⚓ “Southern Cross” – Vintage Yacht Life in Key Largo!

Step Back in Time to Old Florida

Step aboard Southern Cross, a classic 40-foot Marine Trader trawler, and experience the easygoing spirit of the Florida Keys in a way you won't find at a hotel.

This is vintage yacht life — classic wood trim, salty breezes, tropical surroundings, beautiful sunsets and the gentle rhythm of being on the water.

YES — Southern Cross has air conditioning.

She is a stationary vintage trawler docked at Hidden Key Marina. She does not leave the dock, and this is not a traditional hotel or luxury resort experience.

Think Florida Keys glamping on a classic yacht — relaxed, rustic, memorable and surrounded by nature.

Wake up to the sunrise, enjoy your coffee on deck, watch the water during the day and settle in under the stars at night.

If you're looking for something different from an ordinary vacation rental, Southern Cross is an experience all her own.

🛏️ YOUR SPACE

Aft Master Cabin

The aft master cabin features a brand-new double bed and a cozy vintage-yacht atmosphere.

Forward V-Berth

The forward V-berth has two twin beds, perfect for additional guests or adventurous travelers.

Salon

The main salon includes a comfortable dinette and dining table, which can also double as a convenient work desk if you need to stay connected during your visit.

The interior retains the character of a classic Marine Trader, with wood details and the unmistakable feel of a vintage working vessel.

☀️ OUTDOOR TOP DECK

Unwind on the upper sun deck surrounded by the natural beauty of the Florida Keys.

It's a wonderful place to:

• Soak up the Florida sunshine
• Enjoy your morning coffee
• Watch the boats go by
• Read a book
• Enjoy the sunset
• Stargaze at night
• Simply slow down and do absolutely nothing

And keep your eyes on the water — you may even see a manatee or two!

❄️ AIR CONDITIONING – VERY IMPORTANT

The air conditioners are brand new as of September 25, 2026.

DO NOT SET THE THERMOSTAT BELOW 70°F.

Setting the thermostat below 70°F can cause the air-conditioning system to freeze up, which may result in the loss of air conditioning during your stay.

Please keep the thermostat at 70°F or higher at all times.

If you require temperatures below 70°F, Southern Cross may not be the right accommodation for you.

If the air-conditioning system freezes because the thermostat has been set below 70°F, we will not be responsible for the resulting loss of cooling or provide a refund related to this issue.

Humidity

South Florida is naturally warm and humid, particularly during the summer months.

Because Southern Cross is located in a coastal environment, the boat may occasionally feel humid. This is normal for the Florida Keys.

To help control humidity and moisture inside the boat, we recommend keeping the doors and windows closed and leaving the air conditioning running during your stay.

Winter Weather

The boat has air conditioning  and heat.

🚿 BATHROOMS & SHOWERS – VERY IMPORTANT

THERE IS NO BATHROOM OR SHOWER ONBOARD SOUTHERN CROSS.

The marina's bathroom and shower facilities are located approximately 25 feet from the boat and are available for your use.

The marina facilities include:

• Hot and cold showers
• Bathrooms
• Laundry facilities

If having a private bathroom and shower onboard is important to you, this is not the right accommodation for your stay.

Please make sure you are comfortable with this arrangement before booking.

🍳 COOKING & FOOD PREPARATION

Southern Cross is designed for simple meal preparation, rather than full cooking onboard.

🚫 NO STOVE OR OVEN USE ON THE BOAT

The boat's gas stove and oven are turned off and disconnected from the gas supply.

They may not be used.

There is also NO open flame, fire or cooking of any kind permitted anywhere onboard.

Available Kitchen Appliances

The boat includes:

• Coffee maker
• Toaster
• Pull-out drawer refrigerators
• Tabletop ice maker
• Combination microwave / air fryer / convection oven

There is no freezer and no functioning gas stove or oven onboard.

🔥 BBQ GRILL

If you would like to grill or use a burner, a gas BBQ grill with a side burner is located approximately 10 feet from the boat on the dock.

The grill is off the boat and may be used for outdoor cooking.

🚫 NO FIRE OR FLAMES ONBOARD

THIS RULE IS VERY IMPORTANT.

NO FIRE OF ANY KIND IS PERMITTED ONBOARD SOUTHERN CROSS.

That means:

• No candles
• No open flames
• No smoking
• No cooking
• No portable gas burners
• No other flame-producing devices

A fire on a boat can become extremely dangerous very quickly.

We are VERY SERIOUS about this rule.

The BBQ grill is available on the dock, approximately 10 feet from the boat, for outdoor cooking.

🚰 WATER

There is a kitchen sink with freshwater for washing hands and dishes.

Because this is South Florida, the water may not feel particularly cold, especially during warmer weather.

We do not recommend drinking the tap water.

We recommend bringing bottled drinking water for drinking and for use with the ice maker.

🌴 WHAT TO EXPECT

Authentic Florida Keys Adventure

Living on the water comes with all the sounds and experiences of being near nature.

You may hear:

• Water gently moving around the boat
• Boats passing nearby
• Birds and wildlife
• Marina activity
• Occasional conversations and laughter from neighboring guests

And yes — you may encounter mosquitoes, no-see-ums and other Florida Keys bugs.

They are part of the tropical environment.

We strongly recommend bringing bug spray.

You may also see fish, birds, manatees and other wildlife around the marina and waterways.

🌿 RUSTIC LIVING – THIS IS GLAMPING!

Southern Cross is clean and well maintained, but she is also a vintage boat and retains her salty, nautical character.

This is not a luxury hotel.

It's a unique opportunity to experience what it's like to spend the night aboard a classic trawler in the Florida Keys.

