Summer in Key West is paradise for hot-weather lovers. It’s sizzling and steamy, with average temperatures grazing the low 90s. Passing showers briefly dart in and out every afternoon, leaving mostly clear skies for your adventures. Fewer crowds and lower prices also make Key West in the summer a great place for an island escape.

Nothing Is Too Hot For Us To Handle!

Just because Key West in summer is hot it doesn’t mean you have to say no to fun. At Key West Boat Trips, we offer hot-weather adventures that create lasting memories. If you’re in the mood for sandbar hopping, snorkeling, a themed cruise, a mangrove safari or a pulse-pounding e-foil ride, we’ve got you covered. And whether you’re traveling solo or in a large group, all are welcome.

With us, you can always have fun in the sun during the Key West summer, so book your tour today!

Summer in Key West is sauna-like, but the island is still a great escape from everyday life. There are plenty of hot weather activities to enjoy when the mercury rises:

Take The Plunge Into Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day when you visit Key West. Thanks to vibrant marine life, gorgeous coral reefs and intriguing shipwrecks, this island city offers world-renowned dive sites. Its crystal-clear waters are a diver’s dream, with excellent visibility thanks to the Gulf Stream, an ocean current that flows past Key West, Florida.

Top summer dive sites include:

• Joe’s Tug – If you love wreck dives, Joe’s Tug is for you. This 75-foot wreck was deliberately sunk 65 feet to create an artificial reef. Ideal for intermediate divers, the ship teems with tropical fish, moray eels, star coral and sponge gardens.
• General Hoyt S. Vandenberg – Another deep-dive wreck, this huge, 522-foot military ship was intentionally sunk 140 feet, making it the second-largest artificial reef in the world. Its radar dishes, massive superstructures and passageways host barracuda, goliath grouper and schools of tropical fish. You must be certified to do this dive.
• Looe Key – An exceptional dive spot, Looe Key is a protected reef system bursting with vibrant marine life like angelfish, barracuda and reef sharks. It’s prized by divers for its sea fans, stunning coral formations and visibility of more than 60 feet.

If you’d rather snorkel, check out:

• Dry Tortugas National Park – Explore crystal-clear turquoise waters and snorkel around the Civil War-era Fort Jefferson, discovering vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life in this pristine paradise.
• Fort Zachary Taylor Beach – Snorkel near this historic beach and Civil War fort, home to the largest collection of Civil War cannons in the US, while enjoying the clear, calm waters filled with tropical fish.

• Cottrell Key – Cottrell Key (often misspelled “Kotrell”) is part of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. Known for patch reefs and soft sponge coral, it attracts larger fish like Southern rays, goliath groupers and nurse sharks.
• Higgs Beach – Higgs Beach is a hidden gem with a depth of 10 feet, making it ideal for new or occasional snorkelers. The water is also easy to access from the beach – no boat necessary.

Good To Know: Key West is a snorkeler’s paradise! Its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs are home to curious sea turtles, playful tropical fish, and even the occasional friendly nurse shark. Every dive or snorkel trip feels like exploring a colorful underwater world full of surprises!

Meet Ocean Animals At Key West Aquarium

Nearly 90 years old and still going strong, Key West Aquarium is home to marine animals including tropical fish, sea turtles, alligators, barracudas and placid nurse sharks. It also features a Touch Tank, where visitors can gently touch small marine residents such as sea stars, horseshoe crabs and sea cucumbers.

The Key West Aquarium offers a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages. It’s one of the oldest aquariums in Florida and provides an up-close look at vibrant marine life in a fun, interactive setting. From guided tours and feeding demonstrations to hands-on exhibits, the aquarium allows guests to learn about the delicate ecosystems of the Florida Keys and the importance of marine conservation.

Its central location in Old Town makes it a convenient and worthwhile stop during your Key West summer adventure. Additionally, the aquarium hosts seasonal events and special programs that showcase the fascinating behaviors and habitats of its aquatic residents, making each visit engaging and memorable.

Get Active With Water Sports

Key West is a great place in the Florida Keys for exciting summer water sports. Try these during your summer getaway:

Jet Skiing

Calling all adrenaline junkies! Enjoy skimming full-throttle over Key West’s bright, blue-green waters and exploring hidden coves that boats can’t reach. Jet ski tours around the whole island are popular and usually cover 27 miles. They include highlights such as the Southernmost Point, the Historic Seaport and even dolphins and sea turtles.

Parasailing

Parasailing in Key West in the Florida Keys is an incredible experience. From 500 feet in the air, you’ll enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the shimmering waters, coral reefs, stunning beaches and maybe even a dolphin or two in their natural habitat. Most rides are eight to 10 minutes and can be done alone, with another person attached to the same parasail (tandem) or even with three people.

