Finding The Best Key West Tours For Your Family

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I absolutely love visiting Key West! It’s one of my favorite vacation destinations in the United States. The tropical island weather, exotic feel, and laid-back atmosphere make it a perfect getaway for families and couples. There’s so much to do in Key West, on both land and sea. When we’re in the “Conch Republic,” my family loves trying different Key West tours. We find that guided tours are perfect for learning the history of the area, experiencing new things, and immersing ourselves in the unique vibe of the local culture.

Popular Key West Tours

I created a curated list of the best Key West tours to save you planning time. These tours are all rated at least 4.0 out of 5 stars and have really positive reviews. They are guided tours, meaning a person leads your group and helps ensure you get the best experience during your excursion.

In this post, I’ll cover:

Is A Guided Tour Right For Me?
The Best Key West Tours
More Things To Do In Key West
Helpful Tips For Taking A Tour

Is A Guided Key West Tour Right For Me?

There is a lot to do in Key West, Florida, and the choices can feel overwhelming, especially if you have only a few days of vacation and want to take it easy. So, it’s important to optimize your time and get the most bang for your buck within a short timeframe.

One way to do this is by booking a tour through companies like Get Your Guide or Viator. These Key West tours provide your group with a curated experience that you couldn’t easily replicate on your own. All equipment is supplied on these tours, the guide narrates and includes relevant information, and the experience is structured in an approachable way.

In my experience traveling, I’ve learned that guided tours provide the maximum amount of fun and education with the lowest amount of stress, especially when traveling to a destination for the first time. It is so much easier to hand the logistics over to a guide and enjoy the trip without the hassle of worrying about everything on your own.

Guided tours are great because:

Guides are experts in their field
Local guides make navigating easier
Learn about the history of an area
All equipment is usually included
Outsource the hassle of planning
See places you otherwise wouldn’t

TIP: Key West is a popular tourist destination, so be sure to book your tour at least 3-6 months in advance during peak travel times.

The Best Key West Tours

In this section, I’ll list the best Key West tours. These tours cover a wide range of activities, from sunset cruises to bike tours, and span both land and sea excursions. Be sure to read the website’s description for each tour carefully, as each tour has a different price, meeting point, amenities, and restrictions.

Family-Friendly Tours & Tickets In Key West

These Key West tours make excellent family adventures. The city is filled with amazing places for families to visit, including the Hemingway House, Shipwreck Treasure Museum, and the Key West Aquarium. There are also many fun water activities. There’s enough variety to match any family’s interests, so be sure to see what’s the best fit for your group. The museums in Key West require tickets, so plan ahead.

These first two are actually just tickets, not guided tours. However, they are favorites for families with younger kids, so I wanted to include them.

Shipwreck Treasure Museum Tickets

Key West Aquarium Tickets

The Ultimate Do It All Watersports Experience

Key West Cruises and Boat Tours

Key West sunset cruises and boat tours are amazing ways to sail the gorgeous waters of the Gulf, watch a romantic sunset, and spot sea creatures like dolphins, turtles, and exotic fish. The possibilities are endless, and there is a water-borne tour for everyone. Most tours last 1-3 hours and provide alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks as well as snacks for a fee.

Sunset Sailing Trip with Open Bar, Food and Music

3-Hour Afternoon Reef Snorkel with Drinks

Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Sunset Cruise

Key West Food and Drink Tours

Key West is known for amazing food, like its legendary Key Lime Pie, and for restaurants that serve delightful blends of Caribbean and Cuban delicacies. These tours will expose you to the best food and drink Key West has to offer while teaching you about the unique culture and history of the area. They are typically 1-3 hours and span walking tours, food tasting tours, and other culinary-focused group excursions.

Cuban and Caribbean Food and Cultural Walking Tour

Old Town Secret Food Tour

Seafood and Seaport Walking Tour with 6 Tastings

Key West Nature and Adventure Tours

Key West is an outdoor lover’s paradise, and there’s a good reason why Ernest Hemingway made it his home for several years. The area offers incredible fishing, reef snorkeling and diving, a marine wildlife sanctuary, and lots of shoreline to explore. The excursions are typically small-group, range from several hours to all day in length, and have all equipment provided.

