Marquesas Keys Fishing Charter
Travel beyond Key West to the remote Marquesas Keys on a one-of-a-kind fishing adventure that combines sportfishing, exploration, and the rich maritime history of one of the Florida Keys' most legendary fishing grounds.
Eight Hours — The Only Way to Do It Right
There's simply too much to fish and too much to see. We run this trip as a full 8-hour day. Choose your boat — both are private charters for up to 6 guests.
+ $150 fuel surcharge
- Full atoll exploration inside the lagoon
- Maximum time on the best fishing spots
- Fish multiple locations — reef, flats & channels
- Learn about Spanish salvage & WWII history
- Permit & tarpon on the flats (seasonal)
- Wildlife viewing — sharks, rays, sea turtles
- All gear, bait, licenses & fish cleaning included
+ $150 fuel surcharge
- Full atoll exploration inside the lagoon
- Maximum time on the best fishing spots
- Fish multiple locations — reef, flats & channels
- Learn about Spanish salvage & WWII history
- Permit & tarpon on the flats (seasonal)
- Wildlife viewing — sharks, rays, sea turtles
- All gear, bait, licenses & fish cleaning included
Where the Spaniards Spent Their Winters
Long before Key West was a city, the Marquesas Keys were a seasonal home to Spanish salvagers. When hurricanes ripped through the Florida Straits, they scattered the great treasure fleets crossing from the New World to Spain. Ships carrying gold, silver, and goods sank in the shallow waters around these remote atolls.
Spanish crews built temporary camps on the Marquesas Keys each winter, diving the surrounding wrecks to recover sunken cargo. These hardened salvagers — called buzos — would spend months working the nearby Quicksands, where several ships from the infamous 1622 fleet went down in a single storm.
The most famous of these wrecks, the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, sat undiscovered for over three centuries until treasure hunter Mel Fisher finally located it in 1985 — not far from where your captain will anchor.
Your captain will share these stories as you explore the atoll — from Spanish salvage camps to WWII Navy operations and the area's transformation into a protected wildlife refuge. For a deeper dive into the history, fishing, and logistics, read our full Marquesas Keys guide.
1622 Spanish Treasure Fleet
Wrecks lie in the nearby Quicksands
WWII History
German U-boat sunk just offshore
Natural Atoll
One of few in the Western Hemisphere
Pristine Waters
Low fishing pressure, aggressive fish
A True Hidden Gem
Most visitors never venture beyond Key West's reef. Those who do discover something that stops them cold — a remote, circular atoll unlike anything else in Florida.
Few People Know It Exists
The Marquesas are off every tourist map. No ferry service. No development. No crowds. Just 30 square miles of protected wilderness that most Key West visitors will never see — even the locals rarely make the trip.
One of a Kind Formation
The Marquesas form one of the few true atolls in the entire Western Hemisphere — a near-perfect ring of islands surrounding a protected lagoon. Scientists have puzzled over its origin for decades.
The Crater Theory
Long-time Key West locals have a theory that's been whispered around the docks for generations: the Marquesas' perfect circular shape isn't natural geology — it's the remnant of an ancient meteor impact crater. No one has proven it, but the shape is hard to argue with.
World-Class Fishing in Untouched Waters
The Marquesas see far less fishing pressure than the waters around Key West. Fish are less wary, more aggressive, and the variety is incredible. Browse our Key West species guide to learn more about what you'll encounter.
Mangrove & Mutton Snapper
The main target. Abundant in the channels and around structure. Great eating fish.
Year-roundPermit
Coveted light tackle challenge on the shallow flats inside the lagoon.
Spring & FallSharks & Barracuda
Cruise the edges and channels. Exciting action on light tackle.
Year-roundGrouper, Cobia & Kingfish
Reef and wreck targets on the ride out and back. Bonus catches.
Year-roundWhat to Expect on Your Trip
What's Included
- All fishing rods, reels & tackle
- Live and cut bait
- Florida fishing licenses
- Cooler with ice & water
- All USCG required safety equipment aboard
- Captain's historical narration of the Marquesas
- Fish cleaning & bagging at the dock
- Fully private — your group only
What to Bring
- Sunscreen & polarized sunglasses
- Hat & comfortable clothing
- Lunch & drinks for the day (no glass)
- Camera — the scenery is incredible
- Light jacket (early mornings can be cool)
- Motion sickness medicine if needed
- Crew gratuity (20% customary)
Ready to Explore the Marquesas?
Private charter. Up to 6 guests. One of the most unique fishing experiences in all of Key West. Want to compare boats? View our full fleet.