Key West Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Key West tours and things to do at the southernmost tip of the USA: sail a sunset cruise from Mallory Square, snorkel the only living coral reef in the continental US, ferry out to the fort and turquoise waters of Dry Tortugas, wander Duval Street and the Hemingway House in Old Town, and jet ski or parasail over the Keys. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Key West by interest
Whatever brings you to Key West — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Key West
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Mallory Square
Sunset celebration.
Coral Reef
Living reef.
Dry Tortugas
Fort Jefferson.
Duval Street
Old Town heart.
Hemingway House
Author’s home.
Jet Ski Tour
Island loop.
Southernmost Point
90 miles to Cuba.
Sailing Charters
Reef & sunset.
Key West in 2 days
- 1Day 1: Old Town & reef
- 2Day 2: Dry Tortugas
- 3Sunset
- 4Watersports
Ferry awayDry Tortugas
Fort & islands.
Offshore awayCoral Reef
Snorkel trip.
Harbour awaySunset Sail
Famous sunset.
Island awayOld Town
Duval & history.
Island awayJet Ski Tour
Watersports loop.
Old Town awayHemingway House
Author’s home.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Key West visitor asks before booking.
Winter (Dec–Apr)
Warm, dry and sunny — peak season for the Keys.
Spring (Mar–May)
Warm and pleasant, with lively festivals.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot and humid, best for early-day water tours.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Warm and quieter; watch for the hurricane season.
For the sea
Winter and spring have the calmest, clearest water.
Best overall
December to April is ideal.
One day
Old Town, reef and a sunset sail.
Two days
Add the Dry Tortugas ferry.
Three days
Add watersports and fishing.
For the sea
The reef and Dry Tortugas.
For history
Old Town and the Hemingway House.
With kids
A trolley tour and reef snorkel.
On foot
Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.
Trolley
The hop-on hop-off trolley loops the main sights.
Bikes & scooters
Bikes and scooters are a popular island way to get around.
Tours & transfers
Tours include pickups; the Dry Tortugas ferry leaves from the port.
Where to stay
Stay in Old Town near Duval Street or the waterfront.
US dollar
The US uses the dollar; cards are accepted everywhere.
Book Dry Tortugas early
The ferry sells out weeks ahead — reserve as soon as you can.
Book sunset sails
Sunset cruises fill up fast — reserve ahead.
Sun protection
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and water.
Bring swimwear
Wear swimwear for reef and sandbar trips.
See the sunset
Catch the nightly celebration at Mallory Square.
Winter season
Visit December to April for the best weather.
Dry Tortugas ferry
The ferry sells out weeks ahead — book early.
Sunset cruises
Sunset sails fill up — reserve ahead.
Reef snorkeling
Snorkel trips book out in season — reserve early.
Watersports
Jet ski and parasail tours have set times — book ahead.
Fishing charters
Popular charters fill up — reserve early.
Winter season
December to April is busiest — book everything ahead.
Sunset cruise
Around $60–100 for a sunset sail with drinks.
Reef snorkel
About $55–90 for a reef snorkeling trip.
Dry Tortugas
Roughly $200–250 for the ferry and park entry.
Jet ski tour
Around $130–170 for an island jet ski tour.
Old Town trolley
About $40–50 for a hop-on hop-off trolley.
How to save
Join group tours and combine a snorkel with a sunset sail.
Key West through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Peak & clear seas.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Best.
- Best for
- Festivals & warmth.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lively.
- Best for
- Warm water.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid.
- Best for
- Quiet & value.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Storm watch.