If one island is amazing, imagine exploring over 1,700 islands! Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or something in-between, the Florida Keys have something special for you. You’ll love our exciting Key West adventures!

So many islands, so much to do! Take an amazing sandbar adventure in Key West, where you can explore pristine shallow waters, enjoy swimming in crystal-clear surroundings, and capture stunning photos of nature’s beauty on these secluded sandy spots. We’ll also slip through mangroves where you can discover hidden gems in Florida Keys like lobsters and baby fish.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure – book your trip now and dive into the magic of the Florida Keys! Secure your spot today and create memories that will last a lifetime!

The famous Florida Keys stretch 120 miles from the southern tip of Florida to Key West. Whether you’re boating, driving or walking, the Keys offer a magical slice of paradise, with some hidden gems tucked away.

1) Take An Unforgettable Visit To The Keys

There are three sections of the Keys: Upper, Middle, and Lower. Each has its own unique charm and attractions.

Upper Keys

The tranquil Upper Keys are the northernmost section of the Florida Keys island chain. They include the large islands of Key Largo and Islamorada, as well as smaller islands like:

• Indian Key – A small island rich in history with ruins and beautiful nature, perfect for a peaceful day trip by boat.
• Plantation Key – A charming island with lovely beaches, local shops, and great spots to relax and enjoy the Florida Keys vibe.
• Tavernier Key – A peaceful spot known for its wildlife center and easy access to fishing, boating, and nature adventures.

Easily reached from the mainland via the picturesque Overseas Highway, these islands are ideal for a fun day trip.

Interesting places to explore when you plan your trip to the these Keys include:

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo) – Spanning 80 miles, it forms part of North America’s only living barrier reef. It has spectacular coral formations and is also home to sea turtles, manatees and bottlenose dolphins.
• Florida Keys Wild Bird Center (Tavernier) – The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured wild birds. Stop by and visit more than 100 rescued birds, including Leopold the Barred Owl and Casper the Barn Owl.
• Fishing – Fishing in the Upper Florida Keys is nothing short of legendary. Tuna, mahi-mahi and swordfish are plentiful, earning it the title of Sportfishing Capital of the World. You can have easy access to these fish just a few miles offshore.

Middle Keys

Located between the Upper and Lower Keys, the Middle Keys are a bit developed but still have a relaxed, island vibe. They’re filled with nature, opportunities to see marine animals and hidden gems. The Middle Keys include:

• Pigeon Key – A tiny island with a fascinating history, accessible by foot or boat, offering peaceful walks and stunning ocean views.
• Duck Key – A laid-back island with lovely resorts, calm beaches, and great spots for boating and fishing, perfect for a relaxing escape.
• Grassy Key – An excellent spot for nature lovers, Grassy Key offers peaceful surroundings and easy access to outdoor activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching.

Here are some cool things to check out in the Middle Keys:

• Dolphin Research Center (Grassy Key) – The Dolphin Research Center is dedicated to research, education and dolphin rescue. It has 90,000 square feet of saltwater lagoons where you can watch and interact with these clever marine creatures.
• Sombrero Beach (Marathon) – Sombrero Beach is a cozy stretch of sand located in the middle of the Florida Keys. Perfect for a day trip, it’s family-friendly and offers velvety sand, a shady park and picnic pavilions.
• Wreck Diving – The Middle Keys have fantastic wreck diving. Popular wrecks include the 1733 Spanish Treasure Fleet, Flagler’s Barge and the most popular Middle Keys dive wreck, the Thunderbolt.

Lower Keys

Peaceful and immersed in natural beauty, these islands boast gorgeous beaches, thriving marine life and crystal-clear waters. They’re perfect for scuba diving, fishing and snorkeling. These Keys include:

• Big Pine Key – Known for its beautiful nature trails, peaceful beaches, and abundant wildlife, this island offers a serene escape where visitors can enjoy birdwatching and exploring native plants.
• Looe Key – A vibrant coral reef perfect for snorkeling and diving, teeming with colorful fish and marine life.
• Key West – The lively southernmost island known for its historic sites, delicious food, fun nightlife, and stunning sunsets.

