4 to 5 hours ashore
Old Town on foot
- Walk Duval Street from the port.
- See the Southernmost Point marker and the Hemingway Home.
- Key lime pie before you head back.
Rather book it? A trolley or Conch Train tour.
Key West shore excursions
A walkable island town where many of the best experiences are on foot or on the water just offshore.
Getting ashoreShips dock at Pier B, Mallory Square, or the Navy's Outer Mole Pier. Pier B and Mallory Square are a short walk from Old Town. Outer Mole is on a Navy base, and you may need a shuttle.
Key West port day essentials
read this before you book
Which pier you're at
Pier BThe most used pier, at the west edge of Old Town by the Margaritaville resort.
Mallory SquareRight at the heart of Old Town, where the sunset celebration happens.
Outer MoleOn the Navy base. You may need a shuttle to reach the gate.
Old Town is compact and walkable from all three.
Taxis
Taxis wait just outside the port, and Uber, Lyft and pedicabs also operate. Most cruisers walk, rent a bike, or ride the narrated trolley or Conch Train.
Money
US dollars. Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Language
English.
Back on board
All-aboard is usually 30 minutes before sailing; your ship's daily planner has the exact time. Calls here are often short, so check the time ashore before you plan a long sail or snorkel trip.
Last checked November 2026. Prices change; confirm before you pay.
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Plan your day in Key West
pick by your time ashore
6 to 8 hours ashore
Reef snorkel and Old Town
- Morning catamaran to the reef, about 3 hours.
- Afternoon wandering Old Town or Fort Zachary Taylor beach.
Rather book it? A reef snorkel catamaran.
9 hours or more
The whole island by bike
- Rent a bike near the port.
- Ride the waterfront, the beaches and the quiet back streets.
- Stay for sunset at Mallory Square if your ship sails late.
Rather book it? A guided bike tour.
Times are approximate. Whatever you choose, plan to be back at the pier an hour before all-aboard. Compare tours for each idea below.
Compare Key West tours
Start times and meeting points vary by tour. Check them against your ship's schedule before you book.
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Key West tours from GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide's own search results for Key West, in GetYourGuide's order. Check each tour's start time and meeting point against your ship's schedule.
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Key West tours from Shore Excursions Group
Shore Excursions Group sells tours built around cruise ship schedules, backed by their guarantee to get you back to the ship. Their tours aren't listed on this page; browse them on their site.
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Scout's notes on Key West
Short port days
Old Town, Duval Street, the Hemingway Home, and the Southernmost Point are all reachable on foot or by trolley tour. Even a short stop covers a lot.
Long port days
Snorkel trips to the offshore reef, sunset and sailing cruises, and kayak tours of the backcountry mangroves fit well. Seaplane or ferry trips to Dry Tortugas National Park take most of a day.
Getting back on time
Distances are short, so timing is usually easy. Allow extra time if your ship is at the Outer Mole, since you'll be relying on a shuttle.
From fellow cruisers
Tips from people who've been, read by us before they go up.
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