The Marquesas Keys sit 30 miles west of Key West in the Florida Keys. This chain of islands is one of the most remote places you can visit by boat in the United States. Most visitors never make it here. That is what makes it so special.
The Marquesas Islands Florida offer crystal-clear water, untouched beaches, and some of the best fishing in the region. If you want to explore the Marquesa Key West Florida area, you need a boat and a captain who knows these waters. We run regular trips aboard our 34-foot Blue Cowboy center console.
Hidden Paradise
What Are the Marquesas Keys and Gull Keys?
The Marquesas Keys form a rare circular atoll. This is the only natural atoll in the Atlantic Ocean. The ring of islands surrounds a shallow lagoon full of marine life. Nearby, the Gull Keys offer additional fishing spots and wildlife viewing.
The Gull Keys Mooney Harbor area sits between the Marquesas and Key West. This backcountry region features mangrove islands, shallow flats, and calm water. Many fishing guides use Gull Keys as a waypoint when traveling to the Marquesas.
Together, the Marquesas Keys and Gull Keys create one of the most diverse fishing grounds in the Florida Keys. You can find everything from bonefish on the flats to sharks in the deeper channels.
Location: Where Are the Marquesas Islands Florida?
The Marquesas sit between Key West and the Dry Tortugas. If you look at a map, they are about halfway between downtown Key West and Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park. This puts them in some of the most pristine water in the Florida Keys.
To the north, you find the Boca Grande Channel and Boca Grande Key. This deep channel separates the backcountry flats from the open Gulf of Mexico. The Boca Grande area is known for excellent shark fishing and tarpon during migration season.
The Keys Mooney Harbor Key area lies to the east of the Marquesas. This sheltered water provides protection from winds and gives boaters a calm route through the backcountry.
Wildlife and Marine Sanctuary Protection
The Marquesas Keys fall within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This protection keeps the waters clean and the fish populations healthy. You will see wildlife here that has become rare in other parts of Florida.
Sea turtles are common in these waters. Green turtles, loggerheads, and hawksbills all feed on the grass flats around the atoll. Dolphins often follow boats through the channels. Rays glide across the sandy bottom.
Bird life is exceptional. The Marquesas and Gull Keys provide nesting habitat for frigate birds, pelicans, and many species of shorebirds. If you enjoy wildlife watching, this trip delivers.
- Sea turtles feeding on grass flats
- Dolphins in the channels
- Nurse sharks and lemon sharks
- Stingrays and eagle rays
- Nesting seabirds on remote islands
Fishing the Marquesas Keys and Gull Keys
Fishing here is world-class. The remote location means less pressure and more fish. We use light tackle and target a variety of species depending on conditions and what you want to catch.
On the flats inside the atoll, you can sight-fish for permit and bonefish. The deeper channels hold snappers, groupers, and barracuda. Sharks patrol the edges where the flats drop into deeper water.
Spring and summer bring tarpon through the Boca Grande Channel on their annual migration. This is catch-and-release fishing at its best. Fall and winter offer excellent conditions for exploring the flats.
Full day trips allow time to explore multiple spots: the Gull Keys backcountry, Marquesas flats, and deeper water channels.
Our Marquesas Key Historical Fishing Tour
At Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing, we run a private Marquesas Keys adventure aboard our 34-foot Blue Cowboy Contender. This full day trip combines fishing with exploration and local history.
Your captain shares stories of shipwrecks, pirates, and the salvage industry that built Key West. The Marquesas have seen centuries of maritime history. Spanish treasure ships, Civil War blockade runners, and modern smugglers have all passed through these waters.
What You Will Experience
- Light tackle fishing in crystal-clear water
- Stories of shipwrecks and Key West history
- Snorkeling on pristine reefs
- Wildlife viewing with sea turtles, rays, and sharks
- Complete isolation from crowds
- Beach time on uninhabited islands
Comparing the Marquesas to Dry Tortugas
Many visitors ask about the difference between the Marquesas Keys and Dry Tortugas National Park. Both are remote. Both offer excellent snorkeling and wildlife. The main differences come down to access and experience.
Dry Tortugas requires a ferry ride or seaplane. You share the experience with many other tourists at Fort Jefferson. The Marquesas, by contrast, are only accessible by private boat. You will likely have the entire atoll to yourself.
For fishing, the Marquesas win easily. Commercial fishing is restricted, and the fish populations reflect decades of protection. If you want both fishing and exploration, the Marquesas offer the complete package.
The Marquesas feel like stepping back in time. It is the Florida Keys the way they used to be - wild, beautiful, and full of fish.
Planning Your Marquesas Keys Trip
The trip to the Marquesas takes about an hour each way from Key West. We depart early to maximize your time at the islands. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses. We provide all fishing gear, bait, and tackle.
Weather matters for this trip. We need calm conditions to make the crossing comfortable. Your captain will monitor forecasts and work with you to find the best possible day.