When you’re in these Keys, be sure to visit:

• National Key Deer Refuge (Big Pine Key) – The refuge is home to the endangered miniature Key deer. These cute animals are unique to the Keys.
• Bahia Honda State Park – One of the lower islands’ most beautiful beaches, Bahia Honda’s clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling or just relaxing in the rays.
• Looe Key Reef – The Looe Key Reef is a vibrant coral reef system ideal for diving and snorkeling. Its 150 fish species include angelfish, grunts and parrotfish.

2) Sample Mouthwatering Fresh Food

In addition to gorgeous weather, thriving marine life and natural beauty, the Keys offer amazing, fresh food that includes:

• Key Lime Pie – A signature dessert of the Florida Keys, Key Lime Pie is a must-try treat. It’s tart, creamy and decadently delicious. Some of the best places to savor this iconic pie are: The Blond Giraffe (Key Largo), Kermit’s (Key West), and Hogfish Bar & Grill (Stock Island)
• Conch Fritters – Another Key West favorite, conch fritters are minced conch meat mixed with spicy batter and fried into balls.
• Black Beans and Rice – This Cuban staple is popular throughout the Keys. Simple and delicious, it exudes Latin flavors like oregano and cumin.
• Key West Pink Shrimp – Caught locally, these sweet crustaceans are served chilled, fried, grilled or in tacos.

From tangy Key Lime Pie to fresh seafood caught daily, the Florida Keys serve up a feast for your taste buds. Imagine biting into crispy conch fritters or sipping a cold drink while watching the sunset — pure island bliss on a plate!

3) Cruise Iconic Roads

Overseas Highway

Just as the mainland has Route 66, the Keys have their own signature roadways. This scenic highway (US1) is a 113-mile engineering marvel that stretches from Florida’s mainland to Key West via 42 bridges. Perfect for a road trip, it offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Green signs along the way are called mile markers (MM). They line the Overseas Highway because it passes through many islands, rather than being completely over water. A mile marker is used instead of an address and includes:

• MM 3.5 – Big Pine Key
• MM 85.3 – Islamorada
• MM 107 – Key Largo

Pro Tip: Use your Overseas Highway trip to find hidden gems, since many interesting spots are located off the beaten path.

Seven Mile Bridge

The Seven Mile Bridge is a scenic section of the Overseas Highway that links Knight’s Key with Little Duck Key. It’s the longest bridge on the highway. Originally a railroad bridge, it was transformed for vehicle use in the 1970s. A new bridge was built next to it, and the old Seven Mile Bridge became a pedestrian bridge for walking, biking and fishing.

It also has gorgeous sunset views that create a perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening. Don’t forget your camera — the memories you create here will be as vivid as the sunsets themselves.

4) Enjoy Water Activities

The Florida Keys are a water-lover’s utopia. Whether you like laid-back activities or adrenaline-pumping adventures, there’s something for everyone:

Diving

In the Florida Keys, go sightseeing underwater! There’s a whole world of dazzling fish, flourishing coral gardens and even some famous sunken ships to explore. Some of the best diving spots include:

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo) – The first underwater park in the U.S., known for vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
• Molasses Reef (Key Largo) – A popular reef with clear waters, colorful coral formations, and abundant tropical fish.
• Sombrero Reef (Marathon) – A stunning reef with unique coral structures and a variety of marine species, perfect for divers of all levels.

Swimming

Swimming in the Keys is special thanks to its warm, clear waters. If you’re looking for off the beaten path swim spots, here are a few hidden gems you’ll love:

• Sandspur Beach (Bahia Honda) – In a secluded corner of Bahia Honda State Park, Sandspur Beach is an uncrowded beach with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s like having your own private beach.
• Long Key State Park (Long Key) – Long Key State Park is an undeveloped beach where you can explore the peaceful shoreline and shallow waters.
• Anne’s Beach (Lower Matecumbe Key) – Anne’s Beach has calm, warm waters perfect for shallow swims.

