🚤 RV to the Keys, Boat Into Paradise: Your Guide to Fishing, Snorkeling & Boating Adventures in the Florida Keys
There’s no better way to explore the Florida Keys than by combining the freedom of a travel trailer with a day on the water. Whether you're dreaming of fishing for snapper on patch reefs, snorkeling above vibrant coral, or simply relaxing at the sandbars, renting a boat in the Keys opens up endless adventures for couples, families, and serious anglers alike.
At One Adventure LLC, we make it easy to tow your home-on-wheels to the southernmost parts of Florida. And once you're there, here's how to make the most of your boat day—and what you need to know to do it safely and smartly.
🎣 Fishing in the Keys: Snapper, Grouper & More
The Keys are home to some of the best reef fishing in the country. Even if you’re new to boating or fishing, you can land delicious snapper and grouper just a few miles offshore—no deep-sea trip required.
Target: Snapper/Grouper on the Patch Reefs
Patch reefs are shallow coral heads located 10–30 feet deep, often just 1–3 miles from shore.
Best snapper species to target:
Mangrove Snapper (year-round, inshore and patch reefs)
Yellowtail Snapper (great eating, school in clear water)
Mutton Snapper (harder to find, but a real prize)
Tips to catch snapper:
Anchor quietly up-current of the reef.
Start a steady chum slick—use frozen chum blocks to attract snapper out of hiding.
Use light spinning gear (15–20 lb test) for the best bite.
Best baits: live shrimp, pilchards, cut squid, or silversides.
For yellowtail, use small hooks (#2–#4), fluorocarbon leader, and float your bait back in the chum line.
Want to Troll?
If you're heading a bit farther out toward the reef edge or Gulf Stream:
Troll diving plugs or feather lures for kingfish, barracuda, mahi, or bonito.
Try trolling early morning or late afternoon near color changes or weed lines.
Keep your boat speed between 5–7 knots, depending on lure type.
Know the Seasons: Lobster, Grouper & More
Timing your trip around fishing seasons can make or break your day on the water:
Lobster Season:
Mini Season: Last consecutive Wednesday & Thursday of July
Regular Season: August 6 – March 31
Must have a lobster gauge, dive flag, and know the legal limits.
Grouper Season:
Atlantic (Keys) open May 1 – Dec 31
Closed in early spring to protect spawning fish
Snapper:
Mangrove and yellowtail open year-round
Mutton snapper peak in late spring through summer
Always check the latest Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) rules and carry your saltwater license (many rentals include them, but confirm first).
Snorkeling & Scuba Options
Don’t want to fish? The Keys offer some of the clearest, most accessible snorkeling and diving in the U.S.
Top Snorkel & Dive Spots:
Christ of the Abyss (Key Largo) – An iconic underwater statue surrounded by colorful coral.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – Perfect for beginners; tours available.
Looe Key (Big Pine Key) – Stunning marine preserve great for intermediate/advanced snorkelers.
Sombrero Reef (Marathon) – A family-friendly, shallow reef with lots of life.
Family Tip: Swim with Dolphins!
Visit the Dolphin Research Center (Grassy Key) or Dolphins Plus (Key Largo) to:
Learn about dolphin behavior
Enjoy interactive programs
Even swim with dolphins in a natural lagoon
It’s an unforgettable experience for kids and adults.
Renting a Boat in the Keys: Tips & Red Flags
Top Rental Sites:
Boatsetter.com: Peer-to-peer rentals with insurance
GetMyBoat.com: Hourly, daily, or captained rentals
Local marinas in Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West all offer boats from 18–30+ ft
What to Look for:
Boats with safety equipment, GPS, and a bimini top (shade is a must!)
Optional coolers, rod holders, and snorkeling gear
VHF radio, life jackets for kids, and dive flags if you're snorkeling or diving
⚠️ Watch Out For:
Hidden fuel charges or cleaning fees
Poor maintenance or missing safety gear
High deposits or unclear cancellation policies
Skill level requirements—some boats may require experience or a license
Should You Rent a Boat? Pros, Cons & What to Know
Renting a boat in the Florida Keys is one of the best ways to explore the area’s natural beauty—without the hassle of ownership. Whether you're interested in reef fishing, snorkeling, or sandbar hopping, a rental gives you flexibility to pick the right vessel for your adventure.
