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10 Things to Do
in Florida Keys

10 Things to Do in Florida Keys

At the southernmost point of the continental United States, the Florida Keys are made up of 1,700+ natural isles that each resemble a Caribbean paradise, with grand beach homes and subtropical-style living. The Keys were first formed by an ancient reef and still hold extraordinary treasures that can be explored above and beneath the surface, from the unexpected cat sanctuary at the Hemingway House to the many diving sites for shipwrecks and coral reefs found just off the coast.

When you’re not island-hopping by boat or your own private yacht charter in the Florida Keys, the beach towns make for a scenic refuge. Slow the pace to island-time in Key West, where you can navigate by bike or moped, the sunsets are endless, and the Key Lime Pie is famous.

Take a guided bicycle tour of old town Key West

Colorful houses in Key West

Experience the character of Key West on a guided bicycle tour through historic Old Town. Known locally as the “Conch Republic,” Key West offers a distinctive blend of island culture, history, dining, and nightlife.

Explore colorful streets, beach bars, local shops, and restaurants serving fresh seafood and signature conch dishes. Discover historic landmarks before continuing to Duval Street, the heart of Key West nightlife, where lively entertainment and cocktails continue into the evening.

A guided bicycle tour is an ideal way to experience Key West at a relaxed pace while adding an authentic cultural experience to your Florida Keys Luxury Yacht Charter.

Visit the Hemingway Home & Museum in Key West

Explore one of the most distinctive cultural attractions in Key West with a visit to the Hemingway Home and Museum. Built in 1851 and once home to renowned author Ernest Hemingway, the historic residence offers a glimpse into the writer’s life and connection to the island.

The estate is also home to its famous population of polydactyl, or six-toed, cats, adding a unique element to this popular Key West attraction.

Located at 907 Whitehead Street, directly across from the Old Key West Lighthouse, the Hemingway Home is an ideal addition to a Key West private yacht charter itinerary.

Sip a cocktail while watching one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world

Key Largo Florida sunset

Few experiences capture the character of Key West like watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico. With views extending toward the Atlantic and Cuba approximately 90 miles away, the island provides a spectacular setting for an evening on the water.

Enjoy a cocktail at a beachside restaurant or experience the sunset aboard your Private Yacht Charter as the sky transforms over the Gulf. Add this iconic Key West experience to your Florida Keys Luxury Yacht Charter itinerary for an unforgettable evening of island relaxation.

Dive or snorkel at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp diving in Florida Keys

Discover the underwater beauty of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, the first underwater park in the United States. Spanning approximately 70 square miles, the protected marine environment offers exceptional opportunities for guided diving and snorkeling.

Explore vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, diverse marine life, and the iconic submerged Christ of the Abyss statue. With its clear waters and remarkable marine landscapes, John Pennekamp is an ideal addition to a Florida Keys Private Yacht Charter.

Take a day to explore Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park

Key West Private Yacht Charter offers an exceptional way to experience Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote destination accessible by boat or seaplane. Arriving by private yacht allows you to explore the park at your own pace while experiencing its historic fort, pristine waters, and secluded island setting.

Visit Garden Key and explore Fort Jefferson, an unfinished octagonal fortress and one of the largest brick masonry structures in the Americas. Beyond the fort, discover seven islands, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear aquamarine waters—making Dry Tortugas an exceptional destination for a Florida Keys Luxury Yacht Charter.

Stroll the gardens at Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Discover one of the most distinctive attractions in the Florida Keys at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. The tropical garden provides a sanctuary for live butterflies, alongside birds, turtles, flamingos, and a diverse collection of subtropical plants and trees.

Located approximately two miles from the Southernmost Point Buoy, the conservatory is an ideal addition to a Key West itinerary. Combine this immersive nature experience with a Private Yacht Charter to explore the Florida Keys by land and sea.

See 100+ bird species at Wild Bird Sanctuary in Key Largo

Experience exceptional birdwatching in Key Largo at the Wild Bird Sanctuary, a rehabilitation center home to more than 100 bird species. Permanent residents include owls, hawks, pelicans, songbirds, and other native and visiting species found throughout the Florida Keys.

For nature enthusiasts, the sanctuary offers a distinctive addition to a Florida Keys Private Yacht Charter, combining time on the water with an opportunity to experience the region’s diverse wildlife.

Shop at the Rain Barrel Artisans Village

Add a distinctive piece of the Florida Keys to your journey at Rain Barrel Artisans Village. Known for its giant lobster landmark, the village brings together island-style shops, local vendors, art galleries, gardens, and Key West-inspired souvenirs.

Browse unique artwork, gifts, and locally inspired finds while exploring one of the Florida Keys’ memorable shopping destinations. It is an ideal addition to a Florida Keys Private Yacht Charter itinerary.

Visit Turtle Hospital

Sea turtle swimming

Visit the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, a medical facility dedicated to caring for injured sea turtles. Learn about local conservation efforts and the rehabilitation process that helps turtles recover and return to the wild.

Guided by knowledgeable volunteers, guests can explore the facility and gain insight into the protection of Florida Keys marine life. After the tour, enjoy the opportunity to feed the turtles.

The Turtle Hospital is a meaningful addition to a Florida Keys Private Yacht Charter, offering a closer look at the region’s commitment to marine conservation.

Dive or snorkel the Vandenberg Shipwreck

Snorkeling

Discover the USNS General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, a World War II-era shipwreck and renowned artificial reef located along the southern end of the Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail.

The Vandenberg is the second-largest ship ever intentionally scuttled to create an artificial reef, making it a distinctive destination for divers and snorkelers.

private yacht charter in the Florida Keys provides the freedom to explore the Vandenberg and other submerged wrecks throughout the island chain while creating a customized itinerary around your preferred dive and snorkel sites.

There is No End to Amazing Things to Do in the Florida Keys

If you’re looking for things to do in Key West, look no further than the charming city of Key West or the remote tropical paradise isles that skirt the southernmost point of the continental US. Having a luxury yacht charter in Key West allows you to island-hop, dive the sites, and set sail through the days at your own leisurely pace, and we’ll be here to help make your stay the perfect getaway.

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