When you commit to visiting Key West, it’s so much more than beaches and Mai Tais. While you can enjoy all of those things, there are some incredible Key West excursions that will introduce you to more of what the island has to offer.

You can spend your days on a walking tour and your evenings on sunset sails. By seeing more of what Key West’s offerings are, you can truly say that you’ve discovered the beauty of the southernmost point of the U.S.

1) Indulge In Custom Key West Tours By Boat

If you limit yourself to what you can see from dry land, you’re missing out on some of Key West’s most incredible sights. With a custom boat tour, you get to leave the crowds of Duval Street behind and discover what the Florida Keys have to offer.

Imagine what you can see from a boat in Key West:

• A living coral reef
• Sandbars
• Dolphins
• Mangroves

You can spend as much time on the water as you’d like. A sunset cruise can be picturesque, and you can turn it into a dinner cruise. Of course, you can also spend the day and the sunset hours swimming, snorkeling, and even kayaking around Key West.

2) Explore The Historic District Of Key West

The historic district of Key West is commonly known as Old Town. It consists of 187 buildings and encompasses approximately 4,000 acres.

This part of Key West is home to some incredible attractions:

• The Hemingway Home and Museum
• The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
• Harry S. Truman Little White House
• Fort East Martello Museum
• Key West Shipwreck Museum
• Key West Lighthouse

One of the easiest ways to see all of what Old Town Key West has to offer is by taking a tour where a guide will point out the sights and provide you with historical tidbits along the way.

3) Eat Your Way Through Key West

If you consider yourself to be a foodie, it might be time to experience some of Key West’s most famous foods. Various tours will take you through the different restaurants and pubs of the island, allowing you to snack (and drink) at every stop.

Some of the foods you won’t want to miss out on:

• Key Lime Pie
• Conch fritters
• Spiny lobster
• Key West pink shrimp
• Fried fish sandwiches

Tip: Once you’re done eating, you can relax in the warm afternoon sun with a cocktail in your hand. Rum is most certainly the most popular drink, and any good bartender in Key West will recommend a cocktail you’re sure to love.

4) Learn About Marine Life With Eco Tours

There’s a significant amount of marine life, but you’ll be limited by what you see with some of the different tours. That’s why you need to focus on one that will teach you about the living coral reef, the many tropical fish you’ll find around the Florida Keys, and more.

A good tour will provide you with some Key West snorkeling, complete with all the gear you need. With a snorkeling tour, you can get up close and personal with more of the fish, manatees, and other marine life. Plus, you can take amazing photos of a coral reef so you can remember your time in the Keys.

Keep in mind that reef snorkeling isn’t offered by all tours, so be sure to ask what you’ll get to see.

Some of the excursions in Key West will take you around the land and the sea, allowing you to learn about more than just marine life. It can be an opportunity to see snakes, turtles, key deer, and more.

5) Get Sporty With A Jet Ski Tour

If you’ve been wanting to get onto the water but don’t want to limit yourself to where a boat can take you, a jet ski may be the best option. You can rent them to explore on your own, or you can take a guided tour.

There are a few things to know when you’re on a jet ski:

• You’ll need a boating license or at least a temporary boating certificate
• Some areas will need to be avoided due to manatees, dolphins, and more
• You’ll need to know how to read the various speed zones

As long as you rent from a reputable company, they’ll provide you with all the tips you need to have a good time on the water.

6) Check All The Boxes With Sightseeing Tours Of Duval Street And Beyond

Whether you’re interested in live music, Key Lime Pie, or the history of the Hemingway House, there are sightseeing tours that can provide you with everything you want to see and do.

There are ghost tours, pub crawls, art exhibits, and more.

You can choose to take an organized tour or even rent a golf cart so that you can navigate the streets on your own. Many rental places even offer maps, allowing you to take a self-guided tour of the city’s highlights.

7) Experience Old Town With A Conch Tour Train

Since the oldest part of Key West encompasses so much, you might not want to spend an entire day walking. That’s why the Conch Tour Train is one of the most exciting ways to experience Key West by land.

The open-air train can be boarded at various stops, though Front Street is the most common place to board. The train has been providing guests with tours since 1958.

Bonus: You can usually find coupons and discounts for the train tour online.

8) Get A Fresh Perspective With A Glass Bottom Boat Tour

A glass bottom boat can be a fun way to take a Key West tour. You’ll get a chance to see a living coral reef up close. Plus, you’ll get to see plenty of tropical fish swimming around without having to get wet.

You can also turn your time on the boat as a Key West dolphin watch. Many dolphins like to play in the wake created by the boats. If you see one dolphin, two or more are likely around, too.

Dolphins love the warm waters of the Gulf, so you’ll get to see them year-round in Key West. The best time to spot them, however, is from sunrise until noon. They’re in search of food during this time, so they’re more active.

9) Delight In Sunset Cruises

The best excursions in Key West are the ones that allow you to bask in the beauty of the Florida sunset. You can see palm trees in the background, dolphins jumping in the foreground, and stunning colors in the sky.

Sunset sails will vary depending on when you visit.

Be sure you get exactly what you want out of your Key West sunset sail. Here are some things you can look for in a particular cruise:

• Live music with a DJ
• Rum cocktails
• Dinner
• Kid-friendly activities

Experience The Best Key West Excursions With Us

There’s something for everyone, which is why you need to find Key West tours that cater to who you’re traveling with. Don’t be afraid to ask what is offered so that you aren’t disappointed.

While Key West’s attractions are numerous, it can be overwhelming to look at so many different tours. There’s no reason to book half a dozen tours while you’re in town. You simply need to know what it is that you want to do. The best excursions in Key West are the ones you create to your specifications.

At Key West Boat Trips, we’re here to provide you with a personalized experience of Key West. Whether you want to enjoy a sunset cruise or you want to experience dolphins in their natural habitat, we can make it happen.

We’re not like your average Key West excursions. You can have a private outing with your friends and family. We’ll take you to the many sandbars where you can snorkel over a coral reef or splash around in the sand. Plus, we can ensure you’re well-fed by bringing a full spread of Key West’s finest foods on the boat with us.

When you’re ready to discover the beauty of Key West on your terms, let us help!