Have you ever wanted to visit the Florida Keys, but you were unsure on how to get there or what airport you should fly into? You may have been interested in chartering an aircraft to the Keys and were wondering what island to fly to or where to stay. Contacting your FlyUSA Private Aviation Advisor will help you answer some of these questions, but here is some information regarding the airports that the Florida Keys has and the location to nearby resorts and adventure.
When contemplating what airport to fly into, it is important to identify the point of your stay and what you would like to do during your visit. There are two airports in the Florida Keys. These airports are the Florida Keys Marathon International and Key West International Airport. Key West is the westernmost point of the Florida Keys while Florida Keys Marathon International is located in the very center point of the Keys. Florida Keys Marathon International is centrally located and only 1 hour from Key West and 1 hour from Key Largo.
Key West International Airport
Key West International (KEYW) has recently undergone a full runway reconstruction to accommodate larger aircraft. This 5,000-foot runway can accommodate aircraft as large as a Boeing 737. Nearly any size private aircraft has the capability of landing here. Key West International also offers U.S. Customs for travelers returning or visiting from international locations, such as the Bahamas or other Caribbean Island. U.S. customs is open 7 days per week from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Resorts
Within minutes of the airport there are a variety of different hotels and resorts. Resorts such as Margaritaville Beach House, Pier House Resort & Spa, Hyatt Residence Club, Oceans Edge Resort, and many others are all located in Key West.
What To Do
Upon landing in The Keys, the opportunities for activities are endless. Whether you want to kick back and relax at a local beach resort or enjoy recreational activities and watersports, Key West has plenty of options. Rent a boat through Boatsetter or Sunset Watersports for the day to take your family and friends out on the water.
Sunset Watersports offers a variety of activities such as Dolphin Snorkel Tours, parasailing, and sunset dinner cruises.
Key West Golf Club is the only golf course in Key West and it is located just minutes from the airport. This 18-hole golf course spans over 200 acres of Florida Keys foliage and wildlife.
Some of the top sightseeing locations in Key West are Dry Tortuga National Park, The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and Mallory Square where you will see street artists perfecting their craft.
Florida Keys Marathon International Airport
Located in the center of the entire Florida Keys is the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport (KMTH). This airport is truly a private airport with no scheduled commercial flights. It also has a 5,000-foot runway allowing for private aircraft of various sizes to take off and land here. To find the best options for an aircraft to charter into Marathon, it is recommended to speak with a private aviation advisor to find the best choice for your needs. If traveling from outside of the country, Marathon International offers customs Wednesday-Sunday from 9 AM-5:30 PM. If you plan on landing outside of these hours, it is recommended to fly into Key West International Airport or to make specific requests that would incur after hours fees.
Resorts
Highly rated hotels such as Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort, Isla Bella Beach Resort, and Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club are a short drive away from the airport. Even private resorts can be rented per day.
What To Do
Marathon offers a wide variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. Take a private tour from Marathon to Key West, a private fishing charter, or simply take a drive along the scenic overseas highway.
Located on Marathon Key, you are 1 hour from both Key West and Key Largo. You will be able to drive to the more upbeat location that is Key West or the more hometown relaxed feel of Key Largo to the east.
Sombrero Beach is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire region. This beach offers crystal blue water, a quiet relaxing atmosphere away from large crowds, and some outdoors activities such as sailing and snorkeling.
If you are into diving, the Deep Blue Dive Center is located in Marathon and they offer two excursions per day. They offer both snorkeling and scuba lessons and offer equipment rentals for experienced divers.
Before traveling into the Florida Keys, speak with one of our many knowledgeable private aviation advisors here at FlyUSA to discuss the details and desires for your trip. They can further discuss airports that you wish to fly into and find you the perfect aircraft to fit your private charter needs.
