Frequently asked questions

Book online with live availability through the Book Now buttons on this site, or call 305.351.3083. Booking direct saves 10% with promo code BRIGHTWILD10 at checkout.

Yes. Monroe County residents save 20% with proof of a Monroe County ID. Call to book and apply it.

Yes. Book both a sandbar excursion and the sunset cruise and save 15%. Call to book and receive the discount.

Yes. Call 305.351.3083 and the discount is applied to the booking.

Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure receive a full refund. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice, and trips booked within 24 hours of departure, are non-refundable. Private charters receive a full refund or credit with seven days notice and a credit toward a future booking inside seven days. No-shows are charged in full.

Safety first, always. The captain assesses conditions on the day. Key West is tropical, so mild weather is taken into account. If a trip is cancelled for weather, Brightwild reschedules you where possible or issues a full refund. Trips also need a minimum of six passengers to run; if the minimum is not met, you are rescheduled or refunded.

Beachside Resort & Residences, 3841 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040. Meet at the beach area at the top of the long pier behind the resort, by the picnic tables.

Yes, and it is complimentary for passengers. Park under Building 6 for the nearest entrance to the beach area.

Each trip page shows the usual departure time, and the sunset cruise moves with the sunset through the year. Departure times can change when necessary, so the live booking calendar always shows the current times for your date. The concierge team can confirm yours at 305.351.3083.

Anything you would bring to the beach: a hat, sunglasses, a towel, a bathing suit and sunscreen. Please also bring a government-issued photo ID. Gratuities for the crew are appreciated and not included.

No. You are welcome to wear them, but the sand at the sandbar is very soft and water shoes are not required.

Unfortunately no. Pets are not allowed on the trips. Service animals that meet the ADA definition are welcome and must stay with their handler for the whole trip; emotional support and companion animals are not considered service animals.

There is no boarding ramp. The boat can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers if they are lifted separately onto the boat. Call ahead so the crew can plan for it.

A custom-built 53-foot pontoon with all-cushioned seating, a full above-deck bathroom, non-slip flooring, an extra-large ladder and plenty of shade. It carries up to 40 guests.

Yes. A comfortable above-deck walk-in bathroom.

Yes. The boat has plenty of shade and every seat is cushioned.

No. Outside food and beverages are not allowed because catering and drinks are included on every trip. Upgraded food and beverage packages are available on request.

Safety is the top priority. Experienced, licensed captains and crew follow proper safety protocols, life jackets are available for everyone and the boat operates under all boating regulations.

The Florida Keys are an abundant ecosystem. Dolphins, stingrays, egrets, pelicans, herons, osprey and schools of fish are common sightings, although nothing is guaranteed.

Four hours from leaving the dock to coming back to shore.

It is always recommended, but the sandbar is shallow enough to stand in, so swimming is not required. Life jackets are provided for anyone who wants one.

Kayaks, paddleboards, a lily pad mat, personal floats and water toys, plus a custom deli sandwich lunch with chips and snacks, soda and water, and an open bar with beer, wine and seltzers for guests 21 and up.

Corona, Stella, Michelob Ultra, High Noon seltzers and red, white and sparkling wine.

Snipes Key is the goal on every sandbar trip and it is where the boat runs whenever conditions allow. Weather and sea state can make it unsafe or unreachable on a given day, and when that happens the captain chooses the best sandbar available instead. The call is made on the day of the trip.

Yes. Private sandbar charters can be tailored to your group. Contact the team with your questions or requests when booking.

A scenic route past the surrounding islands and marinas of Key West with music, Key West inspired appetizers, water, soda, beer, wine and seltzers, and a champagne toast at sunset.

Two hours, with ample time to enjoy the sunset and the scenery.

Yes. Children are welcome and should be supervised by an adult at all times.

No. The sunset cruise is a non-swimming scenic tour and guests stay on board.

Yes. Weddings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, anniversaries, memorials, reunions and company outings: tell the team what you are celebrating and they build the day around it. The boat takes up to 40 guests, and the sister ship can be added for a total of up to 70.