Discovered by Spanish explorers in 1521, Key West is an island paradise south of Miami. The island itself is small, encompassing only 18 square miles (46.6 sq km) of land. Most of the appeal of Key West, however, goes beyond touristy Duval Street and the Hemingway House. People are drawn to Key West each year to experience the gorgeous natural surroundings and outdoor activities! On Key West, visitors can explore the remains of a shipwreck, a historical fort, unique cuisine, and lively wildlife! Unsure where to begin? Here are the best tours in Key West for all types of travelers and adventurers!
1. Two hour Jet Ski Tour of Key West (from USD 186.0)
If you crave adventure and speed, the best way to see the Florida Keys is by Jet Ski! Rent a Jet Ski for up to two hours and tour the island from the ocean! Catch sights of dolphins, stingrays, sea turtles, and manatees on your way! The beautiful views of Key West from the gulf will allow you to experience what it was like for the European explorers who first came to discover the island in the 16th century. There is no better way to spend a fun day on the island than with a jet ski tour!
Key West Jet Ski Tour Ultimate Island Adventure
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
2. Glass-Bottom Kayak Eco Tour
Glass-bottom boats are a great way to explore the reefs of Key West without getting wet! These glass-bottom kayaks allow visitors a hands-on experience to tour the mangroves and gulf around Key West! Follow a knowledgeable guide on your three and a half hour tour and learn about the ecosystems in the Florida Keys! While you don’t need to have any extensive kayak experience for this tour, it is recommended you be in good physical condition, as it can be a demanding sport.
Eco-Tours: Key West Glass-Bottom Kayaks
Address: 231 Margaret Street, Key West, FL
Website:
3. Key West Sunset Sail (from USD 111.81)
While the island offers visitors panoramic views of the sunset, by far the best way to see a Key West sunset is from the ocean. This sailboat tour includes free food and drinks (even champagne!) and an unobstructed view of the island and water. Keep an eye out for wildlife like jumping dolphins and bright fish below the water. You might even see the infamous “green flash” as the sun sinks below the sea!
Key West: 2-Hour Sunset Sail on Schooner America 2.0
Duration: 2.0 hour
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4. Key West Dolphin Watch (from USD 82.0)
Key West is surrounded by a lively community of dolphins! While sometimes they can be seen from shore, they’re best seen from the water! This three-hour dolphin tour travels along the coast of Key West as dolphins jump alongside the boat! There are also snorkeling opportunities along the journey to see the dolphins up close from the water.
Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Cruise
Duration: 3 hours
5. Key West small-group Food Tasting and Walking Tour (from USD 93.0)
Explore the culture and food of Key West with this small group walking tour. On this three-hour tour, visit 6 locally-run restaurants and cafes in historic old town. Enjoy traditional Cuban dishes, local seafood, and the island specialty: Key Lime pie. Learn about the unique history of the island while tasting some of the best food in town! You’ll leave full and with a new appreciation for Key West cuisine.
Key West Southernmost Food and Cultural Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours
6. Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip (from USD 200.0)
The Dry Tortugas National Park, located off the coast of Key West, is only accessible by plane or boat. This tour will allow visitors a chance to see the 19th century Fort Jefferson, as well as the chance to snorkel in the pristine waters over the Windjammer Wreck, a famous shipwreck. Both history lovers and nature lovers will enjoy the chance to explore this beautiful, historically significant national treasure near Key West!
Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip by Catamaran from Key West
Duration: 10 hours
7. Snorkeling tour of Key West (from USD 97.0)
Snorkeling is a great way to see some of the wildlife below the sea in Key West! While Key West isn’t known much for its beaches, it is known for its abundance of snorkeling spots! This Snorkel adventure tour takes four hours and allows you to access to parts of Florida only accessible by water! Explore a large coral reef with 600 species of marine life, and even see a real life shipwreck!
Key West Wild Dolphin Sail and Shallow-Water Snorkel
Duration: 4 hours
8. Parasail over Key West (from USD 79.0)
If you’re not afraid of heights, parasailing is a great way to see the island from a new perspective! This hour long tour allows you to parasail for over 10 minutes at heights up to 300 ft (91.4 m) above the water! From above, you can see sea life and the bustling shoreline. This is sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Parasailing in Key West with Professional Guide
Duration: 1 hour
Explore Key West with these top tours!
Juan Ponce de Leon was the first European explorer to discover Key West in 1521, and since then it has retained a rich culture and history within the United States. This southernmost island is home to beautiful reefs, wildlife, and a bustling historic downtown. There are a number of tours to choose from that emphasize the beauty of the island and allow visitors to explore the landscape and seascape for themselves! From a jet ski cruise around the island to a day trip to Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortuga, there is something for everyone in Key West!
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