Overview
The city-run marina in Key West's Historic Seaport takes boats up to 140 ft and 12 ft draft, has 33 transient slips and sells non-ethanol gas and diesel at its own fuel dock. Behind the Stone Mole the Bight is well sheltered; only the piers along the turning basin to the north catch waves running in from Man of War Harbor in a norther.
At least 90 % of the slips go first come, first served, according to the marina. Winter is high season, and the rates change on 1 October. If you are at anchor off Wisteria Island you will still end up here: the marina's dinghy dock is the main landing for boats anchored off Key West.
Approach
From the sea you come up the Main Ship Channel. The federal project depth is 30 ft to the upper turning basin and 12 ft into the Bight's own basin – controlling depths change, so check the latest chart and the Army Corps surveys. Cruise ships berth at Mallory Square, Pier B and the Navy Mole, so expect big-ship traffic and ferries in the channel.
West of Fort Taylor the stream runs about 2 kn on the flood and 3 kn on the ebb, less near the upper turning basin and pushed around by the wind. The Coast Pilot advises against anchoring near Key West Bight Channel Light 2: poor holding, strong current, and you block the approach to the docks.
Facilities
- Fuelnon-ethanol Rec-90, ULSD
- Waterfree with a slip
- Wi-Fifree with a slip
- Pump-outfree, self-service
- Shore power30/50/100 A, 480 V (reported)
- Showersblock 1 included
- Laundry$2 coin machines
- Iceat the fuel dock
Good to know
- Rates from 1 Oct 2025: $5.15/ft/day under 60 ft from October to May, $4.65 in summer, $6.20 over 60 ft. Billing starts at 30 ft, plus a $10 utility fee and metered power. Special events cost more and need a deposit.
- Dinghy dock for boats at anchor: $15.44 a day or $113.26 a month, dinghies up to 13 ft. With a dinghy pass you can take up to 20 gallons of water a day.
- Free with a slip: water, Wi-Fi and self-service pump-out, with staff help from 9 to 12.
- Parcels: only to 120 Margaret St, with a $5 handling fee per day.
Questions sailors ask
How deep is the approach to Key West Bight?
The federal project depth is 30 ft up the Main Ship Channel to the upper turning basin and 12 ft in the Bight, and the marina accepts drafts up to 12 ft. On buoya's computed route from the sea the shallowest point is 3.6 m (about 11.8 ft). Controlling depths change: check the latest NOAA chart and the Army Corps surveys.
How do I get a slip?
Call the office on 305-809-3983 or the dockmaster on 305-809-3984, 7 am to 5 pm daily. At least 90 % of slips are first come, first served. Waterway Guide lists VHF 16 with 17 as the working channel; the marina itself names no channel.
Can I anchor nearby instead?
Yes. Most boats anchor off Wisteria Island, west of the Main Ship Channel – exposed from north-east through south-west and with plenty of current – and land at this marina's dinghy dock for $15.44 a day. The city also runs 149 moorings in Garrison Bight. All of Monroe County is an anchoring limitation area: within 10 nm of a public mooring field you must move at least 0.5 nm every 90 days, and staying 14 days or more near one spot within 30 days needs a free FWC long-term anchoring permit.
Sources & checks
- Key West Bight Marina – Dockage · 20 Oct 2026
- Key West Bight Marina – Amenities · 21 Oct 2026
- City of Key West – Vessel requirements · 21 Oct 2026
- NOAA U.S. Coast Pilot 5, chapter 4 (2026) · 18 Oct 2026
- NOAA CO-OPS tide station 8724580, Key West · 21 Oct 2026
- Florida Statutes 327.4108 – Anchoring limitation areas (2026)
- Florida Statutes 327.4111 – Long-term anchoring permit (2026)
- buoya route model – Key West: sea to harbor, 2.30 m draft · 21 Oct 2026buoya model