Most people visiting Key West wait until the end of their trip to book a charter. At Make It So Charters, we think that’s backwards. Booking your trip early in your vacation doesn’t just give you more flexibility — it gives you access to two captains who genuinely love helping people experience the real Key […]
Key West isn’t just an island. It’s a state of mind. And nothing proves that better than the time it literally declared independence from the United States. Yes, really. On April 23, 1982, Key West — frustrated by a federal roadblock that was choking off its only access point — declared itself the independent Conch […]
Most people think they’ve “seen” Key West after walking Duval Street, grabbing a slice of Key lime pie, and catching sunset at Mallory Square. But here’s the truth… You haven’t really seen Key West until you’ve seen it from the water. The island looks completely different offshore. Quieter. Wilder. More alive. Here are 7 things […]
If you’re visiting the Florida Keys this winter and suddenly see a lizard plop onto the sidewalk—it’s not a prank. It’s just Florida doing Florida things. Yep, falling iguanas are real. And believe it or not, it’s all about the weather. ❄️ What’s Really Going On? Iguanas, like many reptiles, are cold-blooded, which means they […]
Captain Howie has saltwater in his veins and a lifetime of adventure behind the helm. He’s been boating since before he could walk, and by the age of 13 — before he could even drive a car — he was already working as a commercial fisherman. While other kids were getting dropped off at soccer […]
Just northeast of Key West lies the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge — a stretch of quiet waters, lush mangrove islands, and protected flats that feel like another world. Most visitors to the Florida Keys never hear about this hidden preserve, but it’s one of our favorite places to take guests who want to […]
Inside the Hidden History of Shrimpboat Sound Tucked away on the waterfront next to the Schooner wharf bar — no flashy sign, no windows, just a white brick building plastered in stickers — sits one of the most legendary secrets in Key West: Shrimpboat Sound Studio Jimmy Buffett’s private recording studio. It’s not on most […]
It’s that time of year again — the body paint is back, the beads are flying, and the streets of Old Town are packed with pirates, mermaids, and creatures you probably couldn’t explain to your mom. Fantasy Fest is full throttle right now, and whether it’s your first time or your 15th, a little strategy […]
If you’ve ever looked up while cruising through the Lower Keys and spotted a giant white blimp just hanging in the sky, you’ve seen one of the quirkiest and most iconic parts of Keys life: Fat Albert. This massive balloon has been floating above Lower Sugarloaf Key for decades — and while she looks peaceful, […]
If you’ve been in Key West recently, you’ve probably noticed water creeping up the streets—even on sunny days. No, it’s not a busted pipe or a wild weather event. It’s king tide season. On October 6th, we had a full moon, and shortly after, the tides rose higher than usual, flooding parts of the island […]
