One of the best parts of traveling to the Florida Keys is visiting some of the islands near Key West. It only takes a day trip to experience the joys of following mangrove trails on a pristine island, scuba diving in coral reefs, spotting loggerhead turtles, and all of the other amazing treats waiting on remote Keys islands.
As the southernmost point of the contiguous United States, Key West is considered the “grand finale” of the Florida Keys. Many people focus their trips specifically on Key West because it’s the most built-up portion of the Keys.
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While you will certainly have an unforgettable experience exploring Duval Street, Old Town Key West, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and many more attractions, you shouldn’t skip some of the islands around Key West!
Find your perfect island paradise with this rundown of the best islands around Key West worth discovering!
1) Key Largo
Nestled in the upper Florida Keys, Key Largo is a 33-mile-long island that’s accessible by the Overseas Highway. Divers take notice! With its abundant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, Key Largo is known as the Diving Capital of the World. People also come here from around the world for sportfishing. Highlights of Key Largo include:
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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – Explore a 70-square-mile undersea park where you can dive to the famous submerged Christ of the Abyss statue.
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The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center – Explore a humane shelter and rehabilitation center for wild birds.
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Island Dolphin Care – Tour a 5,000-square-foot therapy and education center with a 9,000-square-foot natural lagoon that’s home to a family of dolphins. The center also has multiple aquariums, outdoor gardens, and exhibits.
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Molasses Reef – Dive in a 247-acre sanctuary with boulder corals and tropical fish.
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Grecian Rocks – Dive among native elkhorn coral in this beginner-friendly spot with depths of just 4 feet to 6 feet.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the sunset at Key Largo! Head to one of the many waterfront restaurants or parks to enjoy a breathtaking view as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors. It’s the perfect way to end a day of adventure in paradise!
2) Mud Keys
If you’re looking for surrounding islands within 15 miles of Key West, look no further than the Mud Keys Sanctuary. This series of uninhabited islands just 15 miles northeast of Key West is known for its splendid mangrove trails and navigable creeks. Belonging to both the Mud Keys Wildlife Management Area and Key West National Wildlife Refuge, the islands are home to abundant wildlife populations that include ospreys and white herons.
If you’re wondering how to get here, this remote spot is only accessible by traversing the backcountry waters of Key West. Let Key West Boat Trips take you on a relaxing cruise that showcases all of the gorgeous views of the countryside on your way to Mud Key Sanctuary. During this exciting excursion, you’ll have time to stop by a sandbar for a refreshing dip or simply relax in the sand.
Our boat trips take you away from crowded beaches to explore the serene side of Key West most tourists never get to see! In addition to our popular Mud Key Mangrove Safari excursion, we also offer the option to “hop” to Snipe Point and other sandbars. Our guests enjoy knowledgeable local captains, customizable options, and fun for all ages.
Book your Mud Keys cruise to experience an unspoiled Key West island with us today!
3) Big Pine Key
Commune with some of the rawest wilderness in the Keys at National Key Deer Refuge! Located in the Lower Keys, this wildlife preserve stretches 100 miles of terrain across Big Pine Key and surrounding islands that includes pine forests, hardwood hammocks, wetlands, salt-marsh wetlands, and mangrove forests.
It is home to more than 20 different endangered and threatened plant and animal species. It is also the only place in the world to see endangered Key Deer.
Other highlights near Big Pine Key include:
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Bahia Honda State Park – This stunning state park is famed for its clear waters and beautiful rock jetties.
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Blue Hole – This natural area with freshwater and saltwater habitats is home to alligators, deer, and birds.
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The Big Pink Key Flea Market – Offers keepsakes from local vendors. You can find everything from handmade crafts to unique souvenirs that capture the spirit of the Keys.
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Calusa Beach – Watch a sunset from the old railroad bridge here. It’s a perfect spot for a romantic evening or a peaceful end to a fun-filled day.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the endangered Key Deer are unique to the Florida Keys and are the smallest subspecies of the North American white-tailed deer? They can often be spotted roaming freely around Big Pine Key.
4) Long Key
“Rough it” a bit at Long Key State Park on Long Key. This 965-acre park offers incredible hiking on its Golden Orb Trail and Layton Trail for those interested in admiring diverse plant species and getting stunning views of Florida Bay. Kayakers on Long Key often see loggerhead and green sea turtles. For a truly immersive experience, consider camping overnight to enjoy the serene beauty and starry skies.
Fishing enthusiasts will also find Long Key a paradise. The park’s waters are teeming with a variety of fish, making it a perfect spot for both seasoned anglers and beginners. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beautiful moments and your big catch!
