Grassy Key Marina

Florida law requires you to be at least 18 to rent a livery vessel other than a human-powered vessel. Florida sets no general minimum age to operate a boat, but a personal watercraft operator must be at least 14.

Under section 327.395, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, operating a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must carry the required boating safety credentials. An exemption applies when accompanied by a credentialed or exempt person age 18 or older who is attendant to the operation and responsible for safe operation and violations. The rental operator sets its own booking minimum subject to state law, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com)

Florida does not issue a boating license, but operators born on or after January 1, 1988, must carry photo ID and a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission boating education card when running a vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or more. This includes personal watercraft. There is no general minimum age for boats; personal watercraft operators must be at least 14, and no one under 18 may rent any vessel other than a human powered one. Exemptions include Coast Guard licensed masters, private lake or pond operators, operators accompanied aboard by someone 18 or older who holds the card or is exempt and is responsible for the vessel, and nonresidents with proof of a NASBLA-approved out of state course. Any non exempt operator may instead pass an FWC approved temporary certificate exam and carry that certificate with photo ID for 90 days.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com)

From Marathon, you can boat in Boot Key Harbor, Sister Creek, Hawk Channel, Florida Bay and the sandbar area near West Sister Rock. Boot Key Harbor is a secure, sheltered refuge with small-craft facilities; Sister Creek is a narrow, shallow passage linking the harbor with Hawk Channel. Hawk Channel is the marked navigable passage inside the Florida Reefs, while Moser Channel at Seven Mile Bridge connects it with shallow, irregular Florida Bay. The West Sister Rock area is popular with local boaters but surrounded by shoals. City launch options include the 33rd Street Gulf, Quay and Harbor Drive ramps.

Source: City of Marathon (nauticalcharts.noaa.gov)

Good day-trip choices from Marathon are Sombrero Key Reef, Pigeon Key and Bahia Honda State Park. Sombrero Key Reef draws snorkelers and divers to its shallow spur-and-groove coral formation. Pigeon Key welcomes private boats at its dock and combines island history with snorkeling near the dock and beach. Bahia Honda State Park offers a marina stop with sandy beaches, swimming, picnicking and nearshore snorkeling.

Source: Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (floridakeys.noaa.gov)