Key West Tours

In Key West, fun and authenticity blend in a symphony of experiences. The best things to do in Key West range from exquisite food tours to supernatural encounters on the night tram, each activity leads you to discover this Caribbean-hearted gem with an American ID.

Embark on a relaxing sightseeing train ride, experience the thrill of dolphin spotting, enjoy cruises set in one of the world's best sunrise and sunset locations on the map, and close the day on the most iconic terraces and bars. In this article, you'll find a summary of the best experiences on the island along with their prices, advantages and disadvantages so you can choose the one that suits you. Let's get to it!

A vibrant tour that takes you to explore the natural habitat of playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, a favourite with the little ones, so this tour goes straight to the top things to do in Key West with kids. Aboard a catamaran or sailboat, you'll sail out into the Gulf of Mexico, marvelling at the grace and beauty of these amazing marine mammals.

The tour takes place at Key West Wildlife Refuge, and is eco-friendly, Dolphin SMART certified, a national programme that guarantees a responsible and respectful marine life viewing experience. A marine biologist usually accompanies the participants in the activity and, at the end of the observation, you can dive or snorkel surrounded by the marine ecosystem.

In addition, if you are looking for an even more magical experience, you can participate in a sunset tour and watch the unforgettable sunset of Key West. A marine adventure that combines fun, education and connection with nature.

Details of interest

• Price: from 76 € per person.
• Duration: from 3 hours onwards.
• What you need to know: this tour is a favourite for families. Adults and children enjoy the dolphin encounter. You must be able to swim to participate in the extra activities such as snorkelling or scuba diving. This activity can be done in the mornings and afternoons.
• What the tour may include: Dolphin watching cruise. Boat trip. Guide service by a marine biologist. Snorkelling equipment. Open bar with beer, wine or rum. Bottled water.
• Pros: The activity is usually fun, dynamic and suitable for all ages.
• Cons: The guide service is usually offered in English only. Groups are often large. Transport to and from accommodation is usually not included.

Explore the charming old part of town while indulging your senses by booking a food tour in Key West. The cuisine in this archipelago is based on seafood such as hogfish, yellowtail snapper and grouper. Cuban shrimp sandwiches, grouper tacos and prawns adorn the plates, while "caracola" or fried conch shells (Conch Fritters) wow diners.

The jewel in the culinary crown is the famous key lime pie, whose unique and authentic taste is a must during your visit. Yes, it sounds simple and even common, but in Key West they have a special flavour. Just as you want your authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples or your croissant in Paris because they have their touch, so it is with this tart, the taste is a delicacy of the gods.

Food tours will take you to the best places to sample these delicacies, with at least three tastings and a drink, while exploring the charm of Key West's Old Town. Discover why these flavours are so beloved in this region and let your palate be the guide on this unforgettable culinary journey.

Interesting details

• Price: from 86 € per person.
• Duration: 3-4 hours approximately.
• What you need to know: this type of tour is done on foot. The group meets at a central location and then walks through the Old Town district, adding a touch of city-tour to the activity. You can often book a bike tour that combines the Key West dining experience.
• What the tour may include: this type of tour often includes 3-7 tastings and some drinks. Local food guide service. Bottled water.
• Pros: The tour is done in small groups and the tastings are the equivalent of a full lunch or dinner (sometimes even more than that because the portions can be generous).
• Cons: Transport service is not included.

Florida' s lively nightlife is well known, and Key West is no exception. Make your night memorable by booking a Key West pub crawl, a must-do activity in the area.

Pub crawls often take you on a 3-hour tour of the island's most prominent pubs. Accompanied by a professional guide, explore Key West's vibrant nightlife scene as you visit between 5-6 bars, from the iconic Duval Street to the picturesque harbour.

Enjoy a free drink at every stop, from exotic cocktails to classic craft beers to Key West's iconic rum. Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of the city and meet new friends, while dancing to live music with local DJs and bands. Capture the essence of the night with memorable photos and take home a souvenir T-shirt.

Details of interest

• Price: from €34 per person.
• Duration: around 3 hours.
• What you should know: this activity is designed for people over 21 years old. You will visit between 5-6 bars and terraces.
• What the tour may include: guide service. 5-6 alcoholic drinks such as rum, beer or cocktails (including the Brisa Caribeña option). A souvenir.
• Pros: The tour is fun, and the guides are usually energetic, an attitude in keeping with the local atmosphere. This is the ultimate Key West experience to start the nightlife scene with friends or alone.
• Cons: Transportation to and from accommodation is not usually included. Food is not included.

One of the best ways to get around Key West - especially on the first few days of your visit to the archipelago - is by trolleybus. On board this scenic transport will take you to the city's most iconic sights, such as the Hemingway House, Southernmost Point, the historic harbour, Civil War Fort East Martello and Harry S. Truman's Little White House.

You can choose to buy your ticket for the 24 or 48 hour sightseeing tram. Either way you are free to hop on and off at any of the 13 strategic stops, allowing you to discover over 100 sights at your own pace.

