Powerboat World Championships in Key West 2024

Every November, the world’s biggest and fastest offshore racing series comes to Key West. Race World Offshore, or Powerboat, is a week-long powerboating series that features races, shows, and parties, culminating in the grand-daddy of the super boat season: the World Championships. That means the world’s fastest boats going full throttle, speeding through Key West waters in pursuit of the World Championship title. With engines roaring, these boats practically fly across the water, reaching speeds well over 100 miles per hour, all making the annual Powerboat Championships in Key West a must-see, racing fanatic or not.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Key West Powerboat World Championships, from the best places to watch the races to the Offshore Poker Run, Build-a-Boat Contest, Fastest Boat Parade, and more.

[Save the date! Join 24 North Hotel for The Keys Collection Racer's Party on Tues. Nov. 5, from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.]

Powerboat festivities last a week (Nov. 3 - 10, 2024), with races spread out over three days: Truman Waterfront Cup (Nov. 6), Southernmost Continental Champion (Nov. 8), and the Conch Republic Championship (Nov. 10).

[Tips for Offshore Powerboat Races in Key West]

Although there are good places to watch the powerboat races from the mainland, we recommend the view from the sea. Our partners Fury Watersports camp out every year at the end of the race course in their catamaran. Not only do you see the speedboats powering toward you, but you also get to see them turn in the race to the finish. It’s the best seat in all Powerboat Races.

[Book your Key West stay with 24 North Hotel and choose from two unforgettable excursions about the Fury catamaran]

If tickets sell out, the Outer Mole and Fort Zach are also excellent spots for viewing the races. The Outer Mole pier is probably the closest you’ll get to the boats outside of Fury’s catamaran, but if you want to spend the day on the beach, Fort Zach is especially appealing (pictured above!).

[Visit Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park]

Coinciding with the Powerboat World Championships is the Florida Powerboat Club’s 32nd annual Key West Offshore Poker Run. Starting in Miami and running through the backwaters of the Keys, the Offshore Poker Run island-hops all the way to Key West and runs November 5 - 11, 2024. Register at the link above.

The hub of all Powerboat activities is at the Truman Waterfront Park, located at the tip of Southard Street in Key West. Don’t miss the opening (Tues. Nov. 5) and awards ceremony (Sun. Nov. 10), Saturday’s Boats and Boots concert at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater (Sat. Nov. 9), Build-a-Boat contest near the USCGC Ingham (Sat. Nov. 9), and the Truman Waterfront Race Village, occurring daily throughout the week-long event. Other events around the island include the World’s Fastest Boat Parade down Duval Street (Sun. Nov. 3) and the Race World Offshore Duval Street Party (Fri. Nov. 8).

Join us here at 24 North Hotel for The Keys Collection Racer's Party on Tues. Nov. 5, from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. There will be boats, local vendors, live entertainments, and more on the Sunset Green Event Lawn. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram for more information, coming soon.

Sound like your type of vacation? We’ll see you in November.

24 North Hotel in New Town has a low-key vibe with shuttle service to Old Town. An onsite Starbucks, drink and dining options, awesome pool area, and other amenities makes 24 North Hotel your best choice. See our special offers.

Find your own excitement in the waters with a guided Key West jet ski tour. Now for a limited time, 24 North Hotel is offering a 90-minute tour for two on a tandem jet ski.

See what our guests are saying about their recent stay:

“The room we stayed in had been remodeled. It was nice, clean, and new…Service was great. The Manager was so helpful…Location was my favorite part. It was on the north side of the island, away from the loud parties but had a shuttle option if you wanted to go downtown. Also the pools were so nice!” - Laynee Fischer, Google review

“The service is amazing…a very friendly environment…Definitely will choose this hotel for future trips to Key West with my family and friends. The hotel is good but nothing compared to the hospitality of the team that works there…Sometimes you don't need a 5 stars luxury hotel if you get a 5 stars service, people that actually make your experience unique.” - Frances G, TripAdvisor review

“We returned to 24 North and were not disappointed. The staff was fantastic, hotel rooms clean and comfortable, the pools were well maintained and beautiful. The entire staff from housekeeping to management are very welcoming, kind and accommodating. They make getting around without renting a car extremely easy with the shuttle to downtown Key West. 5 STARS!!! We will be back. Really nice hotel, clean rooms, beautiful pool and outside bar. Conveniently located near the airport and about 10 from downtown Key West. - Julia Homann, Google review