Welcome to Key West, Florida, a tropical paradise full of adventure, history, and beauty. Whether you’re looking to explore the underwater world, learn about local culture, or simply unwind on a stunning beach, Key West has something to offer every traveler.
Located at the southernmost point of the United States, Key West is a popular destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. While this small island has plenty of charm and character, it can also be crowded and expensive, especially during peak season. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to the best value for money excursions, tours, and activities in Key West. Our recommendations are designed to help you experience all the island has to offer without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a budget traveler or just looking to save a few dollars, these excursions are sure to give you the best bang for your buck. From thrilling water sports to cultural experiences, read on to discover how you can make the most of your time in Key West.
This post contains affiliate links on which we could earn a commission.
The Five Best Things to do in Key West
Key West Snorkeling or Scuba Diving: Explore the underwater world of Key West with a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion. Admire the colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and other sea creatures that call this area home.
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square: Join the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square to witness the stunning sunset over the water, enjoy live music, street performers, and local food vendors.
Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: Step back in time and learn about the life of one of America’s most celebrated writers. This museum is home to dozens of six-toed cats and beautifully maintained gardens.
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: Immerse yourself in a serene and colorful tropical paradise by visiting the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Take a stroll through the butterfly-filled gardens, waterfalls and learn about the variety of flora and fauna.
Key West Ghosts & Gravestones Tour: Take a spooky evening tour to visit some of Key West’s haunted sites, hear spine-tingling stories from a knowledgeable guide, and learn about the island’s eerie past.
Key West's Best Excursions & Things to Do
We’ve partnered with top-rated tour operators and excursion companies in Key West to bring you a selection of the best value for money tours and activities. From thrilling water sports to cultural experiences, our partners offer something for every type of traveler. Read on to discover our top picks for tours and excursions in Key West.
One of the most memorable experiences you can have in Key West is watching the sunset over the water. And what better way to do that than on a 70-foot catamaran with a full bar, live music, and hors d’oeuvres? The Key West Sunset Sail with Full Bar, Live Music & Hors D’oeuvres is the perfect way to end your day in paradise. This intimate sail aboard a spacious catamaran takes you to the best spot to watch the sunset and enjoy the beautiful colors in the sky. The sail is accompanied by live music featuring local musicians, which adds a delightful touch to your evening.
As you watch the sun glistening and gently settling into the water, you can feast on the included peel-and-eat shrimp and other fresh hors d’oeuvres while sipping on champagne, wine, homemade sangria, premium beer, or any of the other drinks available from the full liquor bar. This excursion is a great value for money, as it includes hearty appetizers and a full bar, which would be quite pricey if purchased separately in Key West. With over 5.5k reviews leading to 5 stars, it’s easy to see why this sunset sail is one of the most popular excursions in Key West.
Why this tour is worth it:
- Watch the sunset and the moon rise over the water on a spacious 70-foot catamaran.
- Enjoy included wine, sparkling wine, homemade sangria, and premium beer from the full liquor bar.
- Savor fresh hors d’oeuvres, including peel-and-eat shrimp and other hearty appetizers.
- Listen to live music featuring local musicians as you sail.
- Take in the breathtaking views of Key West from the water, and make unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
The Key West Southernmost Food and Cultural Walking Tour is a cultural and authentic experience that has earned over 800 reviews with a 5-star average rating. This tour takes you on a food journey through the Old Town historic district, where your guide introduces you to ‘mom and pop’ eateries that serve up seafood, Cuban cuisine, and of course, Key lime pie. This walking tour route takes you off typical touristy streets so you can see Key West like a local, listening to insights about the city’s food, architecture, and history along the way.
The tastings on this tour are enough for a hearty lunch, and the tour includes food and drink tastings at local establishments. You’ll also learn about Key West’s history and architecture from your knowledgeable guide, providing a fun and informative cultural experience. The small-group tour is limited to 12 people, ensuring a personalized experience with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and interact with your guide. Don’t miss out on this must-do excursion in Key West.
Why this tour is worth it:
- Enjoy an authentic and cultural food journey through the Old Town historic district of Key West.
- Visit local ‘mom and pop’ eateries to taste seafood, Cuban cuisine, and Key lime pie.
- Learn about Key West’s history and architecture from your knowledgeable guide.
- Explore Key West like a local, off typical touristy streets.
- Enjoy a small-group tour limited to 12 people for a personalized experience.
If you’re looking for a thrilling and educational adventure in Key West, the Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure is not to be missed. This boat tour takes you on an eco-friendly 34-foot catamaran a few miles off the coast of Key West, where you’ll see a variety of marine wildlife such as dolphins, stingrays, turtles, and birds. Your knowledgeable pilot will share information about the local waters and wildlife, providing an engaging educational experience.
