Staff Answer
Jun 26, 2026 - 12:51 PM
In a busy season you do not need to show up extremely early, but you also do not want to be walking up right at departure time either. A good rule of thumb is getting there about 20 to 30 minutes early. That gives you enough time to park, find the check in spot, and not feel rushed getting on board. In Key West, parking and walking from where you parked is usually what slows people down more than anything else, not the actual check in. Once you are checked in, things move at a steady pace, but that arrival window is what sets the tone. If it is a popular sunset cruise or a smaller boat with limited spots, I would lean closer to the 30 minute mark just to give yourself breathing room. Morning trips are usually a little easier because things are not as busy yet, but I would still plan ahead the same way. So nothing extreme, just enough cushion so you start the trip relaxed instead of rushing into it at the last minute.
