Our Favorite Unusual Way to See A Key West Sunset

by SharonKurheg

When you go to certain locations, especially when you’re on vacation, it’s a given that you’ll do some specific things. If you’re at Disney theme park, you have a list of attractions you HAVE to go on. If you’re visiting Hollywood, I’m sure you’ll look for the big HOLLYWOOD sign up in the hills. If you visit New York City, you’ll want to go to Times Square or eat a slice of pizza. And if you go to Key West, you’re going to want to see a sunset.

There are plenty of ways to see a Key West sunset for free…Mallory Square is a good example. But sometimes you want to do something that’s one step further; maybe a little quieter and/or romantic, or includes some wine and munchies, or is just a little different, or…

We experienced all those things with Danger Charters’ Wind & Wine Sunset Sail.

A company that offers sailing, snorkeling and kayaking packages during the day, as well as opportunities for weddings and fishing excursions, Joe and I started booking on Danger Charters’ sunset sails back in 2010 when the sailboat we had booked previous times for sunset cruises was in dry dock for rehab. Although we had a good time the one or two times we had gone on that previous excursion, it really couldn’t compare to Danger Charters, so we’ve been their customers and fans ever since.

From their website:

“Coastal Living Magazine ranked Danger Charter’s Wind and Wine Sail one of the top two Sunset Sails in all of North America. Danger Charter’s Wind and Wine Cruise is unparalleled for folks who want an upscale, yet relaxed and intimate, sunset sail. Sailing nightly, we serve eight different fine wines from all over the world, usually four red, three white, and a Champagnoise. Wine drinkers love this cruise, since it is virtually the only sailing excursion in the U.S. that serves “real” wine. In addition, an array of quality beer, and hors d’oeuvres are also served, making the evening an unforgettable start to a great Key West night!”

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Photo from dangercharters.com

Highlights of Danger’s sunset cruises include:

  • Setting sail on one of their spacious 65-foot schooners
  • Watching their crew hoist the sails as you get underway
  • Choosing from up to 8 different types of wine from around the world (usually 4 reds, 3 whites and something bubbly – taste through them all, or just choose your favorites) (I’ve never seen anyone limited on how much they can drink, either. I’ve gotten pretty sloshed in the past [and I mean REALLY sloshed – to the point where Joe and our friend who was with us still tease me to this very day] so nowadays we make sure to plan dinner before the cruise, instead of after)
  • Choosing from 5 different types of beer (import and domestic) (they have soft drinks and bottled water, too!)
  • Enjoying a wonderful variety of delicious appetizers like Havarti Dill, Smoke Gouda and Summer Sausage, Caprese Skewers, Water Crackers with Brie, Green Apple with a Honey Drizzle, and more
  • Enjoying a fun, tropical music-filled atmosphere where you can make new friends, or have a romantic, secluded experience with your date or loved one
  • Watching the sunset melt into the water
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Photo from dangercharters.com

The cruises had been limited to roughly 25-30 people, but that was before COVID. They say they’re running the boats at 50% capacity now, to allow for social distancing. So figure 12-15 people per cruise. Call a few weeks ahead of time to ensure you get in on the date you want – they book up faster than they used to and the crew (the captain to steer the ship and 2 mates to take care of the sails, food and beverages) are always friendly and accommodating. We’ve always had a good time with Danger Charters every time we’ve booked with them, to the point where we make it a “tradition” to go on one of their sunset cruises on each of our visits to Key West. By the way, once you’ve gone once, you get a discount for future cruises, which kind of rocks!

So if you’re looking for a different way to enjoy a Key West sunset, do I have a sunset cruise for you! 😉

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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary

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