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Top 5 Key West Tours & 5 More Fun Things to Do While You’re Here

top 5 key west tours and things to do

Author: Nathan Knight

Top 5 Key West Tours Worth Booking (And Why They’re Totally Worth It)

Planning a trip to Key West? Beyond sandy beaches and laid-back Duval Street vibes, this island is packed with unforgettable trips & tours. Here’s our curated list of the Top 5 Key West tours you must experience, from snorkeling vibrant coral reefs to high-speed jet-ski adventures, ending with the ultimate multi-sport excursion.


1. 🐠 Reef Snorkel Adventure: Swim the 3rd Largest Living Reef in the World

Key West sits atop the world’s 3rd largest coral reef system and the best reef in the U.S. Our coral reef system stretches Book a snorkeling tour to explore vibrant sites like Sand Key Lighthouse, Eastern Dry Rocks, Western Dry Rocks, Rock Key, and Western Sambo. Expect kaleidoscopic coral, tropical fish, and even turtles. It’s everything you expect from top-tier things to do in Key West. Snorkeling charters here start at just around $40 depending on the time of the year. This is not only the top rated experience but the most cost-effective Key West activity as well!

Snorkeling in Key West Fun Facts

  • The reef system off Key West is part of the Florida Reef Tract, which is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S.

  • It is the third-largest living coral barrier reef in the world, behind the Great Barrier Reef (Australia) and the Mesoamerican Reef (Caribbean).

  • It spans more than 360 miles and includes thousands of patch reefs and barrier reef formations.

  • Home to over 1,400 species of marine life
  • Over 2,900 square nautical miles are protected under the Florida Marine Sanctuary.

Snorkeling Insider tip: The best key west snorkeling tours

reef snorkel tours key west attractions


2. 🏖️ Sandbar Charters: Mud Keys, Jewfish Basin & Woman Key

Nothing says “Key West” like pulling a boat into knee deep crystal-clear waters and hanging out on a sandbar. Key West is home to some of the worlds most iconic locations like Mud Keys, Jewfish Basin, Snipes Point, Boca Grand, and Woman Key. These locations are perfect for relaxing, socializing, or floating around with chilled drinks and splash time. It’s no secret that sandbar charters in Key West have become one of the most popular activity to do on your vacation in Key West. Our crew act as your bartenders in the water so you don’t even have to get out of the water for a refill!

Key West Sandbar Fun Facts

  • Sandbars are home to an abundance of wildlife as well such as great egrets, great blue heron, sting rays, conch shells and more.
  • Our sandbars are some of the best locations for shell collecting.

Sandbar Insider Tip: The best sandbar charters in Key West.

happy hour sandbar charter key west


3. 🌅 Sunset Cruises: Romantic & Iconic Evening Views

Experience Key West’s legendary sunsets. Watch the sky explode in color as the boat drifts on calm waters, many cruises include live music, tropical cocktails, and stunning views of the sunset fading into a starry sky. One of the most romantic things to do in Key West, perfect for couples or a group night out. With trips starting at just $60, you do not want to miss this Key West experience.

Sunset Cruise Insider Tip: Key West’s best sunset cruises

key west sunset cruises (1)


4. 🛵 Jet Ski Tours: The Most Unique Way to See Key West

Looking for something bold? Try a jet ski tour, Key West’s most thrilling sightseeing option. Zip around the island’s coast, skim past historic landmarks, and zip through intimate waterways. Guided tours are perfect way to explore Key West’s waters.

Key West Jetski Tour Fun Facts

  • Keep your eyes on the look out as it’s not uncommon to see dolphins on these tours

  • The tour takes you 28 miles around the island through The Florida Marine Sanctuary

  • Some tours even stop at a sandbar

Jetski Tour Insider Tip: Key West’s best jetski tours

key west jetski tours


5. 🏄 Do-It-All Watersports Adventure: Snorkel, Jet Ski, Parasail & More

Can’t choose just one of the above activities? There’s actually an all-inclusive package called “The Do It All.” This experience allows travelers to make the most of their time in Key West. It allows you to experience 10 different watersport activities at once. From snorkeling to jetskis and parasailing to banana boat rides. This is the best watersports deal in Key West. It combines the top Key West water activities into one exciting day.

Do It All Insider Tip: Key West’s all inclusive watersports package

banana boat rides in key west florida


🏆 5 More Fun Things To Do

Here are five other notable Key West tours worth exploring:

  1. Parasailing Over Key West
    Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the coastline on a parasailing flight. For anyone who loves height and scenery, check out the Sunset Watersports parasail offerings. Key West Parasailing

  2. Boat Rentals (With or Without a Captain)
    Want freedom? Rent your own pontoon or center console boat with or without a licensed local captain. Ideal for those who prefer to explore smaller group environment. Key West Boat Rentals

  3. Dolphin Eco Tours
    Visit the famous Dolphin Playground inside the Florida Marine Sanctuary, a region known for the playful bottlenose dolphins. Choose a daytime eco-guided tour for a more natural approach, with educational insights and ethical viewing. Key West Dolphin Tours

  4. Kayak Tours
    Paddle through mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and shallow backcountry waters. These guided kayak eco tours are peaceful, educational, and great for families or solo adventurers. Key West Kayak Tours

  5. Safari Eco Tour (Drive-Your-Own Mini Boat)
    For explorers craving autonomy with guidance, the Safari Eco Tour lets you drive your own small boat in a small group outing. Visit secluded mud keys and learn about local ecology, ideal for intrepid travelers and intimate groups. Key West Eco Tour


📌 Where to Book Your Tours

All of the tours listed (plus unbeatable boat rentals, snorkeling, sandbar trips, jet ski tours, parasailing, fishing charters, and eco excursions) can be booked through Sunset Watersports Key West, Key West’s largest selection of water adventures and top-rated expeditions.

📞 Call now to book: (305) 296‑2554


Next Key West Tip: Happy Hour At The Sandbar In Key West

happy hour sandbar charter in key west best thing to do

  • Posted in:
Happy Hour Sandbar Charter With Sunset Cruise
  • Happy Hour!
From $149.95 $129.95

Join us for Happy Hour at the sandbar! The sand-bar is open. This tour also includes a trip to the dolphin playground. Enjoy unlimited beer, mimosas, wine & champagne while you soak up the sun or explore. After the sandbar we will cruise through the Florida Marine Sanctuary for a sunset cruise you won’t forget!

Kids go free!