Virgin Voyages' guide to Key West
Key West
It’s all a breeze in the keys
With it’s fiercely independent personality and leave-your-last-name-at-the-dock attitude, Key West is a celebration of cultural collision — with Bahamian Conch, Cuban and African-American heritage permeating the spirit and inclusive philosophy of the island known as “One Human Family”.
More than its pirate past and raucous Duval Street parties (although, to be fair, those are worth the hype), Key West is home to an ever-evolving community of boundary-pushing artists and dedicated preservationists—lined with pastel-colored houses and nights spent toasting sunsets so incredible they inspire some of the world’s most sacred art.
What to see and do on the island
The Shore Things, the tour things and Hemingway’s fur things
Dolphin Watch and Wildlife Snorkel
A dolphin-watching and wildlife snorkeling trip
Key West Rum & Cigar Tasting Tour
A tour of the cigar and rum industry in Key West
The Duval Crawl: Key West's Pub Crawl
Pub crawl down Duval Street at the liveliest bars
Dolphin Watch and Wildlife Snorkel
Head out on the turquoise waters of the gulf to watch bottlenose dolphins as they swim, play, feed and do whatever else they please. Afterwards, head back to the wildlife refuge, where you can snorkel along the shallow backcountry.
Key West Rum and Cigar Tasting Tour
Technically located closer to Cuba than it is to Miami, the cigar and rum industry in Key West is as historically fascinating as it is… straight-up fun. Try some rum at the Papa Pilar Rum Distillery at the Hemingway Rum Company, which functions as both a distillery and a museum.
The Duval Crawl: Key West's Pub Crawl
The best way to see a famous Key West tradition while also letting loose because, yes, you are on vacation via the “Duval Crawl”—the downtown pub crawl. The vibe of the crawl is a cross between the famous chill Florida Keys atmosphere, a splattering of upbeat live music and Caribbean drinks that taste exactly like a vacation should.
We have even more in our curated catalog.
Florida Keys Island Beauty & Wildlife Safari
Key West
Experience breathtaking views, learn about natural history, and step into a wild eco-system on an unforgettable half-day overland safari in Florida's captivating Keys. With a knowledgeable guide on hand, you’ll travel “up the keys” to the famed Seven Mile Bridge, see adorable key deer, and explore Bahia Honda State Park — walking over the historic railroad bridge, and taking in the scenery at one of the Keys’ most stunning beaches.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Scenic and relaxing road trip up the Overseas Highway from Key West to Marathon
- Enjoy the nature and wildlife at the peaceful Blue Hole
- Learn the history and ecology of the Florida Keys
- Go on a Key Deer Safari at Big Pine Key
- Take in the spectacular views from the Iconic Seven Mile Bridge
- Explore Bahia Honda State Park
- Sailors should expect to walk over uneven pavement for an extended period of time
- State park entry fees are included
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- This Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Gratuities are included
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Feeding the wild animals is not permitted
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Key Lime Beach Cruiser Bike Tour
Key West
Made from Key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk in a pie crust—Key lime pie has been traced back to the early 20th century in Key West and is a culinary staple in the area. This tour of Old Town Key West on a beach cruiser bike includes a guided narration of the area’s history and its colorful characters. Making multiple stops at significant cultural sites, the tour will finish with a slice of that famous Key lime pie.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Tour Old Town Key West on a beach cruiser bike
- Accompanied by guided narration of the area’s history and its colorful characters
- Making stops at historic and cultural sites and finishing with a slice of Key lime Pie
- What to wear: sun-protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes
- What to bring: a camera, cash/card and passport or other government ID
- Includes a slice of Key Lime pie, a bicycle and helmet
- Just FYI—no single-use plastic bottles, so please bring a reusable bottle with you
- Gratuities are included
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Historic Key West Walking Tour
Key West
Hear about famous (and infamous) Key West personalities and discover the city’s unique architecture, flora and culture on this tour through the historic district. On foot, guides share the island’s fascinating history from the early days of shipwrecks, cigar-making, and the eventual influence of the U.S. Navy. Stops include the Sculpture Garden, Mallory Square, the Shipwreck Treasure Museum (which you'll tour at your own pace), and afterward, sample the island's famed conch fritters.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Walking Tour of Key West’s Historic Old Town
- Tour Mallory Square and the Shipwreck Treasure Museum
- Discover the city’s unique architecture, flora and culture
- Learn about the Key West founders in the Sculpture Garden
- Sip refreshments and snack on fresh conch fritters
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors should expect to walk over uneven pavement for an extended period of time
- Gratuities are included
- The walking tour portion in Key West is approximately 1-hour
- The museum portion will be explored at your own pace — it takes most visitors approximately 45 to 75-minutes start to finish
- When all Sailors have finished at the museum, this will lead into the conch fritter sample portion of the tour
- Sailors who finish at the museum and do not want to sample conch fritters with the group can explore independently — be sure to let your guide know
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Backcountry Catamaran and Kayak Tour
Key West
Indulge in a light breakfast as the custom-built catamaran leaves the dock on its way to the backcountry. Traveling through Key West’s lake passage, you’ll wind through paths only the locals know about—home to sea urchins, conch shells, sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins. Lunch will be served as you make your way to a remote sandbar, where you can dip your toes into the warm sand of the shallow waters, sip a frosty beverage, or explore the clear waters in a kayak through the mangroves.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Spend the day like a local in the backcountry
- Start with a light breakfast
- Travel through Key West’s lake passage
- Includes lunch on the way to a natural sandbar
- Guided kayaking through the Key West mangroves
- Exact points of each trip are at the captain’s discretion—subject to change due to tides and weather
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors must be at least 21 years old to consume alcohol during this experience
- Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- Sailors should advise of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance of the experience
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Historic Seaport Food & Cultural Walking Tour
Key West
Savor the flavors of Key West on a gourmet walking tour. A local guide will introduce you to a variety of mom-and-pop eateries in Old Town’s Historic Seaport. You’ll taste fresh, local seafood caught in the Florida Keys’ waters, Cuban roast pork sandwiches, and its iconic Key Lime pie. You’ll be taken away from the typical tourist streets and into local districts where you’ll learn about the city’s food, architecture, and history for a true taste of Key West life — and its delicious dishes.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Learn about Key West’s food, architecture and history
- Visit different mom-and-pop eateries for fresh, local seafood plus Key Lime pie
- Discover Key West beyond its typical touristy streets
- Eat your way through Old Town’s Historic Seaport
- Long walking over uneven pavement
- Sailors should advise of dietary restrictions/allergies in advanced
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- This Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Gratuities are included
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
From Cayo Hueso to Key West:
Named by Spanish settlers — English speakers heard, “Key West” instead.
Shore Things
Parasail the Painted Island Skies
Float through the air as one of the 12-passenger parasailing boats glides you past sights that can only be seen from the air. As you parasail, take a look below to spot dolphins playing in the surf, or colorful tropical birds flying past.
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGS
When the sun sets in Key West… you’ll know. And not just because a myriad of artists from Jimmy Buffet to Judy Blume will make art inspired by the island’s evening end. You’ll know because the sky lights up like fire—tangerine and gold stretching far and wide across the Caribbean sea as you pull away from the dock.
Setting on a day spent in a place that goes far beyond a bachelor and bachelorette party destination—where the best of New Orleans and Nantucket meet in the Caribbean to create a little island with a very big personality.
Set Sail the Virgin Way
Set sail the Virgin way and find a new approach to cruise vacations. Select this special itinerary and let's sail.
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