Sunset Watersports Key West — Attraction in Key West

When I first approached the Sunset Watersports kiosk in downtown key west I found myself wondering... "am I being had? Is this one of those tour providers that preys upon uneducated travelers like myself? Will I be paying exorbitant rates for a lackluster tour experience because I dont know where the good deals really are?" It was with this skeptical mindset that I stepped up to the table and decided to indulge the gentleman manning the stand in the pitch he was sure to provide me.

This individual, who I come to learn is named Austin, proceeds to articulate upon the various tours and excursions offered by this outfit. I must admit, I was captivated. Tales of snorkel tours, sunset cruises, and jetski adventures accompanied by laminated photos in a spiral bound book of fun left me wide eyed and ready to hand over my credit card.

In this moment, however, I recalled spotting a similar booth around the corner, which is sure to offer comparable experiences. I employed all the restraint I could muster and tore myself away from Austin's charming dialogue to engage in some prudent consumer price comparison.

Given this review is written for sunset watersports, I'll spare the details surrounding my experience with the alternative provider, but it left me yearning for the passion and enthusiasm provided by the Sunset Watersports booth staff so immediately upon completion, I made my way back to my new friend Austin, ready to pounce on the afternoon jet ski tour.

I was soon informed that the only tour left on the schedule for the day was the 4pm, which at this point in time had not another soul signed up for it. An initial wave of concern was soon quelled by the understanding of how personalized a one on one tour would be so I made my way over to the marina to meet my tour guide.

I found the Sunset Watersports marina to be an incredibly pleasant location to spend some time before embarking on my trip. Prices were very reasonable for my nachos which were good, not great, but completely satisfactory in the exact capacity that let me know Sunset Watersports is all about the sports.

Just like that, the time came to begin my tour. I was introduced to my wonderful tour guide Marshall, who initially emanated a slightly apathetic vibe which I eventually learned was due to my attendance on this tour being the only entity standing between him and an early release from work for the day. Once we got out on the water, however, Marshall snapped right into tour mode and brought all the energy and excitement I could imagine to my personal tour.

As a bit of an adrenaline seeker myself, I let Marshall know I’m up for whatever top speeds are permitted for this tour, which he certainly obliged me on. The tour was incredible.. the exquisite beauty of Key West from out on the water was on full display at high speeds with surrounded by the warm air and cool ocean splashes abounding. The open ocean side of the key got pretty choppy and difficult to navigate but felt like just the more challenging and thrilling experience I was hoping for with a jet ski tour of this caliber.

We stopped at various landmarks, all of which Marshall was well versed in the history of. He even dispelled some of the tall tales some other tour outfits may tell patrons for some extra oo’s and ahh’s , Marshall was strictly about facts and reality when it came to historical descriptions, but excitement fun and levity when it came to whipping across the water.

When the tour did inevitably conclude, I felt it was very adequate in length for the cost and the services rendered, but it was so much fun I was quite disappointed it had to come to an end. It was however, one of the more satisfying post-adventure beers of my entire life that I was able to enjoy on the docks at the Sunset Watersports marina while enjoying a sunset that I don’t think I’ll forget for the rest of my life.

Hats off to sunset watersports.. highly recommend, especially my...

This was my first time riding a jet ski, and I absolutely loved it. It’s such an exciting experience, and I think everyone who gets the chance should try it at least once in their life! It’s surprisingly easy to get the hang of, and there’s something special about being out on the open sea.

Now, regarding Sunset Watersports in Key West, finding the location was super easy. There are signs pointing the way, and it’s located behind a hotel by a commercial center. I went by bike, and the route there was very smooth and accessible.

There were two instructors: one who seemed to be the main guide and the other more of a support. Before we got in the water, it was given a clear and helpful overview of how to operate the jet ski. It was also taught hand signals to communicate during the ride, which was a great safety detail. There were 5 jet skis in total on the tour.

