Maritime Village to Micro State: A Self Guided Tour of Key West

3.8 (4 reviews) 1 h 30 min – 3 hours Private tour

out of 5

4 reviews

3.8

Climb the 88 stairs to the top of the Key West Lighthouse. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Learn about Key West's maritime salvage history at the Shipwrecker's Memorial — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Key West is famous as mainland America's Caribbean resort town. Here, time slows down as the island vibes take over. But there is more to this island than umbrella drinks and warm breezes.

Key West has an incredible history, from its origins as a maritime village that profited heavily from salvaging wrecked ships and crews along the Great Florida Reef a few miles offshore, to the creation of the micro-state known as the Conch Republic. While in Key West, you will want to visit many of the sites that make the island distinct such as the Key West Lighthouse, the Hemingway House, the Little White House, and Southernmost Point.

On this tour, you will visit all of these and more, stopping for refreshments along the way at many of the island's signature restaurants and bars. You will hear stories of some of the island's more famous residents along with some lesser-known tales that have given Key West its unique place in American culture and history.

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At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min – 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: Knockabout Travel

Ages: Youth (1–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Audio Guide
Included: Voice Map Audio Tour App

Not included

Not included: Smartphone
Not included: Headphones
Not included: OPTIONAL: Admission to Truman Little White House ($22.95)
Not included: OPTIONAL: Admission to Hemingway Home and Museum ($18.00)
Not included: OPTIONAL: Admission to Key West Lighthouse ($15.50)

Itinerary

Mallory Square

5 min

This is the starting location for the tour. Here, you can enjoy street performers and visit the shops before starting the tour. If you are starting your tour in the morning, then coffee is available at nearby Cuban Coffee Queen.
Key West Shipwreck Museum

Passing by

This is an optional visit for travelers interested in learning more about Key West's origins as a shipwrecking community.
Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum

Passing by

We discuss treasure hunter Mel Fisher during the audio tour and for those who want to learn more, the museum has artifacts and a detailed account of Mel's story.
Capt. Tony's Saloon

20 min

Stop in for a drink, appetizer, or lunch and see some of the named barstools that have supported the backsides of famous customers, or the tree growing in the middle of the saloon as discussed in the tour.
Stop 5

20 min

This optional stop is one of Key West's most famous restaurants. Stop in and check out some live entertainment and some food/drink.
Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe

Passing by

Kermit's sells Kery Lime Pies, but if you want a frozen treat during your walk, grab a frozen Key Lime Pie Bar on a stick.
Truman Little White House

10 min Admission not included

We discuss the Little White House as a presidential retreat during the Truman Administration. Tours are available for those who want to learn more about this location.
US 1 Mile Marker 0

5 min

Pass by the beginning of the longest north-south road in the nation, starting here in Key West and running to the Canadian border at Fort Kent, Maine.

This location is a great opportunity for a selfie or group photo.
Stop 9

Passing by

Optional stop for Parrotheads who want to visit the first Margaritaville store/restaurant that started a business empire for singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

10 min Admission not included

Visit the home of writer Ernest Hemingway, who lived here for nine years, writing several famous works inside these walls. The house has many six-toed cats descended from Hemingway's original pet that visitors can interact with.

We discuss Hemingway's time on Key West during our walk, but tours of the home are available for those interested in learning more
Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum

15 min Admission not included

Walk the grounds of the lighthouse and learn about its first light keeper during our walk. Separate admission is available if you want to view the interior of the keeper's house and climb the 88 steps to the top for a bird's eye view of Key West and the Gulf of Mexico.

Admission is free for active military.
Southernmost Point

15 min

This is the end point of our tour. The Southernmost Point Bouy is another great location for a selfie or group photo to commemorate your time in Key West.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The tour begins at the Florida Keys Historical Military Memorial in Mallory Square. Look for the US flagpole surrounded by a semicircle of stone pedestals.

End point

The tour ends at the Southernmost Point Bouy at the intersection of Whitehead and South Streets.

Using your ticket

How to access your tour:

1. Download the Voice Map app. This can be done by searching "Voice Map" within the Apple App Store or Google Play Store

2. Create an account with Voice Map

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

4. Enter the code "kw2404s2".

This code is valid for the number of tours that you purchased.

5. Select Download Now.

PLEASE ALSO NOTE:

Be sure to ENABLE location services on your smartphone. Failure to do this will make it impossible for the VoiceMap application to locate you on the map.
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.
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.
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.
The download should only take a few minutes to complete. If it takes longer, please cancel the download, go to Account, select Purchased and download the tour from there.
Remember to bring your own headphones.

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
There are several museums located along the tour route. We will pass by the exteriors, describing them briefly. If you wish to learn more, you may purchase a separate admission from the museum directly.
Travel time is included in the duration of the tour