Silversea Luxury Cruises A KEY WEST (Florida)

Learn about and observe the wildlife and natural eco-systems of the Florida Keys during this picturesque, half-day, dolphin-watching and snorkelling excursion in Key West.

Key West, Catamaran-Ride, Gulf of Mexico, Dolphin-Watching

Depart the pier for the short walk to your awaiting boat. Upon arrival, embark a spacious, custom-built, power-catamaran, and begin your fun-filled and informative Key West dolphin-watching and snorkelling tour. Begin with a ride on the fast-moving Fury into the shimmering turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Upon arrival, responsibly observe the grace and beauty of our resident Key West bottlenose dolphins whilst they swim, feed and frolic in their natural habitat.

Key West Wildlife Refuge, Mangroves, Backcountry, Snorkelling, Coral, Tropical Fish, Marine Life

Next, your aquatic journey heads to the Key West Wildlife Refuge. Tucked away between mangrove islands, shallow sandbars and clear, calm turquoise waters, this remote sanctuary is normally reserved for Key West locals. Designed just for this special trip, the vessel's unique construction enables you to quickly and comfortably cruise through Key West's lake passage, and on to the calm, shallow waters of the Florida Keys' backcountry. Upon arrival, begin your guided snorkelling session. Whilst exploring this secluded paradise, marvel at the coral beds, tropical fish and marine life.

Refreshments, Bottlenose Dolphins

Afterward, embark the boat and commence the approximately 45-minute drive to the back to the pier. En route, relax and enjoy complementary, cold beverages, beer and wine, and observe more bottlenose dolphins. Upon arrival at the pier, disembark the Fury and commence the short walk back to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of activity and walking for approximately 0.5 miles (about 0.8 kilometres), with three steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the boat, manoeuvre in/out of the boat and access the restroom. This tour is recommended for guests who are in good physical condition, and able to swim in water over their head. Snorkelling takes place is approximately 15 feet-20 feet (about 4.6 metres-six metres) of water. Guests will not be able to touch the bottom, or stand, whilst snorkelling. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guest with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with flat, closed-toe walking or boat shoes, and bring sun protection and a towel from the ship. Guests must be at least six years old to participate on this tour; guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Masks, snorkels, fins and a buoyancy compensation vest are provided; in the winter months, wetsuits can be rented for US$20. Guests may bring their own snorkelling equipment. Waterproof cameras are highly recommended. There are small changing facilities on board the boat. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, fish and marine life sightings are not guaranteed. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests may not snorkel if they have consumed alcohol. The exact way-points of each tour are at the captain's discretion. Operation of this tour is subject to change due to tidal and weather conditions. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Experience the splendid beauty and history of Key West from a unique perspective during this panoramic flight-seeing excursion via helicopter.

Key West and Backcountry Waters

Depart the pier for the short transfer to the airport. Upon arrival, board your helicopter for a truly unique and unforgettable flight-seeing tour over Key West. Your 25-minute, pilot-narrated flight soars over the island's famous backcountry and abundant, crystal-clear waters. Along the way, look for shipwrecks and majestic sea life, including sharks, stingrays and dolphins, thriving in their natural habitats.

Historic Old Town

Next, take in spectacular, bird's-eye views over Key West's historic Old Town, including Duval Street, Fort Zachary Taylor and The Southernmost Point, as well as your cruise ship. At the conclusion of your helicopter flight-seeing tour, return to the airport. Following a comfort and refreshment stop, re-board your coach for the short transfer back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 130 yards (about 119 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and helicopter. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to airsickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Each guest must not exceed 300 pounds (about 136 kilograms) to participate on this tour. The total combined passenger weight must not exceed 600 pounds (about 272 kilograms). Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, marine and wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Each helicopter has a maximum capacity of 3 guests. Single guests are welcome and will be placed in a helicopter with another group of 2. Guests wishing to guarantee their own helicopter will need to book all 3 tickets.

Discover a different side of Key West during this panoramic, half-day boating and snorkelling excursion.

Key West, Catamaran-Ride, Light Breakfast, Key West Lake Passage, Mangroves, Sandbars

Depart the pier for the short walk to your awaiting boat. Upon arrival, embark a spacious, custom-built, power-catamaran, and begin your panoramic sailing, snorkelling and kayaking excursion. Ride aboard your fast-moving catamaran to the Florida Keys' backcountry, with a light breakfast served en route. Designed just for this special trip, the vessel's unique construction enables you to quickly and comfortably cruise through Key West's lake passage, which is surrounded by lush mangrove islands and shallow sandbars, and on to the calm, shallow waters of the Florida Keys' backcountry.

Florida Keys' Backcountry, Snorkelling, Coral, Tropical Fish, Marine Life

Tucked away between these mangrove islands, shallow sandbars and clear, calm turquoise waters, this remote sanctuary is normally reserved for Key West locals. Upon arrival at this secluded paradise, begin your guided snorkelling session through the shallows, which offer translucent waters and soft, sandy bottoms where spiny sea urchins mingle with conch shells and sea sponges. Marvel at the coral beds, tropical fish and marine life, and learn about the area and its indigenous wildlife from your naturalist guides. Don't be surprised if some decidedly larger marine species, including Goliath grouper, stingrays and tropical fish, make an appearance. In addition, be on the lookout for sea turtles and some of the area's most playful residents, the friendly bottlenose dolphins.

