Marathon to Key West Route Calculator
Planning a boat trip from Marathon to Key West? The calculator above shows distance, travel time, and fuel consumption for this scenic Lower Keys run. It's the final stretch to America's southernmost city — 50 miles of island-hopping through crystal-clear waters.
Distance from Marathon to Key West
The distance from Marathon to Key West is 50 nautical miles (58 statute miles or 93 kilometers) via Hawk Channel. This is the Lower Keys section — you'll pass the famous Seven Mile Bridge, Big Pine Key (home of the Key deer), and Bahia Honda before reaching Key West.
Marathon sits in the heart of the Florida Keys, making it a popular midpoint for cruisers heading to Key West from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Many boaters overnight here before the final push south.
Routes to Key West
Hawk Channel (Atlantic Side) — Recommended
Distance: ~50 nm | Best for: Most boats
The standard route runs through Hawk Channel — the protected waterway between the Keys and the reef line. Depths are 10–20 feet, well-marked with dayboards, and sheltered from open ocean swells. Navigation is straightforward: follow the markers south.
- Pass under Seven Mile Bridge (65 ft clearance at Moser Channel)
- Bahia Honda Channel — watch for current
- Enter Key West via Northwest Channel or main ship channel
Florida Bay (Gulf Side)
Distance: ~55 nm | Best for: Shallow draft, local knowledge
The Gulf side offers calmer water but is shallow (4–7 feet in places) with unmarked shoals. Only recommended if you have local knowledge and shallow draft. Most transient boaters stick to Hawk Channel.
Travel Time to Key West
Trip times from Marathon:
- Fast center console (25–30 knots): 1.5–2 hours
- Sport fishing boat (18–20 knots): 2.5–3 hours
- Cruiser (12–15 knots): 3.5–4 hours
- Trawler (8–10 knots): 5–6 hours
- Sailboat (6–7 knots): 7–8 hours
💡 Day Trip Idea: Marathon to Key West is perfect for a day trip. Leave early, spend 4–5 hours exploring Key West, and return before sunset. Round trip is about 100 nm — manageable for most boats.
Stops Along the Way
The Lower Keys offer great anchorages and stops:
| Stop | From Marathon | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Bahia Honda | ~15 nm | Best beach in the Keys, state park, anchorage |
| Big Pine Key | ~20 nm | Key deer, Newfound Harbor anchorage |
| Looe Key | ~22 nm | Premier snorkeling/diving reef |
| Sugarloaf Key | ~35 nm | Quiet anchorage, fuel available |
Departing from Marathon
Marinas
- Boot Key Harbor: Large mooring field, dinghy dock, cruiser-friendly
- Marathon Marina: Full service, fuel dock
- Faro Blanco Marina: Good amenities, restaurant on-site
- Sombrero Marina: Near Sombrero Reef, fuel available
Seven Mile Bridge
You'll pass under the famous Seven Mile Bridge shortly after leaving Marathon. Use the Moser Channel — the main navigation span with 65 feet of clearance. Watch for current, especially during tide changes.
Arriving in Key West
Marinas
- Key West Bight Marina: Downtown location, walk to Duval Street
- Galleon Marina: Full service, pool, great amenities
- Stock Island Marina: More affordable, 10 min from downtown
- Key West Harbour: Large slips, good facilities
What to Do
Key West packs a lot into a small island: sunset celebration at Mallory Square, Duval Street bars and restaurants, Hemingway Home, Fort Zachary Taylor beach, snorkeling trips, fishing charters, and the Southernmost Point marker. Even a day trip gives you time to explore the highlights.
⚠️ Navigation Tips: Watch for strong current at Bahia Honda Channel and Moser Channel (Seven Mile Bridge). Crab trap floats are everywhere — keep a lookout. Afternoon east winds can make Hawk Channel choppy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Key West from Marathon by boat?
50 nautical miles (58 statute miles / 93 km) via Hawk Channel.
How long is the boat ride from Marathon to Key West?
2–5 hours depending on speed. Cruisers at 12 knots take about 4 hours. Fast boats make it in under 2 hours.
Can I do a day trip from Marathon to Key West?
Absolutely! It's one of the best day trips in the Keys. Even at cruising speed, you'll have several hours to explore Key West before heading back.
What's the best route?
Hawk Channel (Atlantic side) — well-marked, good depth, protected from ocean swells. Florida Bay is shallower and requires local knowledge.
Where should I stop along the way?
Bahia Honda (15 nm) has the best beach in the Keys. Looe Key (22 nm) offers world-class snorkeling. Newfound Harbor near Big Pine Key has protected anchorage.
Related Florida Keys Routes
More Keys routes:
- Miami to Key West — 140 nm
- Fort Lauderdale to Key West — 156 nm
- Islamorada to Key West — 75 nm
- Key West to Dry Tortugas — 68 nm
- Miami to Marathon — 100 nm