About Salty Bottom Boats
How a Lost Airline Ticket Started the Best Charter Company in Key West
Salty Bottom Boats didn’t start with a business plan. It started with a lost airline ticket, a spontaneous decision, and the kind of adventure that only Key West can deliver. Captain Chad Harris is originally from Rochester, New York, where he spent his summers boating on upstate lakes and bays. When a childhood friend asked him to help transport some items down to Key West, Chad figured it would be a quick trip south and back.
Then the airline lost his return ticket. Rather than buying an expensive last-minute replacement, Chad decided to stay a little longer and see what Key West was all about. He walked into a jet ski and boat rental shop on impulse, applied for a job, and was hired the next day. That “little longer” turned into 12 years of operating water tours, jet ski rentals, and charters across the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys.
Over that decade-plus on the water, Chad earned both his 100 Ton Masters Captain’s License and his 200 Ton Masters License — the highest credentials available for operating passenger vessels in U.S. waters. He learned every sandbar, every backcountry channel, every hidden stretch of turquoise paradise that most tourists never get to see. And he realized something: the best way to experience Key West isn’t from the shore. It’s from the deck of a boat, with the sun on your face, dolphins playing off the bow, and a crew that treats you like family.
That’s why he founded Salty Bottom Boats — to give visitors and locals the chance to experience the water the way he fell in love with it: through adventure, freedom, and unforgettable moments. Today, the company operates three distinct vessels — the 36-passenger Salty Bottom Party Boat, the 12-passenger Salty Tiki, and the 6-passenger Salty Max — serving everyone from bachelorette parties and corporate groups to families chasing that perfect Key West sunset.
Meet the Crew
Ask any of our 287+ happy guests what made their trip unforgettable, and they’ll tell you the same thing: the crew. Our team lives and breathes Key West, and they bring that energy to every single charter. Here’s who you might find at the helm when you cast off with us:
Captain Chad Harris
The founder and heart of Salty Bottom Boats. Chad’s the guy who turned a lost airline ticket into the best charter operation in Key West. With over 12 years on these waters and a 200 Ton Masters License, there isn’t a sandbar, channel, or hidden cove he doesn’t know. Guests describe him as down-to-earth, big-hearted, and the kind of captain who makes your whole group feel like family.
Captain Jose
One of our most requested captains. Jose knows Key West waters like the back of his hand and has a talent for finding the most stunning sandbar spots. Guests consistently rave about his knowledge, energy, and the way he goes above and beyond to make sure everyone has an incredible time on the water.
Gino
Our veteran first mate and the life of the party. Gino is the crew member guests mention by name again and again. Whether he’s helping you gear up for snorkeling, queuing the perfect playlist, or making sure your group has everything they need, Gino brings infectious fun and genuine care to every trip.
Renata
The crew member who turns a great trip into an unforgettable one. Renata is known for going above and beyond for every guest — from remembering your drink order to capturing the perfect group photo at the sandbar. Multiple repeat guests specifically mention Renata as the reason they keep coming back.
Mikey
Reliable, energetic, and always ready to make your day on the water as smooth as possible. Mikey brings a calm confidence to the crew and makes sure every detail is handled so you can focus on what matters — having the time of your life.
Eva
Eva rounds out our crew with warmth, attention to detail, and the kind of hospitality that makes guests feel welcome from the moment they step aboard. She’s a natural at reading the vibe and making sure everyone — from the quietest introvert to the loudest party animal — is having the best day ever.
Licensed, Insured & Ready for Adventure
Your safety is non-negotiable. Salty Bottom Boats is fully Coast Guard certified and insured, and every vessel in our fleet meets or exceeds all USCG regulations for passenger safety. Captain Chad holds both a 100 Ton Masters License and a 200 Ton Masters License, and our entire crew is trained in safety protocols, first aid, and emergency procedures.
We maintain our three vessels — the Salty Bottom Party Boat, the Salty Tiki, and the Salty Max 6 Pack — to the highest standards, with regular inspections and maintenance schedules that go beyond what’s required. When you step aboard with us, you can relax knowing that the fun stuff is our job and the safety stuff is our responsibility.
- Coast Guard certified and fully insured fleet
- 100 Ton + 200 Ton Masters Licensed captain
- Crew trained in safety, first aid, and emergency procedures
- Life jackets and safety equipment for all passengers
- Regular vessel inspections and maintenance beyond USCG requirements
Our Mission: Authentic Key West Experiences
At Salty Bottom Boats, we believe the best memories happen on the water. Our mission is simple: deliver authentic, customizable Key West charter experiences that feel nothing like a tourist trap and everything like the best day of your vacation. Whether you’re anchoring up at a secluded sandbar with 30 of your closest friends, watching dolphins from the deck of the Salty Tiki, or celebrating a milestone with an intimate 6-pack charter on the Salty Max — we’re here to make it happen, your way.
We’re not a faceless tour operator. We’re a tight-knit crew of Key West locals who genuinely love what we do. That’s why our guests keep coming back, why our 4.9-star rating keeps climbing, and why so many people call their trip with us the highlight of their vacation.
Ready to see what all the fuss is about? Book your adventure today, or give us a call at (305) 393-1322. You can also reach us at contact@saltybottomboats.com. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard.