Travel. Florida. Central America.

What It’s Like to Camp on a Sailboat in Key West

How to truly experience the Florida Keys.

While many travelers flock to overpriced hotel chains, others seek the true Florida Keys experience out on the water surrounded by nature. — Boat Camping Key West

A few years ago, my partner and I were planning a trip to the Florida Keys.

We were driving down to Key West from Ontario, Canada, and wanted to stay somewhere fun once we finally reached our destination — 27 hours and 2,778 km (1,726 miles) later.

Anytime we travel, we try to look beyond the multitude of standard hotel options, in search of a more unique experience. We figure there will always be hotels, and while they’re certainly more comfortable, they’re usually a lot less memorable.

As we get older, we may not always like the idea of staying in more “rugged” accommodations, so the time to have these interesting and off-the-beaten-path experiences is now.

Your Accommodation Doesn’t Have To Be Boring

So what did we do for accommodation in Key West?

We rented a sailboat!

For three nights, we used this tranquil little 22-foot Catalina sailboat called “The Mangrove Mango” as our home base for exploring the rest of the island. And I have to say, it was truly a memorable experience! There’s nothing like waking up to the sound of the water gently lapping the sides of the boat, the smell of the sea filling your lungs as you breathe in deep.

Part of the adventure was just getting to the boat! Unlike your typical rental, you can’t just drive up to the door, walk right in, and start unloading. This experience took a little more up-front effort, but the rewards were worth it!

Our Temporary Floating Home Awaits

The boat was moored out in the bay just offshore in the east end of Key West. We met our host at a parking lot just across the street from Cow Key Channel, where our temporary home awaited us! Our host led us to a set of kayaks in the mangroves lining the road, and then we followed her out to the channel, paddling behind her.

She gave us a quick tour of the boat along with some tips and tricks, like how to properly use the Porta-Potty toilet and solar shower on the outside deck, and how to secure the boat anytime we went out to explore. After she got us settled in, she was off, leaving us to enjoy our floating home and this incredible experience.

We spent the next few days sunbathing on the (tiny) bow, relaxing, indulging in some local beers made by the Florida Beer Company, kayaking around the mangrove-lined channels all around the boat, star-gazing through the open hatch above our cozy triangle-shaped bed, floating, swimming and snorkeling in the channel, and generally just reveling in the natural world around us.

Ditch the Comforts and Soak Up the Beauty of Nature

In order to enjoy this experience to the fullest, you’ll have to be okay with lacking some of the amenities you’ve probably grown used to, such as flushing toilets, running water, wifi access, and a comfortable bed. I wouldn’t say the bed was uncomfortable, but the sleeping space itself was challenging to get into and out of without whacking your head. (As you’re sleeping under the bow, the ceiling is quite low and doesn’t allow for much movement.)

As the Airbnb listing itself says:

“This space is basically an unusual and peaceful place to lay your head and live like a pirate (practically camping). Rustic accommodations! Budget ‘boat camping’ ideal for 2 backpackers/adventure travelers. It is an affordable option in town and ideal for people who like to be in touch with nature, learn about the world of boating, & want to see a different side of the Keys. Fun and adventurous.”

They do warn you that you’ll be “roughing it,” and I’d agree with that description! But if you’re the adventurous type, it won’t be anything you can’t handle. For us, it was just the right amount of rustic. We were looking for something more in tune with nature, and this presented the perfect option.

They Provide All the Important Stuff

It’s worth mentioning that there have also been some changes and upgrades since our stay. For starters, they’ve greatly improved the ease of getting to the boat!

They’ve built a walkout dock where the kayaks are tethered, and there’s even a “base camp” of sorts at the kayak launch now which guests have access to throughout their stay.

Here you’ll find hammocks, a barbeque, a rustic tiki shower, games, and picnic tables, as well as all the safety equipment you’ll need (paddles, life jackets, headlamps, and everything else required by the Coast Guard.)

They’ve improved the boat’s amenities as well. They now have a solar panel on the bow and a small USB charging station for phones/gadgets. They provide a first aid kit and all the essentials (shampoo, soap, towels, bed sheets, toilet paper, etc.), so you won’t be left hanging.

Seek Out a “Unique Stay” Next Time You Travel

My overall feeling is that life is short, and there are endless adventures to go on.

Creative people all around the world are crafting one-of-a-kind accommodations that you won’t easily forget. So, if you’re looking for something a little different for your next trip, try browsing the “Unique Stays” section on Airbnb before you book that hotel or resort.

There are all kinds of fascinating and beautiful places to call home temporarily while you’re out exploring the world.

You might find that the memories you make will be well worth any temporary inconvenience — like having to kayak to your bed!

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