sailboats key west

(305) 304-7999

The Keys Are Calling & We Must Go

Explore our tours, see the real keys.

Wind & Wine Sunset Sail

Sail, Snorkel & Kayak

• Private Charters

• Special Cruises

Tour Schedule

We sail every day.

Prices & Rates

Reserve your spot.

Seasick? Not Likely.

We love calm water.

Key West Sailing Charters

What makes us different.

Locally owned and operated for more than 30 years, Danger Charters is all about the Key West sailing experience – wind in the sails, sun on our face, the sound of the waves lapping against the hull.

Our shallow-draft schooners allow us to go where others can’t … and we choose to go where others don’t. We seek calm, crystal-clear water so that you can enjoy the very best of the beautiful Florida Keys. We can’t wait to host you for an unforgettable day of sailing in Key West.

We treat you to the Key West that’s inspired countless paintings and poetry, and show you why locals choose Danger Charters too. Kick back, relax, and be one with the wind and waves … we’ll take care of the rest.   

What We Provide

• Calm water for smooth sailing
• Excellent food and beverage
• No crowds so you can lounge
• Experienced captains
• Knowledgeable crew
• Eco-education opportunities
• Top-quality snorkeling gear
• Easy to use kayaks

Our Playground

Luke loves to be on the water and is super knowledgeable about the stunning marine life that surrounds Key West. Luke moved to the Keys from South Carolina a little over a year ago, so even when he’s not working he’s out exploring the Backcountry and waterways.

Meet the Crew

Historic Key West Schooners

Danger’s Prize

Danger’s Pearl

Learn About Our Boats

Spent my birthday eve sunset sailing with my husband and it was unforgettable! Could not recommend it enough. Such a beautiful time! I would definitely do it again next time we go to Key West. Thank you all for such a wonderful and memorable experience!

Katherine Bejerano — Google

I can’t get over how personal this experience was!!! The group was small which made the experience that much better. Myself, my sister, and my two daughters had the best time! Everyone was so kind and personable! Thank you for a wonderful time! Danger Charters is definitely a must if you are looking for a sail, snorkel, kayak experience for the first time!

Carlota Castillo — Google

We did a full day sail and snorkel trip with about 27 of us and it was perfect! The crew Bryan, Logan, and Alex were informative, attentive, down to Earth, and make a mean pasta salad! They even provided the snorkeling gear and tips on where to look at the reef! Hands down the best trip during Key West! Will definitely book again in the future! Thanks guys!

Michelle Williams — Google

Make Memories To Last A Lifetime

Come back to the ocean with Danger Charters!🪸🐬 Click the link in our bio to learn more about our snorkeling and kayaking tours!🌸 #ocean #kayak #mangrove #dangercharters #dangercharterskeywest #keywest #keywesttours #keywestkayaking #keywestlife #florida #marinelife #sailingexperiences #ecosystems #sunshinecoast #islandlife #dolphins #marine #marinelife

Check out Captain Mary as she takes Danger’s “Sarah” out for another beautiful sunset in Key West🌸🌅🍷 #dangercharters #ocean #sunset #sea #sailboat #windandwine #windandwinesunsetsail #wine #winetasting #fun #water #winecruise #sunsetsail #sailing #keywest #keywestwaters #keywesttours #keywestactivities #oceanlife #saillife #happyhour

MANATEES🌸 One of the best parts of working at Danger is seeing so many different types of animals! These guys were just chilling at the docks not too long ago💙⛵️ #ocean #kayak #mangrove #dangercharters #dangercharterskeywest #keywest #keywesttours #keywestkayaking #keywestlife #florida #marinelife #sailingexperiences #ecosystems #sunshinecoast #islandlife #manatees #manatee #snorkel

Say hello to our curious locals!🐬 It’s NOT rare that we see dolphins out on our trips💙#dolphinlove #ocean #kayak #mangrove #dangercharters #dangercharterskeywest #keywest #keywesttours #keywestkayaking #keywestlife #florida #marinelife #sailingexperiences #ecosystems #sunshinecoast #islandlife

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Book your snorkeling and kayaking trip with @danger_charters charters today! 🛶🤿 🌸🏝️Scan the barcode or click the link in our bio for more information💙 #BookYourAdventure #ExploreTheOcean #MakeItHappen#ocean #kayak #mangrove #dangercharters #dangercharterskeywest #keywest #keywesttours #keywestkayaking #keywestlife #florida #marinelife #sailingexperiences #ecosystems #sunshinecoast #islandlife

Been seeing this lil guy around on the kayak tours! He’s so cute 🐢 One of only many creatures we see out there!🏝️🪸🐚 #ocean #visitflorida #kayak #mangrove #dangercharters #dangercharterskeywest #keywest #keywesttours #keywestkayaking #keywestlife #florida #marinelife #sailingexperiences #ecosystems #sunshinecoast #islandlife

Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a complete beginner, Danger Charters provides a relaxing and accessible way to explore the natural beauty that few get to see up close! Book your eco-tour today by clicking the link in our bio!⛵️🌸🏝️❤️ #ocean #kayak #mangrove #dangercharters #dangercharterskeywest #keywest #keywesttours #keywestkayaking #keywestlife #florida #marinelife #sailingexperiences #ecosystems #sunshinecoast #íslandlife

Come down to Key West and come out on a Danger Charters sunset cruise!⛵️🏝️🌸🌅 #dangercharters #ocean #sunset #sea #sailboat #windandwine #windandwinesunsetsail #wine #winetasting #fun #water #winecruise #sunsetsail #sailing #keywest #keywestwaters #keywesttours #keywestactivities #oceanlife #saillife #happyhour

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

Save 15% off of all Day sails (AM, PM, and Premium) and Wind & Wine sails with code  SUMMERSAIL24. Valid for trips booked before September 30th, 2024. Not valid on private charters.

Stay in Touch!

Catch the wind in your inbox! Subscribe to stay updated on the latest news, offers, and all things Danger

*By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from Danger Charters

Copyright © 2024, Danger Charters, All Rights Reserved.

Website Design by Beyond Marketing

• Get Directions
• Available Tours
• Sunset Cruises
• Sail, Snorkel & Kayak
• Discounts & Special Rates
• Danger Island Store
• Photo Gallery
• Our Location

Privacy Overview

Sign up and

GET 20% OFF

Your first boat rental

Welcome to Sailo !

