As our kids have gotten older we’ve started enjoying evening tours more and more. The dolphin snorkeling tour from Sunset Watersports in Key West is a fun one to do with kids, and it’s great even if you don’t want to snorkel. Leaving in the late afternoon, the Sunset Watersport dolphin snorkel trip isn’t actually snorkeling WITH dolphins, but it’s a dolphin watching tour that includes time snorkeling in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. I love the combination and actually, and if you do the later tour the timing of going out before dinner makes for the perfect end to a day in Key West.
Have you gone out on the Sunset Watersport dolphin and snorkeling tour? We love this trip and this boat specifically, and it turns out, so do the dolphins! We’ve got the whole scoop on what to expect when you go out from Key West with Sunset Watersports and recommendations for how to have the best time doing this with kids. If you have any questions about this trip or need additional wildlife tour recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more.
Why Choose the Sunset Watersports Dolphin/Snorkeling Tour
Something I’ve found about boat tours from Key West is that each boat is very different and it really shapes the experience you have. For the Sunset Watersports dolphin snorkeling tour, the boat you go out on is a double deck catamaran. It’s not the type with the netting to lay out on, but is a dual level / two floored boat (see photo). This means that you have options for where you want to hang out during your dolphin/snorkel tour. During dolphin viewing time, we really enjoyed being up high for the best views. You can get some wonderful photos from up top.
On hot days, this is a great boat because there is plenty of shade (standing room). If you’re concerned about being in the sun too much when you’re out on the water, bring a broad rimmed hat and a sarong/wrap to keep yourself shaded, just in case it’s popular to be in the shaded area. As you head out to watch for wildlife, the breeze picks up, but it may still be warm.
Even though Key West comes to mind for many as a partying destination, when you’re out at sea on one of the tours, like the Sunset Watersports dolphin and snorkeling tour, the beverages are managed appropriately. Even though this trip includes an open bar for wine and draft beer, the crew is very careful about not overserving. This is still a tour on the water and they’re careful to ensure guests are safe when they get into the ocean. I’ve been on tours in other destinations that are not so safety-conscious, so this is a highlight of Sunset Watersports for me.
Tips for a Great Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour
When you’re trying to decide which tour to book for the Sunset Watersports dolphin/snorkeling tour, consider the overall temperature of Key West during your trip. Yes, it’s typically very warm, but if you’re visiting the Florida Keys in the summertime, by the end of the day the water actually can be quite hot. Summer of 2023 saw the hottest water temperatures on record so swimming by the end of the day was like a hot tub with temps at 104 degrees F. This may not be normal, but due to how shallow the waters around Key West are, if you book a morning tour with Sunset Watersports, you’ll be able to swim before the water has hit its peak temperature for the day. I love warm water, but I also like to feel refreshed.
If sunset is your thing, then book the last trip of the day. The dolphins are active all the time, but we have had the best luck with the most playful dolphins on the later Sunset Watersports dolphin snorkeling tour. Also, this trip means that you’ll still be out on the water when the sun is going down, which is always beautiful.
Gear for the Sunset Watersports Snorkeling Trip
Always the first thing to consider when you’re getting ready for a snorkeling trip is to use reef-safe sunblock. Even though traditional sunscreen products haven’t been outlawed yet, it’s always best to proactively NOT damage the marine ecosystem. Protecting your skin is important and so is protecting marine life, and with reef-safe sunblock you can do both!
I also like to travel with my own snorkel mask. Sunset Watersports does provide you with the gear for snorkeling (mask/snorkel/fins) but if you are an avid snorkeler or free-diver you’ll want what you know works best for you. And it’s nice to bring a towel too, especially if you’re doing the dolphin and snorkeling tour in the winter. It’ll still be warm, most likely, but winter can bring a breeze.
On most snorkeling trips I would recommend just bringing your underwater camera or a really good waterproof phone case, but since we’re talking about the Sunset Watersports DOLPHIN and snorkeling tour, watching wildlife from above the water is a big part of the trip. Sometimes the dolphins are very close to the boat and you can easily watch them and get great photos, and sometimes they stay off in the distance a bit. I find I do use my DSLR camera when I do this tour and usually get good photos with a 250mm lens, which isn’t too big. Photographing moving marine life can be tricky when you have a larger lens, so consider what your goal is when you’re packing for this tour.
Parking for Sunset Watersports Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour
Sunset Watersports dolphin and snorkeling tour goes out from the Key West Bight Marina in the Historic Seaport. Check in for your tour is right across from the entrance to the Marker Resort (I love this hotel!) in the same building at the Waterfront Brewery. You’ll see the huge Wyland undersea mural and that’s a hint that you’re in the right spot. Parking is available in the lot via paid parking meter machines or if you’re staying in the area, it’s very walkable. Visitors staying in the Roosevelt Boulevard hotels (24 North, Gates, Laureate Hotel) will need to drive over or take an Uber or taxi. There are bike racks here at the marina if you ride over.
Sunset Watersports Operating Information
To be sure you have the best experience on your dolphin watching snorkeling tour with Sunset Watersports, here’s the operating information for your visit. Reach out to them if you have any concerns or questions about your tour.:
- Operating Dates/Season: year round, weather dependent; 2 tours per day, morning and late afternoon
- Office phone number: 305-296-2554
- Company website: Sunset Watersports
- Tour check-in address: 201 Williams St, Key West FL 33040
- Tour booking links: Book this tour here!
More Fun Things to do in Key West
Key West is many people’s favorite destination in the Florida Keys. You can’t blame them; there are so many wonderful things to do, historic sites, so much wildlife and great food. If you know you’re coming to Key West and need some ideas to add to your itinerary or travel plan, take a look at some of our favorite things to do. You can always just play it by ear, walking from neighborhood to neighborhood, but I like to always have at least a loose plan.
Where to Stay in Key West
If you haven’t planned where to stay in Key West yet, of course we have recommendations. We’ve stayed many place, from luxury resorts to family friendly hotels, cute stays in the historic center to spacious condos on the end of town. There’s the right type of accommodation for any type of traveler in Key West. Keep in mind that with so many things to do and beautiful places to just explore on foot, you may not have a ton of time in your hotel room, so you might not need a ton of space and lots of amenities. Also, Key West is pretty costly for accommodations. As you look for where to stay, balance out your budget by considering hotels that AREN’T directly downtown.
Here are some of our recommendations for where to stay in Key West. We’ll keep adding to this list as we enjoy more wonderful hotels and resorts.
I hope you’ll consider spending some time out on the water doing the Sunset Watersports dolphin and snorkeling tour. The trip is so fun and is perfectly Florida Keys. If you have any questions about visiting Key West or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help plan awesome Florida Keys trips!
