Key West Charter Boat — Local services in Key West

Disappointing and Deceptive Charter Experience – Do Not Recommend - THIS IS THE ORIGINAL REVIEW THAT THEY DELETED

We recently booked a catamaran through Key West Charters for a corporate event, after having had an incredible experience two years prior with a luxury vessel that exceeded expectations in every way. Unfortunately, that original boat was unavailable this year, so we trusted a broker named Chris—who claimed to be well-connected in the Key West charter community—to help us find a comparable alternative.

We were very transparent about our needs, the size of our group, the caliber of service we required, and even the price point (over $10,000). We explained the standard we expected, as this was a high-profile client event. Chris assured us the boat he recommended was the “second-best” option on the island and comparable in quality to the one we previously chartered. Based on his guidance and the photos we were shown, we moved forward.

What we arrived to, however, was appalling:

The boat was unclean, with no interior bathrooms, no interior cabin, and limited shade or comfortable seating. The crew, while kind, lacked the professionalism and polish appropriate for a premium experience. There were no requested beverages onboard—despite confirming in advance—including bottled water. A DJ, who we never booked or approved, was onboard performing on a plastic folding table and was openly rude to guests. Food was displayed on makeshift folding tables, and the bar setup was unsanitary, with visible mildew. Nothing about this charter reflected the level of quality or service we were told we were booking—and it came at the same high price as the far superior charter we had previously secured. As a business owner who’s been in hospitality and event production for over 8 years, I value honesty, communication, and delivering on expectations. This experience was none of those things. It was unprofessional, misleading, and frankly, embarrassing—especially for a corporate client who trusted us with their experience.

If you are considering chartering a boat in Key West, I strongly advise doing your own independent vetting and avoiding any coordination through this broker. It’s unacceptable to charge top-tier rates for a...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely Perfect Key West Experience! Just wrapped up an incredible day on the Salty Bottom with 20 friends, and I can't say enough good things about this experience! When we were calling around to different boats, they actually picked up the phone and took the time to walk us through several boat options to help us find the perfect size for our group. Captain Chad and his first mate were phenomenal hosts who went above and beyond to make our day special. Even their two adorable pups added to the charm! The 40-foot pontoon was perfect for our group size and gave us plenty of space to relax and enjoy the day. The boat had great shade areas too, so those who needed a break from the sun could stay comfortable. They took us out to a stunning sandbar where we swam in the most crystal-clear blue water! The crew provided water and ice, and we brought our own drinks and food, which worked out perfectly. What really impressed me was their flexibility and customer service. When a couple of our friends were running 15 minutes late, they waited without any complaints. Of all the activities we did during our Key West trip, this was hands down our favorite day. It was everything you imagine a perfect Key West experience should be - sun, clear water, great company, and an amazing crew who made it all possible. Would absolutely book with the Salty Bottom again in a heartbeat. If you're looking for a party boat rental in the Florida Keys, this is your answer. Chef's...

Five-Star Experience with Key West Boat Charters! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We had an absolutely unforgettable time with Key West Boat Charters! From start to finish, everything was top-notch. We rented a beautiful 30’ boat that came with an experienced captain and friendly first mate, making the entire experience relaxed and enjoyable.

The booking process was detailed and super easy, with clear communication every step of the way. Once we were out on the water, it just kept getting better. We visited stunning sandbars, remote private beaches, and even cruised past dolphins that came right up close to the boat—truly magical!

The charter included snorkeling gear and comfy lounge mats, which made relaxing and exploring effortless. Snorkeling two shipwrecks was a highlight—so much marine life and history in one dive. We also explored a private, exotic island that felt like something out of a movie.

The included snacks and cold water were a nice touch and kept us refreshed throughout the trip.

This was hands down one of the most memorable adventures we’ve ever had in Key West. If you’re looking for a personalized, luxurious, and fun experience on the water, Key West Boat Charters is the way to go! Highly recommend and can’t wait to do it again!

Thank you David “Mac”, Captain Dustin,...