The only natural atoll in the Western Hemisphere.
The Marquesas Keys are the only natural atoll in the Western Hemisphere — a ring of uninhabited islands 25 miles west of Key West, accessible only by boat, surrounded by a shallow lagoon that turns turquoise inside the atoll ring.
The run out takes about 75 minutes. Once you’re there: anchor inside the atoll, swim the lagoon, snorkel the reef edge, walk the beach, watch the frigate birds. There’s nothing man-made as far as you can see in any direction.
This is a commitment — an 8 or 10-hour day, weather-dependent, and best in calm conditions. The captain monitors the forecast all week. If the conditions aren’t right, we reschedule. Worth waiting for.
The Practicals
What’s included. What to bring.
We provide
- USCG-licensed captain
- Fuel for the 50-mile round trip
- Snorkel gear & paddleboards
- Floating lily pad
- Full safety equipment
- Ice, water, and cooler
- Perry Hotel pool & gym access
You bring
- A full day’s worth of food and drinks (no provisioning out there)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat and sun protection
- Underwater camera
How the Day Runs
A full-day schedule.
Choose your day length.
Flat rate per boat — not per person. Your whole group, your whole boat.
The captain running your Marquesas trip.
What people who took this trip say.
“Mac and Captain Dustin made this the most memorable day of our trip. We went out to the Marquesas and I genuinely couldn’t believe a place like that existed — totally uninhabited, turquoise water inside the ring. Nothing like it.”
“The prep call the day before set the tone — they clearly care about doing it right. The lilypad was a huge hit out at the atoll. 100% will do this again next time we’re in the Keys.”
Before you book.
Is this trip weather-dependent?
Strongly. We need calm conditions for the run west — 25 miles of open water each way. The captain monitors the forecast all week. If it’s not right, we work with you on a reschedule at no charge.
How far is it really?
25 miles from Stock Island to the Marquesas outer reef. About 75–90 minutes each way at a comfortable cruising speed. Plan for a full day — this is not a quick trip.
What’s the difference between 8 and 10 hours?
The run out and back is fixed (~150 minutes total). The 10-hour option gives you significantly more time at the atoll — better for groups that want to really explore, snorkel the reef edge thoroughly, or just stay longer. The 8-hour option is the right call if you have an early evening commitment.
Has anyone not loved this trip?
Of all our charters, this one gets the fewest mixed reviews. The atoll is genuinely spectacular — there’s nothing else like it in the continental US. That said, if you’re prone to motion sickness in open water, come prepared.