Are you looking for all the best ways to enjoy paradise after docking at the Port of Key West? The southernmost city does not disappoint when it comes to pleasant year-round temperatures and sunshine.
Cruise ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and other major cruise lines dock at Key West Cruise Port to enjoy an endless array of bars, restaurants, beaches, and fun attractions. Cruise passengers love being able to walk from their ships to all of the top places around the island.
A tour we think you'll love
Let’s talk about what to expect if you’ll be taking a cruise ship to Key West! Almost all cruise ships dock at Outer Mole Pier, Mallory Square, or Pier B. Both Pier B cruise port and Mallory Square are within walking distance of Old Town Key West. That means you can easily grab a slice of Key Lime Pie or an ice-cold margarita as soon as you leave the cruise terminal. Both spots are also just two blocks from all of the fanfare of Key West’s famous Duval Street.
Still wondering what your adventure can look like? Here are nine things you need to do after docking at the Port of Key West!
1) Take A Private Excursion After Docking At Key West Port
While a cruise ship is great if you love buffets and waterslides, it doesn’t necessarily offer the privacy and prestige you’re looking for during your time in Key West Florida. That’s why so many people who visit the Florida Keys book private tours of secluded sandbars with Key West Boat Trips.
Our private sandbar tours bring you and your group to beautiful spots where you can splash in the water, relax on the sand, and take memorable photos at sunset. Here’s a glance at what’s waiting for you when you book one of our adventures:
Our experienced captains always set the tone for relaxation! You can even pick your own soundtrack for your adventure using the Bluetooth-synced nine-speaker audio systems aboard our boats. The best part is that our affordable rates make this luxurious excursion possible for all!
You’ll also have plenty of time to get back to your ship’s bar or take a bar crawl on Duval Street. Don’t miss the chance to get away from the crowds to experience a side of Key West you can’t get from a cruise ship. Book your guided tour with Key West Boat Trips today!
2) Hop On A Conch Tour Train To Get From Old Town To Mallory Square
The world-famous Conch Tour Train has been delighting passengers since 1958! Each 75-minute tour begins at 303 Front Street Depot to take you on a 75-minute journey through Old Town and the surrounding areas before dropping you off at Mallory Square. Stops include:
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Truval Village
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Station Depot
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Sails to Rails Museum
Conch Tour Train routes run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. As you enjoy your excursion, you’ll hear tales about Ernest Hemingway, learn about island lore, and discover stories about Key West’s history.
3) Flutter About At The Key West Butterfly And Nature Conservatory
If you’re feeling desperate to spread your wings after spending days on a cruise ship to visit Key West, there’s no better spot than the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Watch as hundreds of butterflies dance around you in this glass-domed garden that is also home to flamingoes and exotic birds.
This is a top Key West attraction if you’re docking at a Key West cruise port with kids!
4) See The Southernmost Point Buoy
Many cruise passengers zip over to the famed Southernmost Point Buoy on Whitehead Street to celebrate their arrival at the official southernmost point in the continental United States!
At just 18 feet above sea level, the spot represents the lowest-latitude land of contiguous North American states. The photo-friendly painted buoy that you see waiting for you has been there since 1983.
One neat fact to keep in mind as you pose for a photo in front of the buoy at the southernmost point is that Cuba is located just 90 miles away!
5) Enjoy An Old Town Trolley Tour
If you prefer excursions with fun themes, you’ll love rolling through many of the most memorable parts of Old Town Key West in the Old Town Trolley!
When you book a one-day trolley tour, you’ll have the freedom to enjoy a full day of unlimited reboarding for the price of a single ticket. This open-air sightseeing option brings you to more than 100 different attractions.
Do you have something a little spookier in mind? The Ghosts and Gravestones trolley adventure brings guests to tragic and notorious spots around Key West. The tour even includes a stop at the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum.
6) Enjoy The Architecture At Bahama Village
After spending days on the water before docking at Key West Florida, nothing feels as good as walking around an enchanted neighborhood filled with beautiful homes and buildings.
This village is a special part of Key West that is known for its vibrant Bahamian-style architecture. For those seeking some of the best restaurants in Key West, a collection of open-air restaurants with colorful drink menus that run from Petronia Street to Duval Street offers the perfect choice for enjoying your first meal off of the ship.
Find your way to Bahama Village Market to check out shops and kiosks offering Caribbean-inspired gifts and souvenirs. You can also pick up delicious plantains, fresh coconuts, and spiced jerk!
7) See The Key West Lighthouse
Constructed in 1825, the Key West Lighthouse is an enduring beacon of Key West Florida. You’ll find this beautifully preserved lighthouse and museum close to where the large cruise ships dock near Whitehead Street.
The lighthouse’s 90-minute sunset experience lets guests enjoy the Key West sunset from an observation platform offering 360-degree views that show off the Hemingway house, the southernmost point, and the sparkling waters surrounding the Florida Keys! In addition, guests enjoy complimentary wine, meats, cheeses, and sweets.
8) Tour The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Calling all shipwreck enthusiasts! Don’t miss your chance to go deep into Key West’s history with a visit to the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum located on Greene Street. This museum contains an extensive collection of artifacts pulled from shipwrecks dating back to the 17th century.
9) Get Physical
While you’ll be getting plenty of steps in while visiting all of the attractions within walking distance of your docking spot, there’s a good chance you’ll still want to burn off some energy in the Florida Keys!
One of the best ways to do that is to take up some water sports during your vacation. With so many tour operators located near cruise ports, you can easily try:
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Snorkeling
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Scuba diving
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Waterskiing
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Wakeboarding
If you prefer to pedal your way around the island, renting bicycles is also a great option. With Key West only covering 4.2 miles, you can truly get anywhere on a bike. Popular routes for bikers include Smathers Beach, East Perimeter Trail, and the Whitehead Street Bikeway.
Find The Perfect Shore Excursions For Cruise Visitors In Key West
Once your cruise ship reaches the shore, Key West is truly your playground! During your trip, you can enjoy everything from raising a glass on Duval Street to enjoying views from above at the lighthouse. However, there’s only one adventure that brings you to the sandbars of Key West!
Key West Boat Trips is proud to be the premier sandbar tour operator in Key West. Our blissful, peaceful excursions bring you to magical spots where water and wilderness come together.
Don’t miss the chance to make memories with your friends or family that go beyond what a cruise can offer. Book your spots for an unforgettable sandbar tour in Key West Florida today!