The highlight of this excursion is the chance to see various shark species, including nurse and lemon sharks, from the safety of your catamaran. The pilot drops bait to draw the sharks right to the edge of the boat, providing a unique and up-close view of these fascinating creatures. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the excitement as the sharks swarm. To ensure your comfort, refreshing non-alcoholic drinks and chips are included on this Key West shark cruise.
Why this tour is worth it:
- Get up close with sharks and other marine wildlife on an eco-friendly catamaran.
- Learn about Key West’s waters and wildlife from your knowledgeable pilot.
- See a variety of marine life, including dolphins, stingrays, turtles, and birds.
- Watch as the pilot drops bait to attract a variety of shark species right to the edge of the boat.
- Stay comfortable with refreshing non-alcoholic drinks and snacks included in the tour.
Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour
The Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour is a must-do excursion for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Paddle a kayak through mangrove creeks and shallow water to get an up-close look at this unique coastal environment. This guided tour is the perfect way to spot Florida wildlife in their natural habitat, and learn about the local geology and nature.
This tour is suited for all ages and skill levels, and every trip is different, as experienced guides trace routes through the best of the mangrove forests. Watch for tropical fish, crabs, sea stars, jellyfish, sea cucumbers, sponges, and a diverse range of sea birds. The winding mangrove creeks and shallow water provide the perfect opportunity to view and learn about the geological structure of the Keys and its inhabitants, all from the comfort of your kayak.
This tour is dog-friendly, and single and double kayaks are available. Make your way to Hurricane Hole Marina, where free parking is available, and enjoy a memorable eco-adventure with Lazy Dog Adventures.
Why this tour is worth it:
- Paddle a kayak through the winding mangrove creeks and shallow water for an up-close look at this unique coastal environment.
- Spot Florida wildlife in their natural habitat, including tropical fish, crabs, sea stars, jellyfish, sea cucumbers, sponges, and a diverse range of sea birds.
- Learn about the local geology and nature from experienced guides.
- Suited for all ages and skill levels, and dog-friendly.
- Enjoy the comfort of a kayak and the beautiful views of the Keys.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable snorkeling experience in Key West, the Florida Reef Half-Day Snorkeling Excursion is a must-do. This cruise takes you on a relaxing 69-foot catamaran to North America’s only living coral barrier reef, where you can see more than 600 species of colorful fish, coral, and other sea life. This excursion includes professional snorkeling gear and instruction, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced snorkelers.
Sail the cerulean waters of the Keys aboard a comfortable 69-foot catamaran, and enjoy the scenic views of Key West’s top attractions on the way. Once you reach the Great Florida Reef, dive right in and explore the eye-popping underwater world of fish, coral, and other sea life. Quench your thirst with provided beer, wine, and soft drinks, and enjoy the comfort of a well-equipped and well-staffed catamaran.
With over 5.5k reviews and a 5-star average rating, this snorkeling excursion is one of the most popular in Key West, and it’s easy to see why. Book your spot now and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.
Why this tour is worth it:
- Sail on a comfortable 69-foot catamaran to North America’s only living coral barrier reef.
- Explore the eye-popping underwater world of fish, coral, and other sea life with professional snorkeling gear and instruction.
- Quench your thirst with provided beer, wine, and soft drinks.
- Enjoy the comfort and convenience of a well-equipped and well-staffed catamaran.
- Join the thousands of satisfied customers who have rated this excursion with a 5-star average rating.
Useful links Key West
https://www.getyourguide.com/ GetYourGuide offers a variety of tours and activities in Key West.
https://www.viator.com/ – Viator also offers a wide range of tours and activities in Key West.
https://www.keywest.com/ – Keywest.com is a website with information about events, attractions, and accommodations in Key West.
https://www.keywestchamber.org/ – The Key West Chamber of Commerce website offers resources for visitors, including a directory of local businesses.
https://www.fla-keys.com/key-west/ – The Florida Keys and Key West tourism website offers information about attractions, accommodations, and activities in Key West and the surrounding areas.
https://www.hemingwayhome.com/ – The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a popular attraction in Key West, offering tours of the author’s former home.
https://www.mallorysquare.com/ – Mallory Square is a popular destination for sunset-watching and street performers in Key West.
https://www.keywestexpress.net/ – Key West Express offers high-speed ferry service from Fort Myers and Marco Island to Key West.
https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/florida/the-florida-keys/key-west – Fodor’s travel guide offers information about Key West’s attractions, restaurants, and accommodations.
Amazon’s Travel Guides for Key West – Amazon.com offers a variety of Key West travel guides, including books and e-books.
