Rent a boat in Key West or Marathon?
By Brian Williamson, Key West · Updated October 1, 2026
The short answer
Rent where you're staying. If you're in Key West, a Key West or Stock Island rental saves you a long drive and puts you near the Key West sandbars and reef. If you're staying in the Middle Keys, Marathon puts you near Sombrero Reef and the Seven Mile Bridge area. Driving between them takes roughly an hour each way on US-1, which eats into a half-day rental.
| Area | Mile marker | Rental listings | Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key West | MM 0 | 6 | 2 |
| Stock Island | MM 5 | 20 | 4 |
| Cudjoe Key | MM 21 | 14 | 2 |
| Summerland Key | MM 25 | 7 | 1 |
| Marathon | MM 47–60 | 22 | 4 |
| Conch Key | MM 63 | 2 | 1 |
Key West and Stock Island
Closest if you're staying on the island. Stock Island is a few minutes from Old Town and is where many of the working marinas are. Good for Key West sandbars, harbor cruising and nearby reef.
Marathon and the Middle Keys
Best if you're staying in the Middle Keys. Close to Sombrero Reef and the Seven Mile Bridge. Marathon has the most rental listings of any area we cover.
The Lower Keys in between
Cudjoe and Summerland Key rentals sit between the two — handy if you're staying in the Lower Keys or near Big Pine.
Common questions
How far is Marathon from Key West?
About 50 miles on US-1 (Key West is mile marker 0; Marathon starts around mile marker 47). Plan on roughly an hour each way, longer in traffic.
Which has more boat rentals?
On Boat Rental KW today: Marathon 22 listings, Stock Island 20, Key West 6. Counts change as operators update their listings.
Sources
General information, not legal advice. Operators set their own rules; confirm with yours before you go.