Bird watchers will be delighted by the diverse avian population that calls Long Key home. Bring your binoculars and a field guide to make the most of your bird-watching adventure. The tranquility of the park, combined with the rich wildlife, makes Long Key a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
5) Little Torch Key
Located roughly 24 miles from Key West, Little Torch Key is named for the native torchwood tree that helps to define the landscape. With its remote vibe, this island is perfect for people who want to do a little fishing or check into a resort with thatched bungalows.
Little Torch Key was famously President Harry S. Truman’s favorite spot for fishing! The spot is also a top pick for islands near Key West offering romantic getaways.
Pro Tip: For a truly unforgettable experience, book a stay at one of the luxurious overwater bungalows on Little Torch Key. You’ll enjoy stunning views, direct access to the water, and a sense of seclusion that’s perfect for a romantic escape!
6) Garden Key
What makes Garden Key fascinating is that this 14-acre island paradise is actually contained within Dry Tortugas National Park. Just be prepared for the extra work it takes to get here! Like the rest of Dry Tortugas National Park, this remote island is only accessible by seaplane or boat. Luckily, you can pick up a ferry in Key West.
As the largest of the seven islands within Dry Tortugas, it offers access to several beautiful Gulf of Mexico beaches around 70 miles west of Key West. The highlight of a visit is a 19th-century fort called Fort Jefferson that was used during the Civil War. Consider camping overnight for a true adventure!
Fun Fact: Did you know that Fort Jefferson on Garden Key is one of the largest brick masonry structures in the Americas? It’s made up of over 16 million bricks and was never actually completed!
7) Sunset Key
If you’re dreaming of islands by Key West offering a resort experience, look no further than this little slice of paradise located just 500 yards off the coast of Key West. There are some ground rules to know about if you’re planning to make the trip.
Sunset Key is a private residential island. Entry will only be granted to guests who have reservations with a restaurant, spa, or resort. Consider a day of pampering at this 27-acre private paradise if you want to live like a local for a few hours!
For the ultimate luxury experience, book a stay at one of the island’s exclusive cottages. Enjoy world-class amenities, private beaches, and gourmet dining, all while soaking in the serene and picturesque surroundings. It’s the perfect getaway for those looking to indulge in a bit of island opulence!
8) The Marquesas Keys
Bring it back to nature with this uninhabited cluster of islands situated 20 miles west of Key West. Cloaked under thick mangrove forest, the cluster and its surrounding waters are home to sharks, rays, sea turtles, and abundant bird populations that use the islands as anchors to settle on while traveling between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.
In fact, the Marquesas Keys are known for being one of the few foraging grounds for adult green turtles here in the continental United States.
Pro Tip: Since the Marquesas Keys are uninhabited and remote, make sure to bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, and snorkeling gear. It’s a true wilderness experience, so plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure!
9) Marathon Key
Spread across 13 islands, Marathon is a popular Florida Keys city known for its incredible barrier reef and fun beaches. Here’s a rundown of what to put on your itinerary:
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Sombrero Beach – Framed by the Atlantic Ocean, this public beach with picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, restrooms, and showers is perfect for swimming.
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The Turtle Hospital – This turtle rescue and rehabilitation center offers guided tours to the public.
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Crane Point Museum and Nature Center – A natural history museum and nature center situated within a 63-acre woodland hammock.
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Curry Hammock State Park – This state park lets guests explore an untarnished ecosystem of mangrove swamp, rockland forest, and seagrass beds.
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Old Seven Mile Bridge – Included on the National Register of Historic Places, this precursor to the current-day Seven Mile Bridge was built in the early 1900s as part of the Florida East Coast Railway.
Marathon is also a great jumping-off point for visiting other spots in the Florida Keys. For instance, the Seven Mile Bridge connects Knight’s Key in Marathon to the Middle Keys and Lower Keys. If you want to jump to a tropical paradise with white beaches and nearly translucent water, nearby Grassy Keys will make you feel like you’re on the edge of the world just a few miles from Marathon.
Book The Island Adventure Of A Lifetime – Tour An Isolated Key West Island With Us
Only Key West Boat Trips brings you to amazing Keys islands and sandbars without the hassle of dealing with crowds! Make your Florida Keys vacation memorable by booking your private cruise in one of our comfortable, state-of-the-art small boats.
Our tours cater to nature lovers seeking time alone on gorgeous sandbars where you can see views of the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico for miles and miles! Book the ultimate island tour near Key West with us today!
