Key West - local knowledge

[Jimm]

Thinking about over-wintering in Key West area. Can anyone who knows the area share economic, either marina or non-marina, options?

 

[Benny17441]

Never thought of the Florida Keys or Key West as an ideal wintering destination. Key West is a tourist destination with all the trimmings, man made beaches, T-Shirt shops, Bars and restaurants where everything is average and overpriced. Even if you anchor out in the swells there are steep daily dingui dock fees if you want to come into town. Consider staying in the West Coast of Florida between Naples and Ft Myers and then sail into the Keys or drive down for a weekend or two.

 

[jeb21851]

I would suggest wintering in Marathon...they have a great proetected mooring field that is reasonable...you can go online to the city website and look at the city owned mooring field...also there is a shuttle bus that runs from Marathon to Key West with stops in between every day...only $1.50 each way for seniors!!!

 

[Five0]

I also recommend Marathon. We spent 3 winters there, really enjoyed it.

 

[med2463]

I also recommend Marathon. We spent 3 winters there, really enjoyed it.

I agree re Marathon. We've wintered there and like it. Everything is there, boatyard, grocery stores, hospital, West Marine...all within walking distance from city marina. IMHO Key West is a tacky touristy town, but some people love it. My blog includes information about Marathon and Key West. http://dinghytogrocerystorewestfl.blogspot.com/

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

I'll make it unanimous about Marathon. Key west has lots of bars and who can forget the Key West ballet.

 

[heritage]

I don't think that you can get to know and enjoy what Key West has to offer with a cruise ship layover or a bus trip down from Marathon. It is a historically unique and beautiful town that is small enough to be enjoyed on foot or by bike. It's tackyness comes out when the cruise ships are in port.

The city has developed a mooring field on the north side of the island and the dingy dock is within walking distance of town. The down side is that during a norther it will become quite bouncy.

The marinas near downtown are expensive. The ones out of town are more reasonable and tend to be in boatyard and commercial areas. Still within biking distance of town.

If you have military privileges, Boca Chica NAS has a great marina with slips and moorings. It is a long bike ride into town though.

You might try a month or so in both Key West and Marathon. It's only a day sail between the two.

 

[Jimm]

Key West - thanks!

Thanks for all the comments -- had considered Marathon, and plan to move around. Have good friends in Key West, so plan to spend some time there........ thanks again

 

[jeb21851]

Marathon

My wife and I have a vacation condo in Marathon that we try to go to every couple of months, so if you end up in Marathon email me at bloxom@yahoo.com and maybe we can meet for drinks and dinner and discuss sailing the Cheasapeake!!!