Key West questions and answers
Plain answers about tours and activities in Key West: when to go, what suits kids, how long trips take, where boats leave from, and how the Dry Tortugas works. Prices and policies vary by operator and change often, so check the booking page before you pay.
63 answersChecked October 20, 20269 operator sites reviewed
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Reward detailsPlanning and seasons
9 questions · Checked October 20, 2026
When is the best time of year to visit Key West for tours?
December through April is the dry season, with the mildest, least humid weather, and it is also the busiest stretch. June through October is the wet season, with afternoon showers and more heat. May and November are in-between months. Boat tours, sunset sails, and land tours run all year.
Do tours run all year in Key West?
Yes. Key West has a tropical climate with no record of frost, and the main boat, snorkel, sunset, and land tours run year-round. Some combo trips change times or only run in certain seasons, so check the listing for your dates.
How warm is the water for snorkeling?
Water is warmest from June through August, usually in the low to mid 80s °F. In January and February it can drop into the mid 60s, and some boats hand out wetsuits on cooler days.
When is hurricane season in the Florida Keys?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. The Florida Keys tourism office says the highest chance of activity is August 15 to October 15. If an evacuation is ordered, visitors are asked to leave first, and tours stop running.
What happens to my tour if the weather is bad?
Most Key West boat tours go in light rain. The captain decides on the day and can cancel or postpone for unsafe wind, seas, or lightning. When the operator cancels, operators we checked offer a new date, a credit, or a refund. Each operator sets its own weather policy.
What time is sunset in Key West?
It changes through the year, from roughly 5:30 PM in December to about 8:20 PM in June. Sunset cruises shift their departure times to match, so the time on a listing can change with the season.
How far ahead should I book Key West tours?
Most snorkel and sunset trips can be booked days ahead, and some take online bookings up to an hour before departure. The Dry Tortugas ferry and seaplane are different: the ferry can sell out weeks ahead, and seaplane seats often go about two weeks out, or months ahead at holidays. Book those first.
Is late October a busy time in Key West?
Yes, Fantasy Fest falls in late October, and some tours change their schedule around it. For example, the hop-on hop-off trolley does not run on the last Saturday in October.
How many days do I need for Key West tours?
Two to three days covers a reef snorkel or sail, a sunset cruise, and a walking or trolley tour. A Dry Tortugas ferry trip takes a full day by itself, from a 7:00 AM check-in to about a 5:15 PM return.
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See all Key West dealsFamilies and kids
7 questions · Checked October 20, 2026
What are good Key West tours for young kids?
Glass-bottom boats suit all ages because nobody has to get in the water. The hop-on hop-off trolley, sandbar trips, and calmer sunset cruises are also easy with kids. Reef snorkeling needs children who can swim.
Do kids pay less on Key West boat tours?
Often, yes. A common pattern is a child rate for about ages 4 to 10 or 12, with ages 3 and under riding at no charge. Parasailing and some other activities are exceptions. Check the age bands on each listing.
How old do kids have to be to parasail in Key West?
At least 6 years old on the trips we checked. Up to three people can fly together as long as the combined weight stays under the operator's limit (450 lb in one example).
Can kids ride or drive a jet ski in Key West?
Young children can ride as passengers, often from age 4, but not drive. On the tours we checked, 14- and 15-year-olds can drive only with an adult 18 or older aboard, and a parent must sign at check-in. Jet skis in Key West run as guided tours.
Do teens under 18 need a parent on Key West tours?
Usually. Operators we checked require guests under 18 to be with a parent or guardian, and some require the parent at check-in to sign the waiver.
Is the Key West ghost tour okay for children?
It is pitched as a PG-13 style night tour with scary moments, so it is not meant for young children. It lasts about an hour, with a trolley ride and a walking stop.
Are kayak tours okay for kids?
Guided mangrove paddles are usually fine for school-age kids. One outfitter we checked suggests skipping it for children under 6 because of the sun and the two hours of paddling. Everyone needs to know how to swim.
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See all Key West dealsSnorkeling and the reef
6 questions · Checked October 20, 2026
How far out is the reef from Key West?
The living coral reef that most snorkel boats visit is about 7 miles offshore on the Atlantic side. The ride out takes around 30 minutes.
How long is a Key West snorkel trip?
Most reef snorkel trips last about 3 hours, with roughly 45 to 60 minutes in the water. Morning and afternoon departures are common, and some trips add a sunset after the snorkel.
How much does snorkeling in Key West cost?
On the operator sites we checked in October 2026, group reef snorkel trips started around $40 to $65 per adult, with combo or premium trips up to about $85. Private charters are priced per boat and cost much more.
Do I need to know how to swim to snorkel the reef?
Yes. At the reef there is nowhere to stand. Boats provide a flotation vest and instruction, but you must be able to swim. Non-swimmers can still ride along on most trips, or take a glass-bottom boat instead.
