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Sunset Watersports 40 Year Anniversary

The Sunset Watersports Story:

A Legacy of Innovation

In 1984, a bold new venture took shape in the Florida Keys as Sunset Watersports opened its doors. As pioneers in the watersports industry, they introduced parasailing to South Florida, making waves as the first company to offer this thrilling experience. It all began with a single boat and a vision, driven by the determination of the owner, who risked it all to bring an exciting new activity to an emerging destination. In those early days, the owner would sleep on the parasail boat, embodying the spirit of adventure that would define the company’s journey. As operations grew, they moved to a bus, marking the start of a long tradition of innovation.

Sunset Watersports has been at the forefront of the watersports industry in Key West for 40 years, constantly evolving and setting new standards. Their influence extends beyond offering memorable experiences; they were instrumental in developing much of the equipment and procedures used in parasailing today, as one of the first companies to bring this activity to the United States.

40th Anniversary Logo

Celebrate with us and enjoy up to 40% off
select trips & tours with code: 40YEARS


Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Tour
  • 2 Daily Trips
From $54.95 - $74.95

Join us for an afternoon or evening of dolphin watching and snorkeling in Key West’s best back-country reefs! With two trips each day to the dolphin playground we will get you closer than ever to our beloved marine friends. Enjoy the best views and unlimited draft beer as we cruise back through the historic Key West harbor.

Kids go free!

Shaping Key West's Watersport Industry Since The 1980S


a group of people flying a kite in a large body of water
Key West's Original Parasailing Tour Operator

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Sunset Watersports also revolutionized the local tourism industry with their innovative “Do It All” package. Conceived over 25 years ago to provide entertainment on windy days when most activities were shut down, this package has grown into an award-winning 6-hour adventure. The trip includes a thrilling array of activities like jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, and banana boat rides, complemented by food and drinks. The “Do It All” package ensures guests experience the best of Key West in one comprehensive excursion, a concept that has since been widely adopted by other providers.

a group of people in a small boat in a body of water
The Original Key West Do It All - 1980S

a group of people standing on a beach
Smathers Beach - 1989

In a time when corporate buyouts are reshaping the industry, Sunset Watersports remains a rare gem as the first and last major watersports company in the Florida Keys that is still family-owned and operated. This independence allows them to maintain a personal touch and a deep commitment to the local community and their guests.

As Sunset Watersports celebrates 40 years of innovation, they continue to lead the watersports industry in the Florida Keys, driven by a passion for creating unparalleled experiences. Their story is one of continuous improvement, dedication, and a love for the watersports that make Key West a beloved destination.

Sunset Watersports Archival Photo Gallery


a group of people sitting around a dinner table umbrella
Island Party, Sunset Watersports 1980S
a row of beach chairs and an umbrella
Key West Original Jet Ski Tours - 1980S
a parachute is flying in the air
Old School Parasail Flight - 1980S
a boat on the beach
Old School Sunset On Smathers Beach
a group of people on a boat in the ocean
The Original All Day Key West Adventure
a parachute with a body of water
Parasailing In The 1980S In Key West Florida
a group of people flying a kite in a large body of water
Parasailing Key West - 1984
parasailplatformhistoryinfloridakeyswithsunsetwatersports
1980S Parasail Platform In The Florida Keys
a close up of a boat
Parasail Platform In The 1980S
a boat sitting on top of a sandy beach
Smathers Beach Original Beach Pass, 1980S
a boat that is floating in the water
Parasailing In Key West Since The 1980S
a man holding a sign
Key West Smathers Beach Pass - 1980S

Sunset Watersports Then Vs. Now


Parasail

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Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

a parachute in the air

a stack of flyers on a table

Jet Ski

Our company made history in Key West in 1985 by becoming the first to offer jet ski rentals, launching this service at Smathers Beach. At that time, we were already well-established with popular activities like parasailing, kayaking, and windsurfing.

The introduction of jet skis was a natural progression to expand our offerings and provide even more thrilling ways for visitors to enjoy the waters of Key West.

Do It All

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

a sign on the side of a boat