Your code is:

Enjoy 20% off

• Explore boats
• Text +1 910-447-2456 Call +1 910-447-2456

Departure date

Trip duration, multiple days (less than 1 week), weekly trip show boats that have weekly prices. most weekly boats outside of the us are available only saturday to saturday., boat length: 5ft -, manufacturer, boat build year: -, weekly trip, price: $ - $.

Key West, FL

boating guide

In addition to the best offers we have for boat and yacht charters in Key West, FL, see also options available for rent in these nearby locations:

• 12 boat rentals in Key West, FL
• 12 boat rentals in Stock Island, FL
• 12 boat rentals in Key Haven, FL
• 12 boat rentals in East Rockland Key, FL
• 12 boat rentals in Cudjoe Key, FL
• 12 boat rentals in Summerland Key, FL
• 12 boat rentals in Little Torch Key, FL
• 12 boat rentals in Big Pine Key, FL
• 9 boat rentals in Marathon, FL
• 9 boat rentals in Key Colony Beach, FL

Discover Key West, FL with Sailo - a gorgeous boating playground for you to enjoy!

Ready to see your options for renting a sailboat in key west, fl, learn how to find the perfect yacht for you, how much is it to charter a key west, fl yacht for a day, what is sailo’s cancellation policy, sustainable yachting tips.

• Don’t disturb coral or sealife
• Take your trash home (and don’t throw anything in the sea)
• Respect the locals and their customs wherever you go
• FAQ and Policies
• Accessibility Statement
• Boat Rentals
• Boat Calculator
• Discover Boating
• Community questions
• Referral Program
• British Virgin Islands
• La Paz, Mexico
• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• Key Largo, FL
• St. Vincent and Grenadines

• Part of the Hindu Charters Family
• (305) 509-1771
• [email protected]

Argo Navis is a 75 ft luxury catamaran — the last commercial sailing vessel built in Key West, Florida. We sail year-round from the Key West Historic Seaport offering Sunset Cruises, Brunch Sails, and Day Trips as well as Special Events. All ticketed trips are inclusive of craft beers & cocktails, fine wines, as well as light bites & heavier menu offerings, depending on the trip. Our team specializes in creating and hosting your perfect Private Charter and the vessel is also available as a venue for corporate meetings, classes, summits & seminars. 

Argo navis is part of the hindu charters family – sail as you are. .

Join us on the SV Argo Navis, the only luxury catamaran sailing yacht in Key West, for 2 hours of craft food and drink pairings as the sun sets where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico. Your sail through the enchanting changing tropical colors of the sky and water includes a selection of craft beers, fine wines, six rounds of charcuterie style passed appetizers and bean-to-bar chocolates chosen by our crew with suggestions from our sommelier. We don’t play any music and never overcrowd the boat so there’s a seat for everyone to enjoy space to stretch out and relax while experiencing the tranquility of a wind driven vessel. A sunset on the water is the original nightly show, and we’ve got the best front row seats.

The Argo also offers a Best of Key West Sunday Brunch, special themed and holiday sails, and private charters for your group or event. From weddings to corporate retreats, chef dinners to birthday and anniversary celebrations to dockside meeting venues, the crew is standing by to custom create your perfect excursion with exquisite attention to every detail.

Sail as you are on the 75’ luxury catamaran SV Argo Navis for an unsurpassed experience. Book direct here on the website or call 305.509.1771 for personalized assistance. Always friendly dog friendly on all our sails. Have more questions about our sailing charters?  View our Frequently Asked Questions page here.

Thank you for choosing to sail as you are! You can call us directly at 305-509-1771 for more information, or use the link below to reserve your sail online. We appreciate your business and look forward to sailing with you.

Have more questions? See our FAQ here.

What Do Our Guests Say?

See more reviews.

PART OF THE HINDU FAMILY

Hindu Charters is a family-owned, local business sailing out of both Key West, Florida and Provincetown, Massachusetts. Schooner Hindu, one of the oldest, most historic wooden schooners in the Florida Keys, has been sailing out of P-Town since 1946. Built in 1925, Hindu is undergoing a top to bottom historic restoration just in time for her 100 th anniversary. To help with this enormous undertaking, all sails on our luxury catamaran SV Argo Navis support this effort.

Location Of The Boat

Get directions to the boat.

PROUD SUPPORTER

FRIENDS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Florida Keys Best Yacht Sales and Charters

Charter a  catamaran plan your own private key west sailing adventure, day charters, 4-8 hours ​, multi-day charters, bare boat charters, crew available ​.

Buy or Sell A Catamaran

Brand New Build

Power or Sail

Vessels in any category

Sailing School

Take a learning vacation! 

We offer 101, 103, 104, 114, 106

CONTACT US ABOUT CHARTERING

Or buying a catamaran.

Sail Away Key West

7005 Shrimp Road

Key West, FL 33040

305-720-0896

Thanks for submitting!

Key West Sailing Adventure

Private sailing charters, 305.304.4911, [email protected], private sailing charters from key west for up to 6 passengers with various popular charter package choices., experience & explore the american caribbean aboard a sailboat., see our boats.

St. Vitus Dance

Sunset Sailing Charter   More info

Half Day Sail   More info

Full Day Sail   More info

Weddings At Sea   More info

Premium Charter Package   More info

Key West Sampler Package   More info

24hr At Sea Sailing Excursions   More info

Stay-Sail Charter Package   More info

Choose from three sailboats located downtown in Key West’s Historic Seaport just two blocks from Duval Street. The town is at your feet. There are famous bars and restaurants, beautiful parks, and dozens of attractions to enjoy. The sailboats are docked down the pier just far enough for quiet and privacy.

Sailing and snorkeling is the best fun Key West has to offer. Choose a sailboat to truly enjoy the Key West experience.

Our captains will sail you to the barrier reef to snorkel, take in a sunset, dive a wreck, fishing is an option, visit the dolphin playground. See the beauty this paradise has to offer. One of the favorite charters is the 24 hour Excursion or make it for a several day sailing adventure anchoring out at night. Charter the boat as if you own it selecting a sailing activity with your captain.

Sailing is not just the best vacation activity, it's also the most fun, visit our Key West Sailing YouTube Channel to see all the fun you could be having.

See how you can have the most fun on a sailboat visit our private sailing charters page.

Whether you want a pleasant sail with snorkeling to the barrier reef, an overnight sailing package, or a sailing excursion to the Bahamas. We are ready to unlock your dream vacation. All of our charter options are merely suggestions based on popularity. We can fully customize any charter to meet your wishes. It's your boat, your vacation, we just make it happen.

