view as the sun dips below the horizon, and return just after nightfall. Plan at least three hours for the full experience, as most tours require you to check in at least 30 minutes before departure.