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 like Green Street near Conch Republic Seafood and Palm Avenue near Perry Court Navy housing. If you’ve had to reroute your bike ride or tiptoe through salty puddles lately, king tides are the culprit.

🌕 So What Is a King Tide?

King tides are the highest natural tides of the year. They happen when the moon is either full or new and closest to Earth in its orbit (a position called perigee). That extra gravitational pull, especially during a full moon, creates more dramatic high tides.

In October, with the moon lighting up the night sky on the 6th, the gravitational forces combined with seasonal sea level changes to push those tides even higher.

🏝️ Local Spots That Feel It

Some areas around Key West are lower lying and more prone to flooding during these extra high tides:

• Green Street near Conch Republic Seafood Company – When the water rises, the streets here can turn into shallow canals.
• Palm Avenue near Perry Court (Navy Housing) – This stretch is often one of the first to flood and stay underwater during the peak of king tide events.

While it can be inconvenient, it’s also part of island life—and a good reminder that sea level rise is real and already reshaping the Keys.

🍹 High Tide? Head to the Sandbar.

Now, here’s the fun twist. While the streets might be wet, there’s still paradise waiting offshore. King tides affect the sandbars too—but not always in a bad way.

One of the best bets during higher-than-usual tides is Snipes Point, one of the most iconic sandbars in the Lower Keys.

Why?

Because Snipes has a higher center area that still stays a comfortable chill-zone depth, even when the tide’s up. It’s perfect for floating on a noodle, sipping a drink, and soaking in the sun without worrying about the water getting too deep to enjoy.

Whether you’re visiting or a local, chartering a boat to Snipes during a king tide day can turn an inconvenience into an island-style upgrade.

⚓ Wanna Turn King Tide Into a Chill Tide?

Join us on a private sandbar charter and experience Snipes like a local. We’ll get you off the flooded streets and onto the water—where the vibes are high (and so is the tide). BYO noodle! (just kidding, we have noodles and a really cool party float)

📅 Book your charter now »
📍 Departing daily from Key West, FL