Top Adventures In Key West

Table of Contents 

• Key West Extreme Adventures
• Skydiving & SCUBA: Important Note!
• Lowkey Adventures in Key West 
• Getting Around in Key West

Key Takeaways

Key West offers a vibrant mix of lowkey and extreme adventures for every type of traveler. With a one-of-a-kind culture, exquisite cuisine, strangers that make you feel like family, and the most beautiful ocean views in the world, we have it all. Stroll through historic streets, go parasailing, and catch stunning sunrises and sunsets. But what else is there? Are there hidden gems and adventures Key West natives only know about? YES! 

This article will take you deep into the best Key West adventures, from lowkey evenings to super exciting excursions – we promise there’s something for everyone! 

Key West Extreme Adventures 

People come to the Keys to relax and also do things that you just can’t do anywhere else! 

Fly with us! 

Top of our list is, of course, skydiving! At Skydive Key West, we offer unparalleled views of the coastline, a breezy break from the hot Florida sun, and an adrenaline rush like no other. You must be 18 years of age (yes – we’ll gladly take you on your 18th birthday!) and weigh under 270lbs. We’re frequently ranked as one of the best places to skydive in the country! 

Charter a boat.

Despite their catchy name, Danger Charters specializes in anything but rough waters. They specialize in sunset charters, kayaking tours, snorkeling adventures, and even weddings! 

Try parasailing.

If taking the leap into freefall is a bit too much, but lying on the sand is a bit too little, parasailing is the perfect in between. Parasailing is when a person is attached to a canopy with a harness, while being towed behind a boat. The canopy fills with air and allows the person (or pair!) to be lifted into the air a couple hundred feet above the ocean. Although the ocean views from up there don’t compare to those you get while skydiving, they are pretty sick! 

Go snorkeling. 

We are home to some of the most beautiful and vibrant coral reefs in the world. Snorkeling allows you to see reefs (and the incredible wildlife that call them home) close up! 

Try an ECO Tour. 

Honest ECO Tours is where it’s at! They’re family owned and almost every person on their staff has a strong background in biology. Their passion about Key West’s wildlife combined with their expertise is unmatched. They offer customizable tours, sunset Catamaran cruises, kayaking tours, and so much more. Their specialty is dolphin watching excursions, and their intentional and gentle approach to connecting with our flippered friends makes the excursion unforgettable.  

Go SCUBA or SNUBA diving. 

Is that a typo? Nope. While SCUBA diving entails diving with one’s own oxygen tank, SNUBA connects divers to an air supply that is floating above them. They’re connected with a long hose, which allows them some good range, but not as much as if they were SCUBA-ing. What’s the point? Less training! SNUBA doesn’t require nearly as much training as SCUBA does, making it much more accessible. 

Skydiving & SCUBA: Important Note!

You can skydive before SCUBA but you cannot SCUBA before skydiving or flying. It’s imperative that you wait at least 24 hours after SCUBA diving before you go skydiving or fly in a plane. Why? Decompression sickness, aka the bends. In a nutshell, you get the bends when dissolved nitrogen forms bubbles in your body as pressure drops too quickly – like surfacing too fast from a dive or after high-altitude exposure. These bubbles can cause joint pain, dizziness, numbness, breathing problems, or worse if untreated.

Lowkey Adventures in Key West

Our vibrant island city is the ideal spot for those who love to explore at their own pace. Pop into local shops or wander along our bright, blue coastline – our famous Key West laid-back charm is around every corner! 

Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. 

This museum gives tours and only takes walk-ins – making it ideal for people who don’t have solid plans. If you’re a feline fan, the museum grounds have around 60 “Hemingway Cats” roaming around. Most of these kitties are polydactyl, meaning they have six (sometimes even seven) toes on each front paw. 

Check out the art. 

Duval Street – Key West’s main street – has loads of galleries to meander through. There is often live music to enjoy and, in addition to formal brick and mortar galleries, there are plenty of artists selling directly on the street. 

Catch a sunset. 

Anywhere on the west side of our little strip of sand will put you in the perfect position to soak in the golden hour. Our suggestion? Start your sunset on the beach, and just as the sun dips below the horizon, head over to Mallory Square. Here, you’ll find street performers, local art for sale, and all the good vibes. 

Rise early. 

Vacations fly by because you sleep in! Although rising early may not feel ideal in the moment, you won’t regret it. Is there anything fun to do in Key West in the mornings? Absolutely. Although Key West has a bit of a party hardy reputation, there are plenty of activities for the early risers. You can do yoga on the beach, cycle around the city, and catch the sunrise while you channel your inner Sally and search for seashells. If you’ve ever wanted to watch the sunrise and sunset on the coastline on the same day, this is the place. 

Getting Around in Key West

Can you just walk around Key West? Yes! But you have plenty of options if that’s not your jam.

Go on foot.

Key West is small and easy to explore on foot. The island is only about two miles wide and four miles long, and most attractions in Old Town – including Duval Street – are within walking distance. If you’re staying central, walking is often all you need to get around.

Take public transportation.

The island offers convenient bus services, most notably the Duval Loop, which circles Old Town and runs frequently throughout the day. Key West Transit also operates routes that connect to Stock Island and the Lower Keys, making it easy to get beyond downtown without a car.

Rent a bike.

Biking is one of the most popular ways to see Key West. The island is flat, bike-friendly, and filled with rental shops offering everything from beach cruisers to electric bikes. With designated lanes and plenty of scenic routes, cycling is often the fastest and most flexible option.

Other options …

If you prefer not to walk or bike, Key West also has taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, and fun alternatives such as pedicabs, golf carts, and the Conch Tour Train. These are great for short trips, group outings, or when you want to experience the island at a more leisurely pace.

Coming To The Keys? 

Whether you’re seeking a calm, leisurely seashell hunt or a freefall through the skies, our island paradise blends heart-pounding experiences with that sought-after easygoing ambience. Come see what we’re all about! Of course, we hope you book a skydive while you’re here. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions! Blue skies!