Printable
Printable planning kits
Updated
Eight checklists built to be printed and carried — or kept open on a phone at the dock. Each one ends with the things only your operator can answer, plus blank lines for the details you'll want written down when you're standing somewhere without signal.
No email required, no download gate, no PDF to lose. Open the page and press print.
Key West Packing Checklist
For any Key West trip that includes time on or near the water.
5 sections · 27 items
Open and printCruise Day Checklist
For a Key West port call, built around all-aboard rather than around activities.
4 sections · 21 items
Open and printFishing Charter Checklist
For any Key West charter — flats, reef or offshore.
4 sections · 22 items
Open and printFamily Trip Checklist
For families with children on a Key West water trip.
4 sections · 25 items
Open and printCouples Trip Checklist
For couples, including anyone planning a milestone or a proposal.
4 sections · 16 items
Open and printPhotography Checklist
For photographers shooting Key West, on land and from boats.
4 sections · 22 items
Open and printFirst-Time Visitor Checklist
The one-page version of a well-planned first Key West trip.
4 sections · 22 items
Open and printRain Day Checklist
For the morning a trip gets moved, cancelled or rained on.
4 sections · 19 items
Open and printWeather Planning Checklist
For the week before your trip and the morning of each water day.
5 sections · 25 items
Open and printBoat Day Checklist
For any day that involves getting on a boat, of any kind.
5 sections · 33 items
Open and printAccessibility Planning Checklist
For travelers with mobility, sensory, medical or stamina considerations — and anyone traveling with them.
5 sections · 30 items
Open and print
What we know, and what you should verify
Editorial transparency: this page separates durable guidance from details only a provider or official source can confirm.
What we know2
Stable enough for us to state plainly.
- These lists cover the gear and preparation that repeatedly matter on Key West water days: sun protection, hydration, dry storage and confirmed logistics.
- Sun exposure over water is the most commonly underestimated hazard on a Key West trip.
What we don't know2
We won't guess at these.
- What your specific operator provides — inclusion lists vary widely.
- What conditions you'll face on the day.
What changes frequently2
Treat as a moving target, not a fact.
- Operator inclusion lists, cooler and alcohol policies, and gear availability.
- Airline baggage rules affecting what you can bring.
Verify before booking3
Confirm directly with the provider or authority.
- What the boat provides versus what you bring, so you don't double-pack or arrive short.
- Cooler, glass and alcohol policies before you shop.
- Any medication or medical need with your own provider — not from a checklist.
Questions to ask
- What's provided aboard, and what should we bring?
- Can we bring our own food and drinks? Any glass rules?
- Is there shade, a restroom and a freshwater rinse?
Key West Compass publishes no forecasts, prices, availability or travel times, and does not rank or recommend individual operators. Providers control pricing, scheduling, safety and service — confirm material details with them directly.
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Every guide, comparison, checklist and tool is listed on all planning resources.