Can you fish the Marquesas Keys?
Yes. The Marquesas, about 25 miles west of Key West, are part of Key West National Wildlife Refuge, which allows sport fishing under Florida law and names charter fishing as a good way to visit. There are no-motor and no-access zones around some islands. It is a full-day trip: eight to twelve hours.
What the Marquesas are
NOAA describes the Marquesas as a chain of mangrove islands about 25 miles west of Key West, inside Key West National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge covers the Marquesas and 13 other islands over 375 square miles of open water, and is reachable only by boat. NOAA says the region holds the densest sea turtle population in the Keys.
The rules out there
- Fishing: sport fishing is allowed in accordance with state law, per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which also names private charter fishing as a great way to visit.
- No-motor zone: 300 feet around the three smallest islands on the western side of Mooney Harbor.
- No-access zone: 300 feet around one mangrove island west of Gull Key.
- Idle speed, no wake in the southwest tidal creek.
- Not allowed: jet skis, hovercraft and airboats; pets on beaches; camping; feeding or harassing wildlife. “Area Closed” buoys mean no boat or visitor access, and are not moorings.
- Islands open half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, and only beaches marked with signs.
Key West charters that run the Marquesas
-
Key West Fishing Deals
4.8 Google · 1,019 reviews · read 4 October 2026
A 12-hour Marquesas fishing and history trip on its 34-ft Contender for up to six, $1,600 on its website (gratuity, food and drinks extra). It targets snapper, grouper, sharks, permit, barracuda, cobia and kingfish, and sight-casts spring permit in the lagoon.
Departs: 1801 N Roosevelt Blvd Key West, FL 33040
Check availability -
Recon Sportfishing Charters
5.0 Google · 59 reviews · read 4 October 2026
Its eight-hour full-day backcountry trip ($1,200, up to four anglers) can reach the Marquesas when conditions allow; the half day stays within 13 miles of Key West.
Departs: 5950 Peninsular Ave, Stock Island
Check availability
Google · 1,019 reviews · read 4 October 2026 Is it worth the run?
It suits anglers who want flats fishing away from Key West: permit, barracuda and sharks in clear, shallow water, plus reef species on the way. It is a long, open-water run, so pick calm weather and book a full day. Flats and backcountry fishing covers the shorter version close to Key West.
Read for this page on 6 October 2026: NOAA sanctuary: Marquesas ; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Key West NWR .
Check it at the source
- Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Sanctuary zones, marked areas and restrictions that overlay the entire Keys fishery. Link checked 6 September 2026
Marquesas Keys: questions
How far are the Marquesas from Key West?
About 25 miles west, according to NOAA (Key West Fishing Deals says about 30). Trips are full days: eight hours with Recon, twelve with Key West Fishing Deals.
Can you land on the Marquesas Keys?
Only on beaches marked open with signs, between half an hour before sunrise and half an hour after sunset, per the refuge. Some areas are closed to all boat and visitor access, marked with “Area Closed” buoys or signs.
What do you catch at the Marquesas?
Key West Fishing Deals lists snapper, grouper, sharks, permit, barracuda, cobia, kingfish, mackerel and jacks, and calls spring the time for permit on the flats inside the lagoon.
Next step
Looking for fishing trips in the Florida Keys?
Fishing Trips Florida Keys is an independent guide — no boats, no bookings, nothing to sell. It exists so you can ask better questions before you hand an operator a deposit.
Fishing Trips Florida Keys takes no bookings and earns nothing from a click. You book with the operator directly.