Pirates and Treasure: Self Guided Tour of Key West's Old Town

one hour – 1 h 15 min Private tour

Pirates and Treasure: Self Guided Tour of Key West's Old Town, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Embark on a self-guided audio adventure through Key West's storied Old Town, where the sun-soaked streets echo with the daring tales of pirates, treasure hunters, and fearless 'wreckers'.

Led by the eccentric Captain William Shade, the ghost of an 1800s pirate, you'll navigate from Mallory Square to the Key West Shipwreck Museum. Duck into El Meson de Pepe's for rum-fueled revelry (drinks are not included in the price of the tour), explore Capt Tony's Saloon's ghostly history, visit the Oldest House Museum, and dive into Mel Fisher's Maritime Museum for tales of daring underwater heists. Encounter the wild past at Audubon House, and stand before the Custom House where customs agents once tamed the Key West tides. This is no ordinary stroll; it's a spirited awakening of history, where every step reveals the legends that shaped this island city.

Best times for the tour are either early mornings or just before sunset, where the temperature can be a bit more pleasant.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Historical Tours Walking Tours New Product Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: one hour – 1 h 15 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–98 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English
Included: VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Not included

Not included: Smartphone and headphones
Not included: Transportation
Not included: Food and drink
Not included: Tickets to optional attractions en route

Itinerary

Stop 1

Passing by

Pass by El Meson de Pepe's Restaurant and Bar, where the rum flows freely, and the salsa never stops. While not a required stop, it offers a riotous throwback to the days of pirate code and treasure hunts.
Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden

Passing by

Move through the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden, learning about Captain David Porter's transformation of the fishing village into a thriving naval station. While not a designated stop, this area provides historical context for Key West's evolution.
Capt. Tony's Saloon

Passing by

Stumble into Capt Tony's Saloon, where spirits aren't only in the bottles, and grim tales of the departed linger. While not dwelling inside, this infamous saloon holds a dark history, including a hanging tree and ghostly tales.
The Oldest House Museum & Garden

Passing by

Pass by the Oldest House, now a museum, and delve into the history of wreckers who turned "finders keepers" into a treasure hunt for rum or a ship full of gold.
Stop 5

Passing by

Admire Captain George Carey's House, transformed into a local hub in the 1900s, hosting prominent figures like Gloria Swanson, Tennessee Williams, and the Hemingways. While not entering, it adds cultural richness to your journey.
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens

Passing by

Explore Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, a gateway to Key West's untamed past. While not entering, this site reflects the wild history of the city.
Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum

Passing by

Pass by Mel Fisher's Maritime Museum, a treasure trove for armchair buccaneers, hearing about daring underwater heists that prove the adage, "fortune favors the bold."
Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

Passing by

Pass the old Custom House, where customs agents once attempted to tame the wild tides of Key West. While not entering, it adds historical depth to your stroll.
Key West Shipwreck Museum

Passing by

End your tour in front of the Key West Shipwreck Museum, where you'll have met legendary characters who left their mark on this island city. While not entering, this final stop allows you to reflect on the awakening of Key West's vibrant history.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The tour begins on the southern end of Mallory Square (420 Wall St, Key West).

End point

The tour ends at the Key West Shipwreck Museum.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

2. Create an account

3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]