Pros of Renting a Boat:
No maintenance or storage costs—you get the fun without the year-round bills.
Choose the right boat type for your activity—pontoon for families, center console for fishing, or deck boat for snorkeling.
Most rentals come with essential gear, including life jackets, coolers, anchors, GPS, and sometimes rods or snorkel gear.
Great for first-timers or travelers—especially if you’re not ready to invest in your own vessel.
Cons & Limitations:
Experience requirements: Florida law requires anyone born after Jan 1, 1988 to carry a Boating Safety Education Card. Some companies may require boating experience even if you're certified.
Usage restrictions: Many rental companies limit where you can take the boat (e.g., no going beyond the reef line, no night boating, no watersports).
Safety responsibility: You're in charge of navigation, anchoring, weather awareness, and returning the boat on time—and you’re liable for damage.
Hidden fees for fuel, cleaning, late returns, or damage are common—always read the fine print.
Top Boat Rental Options in the Keys:
Boatsetter – Peer-to-peer rentals with captained or bareboat options, built-in insurance, and real reviews.
GetMyBoat – Wide selection of boats for rent by the hour or day, with options across all of the Keys.
Local Marinas – Trusted local names like:
Pennekamp Marina (Key Largo)
AquaVentures (Marathon)
Keys Boat Rentals (Islamorada)
If you're unsure about driving a boat yourself, consider booking a charter with a licensed captain. It's safer, more relaxing, and often includes local knowledge that can help you find the best reefs, fishing holes, and wildlife.
Don’t Miss Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada
No RV trip through the Florida Keys is complete without a stop at Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada—a quirky, family-friendly waterfront hub that’s become a Keys legend.
What to Do at Robbie’s:
Feed the tarpon: Buy a bucket of bait and walk out on the dock to hand-feed massive, leaping tarpon (watch your fingers—and the sneaky pelicans!).
Rent kayaks or paddleboards: Explore the nearby mangroves and shallows at your own pace.
Book a boat or charter: Whether you want to go fishing, snorkeling, or backcountry exploring, Robbie’s has it all—captained charters and DIY boat rentals are available.
Shop & eat: Peruse colorful souvenir stands or grab fresh seafood and tropical drinks at the Hungry Tarpon Restaurant.
RV Tip:
While Robbie’s doesn’t have on-site RV parking or camping, it’s conveniently located just off Overseas Highway (MM 77.5), making it a perfect stop as you cruise down the Keys. RV-friendly campgrounds like Fiesta Key RV Resort or Jolly Roger RV Park are nearby and make a great home base for a day at Robbie’s.
This iconic stop blends fun, food, and Florida Keys culture—perfect for families, couples, and anyone who wants a break from the ordinary. Don’t forget your camera—and a firm grip on that bait bucket.
Where to Keep Your Travel Trailer
Top RV Parks in the Keys with Boat Access Nearby:
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo)
Full hookups, near dive/snorkel rentals
Marina on site, boat tours available
Fiesta Key RV Resort (Long Key)
Water view sites, pool, restaurant
Boat ramps nearby or bring your own kayak
Bluewater Key RV Resort (Key West)
Private docks, luxury spots, full hookups
Short drive to charters and island activities
Jolly Roger RV Resort (Marathon)
Centrally located, near sandbars and fishing spots
Boat storage available
Final Thoughts: Adventure by Land and Sea
With your travel trailer as a home base and a rented boat for day trips, the Florida Keys become your all-access pass to world-class fishing, snorkeling, and family fun. From floating on a sandbar to reeling in snapper off the reef, there's no better way to experience the islands.
📍Book your RV today with One Adventure LLC and ask us for route ideas, RV parks, and the best boating tips. We’ll help you make your next trip unforgettable—on and off the water.