Some of our guests have expressed interest in learning more about sailing, we're creating new pages just for them. Visit our list of sailing and nautical terms , to know what the pirates are saying. Additional topics will follow soon.

Introducing Vivo Per Lei 58 Leopard Catamaran flagship model Learn More

Creating unforgettable journeys on custom designed luxury catamarans learn more, luxury catamaran sailing charters tailored in every way to suit your needs learn more, key west and key largo locations sailing the beautiful florida keys, bahamas and beyond learn more, catamaran sailing charters half day, full day & overnight learn more, welcome to calypso sailing.

Calypso Sailing was established in 1988 in the beautiful Florida Keys. With locations in both Key Largo and Key West we specialize in luxury sailing vacations on a range of Leopard Catamarans, both bareboat and Captained. Our monohull sailing charters can take groups of 6 to 38 on day, sunset and overnight trips whilst not forgetting the iconic African Queen steamboat from the 1951 movie starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn which operates daily in Key Largo. 

Our aim is taking care of all your cruising needs 

• Iris --> Key West Sunset Sail on Schooner America 2.0 -->

  Enjoy the best sunset sail in Key West on the Schooner America 2.0!  Take in the vibrant colors of Key West’s famous sunset as you sip complimentary champagne.  On this Key West Sunset Cruise, you will magically glide through the crystal clear surrounding waters whilst being taken care of by our professional and friendly crew.

  This two-hour Key West sunset cruise features complimentary champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water and passed hors d’oeurves- veggie crudite, cheese and crackers, and shrimp cocktail. There is a cocktail bar on board for purchase. Sit back and relax while Schooner America 2.0 plies effortlessly through the turquoise green Key West sailing waters and off towards the horizon for the quintessential Key West Sunset experience!  (Call us directly to save 6% online processing fee)

  

  -->Momas & Mimosas: Mother’s Day Mimosa Sail aboard Schooner America 2.0 -->

  Join us on the best Key West Mother’s Day Mimosa Sail!  Take to the water on the Schooner America 2.0, namesake off the first sailboat to win the America’s Cup in 1851. This stunning 105-foot sailboat features teak decks, mahogany trimmings and ample seating. Her 3,600 square feet of sail will propel you smoothly through the crystal green waters of Key West. Guests are encouraged to make the most of the event by bringing aboard their own picnic lunch! Mom’s sail FREE! And Adults get one complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary.

  

  -->Private Morning Sail on Schooner America 2.0 -->

  Step aboard the stunning America 2.0 for a Key West Morning Charter. This 1.5 hour sail is available to book privately with your close friends and family. Start your day off right and take the helm and experience the power of this sailing machine or sit back and relax as you sail smoothly through the crystal clear waters of Key West. Either way and above all, it doesn’t get much better for a morning sail in Key West.  Options to extend your trip are available. Charter includes soda, juice, and water. Bar and food packages are available upon request. (Call us directly to save 6% online processing fee)

  

  -->Classic Day Sail aboard Schooner America 2.0 -->

  It is true! When in Key West you must soak in the sun while you do some classic Key West day sailing. We think the best way to spend an afternoon is to take to the water on the Schooner  America 2.0 for a Key West Day Sail! Named after the first boat to win the America’s Cup in 1851. Our stunning 105-foot sailboat features teak decks, mahogany trimmings, and ample seating. There is over 3,600 square feet of sail that will propel you smoothly through the crystal green waters of Key West. We boast a full bar on board which is available for credit card purchase. Soda and water are complimentary. Guests are encouraged to bring aboard their own picnic lunch! (Call us directly to save 6% online processing fee)

  

  -->Wreckers Race aboard Schooner America 2.0 -->

  All hands on deck!  If you enjoy a good sailboat race, it is an absolute must for you to sail on board the Schooner America 2.0 for the Key West Schooner Wharf Bar Wrecker’s Cup Race! 

  A little history…back in the days of old Key West, ships from afar often ran aground on Sand Key Reef. When all the scallywags in Key West heard there was booty to be had, they jumped in their boats and raced to the reef. The first one there could claim the ship’s cargo! Arrggh!

  Today, we celebrate this Key West tradition annually with a set of monthly races from January to April. It all starts with the firing of the cannon at 1:00 PM.  Enjoy the excitement aboard Schooner  America 2.0  as we race to defend our title of fastest schooner in Key West!

  One round of beer, wine, champagne, and a boxed lunch are complimentary with your ticket purchase. Purchase a Beverage Package during the booking process, or additional drinks for credit card purchase while on board.  (Call us directly to save 6% online processing fee)

  

  -->Full Moon Sail Aboard Schooner America 2.0 -->

  Sail through the Key West waters by full moonlight on this romantic Full Moon sailing adventure aboard one of Key West’s most stunning modern sailboats, the 105 ft Schooner America 2.0. This special sail is only offered for a limited time every month! Ticket price includes 1.5 hours of sailing, complimentary soft drink, and water. Drinks and snacks available for purchase. Pro Tip:  Call us directly at 305-293-7245 to avoid the 6% online processing fee.

  

  -->Lighted Boat Parade aboard Schooner America 2.0 -->

  Join us for the Schooner Wharf Bar Annual Key West Lighted Boat Parade, a favorite maritime holiday event. Sit aboard the most elegant schooner decked out in holiday decor.  The  America 2.0  will parade through the Bight and Harbor of Key West. We will be showing off our crew’s creative design of twinkling lights that will dazzle all!  (Call us directly to save 6% online processing fee)  

  

  -->New Year’s Eve Dockside Bash aboard Schooner America 2.0 -->

  Do you want the best seat in the house for New Year’s Eve in Key West? Join us aboard  America 2.0  for an epic Dockside New Year’s Eve Bash! Your ticket grants you VIP dockside access to the famous Schooner Wharf Bar “Lowering of the Pirate Wench” as we lower her from the rig of our very own Schooner  America 2.0 ! Enjoy this timeless celebration on the most exclusive boat in the Historic Bight. Our special ’21 and older’ event features complimentary beer, wine, champagne, well drinks, soda, water, and delicious hors d’ oeuvres all night!  (Call us directly to save 6% online processing fee)  

  