Jet Skiing

Shift excitement into high gear on a jet ski ride. It’s a thrilling way to roam the Florida Keys waters, mangroves, sandbars and islands. There’s something for every rider, including guided tours, solo rides and sunset trips.

Some of the best locations for jet skiing in the Florida Keys include Key Largo’s shallow bays and reefs, the calm waters around Islamorada, and the scenic areas near Marathon. These spots offer a mix of exciting open water and protected areas perfect for exploring pristine coastal waters.

5) Immerse Yourself In Nature

There are countless natural wonders to explore in the Florida Keys. Whether on land or under water, they’ll amaze you with their unique beauty:

• Florida Coral Barrier Reef – The only living coral reef in the continental US, this reef stretches from Key Largo to Key West and houses 6,000 species of marine life. Plan to dive or snorkel the reef to discover coral, angelfish, parrotfish and sea turtles.
• Mangrove Forests – The Keys’ mangrove forests not only look intriguing, but they protect coastlines and serve as nurseries for birds and marine life. Curry Hammock State Park is one of the hidden gems in the Florida Keys where you can explore mangroves and spot migratory birds.
• Wildlife Refuges – The Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary in Cudjoe Key dedicated to preserving and protecting threatened species such as great white herons, migratory birds and sea turtles.

Pro Tip: To fully experience the natural beauty of the Florida Keys, plan a morning stroll through the mangrove trails at Curry Hammock State Park. Early hours offer peaceful wildlife sightings and vibrant bird activity, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers seeking tranquility.

6) Plan A Stroll Through Old Town In Key West

This is a walkable historic district known for its colorful conch houses, quirky personality and vibrant culture. There’s plenty to explore including:

• Mallory Square – This waterfront hot spot comes alive every evening during the Sunset Celebration. Street performers, live music and local artists usher in throngs of people who gather to watch the gorgeous setting sun.
• Hemingway House – Hemingway House is the former home of renowned writer, Ernest Hemingway. Now a museum, you can take guided tours of his writing studio and gardens. It’s also a great place to cuddle with the 60 polydactyl (six-toed) cats that live there – all descendants of his first cat, Snow White.
• Southernmost Point Buoy – The Southernmost Point Buoy is one of the most photographed landmarks in the US. The colorful concrete buoy marks the continental United States’ southernmost point, just 90 miles from Cuba.

Pro Tip: In Key West, rent a bike to explore beyond Old Town. Visit the quieter neighborhoods like Bahama Village for authentic local culture, and catch the sunset at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park for stunning views away from the crowds.

7) Experience The Non-Stop Energy Of Duval Street

Located in the heart of Key West’s Old Town, Duval Street is a lively, mile-long stretch similar to Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The iconic street is filled with shops, art galleries, eateries and free-roaming roosters. At night, its 43 pubs come alive with live music and spirited crowds.

You can choose from places like:

• Sloppy Joe’s – Sloppy Joe’s was Ernest Hemingway’s favorite bar and the place where he wrote “To Have and Have Not.” Its specialty is their Sloppy Joe’s Drink, a concoction of rum, grenadine and fruit juices.
• Durty Harrys – A lively spot with a fun, casual vibe, Durty Harrys is perfect for those looking to enjoy great drinks, friendly locals, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for a memorable night out in Key West!
• Fat Tuesday – With drinks named 190 Octane and Cat 5 Hurricane, Fat Tuesday is a definite party zone. If you like a high-energy bar where the music is loud and the dancing is lively, this is the place for you.

Pro Tip: For the ultimate Duval Street experience, visit during the evening when the energy peaks with live music and bustling crowds. Don’t miss these iconic spots and be sure to explore side streets for hidden gems and local vibes.

From Sandbars To Sunsets, We’ve Got You Covered!

One of the best parts of Key West is its sandbars. Key West Boat Trips will show you just how great they are. With the best small-group boat fleet in Key West, we offer picturesque sandbars, spectacular sunsets and enchanting mangroves.

Our captains also know all the secret spots that other tour operators miss. Frolic in the sun, swim, snorkel, eat delicious, fresh food and have the time of your life. Start your adventure and book your tour today!