Key Largo by Boat: Our Family Trip in 3 Parts

In October we hooked the Scout 215 XSF to the truck and headed south: Jacksonville to Key Largo, boat, family and first mate (the dog) all aboard. Here's the whole trip, part by part.

Part 1: Rough water… we went anyway

Day 1 was the tow, the launch and finding the tiki hut. Then the radio called a small craft advisory: 1–2 foot waves, "gonna get to four." We went anyway, and the Keys paid us back with crystal clear water and a giant tarpon that showed up right when we thought we were looking at a shark.

Part 2: Can a nurse shark eat a kid?

Our youngest crew member had questions. "What do nurse sharks eat?" Little fishies… and small humans. "Like me??" Part 2 is the family side of the trip: the resort, the tiki bar, the beach and plenty of time in the water.

Part 3: The Keys flooded while we were there

Full moon plus king tide. On October 26 at 9 PM the road and the lot at our marina were under water. By 7 AM it was gone, and by 9:40 AM it was back. Same marina, 12 hours apart.

What we'd tell another family going

• Check the marine forecast every morning. A small craft advisory is a real call to make on a 21-foot boat. Know your turn-back point before you leave the dock.
• Look up the tides, not just the weather. A king tide can put the marina parking lot under water.
• Pack for the kids first. Life jackets that fit, shade and snacks make or break the day.

Have a question about towing to the Keys or fishing there with kids? Ask us on Instagram, and if you have little anglers, grab our free Jetty Cards.

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