Why the Marquesas Keys Are the Hidden Gem of Key West Fishing

Most visitors to Key West do not travel 30 miles west to the Marquesas Keys. This is why they are so special. The Marquesas are untouched and uninhabited. They are full of natural beauty and rich history. This makes them one of the most mysterious and rewarding places in the Florida Keys.

At Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing, we provide a private trip called the Marquesas Key Historical Fishing Tour. This tour is only available on our 34′ Blue Cowboy Contender. This trip combines great light tackle fishing with stories, history, and exploration. It is a rare chance to see a world that very few people experience.

What Are the Marquesas Keys?

The Marquesas Keys form a rare natural circular atoll, the only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. About 30 miles west of Key West, this group of mangrove islands surrounds a safe lagoon called Mooney Harbor.

Accessible only by boat and protected as part of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, the Marquesas have:

• No houses

• No roads

• No marinas

• No development of any kind

What remains is a clean ecosystem. It has shallow flats, coral patches, mangroves, sandy basins, and wildlife. This wildlife thrives because there is little human pressure. It’s one of the most untouched places left in South Florida.

A Rich History Beneath the Surface

The Marquesas Keys aren’t just beautiful—they’re historically fascinating. These islands have a rich history. They have seen shipwrecks and treasure hunting. They were also used for war training and smuggling. Additionally, they played a role in the early fishing economy of the Keys.

Pirates, Shipwrecks & Treasure Hunters

For hundreds of years, the Marquesas have been legendary among divers, wreckers, and treasure seekers. Spanish treasure fleets routinely crossed the Florida Straits, and many ships wrecked in storms on the reefs and shallow shoals surrounding the atoll.

It’s said that pirates and smugglers used the islands as hidden stops to stash goods or lay low after a raid. Whether myth or truth, the Marquesas have always captured the imagination of watermen.

World War II Bombing Range

During World War II, the U.S. Navy used parts of the Marquesas Keys as a bombing and training range. Pilots practiced live bombing runs over nearby shallow water, and remnants of that era can still be found today.

Some zones remain off-limits due to unexploded ordnance, adding another layer of mystery to these remote islands. Despite their beauty, they were once a crucial training ground in America’s coastal defense efforts.

A Working Waterman’s Haven

Long before modern tourism, fishermen from Key West, Cuba, and the Bahamas came to the Marquesas to harvest:

• Snapper

• Grouper

• Lobster

• Conch

Some believe smuggling routes passed through this chain during Prohibition, making it a key waypoint for bootleggers.

Many Conch families know these waters well. Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing keeps that legacy alive with our three generations of Key West captains.

Untouched Natural Beauty

Fishing and history aside, the Marquesas Keys are a breathtaking destination for any lover of wild Florida.

Visitors may encounter:

• Sea turtles nesting along sandy beaches

• Rays gliding over crystal-clear flats

• Sharks patrolling the shallows

• Dolphins moving through deeper channels

• Migratory and resident bird species roosting in mangrove canopies

With no buildings or boats nearby, you feel like you’ve gone back in time. It’s quiet and far from the crowds of downtown Key West.

Epic Fishing Opportunities

The fishing around the Marquesas Keys is some of the best and most diverse in the entire Florida Keys.

Depending on season and conditions, anglers can target:

• Permit on shallow flats

• Bonefish cruising sandy banks

• Tarpon rolling in protected basins

• Snapper and grouper in channels

• Barracuda and mackerel hunting in clear water

• Sharks including blacktip, lemon, and even hammerhead

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer, the action is steady and the scenery is unbeatable.

Why Visit the Marquesas with Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing?

Our Marquesas Key Historical Fishing Tour is not just a fishing trip. It’s a complete Key West adventure.

Aboard the 34’ Blue Cowboy, you’ll enjoy:

• A smooth, fast ride to remote waters

• Customized light tackle fishing

• Historical storytelling from captains who grew up on these waters

• Sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and exploring untouched areas

• A private, personalized experience for your group only

Whether you want hardcore fishing, relaxed exploration, or a blend of both, our captains tailor the day to match your goals.

What to Bring & How to Prepare

You bring:

• Sunscreen

• Hat & sunglasses

• Drinks & snacks

• Camera

• A sense of adventure

We provide:

• Premium tackle

• Bait & gear

• All fishing licenses

• Cooler with ice

• A private 34’ Contender built for long-range exploration

Booking is easy—just reserve online or call 305-304-2946.

Final Word — Experience a Hidden World Few Ever See

The Marquesas Keys are more than just a place to visit. They are a living time capsule and a home for wildlife. They are also one of the best fishing spots in the Florida Keys. Visiting them is like stepping into another era, untouched and unforgettable.

If you’re looking for a truly unique Key West adventure, this is the trip that sets itself apart.

Book your private Marquesas Key Historical Fishing Tour with Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing. Discover why this remote atoll is the hidden gem of fishing in Key West.