Kayaking

Unlike other water sports, kayaking is almost Zen-like. It lets you slow down and savor the experience. Most tours explore Key West backcountry, where you’ll slip through sandbars, secluded coves and lush mangrove tunnels. For an extra-special Key West summer kayaking experience, take a night kayaking tour. Clear-bottom boats with bright LED lights reveal the nocturnal underwater world nourished by the Gulf Stream.

Savor Mouthwatering Key Lime Pie

More than just a dessert, Key Lime Pie is a Key West, Florida icon. Made from a simple combination of egg yolks, milk and lime juice in a graham cracker crust, it’s the perfect cool treat for hot summer days. The tangy pie is so popular that the annual Key Lime Festival is held every year to honor it. The festival’s schedule changes each year, so make sure to keep track of the dates. Fun events include:

• Key-lime-pie-eating contests
• Key-lime rum tasting
• Key-lime pie-making classes
• Fireworks and 5K run
• Battle of the Bartenders

You can try year-round one of the following restaurants to indulge in this delicious treat. Stop by the famous Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe for a slice that locals rave about, or visit Blue Heaven, where you can enjoy your pie in a charming outdoor setting. For a unique twist, check out the Key Lime Pie Factory, which offers a variety of flavors and even frozen versions to cool you down on a hot day.

Set Sail On A Dazzling Sunset Cruise

If you think Key West sunsets are beautiful on land, they’re even more spectacular on the water. Brilliant reds, oranges and purples sparkle on the waves and are particularly showy because you’re at the US’s Southernmost Point.

Sunset cruises typically depart from the Historic Seaport area near Mallory Square and Duval street, so you can grab a quick drink or snack before your boat arrives. Take a cruise that fits your mood:

Romantic Cruises

Snuggle up to your sweetie on a catamaran or schooner as you sip champagne and nibble on hors d’oeuvres. Some of these cruises have live acoustic music to make the experience even more romantic.

Party Cruises

Dance the night away on a rollicking sunset party cruise. Enjoy a tropical dinner or buffet, unlimited drinks and live bands that will keep your booty shaking. Most of these cruises last about two hours and are ideal for Key West weather in summer.

Adventure Cruises

On a sunset adventure cruise, the sun may be setting, but the excitement is rising. These cruises offer activities like jet skiing, mangrove kayaking or snorkeling elaborate coral reefs before the sun dips below the horizon in this tropical paradise.

Fun Fact: If you’re lucky, you may catch the mysterious “green flash.” This is a rare phenomenon that happens when a burst of green light appears above the setting sun in the Florida Keys.

Your Heart Will Flutter At The Key West Butterfly And Nature Conservatory

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a glass-domed wonderland where you can stroll among hundreds of colorful, free-flying butterflies. A magical tourist spot, it houses about 50 butterflies along with exotic birds, two flamingos, lush tropical foliage and a graceful waterfall.

This beautiful place lets you walk among colorful butterflies and exotic birds in a peaceful setting. It’s perfect for anyone who loves nature, wants to take photos, or just needs a calm spot to relax away from the hot and busy streets of Key West.

Fun Fact: The popular attraction even has a live webcam, so you can relive your butterfly encounter after you’re home.

Stroll Down Famous Duval Street

Small but mighty, Duval Street is only a mile long and packed with charisma. Like Bourbon Street in New Orleans, it’s a hive of constant, high-energy activity. Here are some things that make it special:

Sloppy Joe’s Bar

Sloppy Joe’s is famously known as writer Ernest Hemingway’s Key West hangout. At the bar, he spent countless hours writing and socializing with fellow writers and locals. When you’re there, hoist a daquiri called Papa Doble, which was Hemingway’s favorite drink.

Mallory Square

At the northern end of Duval Street in historic Old Town Key West, Mallory Square hosts the nightly Sunset Celebration. Part festival, part circus, the boisterous gathering features street performers, artists, musicians, food carts and local vendors. It draws 200 to 500 locals and visitors who flock to watch as the setting sun beautifully marks the end of another day in this tropical paradise.

Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum

Just off of Duval Street, the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum chronicles Key West’s rich history of shipwreck salvage. The museum has fascinating exhibits from Key West’s past dating back to the mid-1800s, when salvaging cargo from wrecked ships made Key West the richest city in the United States.

Summer’s Here – And It’s The Perfect Time To Visit Key West!

Key West in the Florida Keys is known for beautiful, sandy beaches, shimmering aquamarine waters and a special, quirky vibe. It’s also known for hot, hot summers. At Key West Boat Trips, we think it’s a great time of year to enjoy our incredible mangrove, sandbar and snorkeling excursions. So come out from under that umbrella and book your trip with us today!