Key West Schooner Sunset Sail: Is The Open Bar Worth It? [2025 Review]

If you’re looking for a special way to wrap up your day in Key West, that classic Key West Schooner Sunset Sail with Full Open Bar, well, it’s almost certainly an option you’ve come across. Very popular with visitors, the sunset sail promises beautiful views, maybe even that elusive “green flash” at sunset, and, of course, free-flowing drinks. Yet, the real question is, is it a worthwhile splurge? We’re getting into that a bit, going over every aspect of this experience, so you can decide if it’s really right for you. Read our full review: Key West Schooner Sunset Sail Full Review and Details

Setting Sail into the Sunset: What to Anticipate

You know, stepping onto a schooner is actually quite a feeling. With their tall masts and classic lines, these boats are so visually impressive. You, like your fellow passengers, will probably find yourself taking loads of photos even before you leave the dock. That anticipation can certainly build when that schooner starts gliding out of the harbor. Usually, these sails hug the coastline a little, so that people get a pleasing view of Key West as the sun heads down. If the wind cooperates a bit, the crew may actually raise the sails. Yet, sometimes, especially when it’s calm, they simply motor along. Keep in mind, sailing conditions aren’t a guarantee. Seeing Key West from the water as it gets dark can be quite stunning in itself. That light catches all of the buildings and everything, in that way. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sunset Sail Deals)

The Open Bar: Libations and Expectations

Okay, so, let’s discuss the full open bar. That part often feels like the main draw for people when you get right down to it. That said, “full open bar” is not the same across different tour operators. What’s typically on offer, in a way, might be a selection of beers (usually your domestic kinds), some wines (think your typical chardonnay and maybe a cabernet), and a selection of liquors for mixing basic cocktails (rum punch, vodka sodas, etc.). You should expect quality in line with the price point, very basic, you know? You might not get your top-shelf brands. The bartenders usually tend to be pretty quick and really quite cheerful. Be ready for a bit of a line right at the beginning, especially as folks are settling in and really hoping to grab their first drink and start that wind-down time. I mean, who doesn’t, really? So, maybe just keep a patient outlook in mind. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Open Bar Cruise Booking)

Setting the Mood: Ambiance and Crowd

Well, that ambiance, it’s very influenced by the particular crowd on any specific sailing. Sometimes, it will have that very chill, laid-back feel, so everybody is quiet, chatting with their companions, and enjoying that view and a relaxing vibe. Other times, though, that atmosphere, could be a bit livelier, a little more of that party type of boat. Usually, tour operators actually do try to keep that volume at a reasonable level, really in deference to what many people hope for from a sunset viewing. I feel that, you know? Now, when you have those themed sails, like a live music cruise or something similar, the mood, too, tends to be much more energetic and the focus definitely steers right into entertainment. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Your Sunset Sail)

Wildlife Sightings: More Than Just a Sunset

Honestly, you just don’t know what wildlife sightings you might get to enjoy on one of these sails. In a way, the Key West waters actually have a whole host of sea life. Often, that includes dolphins that seem to be just enjoying their playtime, maybe even a sea turtle popping up to take a breath. Bird lovers usually get a thrill because there’s often seabirds soaring around the schooner. Yet, keep in mind, those wildlife encounters are, just a little, chance happenings. You can’t actually bank on them, sadly, that is just mother nature at her finest. Still, even when the wildlife’s being a bit camera shy, that chance of seeing something neat out on that open water definitely just adds one more layer to the whole trip. It adds to the whole mystery. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sunset Cruise Deals)

Is the Schooner Sunset Sail Really Worth the Cost?

You know, determining if that schooner sunset sail with the full open bar is worth that ticket price actually hinges, usually, on what you most want out of your experience. What do you consider ‘worth it’? In fact, if a relaxing, pleasant boat ride mixed with unlimited, basic drinks appeals to you, and you’re factoring in the cost of drinks you would’ve maybe bought at a bar instead, it likely will measure up pretty well. That said, anyone searching, even a little, for some sort of luxurious sailing voyage or really high-end cocktails probably will feel a bit let down. Arguably, I feel the same, in fact. You should assess all things such as weather forecasts, recent reviews, and consider all personal preferences. You can then decide whether you should give it a whirl. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Reserve Your Sunset Sail Today)

Read our full review: Key West Schooner Sunset Sail Full Review and Details