  -->Christmas Day Brunch Sail aboard Schooner America 2.0 -->

  Are you dreaming of a crystal clear, blue Christmas? Then, spend your Christmas morning aboard the Schooner America 2.0 for a brunch sail that you and your loved ones will never forget! Start your day with complimentary mimosas, bloody mary’s, or champagne as you sail into the Christmas spirit. This two-hour sail includes a fully-catered brunch that will be sure to help you start Christmas day the right way! On this peaceful holiday sail, you can relax to the natural sounds of the wind and waves, and appreciate the beauty of Key West during the holiday season. (Call us directly to save 6% online processing fee)

  

  -->Champagne Sunset Valentine’s Day Sail -->

  Join us for our Key West Valentine’s Day Sunset Sail aboard the Schooner America 2.0!  This is a day to celebrate your loved one.  So spend Valentine’s Day in Key West aboard our elegant Schooner. It truly is the perfect way to show your love and appreciation. Sail through Key West with a glass flute of French champagne in hand and cruise aboard our classic boat for an evening of elegance.  Watch the sun dip beyond the horizon.  Snuggle up with your loved one to celebrate your love for each other.  Reflect on your relationship aboard this Valentine’s Day cruise.Our professional crew will cater to your every need. We will wine and dine you and make you feel like royalty. Key West sailing is a magical way to capture a moment in time.  So what better cruise to do this on then the Key West Valentine’s Day Sunset Sail.  This magical Key West sunset sail will take your breath away and your loved one will be swept off their feet all over again.  (Call us directly to save 6% online processing fee)

  

  -->Starry Night: Guided Stargazing Sail Aboard Schooner America 2.0 -->

  Join us aboard the Schooner America 2.0 after the sun goes down, setting the stage for an enchanting stargazing journey unlike any other. As the boat gently glides across the tranquil waters, your guide, a seasoned astronomer, narrates the celestial spectacle unfolding above. Pointing out constellations and tracing the mythology behind their names, they weave together tales of ancient cultures and their interpretations of the stars.

  Wrapped in the darkness of the night sky, you marvel at the intricate details of distant planets, shimmering nebulae, and elusive galaxies. Each sighting is accompanied by insightful commentary from your guide, illuminating the mysteries of the universe. It’s an experience that transcends time, leaving you with memories that will twinkle brightly in your heart for years to come.

  JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

  See our calendar of events, private yacht charters.

  

  Sail out into the emerald green waters of Key West and impress your guests. Step aboard the legendary Schooner America 2.0 for a private charter. This yacht is perfect for Corporate outings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Team Building and more. Read more »

  PUBLIC EVENTS

  

  Sail out into NY Harbor and impress your guests. Step aboard one of our classic vessels for a private charter. These yachts are perfect for Corporate outings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Team Building and more. Read more »

  • Private Yacht Charters
  • Ticketed Cruises
  • Press/Video
  • Buy Tickets
  • Contact / Directions
  • Our Key West Location
  • All Locations
  • Information/Rates
  • Places to Stay in Key West
  • Our Key West recommendations
  • New Year’s Eve in Key West
  • Press Contact Form
  • Private Yacht Charters Themes
  • COVID-19 Updates
  • Share your Feedback
  • Thank you for visiting this page!
  • Contact Classic Harbor Line: 305-293-7245
  • Tickets: 305-293-7245

  Copyright © 2024 Classic Harbor Line Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St. Key West, FL 33040 | Powered by Diedrich RPM.

  

  Back to top

  Key West Tiki Boat

  

  Review Highlights

  

  “ Ian set me up with Bluetooth controls so I could play music from my phone and the system sounded great. ” in 5 reviews

  

  “ He took us on a short trip out to a sandbar and anchored the boat where we had huge "lily pad" float to float on. ” in 4 reviews

  

  “ We had an incredible time and Jason made sure to take care of us with local knowledge, a blender and group picture. ” in 3 reviews

  Location & Hours

  Suggest an edit

  

  5130 Overseas Hwy

  Key West, FL 33040

  Serving Key West Area

  Mon

  Tue

  Wed

  Thu

  Fri

  Sat

  Sun

  	Open now

  You Might Also Consider

  

  Big Pine Key RV Park

  Sunny D. said "Lovely place to spend a week. We usually get a site by the water, which is a nice because it's quiet, the wind keeps things cooler at night. There isn't a more affordable place in the keys, and if you stay 7 days or longer, they…" read more

  in Hotels, Campgrounds

  

  Island Tales Charters

  2.5 miles away from Key West Tiki Boat

  Ashley M. said "We had the most amazing time with Captain Andy and his dog Lily on our adventure to the beautiful sandbar! I grew up in FL and grew up coming to the keys year after year and wanted my kids to experience the amazing memories I have…" read more

  in Fishing, Snorkeling, Boat Charters

  

  Sunset Watersports Key West

  2.1 miles away from Key West Tiki Boat

  Explore Key West With The Best! The Florida Keys #1 Watersports Company. Lets Make Your Vacation Memorable. Locally Owned & Operated For Over 39 Years. Lowest Prices On Key West's Most Popular Activities. We are experts in Sandbar… read more

  in Parasailing, Snorkeling, Boat Charters

  Ask the Community

  Ask a question

  Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Key West Tiki Boat .

  People also searched for

  Bars On The Water

  Boat Charters

  Shark Diving

  Recommended Reviews

  
  • 1 star rating Not good
  • 2 star rating Could’ve been better
  • 3 star rating OK
  • 4 star rating Good
  • 5 star rating Great

  Select your rating

  Overall rating

  

  This was the best part of our trip to Key West! Everything about this experience was 10/10- booking was easy, the company was extremely communicative, the price was great and the boat was fantastic. Our Captain, Mike, was the best and provided a fun experience for our group. The coolers, speaker, slide and floating pad were great and the boat had more than enough space for 6 people. Seriously such a great experience we can't recommend it enough!

  

  What a great day. Captain Ian is the man. Made a beautiful day even better with his hospitality and interaction with our family and friends. We will be back!

  

  Our Captain Michael was absolutely fabulous and provided our group with a truly amazing experience!

