Welcome to our blog from Captain Rebekah at Anchors Away!
January 18, 2025
Magical Florida Keys Sunset: Dolphins, Mangroves, and a Picture-Perfect Memory
Every sunset in the Florida Keys is a sight to behold. The sun gradually sinking beneath the horizon, casting a golden path of light that sparkles on the tranquil waters—each sunset seems like it’s painted from a dream. But on Saturday, January 18, the sunset wasn’t just beautiful; it was downright magical.
After a couple of hours exploring the wild beauty of the Florida Bay, Tom, Kathy, Sean, and Maggie from Chicago were enjoying a leisurely cruise back toward Tavernier Creek Marina. We’d spent the day taking in the lush mangroves, the clear, shimmering waters, and the incredible diversity of wildlife that call this paradise home. But as the sun began to dip, I was looking for that perfect shot—the one that would frame the vibrant colors of the sky, the lush green mangroves, and the calm waters as the sun began its descent into the horizon.
Then, it happened.
“Dolphins!” Kathy shrieked, pointing excitedly toward the water ahead of us.
It’s always a treat when our guests spot dolphins. They’re playful, intelligent, and an emblem of the Florida Bay’s pristine wilderness. But dolphins are elusive, often popping in and out of view, and we don’t always get the chance to witness their incredible grace. That’s what made this moment even more special. Here they were—just as the sun was painting the sky in brilliant shades of pink, orange, and purple—dancing across the water in front of us.
I quickly adjusted course, speeding up just enough to get us in position without disturbing the playful dolphins. The family had come to the Florida Keys for a memory they could treasure forever, and I was determined to give them a perfect picture of this unforgettable moment. We had the sunset behind us, the dolphins in front of us, and the Florida Bay in all its quiet splendor.
I circled the boat, giving everyone the perfect angle to capture the magic. As the dolphins glided through the water, leaping and spinning in the fading golden light, the family was in awe. Kathy, Sean, and Maggie leaned over the side of the boat, their faces lit up with joy as they watched the dolphins play. It was as if the dolphins, in their playful exuberance, were performing just for them, adding an extra touch of enchantment to the already stunning sunset.
I took a video of the family sitting still, allowing the dolphins to do their thing. And the dolphins did not disappoint! They were like little acrobats, flipping and spinning in perfect harmony, as if they knew the beauty of the moment was something to be savored.
When the boat ride ended and we made our way back to the marina, I couldn’t wait to go through the footage. After reviewing the video, I found the perfect still shot—just the right moment where the family’s smiles mirrored the playfulness of the dolphins, and the warm glow of the sunset bathed the entire scene in a golden light. It was a picture that would live on, a reminder of the magical, serendipitous encounter we’d had on the water that day.
As the family thanked me for capturing such a memorable moment, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. In the Florida Keys, where nature is always on display, sometimes the most unexpected moments are the ones that leave the biggest mark on your heart. For Tom, Kathy, Sean, and Maggie, this was more than just a sunset cruise—it was a true piece of paradise that they would cherish forever.
The Florida Keys will always offer spectacular sunsets. But this one—this one was something else. With dolphins dancing across the water and the sky ablaze with color, it was a moment that turned into a memory. And, for those who are lucky enough to experience it, those memories become an incredible part of the story of the Florida Keys.
Capt. Rebekah
Anchors Away Boat Rentals and Tours