Key West Glass-Bottom Boat Tour with Reef Views & Sunset Option

The Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S., is usually reserved for divers and snorkelers. This tour brings it to everyone else. If you can't swim, are traveling with small children, or just prefer to stay dry, a glass-bottom boat lets you see the same underwater world from a comfortable seat.

The boat is a 65-foot catamaran with two hulls, and each hull has a row of large glass panels angled at 45 degrees and set below the waterline. From the cushioned seats in the air-conditioned cabin, you look down and out through these "windows to the reef." Because the windows run along the length of both hulls, every guest gets a clear view, and you don't need to jostle for one spot over a small hatch in the floor.

The reef sits a few miles offshore. On the way out, relax on the upper sundeck and watch Key West's waterfront shrink behind you. Once over the reef, head down to the viewing cabin as the captain slowly maneuvers above the coral. The guides narrate as you go. They'll point out branching elkhorn coral and rounded brain coral, schools of yellowtail snapper, sergeant majors and blue tangs, and rays gliding across sand patches. You might also see a sea turtle surfacing nearby.

The guides also explain why this reef matters: it's the third-largest barrier reef system in the world and supports hundreds of fish species, but it's under pressure from warming water and disease. The boat is designed to view the reef with as little disturbance as possible.

Daytime or sunset?

Brightest light through the viewing windows and the most colorful reef views

Reef viewing plus a sunset cruise home, with a complimentary glass of champagne

The enclosed cabin stays cool even on hot August afternoons. Modern marine restrooms are on board, and a small cash snack bar sells chips, cookies and sodas for a few dollars each. Water and reef-safe sunscreen are provided.

• The operator doesn't have its own parking. Downtown Key West parking is paid, so use a nearby garage or metered spaces, or walk if you're staying in Old Town.
• Waivers are required. Every guest must sign a liability waiver before boarding, and the standard cancellation policy applies. Guests 17 and under need an adult chaperone (18+) with valid ID at check-in to sign for them. Children 14 and under must have that chaperone with them throughout the tour. Every guest needs a paid ticket.
• Bring ID and a credit card. A passport or photo ID is required, and a copy is accepted. Champagne is served only to guests 21+ with ID. Groups of 8 or more need a card on file for the automatic gratuity.
• Bring cash for the snack bar. It doesn't take cards.
• The weather can change the plan. The tour runs in most weather, but if conditions over the reef aren't good, the captain may choose another viewing site. Calm, sunny days give the clearest view through the glass.
• Sightings vary. Turtles, sharks and rays turn up often but aren't guaranteed.
• It's a good option if you get seasick. The twin-hull design keeps motion low. Sitting in the middle of the cabin and looking out at the horizon between viewings helps too.
• Dress for both decks. Wear something light for the sundeck and bring a layer for the cool, air-conditioned cabin.
• Help protect the reef. Use reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the coral you're about to see.