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
- Florida fishing license if you plan to fish — get a non-resident license (3-day or 7-day available)
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.
What makes the Marquesas Keys different from a normal sandbar charter?
The Marquesas Keys are a remote ring of uninhabited islands about 25 miles west of Key West. This is not a quick sandbar stop or a short harbor cruise.
The trip is a full offshore day: a long run west, time inside or around the atoll area, swimming, snorkeling, beach walking where appropriate, and the feeling of being far beyond the normal Key West charter routes.
How long is the trip?
The Marquesas charter is offered as an 8-hour or 10-hour private day. The run is roughly 75–90 minutes each way depending on wind, sea state, cruising speed, and route.
The 8-hour trip works when you want the full Marquesas experience and have evening plans. The 10-hour trip is better if your group wants more time at the atoll, more relaxed snorkeling, or a less compressed day.
How much does the Marquesas charter cost?
The 8-hour Marquesas charter is $2,605. The 10-hour Marquesas charter is $3,065. Pricing is flat rate per boat, not per person.
The price reflects the long offshore run, fuel, USCG-licensed captain, full-day timing, safety planning, and the distance involved.
Is the Marquesas trip weather-dependent?
Yes. This is one of Six Fins' most weather-dependent charters because the route involves open-water distance west of Key West. Calm conditions matter more here than they do on a short harbor or nearshore sandbar trip.
If Six Fins or the captain determines the route is unsafe or not suitable, guests may be rescheduled or refunded according to the applicable booking policy. The captain will not force a Marquesas trip in marginal offshore conditions.
What is included?
Six Fins provides the Jeanneau NC 895, USCG-licensed captain, fuel for the long run, safety equipment, snorkel gear, paddleboards, floating lily pad, ice, water, cooler, and Perry Hotel pool and gym access.
Because this is a full-day trip, guests should bring a full day's food, drinks, towels, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and any personal gear they want on board.
Can we fish on the Marquesas trip?
Possibly, but tell Six Fins before booking if fishing matters to your group. Fishing may require additional planning, appropriate gear, and the correct license coverage depending on the setup.
If the main goal is fishing, a dedicated patch reef or custom fishing-focused charter may be a better fit than treating fishing as an afterthought on a Marquesas discovery day.
When you do fish, your Florida saltwater fishing license is covered if your captain carries a six-pack charter license — request Captain Dustin Garland — or buy your own short-term Florida license online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Kids are welcome and fish free — no license is needed at any age aboard the charter. Full Florida license rules and exemptions are on the FWC website.
Is this good for kids or first-time boaters?
It can be, but the Marquesas is a long offshore day. This is best for guests who are comfortable spending 8–10 hours on a boat and who understand that the run can feel very different from a short sandbar charter.
If your group has young children, motion sensitivity, or guests who mainly want an easy swim stop, a local sandbar or Custom Combo Charter may be the better choice.
Why book the 10-hour version instead of 8 hours?
The 10-hour version gives your group more breathing room. Because the Marquesas run takes roughly 75–90 minutes each way, extra time can make the difference between a tight visit and a more relaxed full-day experience.
Choose 10 hours if you want more time in the Marquesas area, more flexible stops, or a slower pace. Choose 8 hours if you want the Marquesas experience but need a more contained day.