If you’re planning a Key West sandbar charter, two names will keep coming up: Snipes Sandbar and Jewfish Basin Sandbar. They’re both stunning in their own ways, but they offer totally different experiences on the water.
Here’s a local’s breakdown to help you decide which one fits your perfect day at sea.
🏝️ Snipes Sandbar
🌊 Vibe:
Snipes is where the action is. It’s a popular hangout for both locals and visitors looking to have fun in the sun. With soft white sand, plenty of space to roam, and the famous swing, it’s the ultimate spot for social vibes and picture-perfect memories.
🧭 Travel Time:
About 40 minutes by boat from Key West.
🔥 Highlights:
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Larger area with lots of soft, walkable sand.
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Great for high tide—waist-deep water across the middle makes it perfect for lounging.
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Exposes a ton of sand at low tide, perfect for long strolls and sightseeing.
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The famous swing is a crowd favorite and a must-do photo opp. 📸
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Snorkeling nearby is decent for casual explorers.
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On weekends, expect a more social scene—floating coolers, speakers, and boat tie-ups.
💡 Best For:
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Bachelorette & bachelor parties
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Group trips & celebrations
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Instagram-worthy photos
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Those who want more action & atmosphere
🌊 Jewfish Basin Sandbar
🌅 Vibe:
Jewfish delivers a totally different kind of magic. Unlike Snipes, which extends from nearby land (Snipes Key), Jewfish feels like you’re standing in the middle of the ocean—360° views of water, sky, and not much else.
It’s a surreal, peaceful experience that’s all about privacy, space, and natural beauty.
🧭 Travel Time:
Only 30 minutes from Key West, making it the quicker option.
🔥 Highlights:
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Surrounded by open water—no visible land, just sky and sea.
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More secluded and peaceful, even on busier days.
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Other small sandbars nearby for extra privacy and exploring.
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Great for floating, relaxing, and soaking up that wide-open ocean vibe.
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Sand is only exposed during very low tides, so most of the time it’s a shallow water hangout.
💡 Best For:
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Couples or families seeking quiet time
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Romantic moments (sunsets here are next-level)
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Guests wanting a true “middle of the ocean” experience
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People who want to explore multiple low-key sandbar spots
🛥️ So… Which Sandbar Is Your Vibe?
| Looking for… | Go to… |
|---|---|
| Social energy & photo ops | Snipes |
| A float in the middle of nowhere | Jewfish |
| Soft sand & long sandbar walks | Snipes |
| More privacy & open ocean views | Jewfish |
| Insta-famous swing shots | Snipes |
| A quiet, surreal escape | Jewfish |
📅 Let’s Get You Out There
No matter which sandbar speaks to you, we’ll help you experience it like a local. All of our charters are private and fully customized to what you want to see, do, and feel.
👉 [Book your Key West sandbar charter today]
🌊 No crowds. No stress. Just paradise.