Charter the 54-foot Schooner Valora for a private sail in Key West
3 Hours
Up to 6 people
Beer, wine, soft drinks
Set sail in Key West aboard the 54-foot Schooner Valora on a private, customizable charter. Choose a small-group sail for up to six guests or a private bareboat charter for up to twelve.
Full refund or rebook if cancelled due to captain's discretion and/or weather. Cancel 7 days or more before departure for a full refund or rebook. Cancel less than 7 days before departure: no refund; you forfeit 100% of payment.
Check in 30 minutes prior to departure.
Yes. Every member of your party must be present at check-in to sign a waiver and receive a boarding pass.
Yes. It is customary to tip your crew; a 15–20% tip is suggested.
Key West, FL
The schooner draws near-universal praise, and it's easy to see why. Captains and crew, including frequently mentioned Joe, Christina, and Marison, consistently earn compliments for being professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely fun to spend a day with. The boat itself is described as beautiful and immaculately maintained, adding to an overall sense that this operation takes real pride in what they do. The two main offerings, a sunset sail and a daytime ecotour with snorkeling and kayaking, both deliver strong experiences, though in different ways. The sunset cruise focuses on the magic of being out on the water with drinks flowing and appetizers to snack on, while the ecotour leans into wildlife encounters and mangrove exploration. Dolphins, sea turtles, and even the occasional shark have made appearances on multiple trips, which travelers clearly love. Food and drinks are included and repeatedly praised, which seems to be a pleasant surprise for many guests. With a near-perfect rating across thousands of reviews, this is about as close to a sure thing as you'll find in Key West. Booking early makes sense, especially during busy seasons.
Christina and Luana are friendly, experienced and amazing! The Schooner Appledore Star is a beautiful ship. We enjoyed visiting the Key West National Wildlife Refuge's Archer Key and Mule Key mangroves. It was fascinating to kayak into the hurricane hole sheltered area in the mangroves. The sea turtle and birds within the unique ecosystem are incredible. Thank you for the wonderful time together, and for preparing the delicious lunch too! Perfect day ~ 5 stars!
Globe Sparkles
May 22, 2026
Christina and Luana are friendly, experienced and amazing! The Schooner Appledore Star is a beautiful ship. We enjoyed visiting the Key West National Wildlife Refuge's Archer Key and Mule Key mangroves. It was fascinating to kayak into the hurricane hole sheltered area in the mangroves. The sea turtle and birds within the unique ecosystem are incredible. Thank you for the wonderful time together, and for preparing the delicious lunch too! Perfect day ~ 5 stars!
Globe Sparkles
May 22, 2026