On the trolleybus you listen to live commentary from a local guide. At those places of interest, you can hop off and explore in depth, with the comfort of knowing that approximately every 30 minutes the trolleybus will pass the same spot.

Details of interest

• Price: from €52 per person.
• Duration: about 90 minutes.
• What you need to know: You can buy tickets in advance to take advantage of discounts or at any of the trolleybus stops at full price. The ticket can be for 1 or 2 days, in which case it must be used on consecutive days. The trolleybus operates from Monday to Sunday from 09:00 - 17:00 hours every day of the year except for the last Saturday in October when Fantasy Fest, **Key West'**s largest carnival event in the archipelago, is held.
• What the tour may include: services of a professional live guide. Unlimited trolley transportation around Key West with 13 pre-arranged stops. Discount coupons.
• Pros: The convenience of having a live guide assist you during your tour of the city's landmarks. The trolleybus ticket gives you access to a range of discounts at top attractions. It also includes admission to the Sails to Rails Museum or Shipwreck Treasure Museum.
• Cons: The live guide is in English.

Are you visiting Key West in 2 days or on a short break and want to see the main monuments and tourist sites in a short time? I invite you to book a ticket for the Conch Train, the solution for a relaxed tour of the old town from the comfort of a cozy train.

The Key West Conch Train, commonly known as the "Conch Train" takes you on a 75 minute ride with live commentary by a local guide. It passes the Hemingway House Museum, the Butterfly Conservatory, Southernmost Point and Harry S. Truman's Little White House. The meeting point? The train departs from Front Street Depot, and ends at Mallory Square, Key West's iconic tobacco plaza, art galleries and museums.

Also, if you're looking for things to do in Key West at night, pencil this tour in for the end of the day and stay on Duval Street, the street of trendy clubs and bars to make the most of your day.

Interesting details

• Price: from €43 per person.
• Duration: 70 - 75 minutes for the full tour.
• What you should know: Unlike the tourist bus, this train makes only 3 stops, so the tour is quicker. The tourist train operates from Monday to Sunday from 09:15 - 16:45 every day of the year except the last Saturday in October.
• What the tour may include: Live local guide services. Unlimited sightseeing train transportation around Key West. Discount coupons at selected shops, bars, restaurants and museums.
• Pros: The tour is quick but thorough, works great for making memories at the city's major landmarks. Works well with children because of the dynamic environment, despite sitting still without much movement, the 70 minutes are entertaining thanks in no small part to the train.
• Cons: The guide is in English.

Follow Key West' s fascinating night-time history up close aboard the Tramway of the Damned. Alongside a guide as a 17th century gravedigger, you can explore the city's darker side when you book a ghost tour.

Pass architectural gems such as the Marrero House and Porter Mansion, where their dark secrets come to light. Key West's Martello Museum of History and Art Gallery, better known as the Fort East Martello Museum, reveals the legend of Robert Eugene Otto and his diabolical doll, Robert, in a supernatural experience.

Make a brief stop to enter the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, one of Key West's best museums, and learn about the haunting history of the cursed silver bar. This tour is approximately one hour, and immerses you in the ghostly legends of the island as you stroll through the streets under the moonlight.

At the end, return to the meeting point having followed one of the keys to understanding the little paradise of Key West amidst anecdotes, stories and secrets that give rise to the name of this Florida archipelago, Key West.

Details of interest

• Price: from 35 € per person.
• Duration: around 60 minutes.
• What you need to know: this type of tour is offered in small groups, to offer an immersive experience in this "paranormal space" in Key West. Adults and children are welcome.
• What the tour may include: Ghost tram tour. Live narration. Local guide service. Admission to the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum.
• Pros: The tour is fun and spooky at the same time, and the whole family can join (except those with heart conditions).
• Cons: Shuttle service is not usually included.

If there's one activity that Key West is known for, it's adventure and water sports. From snorkelling to kayaking to the must-do: the jet ski tour, a fascinating journey where experts guide adventurous visitors for more than 40 kilometres around Key West.

Navigate between mangrove islands, pass underwater sinkholes, tour the Florida Marine Sanctuary and stop at a sandbar to cool off in crystal clear waters and capture the view of the southernmost point from the sea.

This type of tour is run with two guides to ensure everyone's safety, while allowing two passengers per bike. The first leads the way, providing adrenaline for those looking for speed, while the second ensures a smooth ride for those who prefer to enjoy the ride at their own pace.

Interesting details

• Price: from €144 per person.
• Duration: from 90 minutes and upwards.
• What you need to know: the rental is per jet ski and not per passenger, therefore, the price allows for two passengers to ride on each jet ski.
• What the tour may include: rental of the latest generation jet ski. Professional guide service (usually 2 guides per group). Life jackets.
• Pros: the tour is done in small groups.
• Cons: Transfer from the hotel is often not included.