Is snorkel gear included?
On the group trips we checked, yes: mask, snorkel, fins, and a flotation vest. You can bring your own if you prefer. Prescription masks are usually not supplied, so rent one in town ahead of time.
What is the difference between reef and backcountry snorkeling?
Reef trips go offshore to coral heads with clearer, deeper water and bigger schools of fish. Backcountry trips stay in shallow, sheltered water near mangrove islands, with calmer conditions, sponges, and smaller sea life.
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See all Key West dealsSunset cruises and sails
5 questions · Checked October 20, 2026
How long is a Key West sunset cruise?
Usually 1.5 to 2 hours. Boats leave about an hour or so before sunset and come back after dark.
How much is a sunset cruise in Key West?
On the operator sites we checked in October 2026, group sunset cruises started around $47 to $65 per adult, and many included drinks. Private sunset charters are priced per boat.
Are Key West sunset cruises family-friendly?
Many are. Some are livelier, with a live band and an open bar. Others are quieter champagne or wine sails, and some wine sails are for ages 13 and up. Check the age note on the listing.
Catamaran or schooner for sunset?
Catamarans are wide and stable, with room for music and a bar. Traditional schooners are smaller and quieter, and they sail under canvas. Both head out past Mallory Square into the harbor.
Can I watch the sunset from land instead?
Yes. Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square runs every night, weather permitting, starting about two hours before sunset. There is no charge to attend; the street performers work for tips.
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See all Key West dealsKayaking, paddling, and sandbars
4 questions · Checked October 20, 2026
How long is a mangrove kayak tour in Key West?
Guided mangrove paddles commonly run about 2 hours, with morning and afternoon starts. Longer sail-and-kayak days run 4.5 to 6.5 hours.
How much is a guided kayak tour?
One outfitter we checked in October 2026 charged $70 per adult and $50 per child under 12 for a 2-hour guided paddle. Rentals without a guide cost less.
Do I need kayak experience?
No. Guided mangrove paddles start with a short lesson and suit beginners. You do need to know how to swim, and weight limits apply (for example, 250 lb in a single kayak).
What is a Key West sandbar trip?
A boat takes you to a shallow sandbar in the backcountry to wade, swim, and relax, often with a kayak or paddleboard option. Trips we checked ran about 3.5 to 5.5 hours and usually included food and drinks.
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See all Key West dealsDry Tortugas National Park
7 questions · Checked October 20, 2026
How do you get to the Dry Tortugas from Key West?
By the park's official ferry, by seaplane, or by private boat. The park is about 70 miles west of Key West. The ferry takes about 2 hours 15 minutes each way, and the seaplane takes about 40 minutes.
How much does the Dry Tortugas ferry cost?
In October 2026 the day trip was listed at $260 per adult and $220 per child (ages 4 to 16), with lower fares for seniors, students, and park pass holders. The fare includes the park entrance fee, breakfast, lunch, snorkel gear, and a guided fort tour.
How much is the seaplane to the Dry Tortugas?
In October 2026 the half-day seaplane trip was listed at $527 per adult and $421.60 per child 12 and under, with about 2.5 hours on the island. A full day was $910 per adult. The $15 park fee is extra for anyone 16 or older.
Is the national park entrance fee included?
The fee is $15 per person age 16 and older, and it is good for 7 days. Ferry tickets include it. The seaplane collects it before departure. If you hold a national park pass, show it at check-in and the fee is taken off.
What is the Dry Tortugas day trip schedule?
On the ferry, check-in is 7:00 AM and departure is 8:00 AM. You reach Fort Jefferson around 10:15 to 10:30 AM, leave at 3:00 PM, and get back to Key West around 5:15 to 5:30 PM.
What should I bring to the Dry Tortugas?
Photo ID (required for adults on the ferry), swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, walking shoes, a change of clothes, and any park pass you hold. There is no cell service, no restaurant, and little shade on the island. Drones are not allowed.
Can you camp at the Dry Tortugas?
Yes, primitive camping on Garden Key, reached by the ferry or a private boat (not the seaplane). Ferry camping seats open six months ahead on the first weekday of each month and sell out early. Camping fees are paid to the park separately.
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See all Key West dealsParasailing and jet skis
4 questions · Checked October 20, 2026
How long is parasailing in Key West?
The whole trip is about an hour, and the time in the air is about 8 to 10 minutes at around 300 feet. Takeoff and landing are from the boat, so you can stay dry.
How much is parasailing in Key West?
On the operator site we checked in October 2026, flights ran about $60 to $85 per person.
Can I rent a jet ski on my own in Key West?
Operators we checked run guided tours only, because of protected sanctuary waters and shallow flats. A common tour is 90 minutes and about 28 miles around the island, priced per jet ski, roughly $120 to $170.
Do I need a boating license to drive a jet ski?
