Proface

Every year, more than three million visitors are drawn to Key West, the city that is the most southerly point in the U. S. of A, to take in the world-class sport fishing and other attractions. If you couldn’t already tell you were in the Caribbean thanks to the constant tropical temperatures, the Southernmost Point monument (shaped like a bouy) would tip you off. The island of Key West is a favorite port call for cruise ships visiting or departing from Florida. Hundreds of thousands of tourists arrive by cruise ship every winter to enjoy the balmy breezes. The Port of Key West is served by some of the most popular cruise lines, including Carnival Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, and Royal Caribbean. To handle the thousands of cruisers who arrive every week, there are three working docks in Key West: Mallory Square, Pier B (at the Hilton Resort), and the Outer Mole pier at the U.S. Navy Base. You have many options of things to do in Key West, both in town and on the water. If you’re not in port for long, it might be best to start with a guided tour before you strike out on your own. Your best bets are the Conch Tour Train, the Old Town Trolley Tour, and the CityView Trolley. Escorted tours are a fast and easy way to get to know the ‘Conch Republic.’ You can hop on and off the Tour Train and Trolley Tours, and they stop at many of the island’s famous sites to make touring easy and fun. There are family-friendly activities like parasailing, dolphin encounters, glass bottom boat tours, jet ski island tours, snorkeling trips, and all-inclusive watersports packages. The Key West snorkeling trips #1 activity, thanks to the clear and warm ocean waters The Secret Garden, the Botanical Gardens, dolphin watching and snorkeling trips are popular for nature lovers. History buffs enjoy the Hemingway House and Audubon museum, Harry S. Truman’s ‘Little White House,’ and other sites in Old Town. Couples enjoy romantic sunset cruises and tandem parasailing. Biplane rides can be fun, too. Key West is famous for its nightlife and bars like Margaritaville, which appeal to singles. And naturally, people-watching is a major draw, especially during events like Fantasy Fest. This little island is small, and many attractions are within walking distance of the port. But if you’re only in the city for a few hours, it makes sense to rent a scooter or electric car to help you make the most of your time in port, so you have more time to spend on your dolphin watching tour, jet ski trip, snorkeling or parasailing than getting there. Cruise-friendly scooter rentals start at 2 hours. Electric cars can be rented for as little as three hours. If you’re going to be in Key West for more than a day, standard rental cars are also available, but remember, parking can be a hassle and gas is expensive.) You don’t have to figure all your travel details out on your own. Local tour companies are there to help. ToursKeyWest.com is a one-stop reservation company that can book tickets for almost 80 excursions. Whether you want to go parasailing, jet skiing, sportfishing, or dolphin watching, they can make your bookings for you. If you’re arriving during a popular holiday season, it’s even more important to book your excursions in advance, because the most popular trips (things like snorkeling, parasailing trips, and sunset cruises) often sell out. You don’t want to be the only one in Key West with nothing to do, so book early. In fact, it’s wise to book your attractions a few weeks in advance. This little island truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re arriving on a cruise ship, arriving via Key West International Airport or driving yourself down Route 1, you’re sure to find an array of fantastic attractions in the city of Key West.