If you love boats, nature, adventure and something a little different, you'll appreciate the experience.

🏝️ HIDDEN KEY MARINA

Southern Cross is docked at Hidden Key Marina, where guests have access to the marina's amenities.

Marina Facilities Include:

🚿 Hot & Cold Showers
Clean, well-maintained marina shower facilities are located just steps from the boat.

🚽 Bathrooms
Conveniently located approximately 25 feet from Southern Cross.

🧺 Laundry Facilities
Laundry facilities are available at the marina.

🔥 Marina Fire Pit & BBQ
Guests may enjoy the marina fire pit, BBQ grill with side burner and picnic tables.

🚗 Parking
One free parking space is included with your stay.

🛶 ENHANCE YOUR STAY

On-the-Water Adventure

Take advantage of the natural beauty surrounding Hidden Key Marina.

You can paddle out on the provided kayaks, relax around the marina or simply enjoy being near the water.

There are plentiful fish in and around Manatee Creek, and you may even spot a manatee passing through.

Please remember that wildlife sightings are natural occurrences and cannot be guaranteed.

Explore the Florida Keys

Hidden Key Marina is a great starting point for exploring the natural beauty and attractions of the Florida Keys.

Spend your days exploring the water, visiting local attractions, discovering restaurants and enjoying the laid-back Keys lifestyle.

The location also provides access to the broader South Florida area and opportunities to explore the Everglades.

🪑 WHAT'S INCLUDED ONBOARD

Your stay includes:

• Aft master cabin with brand-new double bed
• Forward V-berth with two twin beds
• Coffee maker
• Toaster
• Pull-out drawer refrigerators
• Tabletop ice maker
• Microwave / air fryer / convection oven
• Cutting board
• Cups and mugs
• Plates
• Cutlery
• Hand soap
• Dish soap
• 4 bath towels
• 2 hand towels
• 4 face cloths
• 2 beach towels
• USB charging plugs
• 110V electrical outlets
• Two boat chairs for the aft deck
• String lights for cozy evening lighting
• First-aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Air conditioning and heat

🛶 YOUR STAY ON A STATIONARY VESSEL

Southern Cross is not to be started, operated or moved by guests.

The boat remains securely docked at the marina throughout your stay.

Guests are welcome to explore and enjoy the entire boat, but please do not touch or operate:

• Electrical panels
• Gauges
• Throttles
• Engines
• Controls
• Navigation equipment
• Mechanical equipment
• Other systems that operate the vessel

These features are intentionally visible so you can appreciate the craftsmanship and character of this vintage working vessel.

Please enjoy the boat — but leave the boat's operating systems alone.

⚠️ IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING

🌿 Expect Nature

Mosquitoes, no-see-ums, bugs and other tropical wildlife are part of the Florida Keys environment.

Please bring bug spray.

🚶 Mobility

Southern Cross is accessed by steps and handrails.

Getting aboard and moving around the boat may be challenging for guests with mobility limitations.

Please consider this carefully before booking.

🌊 Water & Boat Smells

If you are sensitive to the natural smell of seawater, marine environments or other typical boat smells, an overnight stay on a boat may not be the right choice for you.

🎶 Marina Environment

Southern Cross is docked at a public marina and waterway.

Although the boat provides a private space for your stay, there are other boaters and marina guests nearby.

Most evenings are peaceful and relaxed, but boats may pass through and neighboring guests may be enjoying their own spaces.

You may occasionally hear music, conversation, laughter or other normal marina sounds.

This is a laid-back Keys environment — not an isolated resort.

🌡️ Warm & Humid Climate

South Florida is naturally warm and humid.

Occasional humidity inside the boat is normal for the coastal environment. Keeping the doors and windows closed and the air conditioning running will help manage moisture.

🚫 HOUSE & BOAT RULES

No Children Under 12

For safety reasons, no children under 12 years old are permitted.

🚭 No Smoking

No smoking of any kind is allowed inside or on the vessel.

🚫 No Drugs

No illegal drugs or drug use are permitted inside or on the vessel.

🔥 No Fire or Flames

No candles, flames, cooking or fire of any kind are permitted onboard.

⚓ Do Not Operate the Vessel

The boat must remain docked and may not be started or moved.

🐕 Pets

Furry co-captains are welcome with prior approval and for an additional pet fee.

When requesting to book, please provide the breed(s) and approximate weight(s) of your dog(s) so we can make sure they are a good fit for the property.

A non-refundable pet fee applies and is based on the number, size and breed of the pets.

🐕 PET POLICY

Pets are welcome with prior approval.

Please provide:

• Breed
• Weight
• Number of pets

before booking.

A non-refundable pet fee will apply based on the number, size and breed of the pets.

Pets must be supervised and may not cause damage or excessive disturbance to other marina guests.

🚤 ADDITIONAL DOCKAGE

Dockage may be available for boats up to 30 feet.

If you are interested in bringing your own boat, please provide the make, model and length of your vessel when requesting to book.

We will provide a dockage quote based on the size of your boat.

No sailboats.

Dockage is subject to availability and approval.

🪸 ABOUT THE CORAL REEFS

Please note that the Florida Keys coral reefs are located offshore.

They cannot be reached directly from the shore and require a boat or other means of transportation to access them.

📹 EXTERIOR SECURITY CAMERAS

For the safety and security of our guests, the property has surveillance cameras located outside the premises.

The cameras are intended to help protect the property, guests and their belongings.

There are no surveillance cameras inside the boat or in private guest areas.

If you have questions about the location or purpose of the exterior cameras, please contact us before booking.

🌧️ RAIN OR SHINE

Reservations are Rain or Shine.