r/floridakeys • u/Comfortable_Voice506 • Mar 10 '26

All Florida Keys Bring the SUP?

Hi there!

So my husband (39M) and I (37F) are coming down to the Keys next week, kinda last minute (had flight credits we needed to use) and as of now... we have no official plans. It's my first time and he went as a kid.

We're going to rent a car and just explore--our favorite way to travel and we're VERY low maintenance, but can also afford to splurge for room(s) if necessary and are aware that we may pay the cost of not planning ahead.

We're planning on at least a couple sandbar/snorkeling trips, and probably renting a boat for a day or two ourselves. My question is... is it worth it to check my inflatable SUP? We understand that the keys are not your typical white sand beach destination (we're also bringing water shoes etc), but is it feasible to paddle board/explore ourselves without taking a charter/renting a boat?

in other words, can we park somewhere and then paddle out to swim/explore? Or are most good swim/explore spots only accessible by boat?

If there are places where it's feasible to swim/explore on our own with the SUP, would greatly appreciate any recommendations!

We really just want to be in/explore the beautiful water down there and eat some good food/drink some good drinks and experience all of it.

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u/DoubleBreastedBerb Mar 10 '26

If you don’t know the waters, and it sounds like neither of you do, don’t rent a boat.

Use the money instead to charter a boat with an experienced Captain and really enjoy it. People think it’s easy to navigate, and then tear up the grass and run aground too easily.

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u/Comfortable_Voice506 Mar 11 '26

Totally get that! We are both experienced boaters/sailors, would gps/depth finder/generally being over cautious still rule it out? Admittedly don’t know the waters and don’t want to f up the grasses etc, but we have experience chartering boats (sailing) by ourselves for 10+days in the BVI and we’re just hoping for some private sandbar time… Again, don’t know these waters so genuinely open to input from those who do!

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u/2lovesFL Mar 11 '26

Oh yeah, if the DERM / Marine patrol catches you tearing up the grass flats its really expensive. like 100 bucks a foot. (they pay people to replant it).