Sandbar Excursion & Kayak Tour with Lunch & Drinks

Reef Snorkeling with Drinks and Sunset Option

Full-Day Tour of Key West National Wildlife Refuge

Key West Bike and Walking Tours

Key West is best explored up close and personal. A biking or walking tour of the historic city is a great way to immerse yourself in the history, culture, and atmosphere of this tropical paradise.

These Key West sightseeing tours are usually private or small group in size and last 1-3 hours. You’ll visit popular sites and discover hidden gems across Key West. Your guide will narrate and provide interesting facts about the city and its heritage.

Guided Bicycle Tour with Key Lime Pie

Jimmy Buffet Walking Tour with Key Lime Pie

History and Culture Southernmost Walking Tour

What Other Things Are There To Do In Key West?

I’ve written numerous posts about my experiences in Key West. Even if you aren’t into guided tours, there are still many different things for families and couples to do. I recommend reading my post about 18 Exciting Things For Families To Do In Key West. It will give you a comprehensive list of our families’ favorite things to do in Key West, Florida!

If you’re interested in the quirky history of this tropical paradise, I also did a deep dive into the fascinating history of Key West. You can read all about it in this blog post!

I even took a “Momcation” (a solo trip) to Key West several years ago and stayed at The Marker Hotel. It was wonderful, and I liked it so much that I took some friends back there for a girl’s trip earlier this year! In that post, I share a bunch of photos of The Marker and highlight my experience at the hotel and my solo trip to Key West.

Photo of the Key West Shipwreck Museum, a popular Key West Tourist Attraction

7 Helpful Tips For Taking A Key West Tour

Here are some helpful tips I have learned from taking tours. Hopefully, these practical ideas will make your trip easier. Of course, some advice that might apply to a boat tour won’t apply to a food tour, but most of the concepts are universal.

#1 Read the Tour Description Carefully

Before booking, check the tour’s details on sites like GetYourGuide. Every tour has unique features, such as stops, duration, and amenities. For instance, some may include snacks, while others require you to bring your own. Knowing the specifics will ensure you arrive prepared and avoid surprises. Some tours have age restrictions, so be aware of this if you have young children.

#2 Know The Tour Meeting Point

Read the tour description carefully and make sure you understand where the meeting point is and how to get there. Boat tours are often at marinas and require extra time for parking and wayfinding. Factor in at least an additional hour for parking, walking, finding your guide, and checking in. Key West tours often run on strict schedules, so if you’re late, the tour usually can’t wait for you.

#3 Pack Light And Bring Only Essentials

Bring only what’s necessary: sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a water bottle, and a camera. Many Key West tours involve some walking, so it’s best to leave bulky bags behind. Wear comfortable shoes suited for the activity level mentioned in the description. If you’re going to be on the water, bring a waterproof bag for phones and money.

If you’re thinking of bringing a stroller or other bulky items for young kids, be sure to read the tour description to see what’s allowed.

#4 Bring a Valid ID and Booking Confirmation

Some tours require proof of age, especially if alcohol is sold. Get Your Guide has a great app that I use to pull up my booking. It is also very helpful to have a screenshot of your booking confirmation for easy check-in, especially if internet service is spotty.

#5 Respect the Guide and Other Guests

Etiquette goes a long way. Listen to your guide, keep questions relevant, and avoid talking over them or other guests. Guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge, and being respectful makes for a positive experience for everyone.

#6 Tip Generously for Good Service

Tipping is often appreciated on guided tours and can vary based on the quality and length of the experience. As a general guideline, tipping around 15-25% is common in the US. However, if the guide goes above and beyond, feel free to show appreciation with a bit more. Boat tour tips are usually split among the entire crew.

#7 Avoid Bringing Large Sums of Cash or Valuables

Key West is very safe, but it’s wise to avoid carrying more than necessary. Leave valuables in your hotel or rental, and if you’re on a water-based tour, bring a waterproof bag or case for your phone and any small essentials. I always use a small crossbody bag when I travel.

Key West Tours For Everyone

As I mentioned earlier, Key West is one of my favorite places to visit in the United States. It offers endless fun for people of all ages to explore and adventure. It’s unique location makes it perfect for year-round water activities like snorkeling and boating while at the same time offering amazing restaurants, museums, and historic sites.

I hope this list of best Key West tours inspires you to make some new memories on your next vacation to the “Southernmost City.”