Key West Glass Bottom Boat Reef Tour
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Photos: Photo: U.S. National Archives, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Our take
By Matt Spaulding, Founder and writer
Fury Water Adventures runs this one from the dock at the end of Duval Street, and the shape of it is simple. About two hours door to door: 30 to 40 minutes running out, 25 to 30 minutes parked over the reef roughly 7 miles offshore, then the run back. The boat is a 65 foot catamaran with twin 45 degree observation hulls, so you are looking down and outward through angled glass, and there is an air conditioned viewing cabin, a seated sundeck, restrooms and a snack bar that charges separately. Nobody gets wet, which is why it works for grandparents, toddlers and anyone who does not swim. Then there is the part the brochure photos cannot promise. Everything you see depends on the water, and Fury says as much on its own site: some days visibility runs past 80 feet, others it does not. You will not know which day you bought until you are out there. Trips get postponed for unsafe weather, and cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before departure, with no refund issued inside that window unless refund protection was purchased.
Quick facts
- How long
- About 2 hrs: 30-40 min each way, 25-30 min at the reef
- Best for
- Non-swimmers, young kids, anyone staying dry
- Getting there
- Dock at the foot of Duval St, Old Town Key West
- Parking
- None at the dock; city garage at 301 Grinnell St
- Included
- Water and reef-safe sunscreen; snack bar charged separately
- Booking
- Photo ID at check-in, 30 min before departure
Where it is
Fury dock at the end of Duval Street, between Ocean Key Resort and Pier House Resort, Old Town Key West, FL 33040
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Check tickets →Key West Glass Bottom Boat Reef Tour FAQ
How long does the Key West glass bottom boat tour take?
About two hours in total. Roughly 30 to 40 minutes of running each way, and 25 to 30 minutes over the reef itself, which sits about 7 miles offshore. Check in is 30 minutes before departure and you need a government-issued photo ID to collect your boarding pass.
Is the glass bottom boat worth it, or is it a bust in bad weather?
It hangs entirely on the water. Fury's own site says visibility runs past 80 feet on many days and not on others, and the captain assesses conditions before departure. If your dates are flexible, book it early in your stay so a murky run still leaves you room to go again. Trips are postponed or cancelled outright for unsafe weather, and cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before departure, with no refund issued inside that window unless refund protection was purchased.
Do you get seasick on the glass bottom boat?
The route runs about 7 miles into open water, and the boat then holds position over the reef for 25 to 30 minutes. Fury describes the catamaran's twin hull design as much less rocking motion than a traditional V-hull design.
Where do you park for the glass bottom boat?
Fury does not provide parking at any of its check-in locations, so you are using street parking, a pay lot or a garage. The city's Old Town Parking Garage at 301 Grinnell Street has 300 first-come spaces and is open 24 hours. As of August 2026 it charges $6 an hour plus tax or $48 a day plus tax, and paying there covers free city bus rides within Key West for everyone in your car.
Do you need to know how to swim?
No. Nobody enters the water on this trip. You watch through the glass in the twin observation hulls, with an air conditioned cabin and a sundeck to move between, and children three and under ride free. That is the split against a reef snorkel trip, which runs three hours, puts you in the water for about an hour of it, and requires that you can swim.
What time should you go?
As of August 2026 there are three departures: noon, 2pm and 6pm, with check-in half an hour before each. Whichever you pick, the reef viewing itself is the same 25 to 30 minute window.