Now, here’s the reason I’m not giving 5 stars: I went alone, and while I was excited, I ended up feeling quite left out during the experience. The main instructor seemed to focus more on couples and families, and as a solo rider, I often felt like I was trailing behind and unnoticed. At one point, I told the main guide I was having a hard time keeping up and asked if it was okay not to follow the track exactly, he said, “It should be good to follow. I don’t want you to hit a rock...” But he didn’t do anything to help me actually stay on track.

I was placed third in line but somehow ended up last, with everyone far ahead of me. At one point, seagrass got stuck in my engine, which slowed me down even more. I honestly started to feel upset, like I wasn’t really part of the group feeling literally left behind.

That is, until the younger instructor stepped in. He completely changed the experience for me, he was kind, attentive, kept checking in to see how I was feeling and captivating me. When the main instructor asked the group if they wanted pictures and skipped me entirely (which really hurt, by the way), the younger guide made sure to come over and ask me if I wanted one too. That small gesture meant a lot to me. Thanks to him, what was turning into a frustrating and upsetting experience became a very nice memory.

So, here’s my advice: If you see someone alone, especially a woman traveling solo, please make an effort to include them. We often already struggle to take these leaps by ourselves. Feeling overlooked simply because we’re not part of a couple or group is frustrating and can easily ruin what should be a joyful experience.

I do recommend the experience, but if you’re a solo traveler like I am, don’t expect someone on your side helping and guiding you, at the end I almost got lost because the main instruction disappeared. Thanks to the others fellow riders that called me and showed me the way.

I genuinely hope the 20% gratuity goes to the empathetic younger instructor who saved the day with nothing more than kindness, presence, and care. That’s what hospitality is all...

I wish I had more stars to give, because the Sunset Cruise was so much fun. It’s my favorite excursion at Key West thus far. Everyone from the bartender, musician, and captain were so attentive and kind. There was plenty of room to sit or stand, and more room to dance! It was very organized as far as when to eat and one’s assigned table. Unfortunately , I missed the call for Group One to eat , because I was having so much fun singing and dancing on deck. But no worries, my husband and I were allowed to eat with Group Two. The food was very delicious and being buffet, one could eat as little or more as one pleased. As for the drinks, everyone was greeted with a tropical drink. It was refreshing and potent. They did not skimp on the alcohol! My husband paid additional for the full service, unlimited bar. He said his drinks were well made and plenty of alcohol. I bought the regular drink pkg that came with the cruise, and I was totally satisfied with the bar service. As for the music, it was one musician with his guitar and background music. He was terrific! He took one break , but used that time to play a few line dancing tunes. Of course, that got a lot of people involved. The sunset view was beautiful and I got some great pictures; however, the sailing was so much fun that the sunset view was just a small part of terrific adventure. By the end of the cruise, we were all singing “Sweet Caroline” and laughing with new friends. I’m sure the other boats heard us entering the dock and wished they were on our boat! My husband and I are down here (Key West) for a month and are considering doing this cruise again. For the price, you can’t beat it.

Update: since we had such a great time on the Sunset Cruise, we chose to do another excursion with Sunset Watersports. Like the first, it was wonderful! On Monday, May 25th, we went on the 1/2- day Sandbar excursion with Captain Madison. Madison was patient, funny, and attentive. She took us to a great spot where we observed a pod of dolphins. It was amazing , especially when two dolphins were mama and calf. Then we went to the sandbar for an afternoon of water fun. The crew Stephanie and Nic worked extra hard making sure everyone had plenty of food, drinks, and fun. The drinks were unlimited, and the crew did not disappoint anyone. They actually refilled beer and mimosa cups while out in the water! For us, this excursion gave us an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful turquoise water of the Keys. At one point, my husband looked at me and said “This is paradise!”

I can’t say enough about this venue , Sunset Watersports. Both of our excursions proved to be amazing. They are great in communicating with customers prior to excursions. The trips are well staffed and organized. And most importantly, the staff is knowledgeable, kind, and hardworking. Thank you Sunset for helping us make great memories of our trip...