  

  This is a MUST BOOK! By far the best excursion experiance I've had of many in my 7 trips to Key West. Ian went above and beyond - communicated the day before to ensure we were prepared, called the morning of to let us know of potential weather challenges and was the perfect host during our 5 hour tour. The boat was immaculate and roomy plus it comes equipped with everything you could want for a day out on the water; bluetooth sound system, coolers stocked with ice, water and sodas, lily pad, snorkel gear, football, frisbee, paddle board etc. We have rented boats on all our trips to KW and this was by far the smoothest, most comfortable ride despite the water being choppy that day. Our group of 11 had an awesome time. Ian was the best captain, ensuring we enjoyed our trip to the fullest while also sharing his knowledge about the Keys, wildlife, sealife, recommendations for restaurants etc. We will for sure book them for all future trips. Thank you, Ian!

  

  Our group of eight adults enjoyed this experience completely. We originally thought that the round tiki boats we saw online would be fun, but we found out that they only seat six people AND they cannot go out as far as the Key West Tiki Boat because it is an actual pontoon. It had an upper deck where we hung out most the time, when we weren't playing with dogs on the sandbar. Ian set me up with Bluetooth controls so I could play music from my phone and the system sounded great. He would hand us beverages and snacks up to the upper deck where we were sitting enjoying the view. We also saw an actual 6-foot black-tip shark actually attack a fish of some sort and then get super close to our boat. What a cool thing to see. Ian was kind and genuine. Great to work with setting up the reservation.

  

  See all photos from Molly S. for Key West Tiki Boat

  

  10/10 for real. Ian was awesome - he communicated with us prior to the trip and was super flexible with weather. He has a great boat with plenty of space for larger groups, several coolers for your bevies and all sort of mixers and water available. We basically put our trip in his hands - we didn't know what to do since it was our first time. So he took us to this amazing sandbar where we got out and checked out the mangroves and played on the paddle board he brought. He took amazing photos for our whole group and promptly airdropped them to us after the trip. 100% booking him for any future key west trips but definitely booking full day - we had a BLAST - thank you Ian!!! And Go Birds!!!

  

  Great group trip out to the sand bar! floated, boarded and walked the flats! Thanks Captain Mike for a perfect day

  

  We had a fantastic trip on the Tiki boat with Captain Mike. He took us out to an amazing sand bar to hang out and was passing us drinks so we could stay out in the water. He also made us awesome fish tacos for lunch. We had worked with Ian to coordinate the trip and he was wonderful - very helpful and really wanted to make sure everyone enjoyed the trip. 10/10 would recommend. We will be back to do a longer trip!

  

  Ian and the crew are awesome Love his family Golden retriever that loves the boat trips Hope to be in the keys in late summer to check out the keys

  

  Mike and Jason provided my family and I with a perfect Christmas Day on the tiki boat!! We saw manatees, dolphins and a rainbow!! We anchored in a picture perfect cove where we were able to float around and enjoy the crystal clear water. My son used the boat blender to mix up pina coladas and margaritas. It truly was a perfect experience that we will always remember!! We will be booking with Key West Tiki Boat again!!

  

  5 other reviews that are not currently recommended

  

  Key Largo Dive Center

  Elihu H. said "Wowed! Larry, Erica, Max and Terry were amazing. Very friendly, EXTRA expertise and safe. 4 great dives. All the help you need and kind! Max pointed out so many interesting animals. We saw sea turtles, sharks, lots of fish on our…" read more

  in Scuba Diving

  

  AquaBlue Adventures Boat Charters & Tours

  Islamorada near Key Largo - BEST Private or shared boat tours, excursions, & fun captain include paddle boards & floats for the sandbar, & snorkel equipment for the reef. BYOB for a beautiful "beach day" at the Islamorada Sandbar,… read more

  in Boat Tours, Snorkeling, Boat Charters

  People Also Viewed

  

  Danger Charters

  

  Fury Water Adventures

  

  Salty Bonez Adventures

  

  Echo Catamaran Tours

  

  Sunset Sail Key West

  

  Sebago Water Sports

  

  Tiki Boat Adventures

  

  Mermaid Charters Key West

  Best of Key West

  Things to do in Key West

  People found Key West Tiki Boat by searching for…

  Boat Rental Key West

  Browse Nearby

  Restaurants

  Things to Do

  Jet Ski Rental

  Campgrounds

  Other Places Nearby

  Find more Boat Tours near Key West Tiki Boat

  Find more Boating near Key West Tiki Boat

  Related Cost Guides

  Town Car Service

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Newsletters
  • Sweepstakes
  
  • Human Interest
  • Real People

  Family of 15-Year-Old Killed in Boat Crash Files Lawsuit Against Parents of Teen Boat Driver

  The complaint alleged that the parents allowed their son to operate their boat without "adult supervision" and "without checking for alcohol"

  • Collin Moorefield, 15, died on March 3, 2024, after a boat driven by an unsupervised teenager collided with a dock, per the complaint
  • The lawsuit alleged the boat operator was under the influence of alcohol and distracted by his phone
  • “He was known for his ability to make you laugh, his handsome smile, genuine respect for others, thoughtfulness, adventurous spirit, and easygoing personality," read Collin's obituary

  The family of a 15-year-old boy who was killed in a March 3 boat crash in Florida is suing the parents of a teen who was driving the boat at the time of crash.

  The estate of the victim, Collin Moorefield, alleged the driver, who was also 15 at the time, was under the influence of alcohol. They cited his age as well as his level of experience when he drove the boat in a complaint  reviewed by PEOPLE.

  Filed on Aug. 12 with the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit by Collin’s estate against the teen driver’s parents, Anjan Tharakan and Katherine Tharakan, the complaint said the Tharakans owned and controlled the 18-foot boat, the Key West . It alleged the couple purchased the boat so that their 15-year-old son — identified in the complaint as C.T. — could take out “his friends on the Key West alone, without adequate experience, adult supervision, and/or a lookout.”

  The complaint added that the parents should have accompanied C.T. on the March 3 voyage but instead allowed him to operate the boat alone. On that day, according to the filing, C.T. invited Collin to ride on the Key West.  

  “Anjan and Katherine allowed this—C.T. to take the Key West out on the waters of Tampa Bay without adult supervision, without a lookout, and without checking for alcohol—despite knowing that they were taking their other, larger boat out later that same day and could have taken the boys, C.T. and Collin Moorefield, with them,” read the complaint. 

  C.T. drove the Key West southwest from Venetian Isles in St. Petersburg, asserted the complaint, adding that he operated the boat at or close to its top speed of 43.5 miles per hour “under the influence of alcohol and while distracted, focusing on his cell phone for a prolonged period. attempting to change the music he was playing over the Key West 's speakers rather than focusing on his surroundings.”

  Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

  The complaint said the Key West narrowly missed a dock before striking the next dock and lower unit of a boat in St. Petersburg. As a result, Collin “suffered massive blunt force trauma” and was "violently cast overboard."

  Authorities arrived to search for Colin and C.T. in the waters. Colin was eventually found after being underwater for a while due to his injuries, according to the complaint. He was taken to a hospital, where he died of his injuries that day. The cause of death, read the complaint, was “blunt force trauma and drowning.”

  “As a direct and proximate cause of Anjan’s, Katherine’s, and C.T.’s negligence, Collin Moorefield suffered permanent, fatal injuries, and other damage,” alleged the complaint.

  The complaint also alleged that Collin’s survivors “suffered lost support and services, loss of Collin Moorefield’s companionship and protection, mental pain and suffering, funeral expenses, loss of instruction, and loss of guidance, and will continue to suffer these damages in the future for the remainder of their useful lives.”

  Per the complaint, Collin’s family is seeking damages in excess of $50,000.

  At the time when he was pulled out of the water following the crash, C.T. told those who assisted him that he had been looking at his phone to change the music before the collision, the complaint alleged. 

  Ian Leavengood, an attorney representing Collin’s family, told PEOPLE in an Aug. 23 email that the family has declined to comment. PEOPLE has reached out to the Tharakans' for comment.

  According to a published obituary , Collin was born in Illinois. His family moved to St. Petersburg when Collin was about 3 years old. At the time of his death, Collin was in the eighth grade. 

  “Athletic and a devoted team player, Collin participated in sports year-round, including, cross country, soccer, football, basketball, track, and lacrosse,” read the obituary. “His passions were music, fishing, and food. He played guitar and bass guitar, memorizing songs from reggae to classic rock.”

  Collin is survived by his parents, two siblings and grandparents. 

  “He was known for his ability to make you laugh, his handsome smile, genuine respect for others, thoughtfulness, adventurous spirit, and easygoing personality,” the obituary also stated. 

  The court filing did not list the Tharakans' legal representation.

  Related Articles

  
  • India Independence Day
  • Paris Olympics 2024
  • Lok Sabha Elections 2024
  • UK Elections
  • Firstpost Defence Summit
  • Entertainment
  • Web Stories
  • First Sports
  • Fast and Factual
  • Between The Lines
  • Firstpost America
  

  Senegal intercepts boat carrying nearly 80 migrants from West Africa

  The interception took place just hours before the start of a three-day visit by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to Mauritania, The Gambia and Senegal – three key countries in the migration crisis read more

  

  Senegal has intercepted a boat carrying nearly 80 migrants from West Africa, the army said Tuesday, hours before the Spanish Prime Minister was set to visit the region in the face of a surge in migrant arrivals.

  The 76 people, including six women and seven children, were stopped by a Senegalese Navy patrol boat 80 kilometres (50 miles) off the coast of the capital Dakar on Monday evening, the Armed Forces Public Relations Directorate (DIRPA) posted on X.

  The passengers aboard the intercepted vessel included 55 Senegalese, 11 Guineans, seven Gambians, two Malians and one national from Guinea-Bissau, DIRPA said.

  The interception took place just hours before the start of a three-day visit by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to Mauritania, The Gambia and Senegal – three key countries in the migration crisis.

  Sanchez is due to arrive in Mauritania’s capital Nouakchott on Tuesday afternoon.

  Nearly every day, Spain’s coastguard rescues a boat carrying dozens of African migrants towards the Canary islands off the northwest coast of Africa. The islands’ government has pleaded for more help.

  Between January 1 and August 15 this year, 22,304 migrants reached the Islands, compared with 9,864 in the same period in 2023 – an increase of 126 percent, according to interior ministry figures.

  Across all of Spain, there were 31,155 arrivals up to mid-August, a 66 percent increase on the 18,745 a year earlier.

  Senegal’s army announced in mid-August that it had launched “joint patrols” with security forces at several locations in a bid to prevent migrants leaving the country.

  The army said the operation had so far led to the arrest of “453 potential migrants and members of smuggling networks, including 239 Senegalese, 145 Guineans, 32 Gambians, 17 Malians, seven Bissau-Guineans, six Ivorians, three Nigerians, two Comorians, one Mauritanian and one Congolese”.

  

  Smithsonian Voices

  From the Smithsonian Museums

  

  NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM

  Flying Boats Were Once the Luxury Liners of the Air

  Flying boats opened up travel destinations around the world—then they went to war

  

  Twilight glimmered in the western sky as the large aircraft began its descent to the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal. As it flew into view, the shores erupted in a cacophony of cheers, gun blasts, and tolling church bells. The euphoria reached a crescendo when the unusual craft finally landed on the water and glided to a stop.

  On that lovely evening—May 27, 1919—an ambitious and daring feat had been achieved. The U.S. Navy’s Curtiss NC-4, a massive “flying boat” crafted by pioneering designer Glenn Curtiss, became the first airplane to cross the Atlantic Ocean, making a stop in the Azores before setting down in the river on the European continent.

  “We are safely across the pond. The job is finished!” wrote Lieutenant Commander Albert C. Read, captain of the historic flight, in a message to his superior officers.

  

  Front page headlines dominated newspapers across the United States and around the world. “Twentieth century transportation has reached a new pinnacle, and the United States navy has led the way,” raved the Associated Press. 

  The Curtiss NC-4—in the collection of the National Air and Space Museum and on loan to the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida—led the way for the era of the flying boat. At the time, the lack of airports with hard surfaces in the world’s major destinations meant overseas service had to be handled by airplanes that could land on water.

  

  The flying boat—so named because the bottom of the fuselage looks like the keel of a waterborne vessel—dominated the prewar era of transoceanic flight. From the United States to South America, Europe, Pacific Islands, Asia, and beyond, this class of airplane went where others could not. It had the range, capacity, and ability to reach faraway, exotic locales that were inaccessible to most other aircraft of the day. The world’s militaries likewise embraced the adaptable aircraft, using it to patrol the world’s oceans and rescue downed fliers. 

  Then, flying boats all but disappeared. Larger land-based aircraft capable of carrying more passengers and cargo replaced it and transformed the way the world traveled. 

  Now it seems the flying boat is on the verge of a comeback, as countries seek them for missions as diverse as fighting fires to ferrying tourists to remote islands. Flying boat enthusiasts worldwide dare to wonder if they will see the magnificent machines soar and sail once again.

