Business Details
Award-Winning Schooner Cruises in Key West | Key West Schooners
Key West Schooners has been crafting unforgettable sailing experiences in Key West for over four decades. Our historic fleet of hand-built wooden schooners, including the world-circumnavigating Appledore II and the shallow-draft Appledore Star, offers guests authentic maritime adventures rooted in New England shipbuilding traditions. With combined expertise spanning generations, our captains and crew specialize in creating immersive journeys that blend education, conservation, and recreation.We maintain rigorous safety standards while preserving the historical integrity of our vessels, ensuring every passenger experiences the romance of sailing through expertly maintained ships and professionally guided excursions. Our dual-season operations between Key West and Camden, Maine, demonstrate our commitment to providing year-round access to these unique maritime experiences.
Services
Sunset Sails
Day Sails
Eco-Tours
Private Charters
Kayak Tours
Highlights and features
- Operate two historic wooden schooners with verified global sailing credentials
- Offer expert-led eco-tours in protected marine environments with marine biologists
- Maintain US Coast Guard-certified vessels with professional crew training
- Provide seasonal access to both Florida Keys and Maine coastal waters
- Combine educational programming with recreational sailing experiences
What people say
Breathtaking sunset views
Historic ship details
Expert crew knowledge
Unique eco-tours
Memorable wedding venue
Services
Sunset Sails
Experience Key West's legendary sunsets aboard historic wooden schooners. Our sunset sails combine scenic coastal views with onboard amenities including full liquor service. Passengers enjoy live commentary about local history while sailing on vessels that have circumnavigated the globe. The 2-hour tours accommodate groups of all sizes with options for private charters.
Eco-Tours
Explore Florida's protected marine ecosystems through guided kayak and snorkeling adventures. Our expert-led tours visit uninhabited mangrove islands with opportunities to observe native wildlife. The all-day excursions include educational components about coastal ecology and conservation efforts. Limited to 20 passengers for personalized attention in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge.
Private Charters
Tailor your sailing experience for special events or corporate functions. Options include sunrise breakfast cruises, sunset cocktail parties, and multi-day charters. Vessels accommodate groups from 1-49 passengers with customizable menus and entertainment options. Full-service planning assistance available for weddings and destination events.
Day Sails
Enjoy daytime sailing adventures featuring historic ship demonstrations and coastal exploration. Passengers participate in sailing operations like raising sails and steering the vessel. Options include themed sails with special programming and traditional maritime activities. Available year-round with seasonal route variations.
Historic Tours
Discover the legacy of wooden schooners through onboard exhibits and crew demonstrations. Learn about the Appledore II's 1978 circumnavigation and the Appledore Star's Chesapeake Bay heritage. Educational programming covers traditional shipbuilding techniques and the role of schooners in American maritime history.
People
Rod
Charter Coordinator
Specializes in creating customized sailing events with over 15 years of maritime event planning experience. Manages private charters from initial concept to execution.
Questions
What types of sailing tours are available in Key West?
We offer sunset sails, day sails, eco-tours, and private charters aboard historic wooden schooners.
Can I participate in sailing operations?
Yes! Guests help raise sails and steer the vessel during most tours.
Are eco-tours suitable for all ages?
Our eco-tours accommodate ages 8-80 with adjustable activity levels.
How do I book a private charter?
Contact our Charter Coordinator directly at 305-509-9047 for personalized event planning.
What safety measures are in place?
All vessels meet US Coast Guard standards with trained crews and modern safety equipment.
Can I combine sailing with other activities?
Yes! Our eco-tours include kayaking, snorkeling, and guided nature education.
Reviews (5)
Jaclyn Mitchell
Jan 29, 2022
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Boat is absolutely beautiful, crew is amazing. Sunset sail in Key West was all we could have asked for, she moved gracefully through the water with a crew who knew how to handle her. Hoping we can catch her in main next year!
Penny Crosson
Jan 03, 2022
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What a terrific way to spend the day with Russ, Wade and Davon! They made our whole experience one we will treasure in our memories. We were treated as special guests who they wanted to entertain and educate all while letting us relax. They keep the number of guests low so you get just the right amount of attention. We kayaked around a small island while Davon pointed out the birds and tree growth which was very interesting and informative. Then they fed us a fabulous meal! The day could not have been better! I highly recommend this.
Cyndy Porter Laughlin
Dec 30, 2021
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We visited Key West with another couple and all had a great time on the Star. Captain Russ, Wade and Davin provided for a fun time exploring Mule Key and just enjoying the water. Thanks guys!
Marya Gwadz
Dec 30, 2021
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We had a great day with Wade, Davin, and the Captain! Davin knows tons about the local environment and marine life and the crew took good care of us. Wade is hilarious and makes the trip a lot of fun. We’ll be back
Saoda Cynthia
Dec 26, 2021
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It was an hour roundtrip boat cruise at the key west with amazing sunset and shore view! The cruise included unlimited drinks and some snacks. I absolutely enjoyed the trip whole time.
