Ever wonder what it really feels like to live on a private island a few minutes from Duval Street? If you love the idea of quiet mornings on a secluded beach, dinner at a waterfront restaurant, and a fast hop to Key West’s energy, Sunset Key might be your perfect match. In this guide, you’ll learn how the ferry works, what daily life looks like, the amenities you can expect, the costs to plan for, and the key checks to make before you buy. Let’s dive in.
Location and arrival
Sunset Key is a privately held, man-made island of about 27 acres, formally called Tank Island, that sits roughly 500 yards off Key West’s shoreline. You are close enough to see Old Town’s lights, yet set apart in a calm, resort-like setting. For context on the island’s footprint and history, see this brief overview of the 27-acre, man-made island.
Access is by water only. A regularly scheduled, 24-hour launch operates from the Opal Key dock on Front Street to the island for residents, resort guests, and restaurant or spa visitors. Crossings are short, typically 7 to 10 minutes. Daytime service generally runs on a schedule, and late-night pick-ups are available on request, as described on the residences information page.
Getting around each day
Once you arrive, life slows down. The island is designed for pedestrians, bikes, and golf carts on brick-paved lanes. You will park on the Key West side at the covered garage next to the ferry dock, then board the launch for the crossing, which is noted in the residences details.
Mail and packages are organized through a shoreside mail and lobby facility by the ferry. The island also offers concierge support and grocery delivery options. For contractors, heavy deliveries, and frequent guests, you will plan around the ferry timetable so everything moves smoothly.
Amenities and lifestyle
Sunset Key blends private-home living with luxury resort features. Your typical day can include breakfast on your porch, a swim at the resort pool, time on a private homeowner beach, and a tennis session before dinner at Latitudes. The island also offers spa services and concierge support, and residents may use certain Opal Key amenities across the harbor. You can explore the overview of on-island amenities on the residences page.
Dining at Latitudes is popular with both residents and visitors. Reservations and boarding rules are firm, including a dress code. For dinner, your reservation time is your departure time from the Key West dock, so arrive a few minutes early. You can review current reservation guidance on Latitudes’ booking page.
The overall vibe is quiet and refined on-island during the day, with Key West’s dining, music, and galleries just a short ferry ride away in the evening.
Privacy and access
Part of the island’s appeal is privacy. Access control through the ferry, reservation checks, and patrolled areas help maintain a low-key environment. The island lists a central fire station and organized island management that supports owners. These features make privacy a core benefit, while also meaning visitors need to plan ahead. You can see several of these notes outlined in the residences information.
Real estate snapshot
Sunset Key includes privately owned single-family residences on individual parcels, as well as resort-operated cottages. Owners are part of an HOA and follow island procedures for parking, golf cart registration, and ferry use. If you are considering a purchase, request the HOA declarations, rental rules, current budget, and any owner’s packet early in due diligence. Property counts on the island have evolved with development over time. A previous assessment noted 48 single-family homes and 21 vacant lots in 2006, and parcelization continues to change with sales and construction. Use current Monroe County and MLS records for exact counts.
Recent sales show a high-demand, luxury market. Examples include completed sales in the mid to high single-digit millions for typical homes, and higher prices for larger or newly renovated properties. Notable sales include 25 Sunset Key Drive at 5,500,000 on 10/07/2024, 291 Sunset Key Drive at 5,250,000 on 03/20/2025, and 6 Sunset Key Drive at 6,500,000 on 04/14/2025. Orientation, lot size, beach proximity, and upgrades can change values significantly, so always review parcel-specific comps.
Rental rules vary by property. Many homes permit rentals with restrictions that are defined by the HOA and local permitting. Verify any short-term rental policies and confirm local rules, including ROGO and land-use items, for the exact parcel during due diligence.
Ownership costs
Carrying costs on Sunset Key are material and should be part of your plan. MLS examples show annual taxes in the upper tens of thousands and HOA fees that are billed quarterly. One listing sample showed annual taxes around 29,000 with HOA fees at 4,849 per quarter. Another showed HOA fees at 3,885 per quarter with taxes around 40,000. Always confirm the current tax bill and HOA schedule with the listing agent and the Monroe County Property Appraiser.