  In the lap of luxury

  At its zenith, traveling on a commercial flying boat was like sailing on the  Queen Mary 2 . Private sleeping rooms, silver dining service, chef-prepared meals, and white-gloved waiters were all part of the upscale treatment passengers could expect on these ocean liners of the sky. 

  The cost? In 1940, a one-way ticket from San Francisco to Hong Kong was $760—about $15,000 today. The main advantage? The trip took days by flying boat versus weeks by passenger ship.

  The aerial luxury afforded by flying boats was best epitomized by Pan American Airways. In a symbolic nod to the majestic sailing ships that plied the oceans in the 19th century, the airline’s flying boats were named “Clippers” by the company’s cofounder. The comparison did not stop there.

  “That was exactly what Juan Trippe, the founder of Pan Am wanted,” says Bob van der Linden, a National Air and Space Museum curator who specializes in air transportation and special purpose aircraft. “He knew his customers were the equivalent of first-class passengers onboard a high-end steamship. They expected the best service with stewards and pursers. The airplane was operated by a captain and navigator, terms that came from the navy. If you look at the old Pan Am uniform, it’s the same as a U.S. Navy uniform, including rank insignia. They were trying to emulate ocean liners.”

  In the 1920s and ’30s, flying boats came in a multitude of shapes and sizes—from small craft holding just a few people to massive airplanes with room for scores of travelers. In addition, airmail delivery was an essential part of commercial aviation at the time. Lucrative postal contracts from the federal government helped airlines reach profitability at a critical time of development while expanding routes across the Caribbean, South America, and the rest of the world.

  Flying boats are a unique style of vessel. Whereas a floatplane is basically a regular airplane mounted on pontoons, the flying boat is essentially a hybrid between a ship and an airplane. It features durable wings capable of withstanding strong winds and rough seas, as well as a sturdy hull—usually V-shaped like a boat—so it can withstand the rigors of landing on choppy waves. Designing such an unusual craft required a precise balance between two very different disciplines.

  “A flying boat must satisfy many of the same requirements for performance, efficiency, strength, and reliability as a landplane but, in addition, must possess some qualities of a boat in water and some qualities unique to the flying boat itself,” wrote the late Laurence K. Loftin Jr., former director of aeronautical research at NASA Langley, in his 1985 book  Quest for Performance: The Evolution of Modern Aircraft . “It must be seaworthy, maneuverable, and stable on the water and have low water and air drag. The hull must be designed with sufficient structural strength to withstand the various loads imposed by rough water in landing, taking off, and taxiing.”

  In other words, a flying boat had to be sleek and rugged. Finding the proper parity between these two opposite fields of performance was crucial if a proposed design was to be successful. A miscalculation in either area could have disastrous results.  Such were the challenges faced by Pan Am as it prepared to launch transoceanic service. 

  

  For Trippe and Charles Lindbergh, a key advisor, size was important. They wanted aircraft large enough and tough enough to handle the demands of flying over long expanses of ocean and through fluctuating weather conditions. Aeronautical engineers responded with some of the largest aircraft built in those years.

  “If you’re going to fly over water, you had to do it in a flying boat in case something happens,” says van der Linden. “Also, for that kind of range you need a big airplane, which meant they needed a lot of power and a lot of fuel. You needed a really, really long takeoff run to get the airplane airborne. In those days, there were no airfields long enough to do it. Plus, they were mostly grass and dirt then, and a heavy airplane would go right through that.”

  

  One of the earliest large models was the Sikorsky S-40—the first to get the nautical treatment by Pan Am. Known as the American Clipper, it had a wingspan of 114 feet, a gross weight of 34,000 pounds, and it could carry up to 38 passengers. The largest airplane built in the U.S. at the time, the S-40 required four powerful Pratt & Whitney Hornet radial engines to break free of the water’s drag and reach the sky. It made its first flight to the Caribbean on November 19, 1931.

  Pan Am and other airlines would go on to bigger and heavier flying boats. Pan Am opened transpacific service in 1935 with the Martin M-130 (one of which was christened the China Clipper) and began transatlantic service in 1939 with the Boeing B-314, which had a wingspan of 152 feet and a gross weight of 84,000 pounds. 

  

  With a range of 3,500 miles, the B-314 could reach Europe without refueling, and it could span the Pacific with a just few stops at islands along the way. In fact, Pan Am’s Pacific Clipper (which was briefly named the California Clipper) is considered the first commercial airliner to circumnavigate the globe. Stranded in New Zealand on December 7, 1941, the crew was forced to fly west across Asia and Africa to New York City to avoid capture by Japanese forces.

  “What’s important about the flying boat is that it had range,” says van der Linden. “In the 1930s, land-based airliners could fly 400 to 600 miles, if you’re lucky. The big flying boats could go 3,000 miles or more. In the Pacific, you needed to fly a minimum of 2,400 miles, which is the distance between San Francisco and Hawaii.”

  

  Preparing for war

  As the world wound its way to war in the 1930s, militaries in many countries turned to the flying boat to meet the aviation demands of an impending two-ocean conflict. All nations with access to the sea utilized these aircraft in wartime operations. Among Axis aircraft, Germany’s Blohm & Voss BV 138 Sea Dragon was a primary long-range maritime patrol aircraft, while Japan flew the Kawanishi H8K for naval reconnaissance and bombing missions.

  The island realm of Great Britain relied on the Short S.25 Sunderland for its patrol bomber needs and it served with several Commonwealth military branches. Powered by four Bristol Pegasus XVIII nine-cylinder engines, the aircraft bristled with up to 12 machine guns and could carry 2,000 pounds of bombs, mines, or depth charges for anti-submarine warfare.

  

  Flying boats were part of the U.S. war effort from the very beginning. Ten Sikorsky JRS-1 aircraft were at Pearl Harbor when the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked. All of them survived. They were immediately pressed into service and flew many missions patrolling for Japanese submarines and searching for the enemy fleet. (One of the surviving JRS-1s is on display at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.)

  Perhaps the most iconic flying boat of World War II was the Consolidated PBY Catalina ( see “Bombs, Beer, and Black Cats” ). Affectionately called “Dumbo” by those who flew it because of its resemblance to Disney’s animated flying elephant, the large two-engine aircraft was not very nimble, but it was extremely durable and versatile. It played a crucial role for the U.S. Navy in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters as both a bomber and a search-and-rescue aircraft. The Catalina also performed reconnaissance missions.