In Florida, drivers born in 1988 or later need a boater safety card. Visitors without one can usually take a short temporary-license test at check-in. Bring a government photo ID.
Land, food, and evening tours
5 questions · Checked October 20, 2026
How long is the Key West trolley tour?
The hop-on hop-off loop is about 90 minutes and 13 miles if you stay aboard. It has 13 stops, with trolleys every 20 to 30 minutes from about 9:00 AM. The last full tour leaves Mallory Square at 4:30 PM.
Do I need a reservation for the trolley?
Not for the daytime hop-on hop-off tour. Themed evening tours, like the ghost tour, need a reservation.
How long is a Key West food tour?
Walking food tours commonly run about 3 hours with several tastings, such as Cuban food, conch, and Key lime pie. In October 2026 they started around $79 per person. Cocktail walks are 21+.
How long is the Key West ghost tour?
About 60 minutes, combining a narrated trolley ride with a walking stop. It runs rain or shine, on a covered trolley, and starts near Front and Duval Streets.
Is Key West walkable?
Old Town is compact, and most harbor tours check in around the Historic Seaport, Mallory Square, and Front Street. Walking, biking, or a trolley is easier than driving there because parking is limited and paid.
Getting there, check-in, and what to bring
8 questions · Checked October 20, 2026
Where do Key West boat tours leave from?
Most leave from the Historic Seaport and harbor walk area, around Front Street and Mallory Square. The Dry Tortugas ferry leaves from the Key West Ferry Terminal at 100 Grinnell Street. Some kayak and eco tours start on Stock Island, a short drive away. Your booking confirmation gives the exact spot.
Where do I park for a Key West tour?
Most harbor operators have no parking of their own. Use city lots, metered streets, or the garage at 300 Grinnell Street, which was about $40 a day in October 2026. Rideshare or walking is often easier.
How early should I check in?
Most boat tours ask for 30 minutes before departure. Jet ski tours and big all-day trips often ask for 60 minutes, and the Dry Tortugas ferry checks in an hour before its 8:00 AM departure.
Can I do a Key West tour as a day trip from Miami?
It is tight. Operators say to allow at least 3.5 to 5 hours each way on the one road down the Keys, and longer in peak season. Morning tours are hard to make from Miami on the same day.
What should I bring on a Key West boat tour?
A swimsuit (worn under your clothes), towel, hat, sunglasses, reef-safe mineral sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, photo ID, and cash for tips. If you plan to drink, bring ID showing you are 21 or older.
Should I tip the crew?
Yes, it is customary. One operator suggests 15 to 20 percent, and gratuity is usually not included in the ticket. Some add an automatic gratuity for groups of 8 or more.
What are typical cancellation policies for Key West tours?
They vary. Among the operators we checked, you needed to cancel 12, 24, or 48 hours before departure for a refund, and later cancellations or no-shows are usually charged in full. Some sell optional trip protection for later changes. The booking page shows the policy for your trip.
Are there extra fees on top of the ticket price?
Sometimes. You may see a per-person fuel surcharge, taxes, park fees (for the Dry Tortugas seaplane), and tips. Booking fees and taxes apply; resort and local fees may apply.
Booking Key West deals with Things To Do Deals
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Pick a deal, then book through our link on the operator's own booking page. We do not take payment on this site. Once your booking is confirmed, Things To Do Deals sends your reward.
Does it cost more to book a Key West tour through Things To Do Deals?
No. You pay the same price as booking direct with the operator. Booking fees and taxes apply; resort and local fees may apply.
What reward do I get for booking?
It depends on your booking total. Any booking gets a $50 restaurant card. A booking of $200 or more gets the $50 restaurant card plus a $200 hotel savings card. A booking of $500 or more gets a bonus vacation voucher instead, for up to 5 days and up to 2 people.
How is the booking total counted?
Based on the total of a single booking, including everyone in your group (4 people at $125 each = $500). Each booking gets one reward level. Restaurant card terms apply. Rewards from separate bookings do not combine into a higher level.
What is the hotel savings card?
The $200 hotel savings card is an online credit you apply when you book your hotel through our hotel booking partner. Booking fees and taxes apply; resort and local fees may apply.
How does the vacation voucher work?
It is for a stay only, for up to 5 days and up to 2 people. You pick a destination at least 100 miles from home first, blackout dates depend on the hotel, and you have 18 months to travel. It can be used once every 12 months. Full voucher terms are not published yet.
Who sends the reward, the operator or you?
Things To Do Deals sends every reward. The operator does not handle it, so ask us, not the tour desk, about your reward.
What do the Featured and Sponsored labels mean?
Featured and Sponsored listings are paid placements. The labels are about placement only; they are not a rating or a review of the trip.
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See all Key West dealsWhere these answers come from
We read 9 Key West operator websites and the official sources below on October 20, 2026. Answers describe the market in general. Prices, times, and policies vary by operator and change often, so the booking page for your trip is the final word.
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