Boating in the Keys with kids
By Brian Williamson, Key West · Updated October 2, 2026
The short answer
Florida law requires every child under 6 to wear a Coast Guard–approved life jacket on a boat under 26 feet while it's underway. Beyond that, each operator sets its own age limits, so check them before you book. For younger kids, shorter, calmer trips with shade — a sandbar or a harbor cruise — usually work better than a long offshore run.
| Trip | Works well when | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Sandbar trip | Kids like wading and floating | Shade, restroom, minimum age |
| Sunset or harbor cruise | Younger kids, short attention spans | Age limits on drinks-focused cruises |
| Snorkel trip | Confident swimmers | Minimum age, child gear sizes |
| Self-drive rental | An experienced adult drives | Child life jacket sizes aboard |
The life jacket law
Florida Statutes §327.50: a person may not operate a vessel under 26 feet unless every person under 6 aboard is wearing a currently Coast Guard–approved personal flotation device while the vessel is underway. Ask the operator whether they have the right size for your child, or bring your own approved one.
Age limits are the operator's call
Minimum ages vary by trip and operator, and some evening or drinks-focused cruises are adults-only. Help Me Choose asks your kids' age groups and flags any trip where the minimum age isn't confirmed.
Sun and comfort
Shade can be limited on smaller boats. Bring hats, swim shirts and plenty of water, and plan shorter trips for little ones.
Common questions
Do kids have to wear life jackets on boats in Florida?
Children under 6 must wear a Coast Guard–approved life jacket on vessels under 26 feet while underway (Florida Statutes §327.50). Operators may have stricter rules.
What's the minimum age for a boat tour in Key West?
It depends on the operator and trip. Check each listing, or use Help Me Choose, which flags trips where the age limit needs confirming.
Sources
General information, not legal advice. Operators set their own rules; confirm with yours before you go.