  “The PBY was in the vanguard of the fight across the Pacific,” says W. Hill Goodspeed, an author and historian for the National Naval Aviation Museum, which has two Catalinas on display—one of which has been on loan from the Smithsonian since 1973. “It was the eyes of the fleet in World War II.” 

  

  A sky-high view proved decisive in 1942, when two spotted the Imperial Japanese Navy fleet just prior to the Battle of Midway. Early detection provided the U.S. Navy with a significant edge in that pivotal showdown early in the war. 

  With more than 3,300 units built, the PBY was the leading flying boat of World War II. It was also the most effective. Catalinas destroyed upward of 40 enemy submarines and sank more ships than any other aircraft.

  Other flying boats served the U.S. military during the conflict, including the Martin PBM Mariner. By 1945, it was flying more missions than the PBY Catalina. Of the 1,366 constructed, only one remains today: It is part of the collection of the National Air and Space Museum, and currently on loan to the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona.

  While World War II demonstrated the capabilities of flying boats, it also led to their decline. “The one thing that was holding back the development of all large airplanes in the 1930s was the lack of concrete runways,” says van der Linden. “All bets were off in World War II. We built concrete runways everywhere for the war effort. That killed the flying boat.”

  

  Making a comeback?

  Lawrence Reece is a hardcore fan of flying boats. For his aircraft restoration service, he flies around the country and beyond in search of spare parts for 80-plus-year-old PBY Catalinas. Keeping these vintage aircraft flying and floating has been his avocation and vocation for several years. Now, he is working to reintroduce the legendary airplane to meet the demands of modern travelers who want to visit remote locales accessible only to flying boats.

  “In the past 10 years or so, tourism has been growing,” says Reece, founder and president of Catalina Aircraft in Longboat Key, Florida. “People want to go places. Guess what you’re missing in a lot of places they want to go to? Airport infrastructure. A lot of islands today are not big enough to include room for that.”

  Reece plans to introduce what he calls the NGAA (Next Generation Amphibious Aircraft) Catalina by the end of the decade. Using the same airframe made sense, he says, because of its ruggedness and functionality—not to mention its continued appeal. 

  There is, however, another, more economical, reason for pursuing the platform: The basic aircraft already has approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. Even though the new version will have modern avionics and engines, Reece can save millions of dollars in development costs by sticking with a known concept. “This is a variant of an existing approved design,” says Reece, who owns the rights and plans to the original PBY Catalina. “I’m making some limited changes to it. I only have to recertify those limited changes to the overall aircraft.”

  Interested individuals and companies, as well as the military, have contacted Reece about his plans, which could include building variations for putting out wildfires, cargo and troop transport, passenger service, science exploration, and search and rescue.

  “Aerial firefighting is huge business,” he says. “Everybody wants planes for firefighting because it’s such a big concern these days. It will be scoop-on-the-fly, along with some new technology. We’ve got a drop computer system we’ve been developing that utilizes a spotter airplane with a [laser-based detection system] so we can map out our drop points and trajectories.”

  Not to be outdone, Amphibian Aerospace Industries of Darwin, Australia, is currently retrofitting older aircraft with modern components as it works on a planned release of the new Albatross 2.0, more properly known as the G-111, by the end of the decade. Coveted by collectors today, the Grumman HU-16 Albatross was originally introduced in 1949 and remained in active use through 1995. It featured a wingspan of 96 feet and could carry a crew of four with 15,000 pounds of cargo or passengers. 

  According to CEO Dan Webster, his company is eyeing a global market for commercial cargo and passenger service, medical transport, and multiple other uses. He sees the tourism industry, especially among the thousands of smaller islands without airport infrastructure in the South Pacific, as an important focal point.

  

  “Many resorts are operating marginally at the moment,” he says. “This changes the business model for them. They can bring in a weekend customer in a fraction of the time it took to get there before by ferry or other means. Now they can fly direct to the resort. The thing about the Albatross is its capacity. With room for 28 passengers and their luggage, it will be the largest certified flying boat on the market once we get it running.”

  With midrange flying boats preparing to take off again, is there hope for a return of the big “ocean liners of the sky”? Probably not. Though magnificent, the Clippers and other passenger ships were old and slow compared to the modern jetliners that dominate air travel today. “As graceful and luxurious as the flying boat was, it was terribly inefficient compared to a land plane,” says van der Linden. “You can’t run an airline if you can’t make money.”

  Sadly, none of the deluxe flying boats of that bygone era remain. All were scrapped, destroyed, or just fell victim to abandonment and neglect. A full-scale replica of the Boeing B-314, built to original specifications, is on display at the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum in Limerick, Ireland, once an important terminus for flying boats on the way to Europe.

  Today, about the only place you can view most of these majestic relics is at museums. I saw firsthand the NC-4 and PBY-5 Catalina on loan from the National Air and Space Museum at the National Naval Aviation Museum, as well as a PB2Y-5R Coronado.

  The size of these aircraft is stunning. For example, the wingspan of the NC-4 is 126 feet. By comparison, the Wright brothers’ flight on December 17, 1903, was just 120 feet. I learned that the Wright Flyer could have taken off and landed on the wings of the NC-4—with room to spare.

  The size of the Coronado is also impressive. I felt insignificant standing next to this flying sea monster, which is more than 27 feet tall. You can see why it required four gigantic engines to power free from the suction-like grip of the ocean and make altitude.

  Equally inspiring is the Catalina. Smaller than the other two, it has a wingspan of only 104 feet and required just two 1,200-horsepower engines to reach the skies. But what the PBY lacked in size, it made up for in toughness. 

  Seeing these remarkable aircraft up close is a memorable experience. I can only imagine what it would be like to fly in one of them. Sadly, the chances of doing so these days are slim. Thank goodness, a new generation of flying boats is on the horizon. Maybe, just maybe.

  As I walked out of the museum, I could only wonder what the future would hold. I looked back at the airplanes one last time and was reminded of the words of Jimmy Buffett, a true fan of the half plane, half boat: “Taking off and landing in the water held a romantic fascination for me.” 

  Dave Kindy  is a journalist, freelance writer, and book reviewer who writes about aviation, space, military history, and other topics.

  This article is from the Summer 2024 issue of  Air & Space Quarterly , the National Air and Space Museum's signature magazine that explores topics in aviation and space, from the earliest moments of flight to today.  Explore the full issue.