Key West is the place to go in Florida for a taste of the Caribbean. Trips to Key West are fun for the whole family offering sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, shopping and the world-famous sunsets. From Fort Myers, on the southern Gulf Coast of Florida, express shuttles leave daily. Take a day trip or a longer vacation in Key West by getting there aboard one of the shuttles.
Climb aboard one of the four high-speed catamaran ferries of Key West Express. The ferries leave from Salty Sam's Marina at Fort Myers Beach and dock in Key West at City Bight Ferry Terminal. All of the vessels include air conditioned seating plus outdoor sundecks. Temperatures can be chilly on the outdoor decks so you may want to claim an indoor seat and then go on the deck for brief periods. The boats include a cash-only bar and galley. Refreshments include muffins, breakfast sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, beer, wine and soft drinks. Passengers may bring their own food, as well. Flat screen satellite televisions are available, and for your safety the boats are equipped with state-of-the-art electronics and navigation equipment, and are Coast Guard certified.
Passengers may book a one day excursion or an extended stay. If not returning the same day passengers should specify the return date when purchasing tickets. Each passenger is allowed two small pieces of luggage, the same size allowed in airplane cabins. Dogs may be brought aboard but must be in a kennel. There is a $15 charge for pets and they must have a reservation as well, as there is limited space. Non-motorized bicycles may be brought aboard but require a $15 fee each way. Passengers should reserve space ahead of time for bikes and bring tie downs for securing them. Round trip fares as of 2010 are $145 for adults and $75 for children to 12 years of age. Seniors 62 and older may travel for $135 roundtrip. Key West Express offers reduced fares from time to time. Travelers should check the website for specials.
For a day trip passengers may want to take the Old Town Trolley Tour of Key West. On this tour passengers see over 100 points of interest in Key West on a narrated tour. The trolley has "on and off" stops allowing passengers to disembark to enjoy a point of interest, dine or shop and then reboard. The Conch Train Tour is another way to see the historic sites and points of interest. Dining and shopping on Duval Street are other options for a day trip. The ferry leaves at 6 p.m. so you won't be able to stay around to enjoy the famous Key West sunset on a day trip.
If you decide to stay awhile in Key West there are more things to enjoy. Swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling can be done at most of the Key West beaches. Swimming is at your own risk as there are no lifeguards. Fishing is allowed at most of the beach piers. Some beaches offer jet skiing, parasailing and windsurfing rentals.
Another must-do for first-time travelers to Key West is the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, a National Historic Landmark. You can also take a pirate tour or a ghost tour of Key West. Participate in the Southernmost Scavenger Hunt as you follow the clues and riddles around the island. Restaurants and bars are not hard to find on this island. Popular choices are Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Café or the famous Hog's Breath Saloon.
Visitors to Key West end the day at Mallory Square for the nightly sunset celebration. Watch the world famous Key West sunset and enjoy entertainment by carnival performers.
