Fort Lauderdale to Key West Route Calculator
Planning a boat trip from Fort Lauderdale to Key West? The calculator above shows distance, travel time, and fuel consumption for this classic Florida Keys run. It's one of the most scenic coastal cruises in the U.S. — 156 miles of crystal-clear water, coral reefs, and island-hopping.
Distance from Fort Lauderdale to Key West
The distance from Fort Lauderdale to Key West is 156 nautical miles (179 statute miles or 288 kilometers) via Hawk Channel. This is a full-day run for most boats — or a leisurely two-day cruise with an overnight stop in the middle Keys.
Key West is the southernmost point in the continental U.S. — famous for sunset celebrations at Mallory Square, Duval Street nightlife, Hemingway's house, and some of the best fishing in Florida.
Routes to Key West
Option 1: Hawk Channel (Recommended)
Distance: ~156 nm | Best for: Most boats
Hawk Channel runs between the Keys and the reef line from Key Biscayne to Key West. Depths are 10–20 feet, well-marked with dayboards, and protected from Atlantic swells. This is the standard route for cruisers, sportfish, and sailboats.
- Protected from ocean swells
- Easy navigation — follow the markers
- Multiple bailout points if weather turns
- Best for overnight stops at Keys marinas
Option 2: Offshore (Outside the Reef)
Distance: ~150 nm | Best for: Fast boats, calm days
Running offshore in the Gulf Stream is slightly shorter and faster (no channel markers to follow). But you're exposed to ocean swells and have fewer options if weather deteriorates. Best for experienced crews on stable days.
Option 3: Florida Bay (Gulf Side)
Distance: ~165 nm | Best for: Shallow draft boats
Florida Bay on the Gulf side offers calm water but is shallow (4–7 feet) with many shoals. Only recommended for boats with very shallow draft and local knowledge. Most transient boaters stick to Hawk Channel.
Travel Time to Key West
Plan for a long day or split it into two:
- Fast sportfish (25–30 knots): 5–6 hours
- Express cruiser (18–20 knots): 8–9 hours
- Trawler or cruiser (10–12 knots): 13–16 hours
- Sailboat (6–7 knots): 22–26 hours
💡 Pro Tip: Unless you have a fast boat (20+ knots), plan an overnight stop. Marathon is the sweet spot — about 100 nm from Fort Lauderdale, 56 nm to Key West. Arrive by early afternoon, enjoy dinner, leave at dawn.
Where to Stop Along the Way
The Keys offer great stopover points with marinas, fuel, and restaurants:
| Stop | Distance from FLL | Why Stop Here |
|---|---|---|
| Key Largo | ~45 nm | Diving, John Pennekamp Park |
| Islamorada | ~70 nm | Sport fishing capital, restaurants |
| Marathon | ~100 nm | Best midpoint — good marinas, fuel |
| Bahia Honda | ~125 nm | Best beach in the Keys, state park |
Navigation Tips
Hawk Channel Navigation
- Enter at Port Everglades: Head south to Biscayne Bay, then follow Hawk Channel
- Follow the markers: Red right returning (keep red markers on your right heading south)
- Watch for coral heads: Especially near Pacific Reef, Molasses Reef, and Alligator Reef
- Seven Mile Bridge: Pass under the "new" bridge (65 ft clearance) near Moser Channel
- Enter Key West: Via Northwest Channel or main ship channel
Fuel Planning
Fuel is available at Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West. At 156 nm, make sure you have enough to reach Marathon (~100 nm) with reserve. Don't run your tanks below 25% — fuel docks can have lines on busy weekends.
Arriving in Key West
Marinas
- Key West Bight Marina: Heart of downtown, walk to Duval Street
- Galleon Marina: Full service, pool, close to everything
- Stock Island Marina: More affordable, 10 min from downtown
- Key West Harbour: Large slips, good amenities
What to Do
Key West is packed with things to do: sunset at Mallory Square, Duval Street bars, Hemingway Home, snorkeling at Fort Jefferson (Dry Tortugas day trip), fishing charters, and the Southernmost Point marker. Plan at least 2–3 days.
⚠️ Long Passage Checklist: Full fuel tanks + reserve, check weather for entire route, working VHF, updated charts, check tide at bridges, backup navigation (paper charts or second GPS), and notify someone of your float plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Key West from Fort Lauderdale by boat?
156 nautical miles via Hawk Channel (179 statute miles / 288 km).
How long is the boat ride from Fort Lauderdale to Key West?
6–16 hours depending on speed. Fast boats (25 kn) make it in 6 hours. Cruisers at 12 knots take about 13 hours.
Can I do it in one day?
Yes, with 20+ knot boat. Leave at dawn. Slower boats should stop overnight in Marathon — it's about 100 nm from Fort Lauderdale, 56 nm to Key West.
What's the best route?
Hawk Channel — protected, well-marked, multiple fuel stops. Offshore is faster but more exposed. Florida Bay is shallow and tricky.
Is there a ferry from Fort Lauderdale to Key West?
No direct ferry. Key West Express runs from Fort Myers Beach (not Fort Lauderdale). You'll need your own boat or drive the Overseas Highway (4 hours).
Related Florida Keys Routes
More Keys routes to explore:
- Miami to Key West — 140 nm
- Miami to Key Largo — 40 nm
- Marathon to Key West — 50 nm
- Key West to Dry Tortugas — 68 nm
- Fort Myers to Key West — 120 nm (Gulf side)