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Cruise Port Advisor

Key West, Florida Cruise Port Guide

Explore Key West, Florida on your cruise. Discover the best shore excursions, beaches, things to do, and travel tips for your port day ashore.

This Island City in the midst of what can only be called a tropical paradise, was once home to famous author Ernest Hemingway, before his death in 1961. Rather isolated until 1921, Key West is now connected to the mainland via the Overseas Highway, allowing easy access for visitors.

With its coral reefs, balmy weather and fantastic location, Key West is a hot spot for diving and snorkelling.

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Know Before You Go

Know Before You Go: Key West is hot and humid. Currency USD. The entire walkable area is within 2 miles โ€” no transport needed unless visiting Fort Zachary Taylor State Park or specific outlying sites. Mallory Square sunset (every evening) is a genuine community event. The Six-Toed Hemingway cats at the Hemingway House are famous and beloved.

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Hot Tip

Rent a bicycle โ€” it's the perfect Key West transport, and the island is entirely flat. You can cover all the highlights in half a day on a bike, including the Hemingway House, the Southernmost Point, the cemetery (beautiful Victorian stone markers), and Duval Street, before returning for the Mallory Square sunset.

Key West, Florida โ€“ Quick Facts

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Currency<p>USD. The most easily locatable ATMโ€™s are likely the two Wells Fargo ATMโ€™s. To find them simply head down Duval Street, away from Mallory Square. You should see them within 2-3 minutes on the right-hand side. Additional ATMโ€™s are located throughout the island.</p>
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Language<p>English</p>
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WiFi & Phone<p>Wifi should be easy to find at most restaurants and cafes in Key West. Two locations near the Pier that are guaranteed to have access are the Sippin Coffee House &amp; Internet Cafe (424 Eaton Street), and the Starbucks just a few blocks away (430 Duval Street).</p>
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Where You DockMallory Square Pier or Outer Mole Pier, Key West, Florida
KEY WEST WEATHER

Where You Dock in Key West, Florida

Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.

florida-67893_640Cruise ships dock at three locations on Key West.

โ€œOuter Mole Pierโ€ - This pier was built by the U.S. Navy and is the only Pier out of the three that can handle the larger cruise ships. Passengers that disembark here will be required to take a 5-minute shuttle into town which will drop them off in the Mallory Square Area. The shuttle is free. Passengers are advised keep their ID and Cruise Ship Card on them at all times.

Pier B - Located just south of Mallory Square passengers disembarking from this Pier are a short walk away from the Old Town and Duval Street.

Mallory Square Pier - The closest of the three, this pier is essentially right on Mallory Square and only a short walk away from the main tourist attractions on the island.

Getting Around Key West, Florida

Transportation options once you're ashore.

For the most part, Key West can be easily walked and many visitors enjoy the island on foot. To spare your feet or speed up the process, there is always the option to take a taxi, public bus or cycle.

 

Things To Do in Key West, Florida

Make the most of your time ashore.

Snorkeling Shore ExcursionBoat Tours, Scuba Diving and Snorkelling - Numerous businesses provide opportunities to explore the mysteries of the waters off Key West. Marine lovers and adventurers will enjoy all the ocean activities on offer.

 

 

 

Butterfly Sanctuary | Key West AttractionsKey West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory - A stunning climate-controlled habitat, the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is always a great visit, no matter the weather outdoors. Cascading waterfalls, beautiful flowering plants, trees, tropical birds, and of course - over 50 varieties of incredible butterfly species from across the globe.

 

Ernest Hemmingway House | Key West AttractionsErnest Hemingway Home & Museum - This former residence of the classic author is now inhabited by the unusual, six and seven-toed cats that are descended from Ernest Hemingwayโ€™s own pets. The house stands on the second highest point of the island and is one of the locations where Hemingway completed some of his famous works.

 

Beaches & Outdoors in Key West, Florida

The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach in the state park is Key West's best beach โ€” a natural limestone and sand beach with good snorkelling. Small admission. Higgs Beach on the Atlantic side is public and popular. Smathers Beach is the largest public beach with water sports rentals. The water is warm, shallow, and clear throughout.

Shopping in Key West, Florida

Where to shop and what to look for.

A walk down Duval Street is a must for anyone with shopping on their mind. From classy boutiques and big name brands to eco-friendly treasures and unique jewellery, itโ€™s all there! Art galleries, restaurants and bars provide a great break from shopping whenever necessary.

 

Duval street begins at Mallory Square and completely crosses Key West, ending at the southern coast of the island, less than a block away from the southernmost point of the continental U.S.

 

Dining in Key West, Florida

Where to eat and drink ashore.

If incredible food and a great ambience is your modus operandi, try one of these highly-recommended Latin Restaurants that truly capture the flavour of Key West

Bien - 1000 Eaton Street - A Caribbean Latino Restaurant with mouth watering dishes such as a Caribbean Roast Dinner and Paseo Prawns.

Hot Tin Roof - 0 Duval Street - One of the easiest locations for cruise ship passengers to find, this restaurant with its great seaside views and open patio is known for its Latin American-style food. With the option for small taster portions of their well-known dishes, customers can try it all without feeling greedy.

Bliss Restaurant - 411 Petronia Street - A quiet Latin Fusion gem with an array of seafood dishes, itโ€™s the perfect place to enjoy good conversation and great food. While in Key West, Key Lime Pie is a must try, and youโ€™ll be hard-pressed to find one better than at Bliss!

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Top Tours & Shore Excursions

Book before you board for best availability and pricing.

Hop On Hop Off Key West Trolley

โฑ 1 hour minimum ยท Moderate activity

See all of Key West on this narrated tour in an open-air trolley. Hop off when you wish to explore and hop on when you w...

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Jet Ski Tour Key West

โฑ 1 hour 45 minutes ยท Moderate activity

Tour Key West aboard your own jet ski! See the US Naval training area, the historic seaport and perhaps a dolphin or man...

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Premium Sail & Snorkel Adventure

โฑ 3.5 hours ยท Moderate activity

Enjoy this small group sail aboard a catamaran where it will take you to crystal clear water where you will stop to expl...

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Key West, Florida โ€“ FAQ

Common questions from cruise passengers.

What is Key West known for?

Key West is known for its laid-back "Conch Republic" vibe, Ernest Hemingway's former home, the Duval Street nightlife strip, spectacular sunsets at Mallory Square, the southernmost point in the continental US, excellent snorkeling and diving on the only living coral reef in the continental US, and fresh seafood.

Can I walk from the Key West cruise pier?

Yes โ€” most Key West cruise piers are within walking distance of the historic downtown. Duval Street, Mallory Square, the Hemingway Home, and most attractions are easily walkable.

What is the Mallory Square sunset celebration?

Every evening at sunset, Mallory Square at the waterfront becomes a festival โ€” street performers, artists, food vendors, and crowds gather to watch and applaud the sunset. It's one of Key West's most beloved traditions.

What is the southernmost point in Key West?

The Southernmost Point buoy at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets marks the southernmost point of the continental US โ€” just 90 miles from Cuba. It's one of Key West's most photographed landmarks despite long lines.

Cruise Passenger Tips & Photos

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