Insurance is a key budget line in the Keys. Wind and flood policies are separate in Florida, and premiums can be higher in coastal areas like Key West. Order an elevation certificate and wind mitigation inspection early so you can get accurate quotes for the specific address. Plan to request both NFIP and private-market flood and wind options to compare. For flood risk context, review the County’s notes on new preliminary coastal flood maps and ask how any map changes could affect finished-floor elevations or permits.
Boats and marina strategy
If you own a boat, plan your slip strategy up front. On-island wet-slip capacity for private owners is limited. Most larger-vessel slips are handled from mainland Key West marinas, including Opal Key and nearby options. If a private berth on-island is important to you, confirm availability and policies before you write an offer. You can find a general overview that highlights the use of Key West marinas in this third-party summary of the resort and island setup on Family Vacation Critic.
Risks, utilities, and safety
Sunset Key is a low-lying coastal setting, so flood and storm surge risk are transaction-critical items. Review the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map for the exact parcel, ask for the current elevation certificate, and discuss minimum finished-floor elevations and permitting with City and County staff. The County’s overview of preliminary coastal flood maps is a good starting point.
The island is built with underground utilities, including city water, municipal sewer, electric, telephone, and fiber-optic cable, according to the residences details. That design reduces service-visibility issues and helps with weather resilience. Confirm meter arrangements, easements, and any restrictions on backup generators during inspections.
Emergency services include a central island fire station, and the primary hospital for the Lower Keys is in Key West. Response times to the island depend on ferry or direct marine and EMS protocols. Ask for owner and HOA guidance on medical response and medevac procedures as part of your due diligence.
How it compares in the Keys
Sunset Key is unique in the Keys because it blends a private-island setting, controlled access, and full resort amenities, while sitting minutes from Old Town Key West. That combination makes it more exclusive and less traveled than most neighborhoods in Key West proper. If you want larger marinas and more land area for a boating-first lifestyle, other Keys communities like Marathon and Islamorada offer broader options. For a taste of the resort environment that anchors the island, explore the Sunset Key Cottages overview.
Buyer checklist
Use this quick list to structure your offer prep and due diligence:
- Pull the FEMA FIRM panel and order an elevation certificate for the exact parcel. Start with the County’s page on preliminary coastal flood maps.
- Obtain wind and flood insurance quotes for the property address, and request recent claims history for the parcel from the seller when available.
- Request the HOA covenants, rules on rentals, pets, and golf carts, current HOA budget, and any pending special assessments from the listing agent.
- Confirm ferry boarding rules for your guests and parking capacity at the Opal Key garage. Review current restaurant boarding notes on Latitudes’ reservation page.
- If you own a boat, decide on a marina plan early. Verify whether on-island slips suit your needs or if you will use Key West marinas. See this overview on Family Vacation Critic.
- Ask the agent for current comps, the latest tax bill, and the owner’s packet to confirm HOA fees, insurance requirements, and island-specific procedures.
Ready to explore Sunset Key?
If the privacy of a private island and the convenience of Old Town sound like your lifestyle, you are not alone. A well-structured search, clear slip strategy, and early insurance planning will set you up to move fast when the right home appears. For curated tours, parcel-level guidance, and trusted representation across the Florida Keys, connect with Ocean SIR. We will help you compare options, verify the details that matter, and secure the Sunset Key home that fits your vision.
FAQs
How does the Sunset Key ferry work for residents and guests?
- A regularly scheduled, 24-hour launch runs between the Opal Key dock and the island, with short 7 to 10 minute crossings and reservation checks for non-residents.
Can you keep a boat on Sunset Key?
- On-island wet-slip capacity is limited, so most owners use nearby Key West marinas, and you should confirm your slip plan before submitting an offer.
What are typical HOA fees and taxes on Sunset Key homes?
- MLS examples show quarterly HOA fees in the several-thousand-dollar range and annual taxes in the upper tens of thousands, which you should verify for each property.
Are short-term rentals allowed on Sunset Key homes?
- Many homes allow rentals with restrictions that are set by the HOA and local permits, so you must review parcel-specific rules and ROGO items during due diligence.
How do flood and wind insurance work for Sunset Key properties?
- Flood and wind are separate policies in Florida, and you should order an elevation certificate and wind mitigation inspection to get accurate quotes for the address.
