#DayTripping: Nautilimo

#DayTripping: Nautilimo - A red truck parked in a parking lot - Car

Remember that time you arrived via water in an awesome Cadillac-style nautical stretch limousine that’s actually a boat? Wait, you mean to say you haven’t ridden in an awesome Cadillac-style nautical stretch limousine that’s actually a boat? Man, are you missing out!

The Nautilimo is arguably the Keys’ most unique boat tour and departs from the Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana bar, MM 82 bayside. Operated and designed by Capt. Joe Fox, the boat/limo first came into existence 13 years ago.

“It’s the only one in the world probably,” says Captain Fox. When asked how the concept came absout, Fox spoke fondly of his time in Mexico building soap box derby cars.

“I designed it back in Mexico, while I was running an electronics plant. While I was there I taught children how to build derby racing cars. It wasn’t until one evening, driving in the Keys, when I remembered how much fun I had working with the kids on the cars. It was then the idea of a car-boat came together in my head. I wanted to call it the ‘Nauticar’ based on the Pontiac Fierro set on the hull of a Boston Whaler.”

That was a cool little sports car. But Fox started thinking bigger so he could accommodate passengers.

“Then I saw an old classic limo drive by and I decided to build a replica of a ‘76 Cadillac stretch limo,” he said

Why pink?

“It was initially white for 4-5 years. It had a hard top, but I thought it would be a little more fun in a convertible so I modified the boat and I loved the song pink Cadillac so I decided to make it pink.”

The limo is predominately used for weddings, bachelor, and bachelorette parties, however the captain also specializes in sunset cruises. The limo can hold up to six passengers and for $100 customers get a nice two-hour sunset tour. To reserve a tour, call 305-942-3793.