Lunch, Sandbar Visit, Free Time, Refreshments, Mangrove Kayaking

Next, embark the boat and relax with lunch during the ride to a remote, natural sandbar. Here, some free time is made available for you to sink your toes into the warm sand of the shallow waters, sip a frosty beverage and/or take a guided kayaking tour through the clear waters of the Key West mangroves. Even if you have never kayaked before, the crew aboard the Fury provide easy-to-follow instructions that enable you to enjoy an easy paddle on one of our sea kayaks in no time. Along the way, marvel at the stunning natural beauty of this secluded part of the Florida Keys. At the conclusion of your free time, embark the catamaran for the ride back to the pier. Upon arrival, disembark the Fury and commence the short walk back to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity and a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.5 miles (about 0.8 kilometres), with three steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the boat, manoeuvre in/out of the boat and access the restroom. This tour is recommended for guests who are in good physical condition, and able to swim in water over their head. Snorkelling takes place is approximately 15 feet-20 feet (about 4.6 metres-six metres) of water. Guests will not be able to touch the bottom, or stand, whilst snorkelling. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guest with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with flat, closed-toe walking or boat shoes, and bring sun protection and a towel from the ship. Guests must be at least six years old to participate on this tour; guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Masks, snorkels, fins and a buoyancy compensation vest are provided; in the winter months, wetsuits can be rented for US$20. Kayaks, paddles and safety vests are also provided for the optional kayaking portion of the tour. Guests may bring their own snorkelling equipment. Waterproof cameras are highly recommended. There are small changing facilities on board the boat. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, fish and marine life sightings are not guaranteed. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests may not snorkel or kayak if they have consumed alcohol. The exact way-points of each tour are at the captain's discretion. Operation of this tour is subject to change due to tldal and weather conditions. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Experience a guided tour of the colourful history and characters of Key West on comfortable beach cruiser bikes.

Upon arrival at the bike shop, you will be fitted with your bicycle and begin your approximately three-hour pedal through town. The bikes are single speed beach cruiser type, with coaster (backpedal) and not hand brakes. Everyone has a basket for belongings and a large bottle of water.

You will see the highlights of Key West, of which there are many. Pass Simonton Street Beach, the Green Parrot Bar, Key West Cemetery, Higgs Beach and the Southernmost Point of the United States, just 90 miles north of Cuba.

Of particular note is the Customs House, which presides over historic Mallory Square. Dating to 1891, the faithfully restored, four-story architectural gem was originally home to the island's customs office, postal service and district courts. "Old 91" is today a national landmark and headquarters of the Key West Art & Historical Society.

Another slice of local history unfolds as you approach the Presidential Gates of the Harry S. Truman Little White House. Built in 1890 as the first officer's quarters on the submarine base naval station, the abode served as Harry S. Truman's base of presidential operations during his 11 visits to Key West.

Of course, Key West also is known as the home of Ernest Hemingway. During your bike ride, you will see the residence located at 907 Whitehead Street, across from the Key West lighthouse, where the famed writer lived from 1931 to 1939.

One of Hemingway's legendary haunts was Sloppy Joe's Bar. Founded in 1933, the bar was located on Greene Street, just off Duval Street, during Hemingway's day. The bar has since moved to its current location on Duval Street, taking with it its storied connections to Hemingway, who suggested the name for the establishment.

Other landmarks on today's roster include Mallory Square, the Key West Lighthouse, and the Historic Seaport.

Before returning to the bike shop stop at the Key Lime Pie Company for a slice of Key Lime Pie, a refreshing must-taste here in Key West.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of activity. Guests should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this tour is appropriate. Guests with pre-existing neck, back, knee and/or shoulder injuries, cardiac conditions, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, other heart or respiratory conditions or any other medical condition should take particular caution when selecting a tour. Guests who have concerns should consult with their personal physician before engaging in any activity that may be strenuous for them. Please bring your camera, sun protection and local currency for incidentals. Guests should wear light clothing and walking shoes. Please be aware that the bicycles utilised for this programme have pedal brakes and are not equipped with hand brakes.

Explore the process by which rum and cigars are produced in Key West during this unique and informative sightseeing excursion.

Hemingway Rum Company

Delve into the history of two of Key West's most iconic industries: Rum and Cigars! You will begin your experience by being escorted to the brand-new Papa Pilar® Rum Distillery at the Hemingway Rum Company. Named after one of the island's most famous figures, the Hemingway Rum Company is dedicated to producing rums that honor the legacy of Ernest Hemingway, as the distillery itself dually functions as a museum portraying the many great events not only in Hemingway's own life, but of the history of rum in general. Much more than that, you will get a behind the scenes look at how the distillery makes their light and dark rums and at the end of the tour you will have the option to sample their rums, either straight or thru one of the distillery's many popular cocktail concoctions.

Rodriquez Cigar Factory

After sampling, you will then be taken to the oldest operating cigar factory in the Florida Keys - the Rodriguez Cigar Factory, where the family still uses cigar-rolling techniques that date back to the 1830s. The Rodriquez family first began producing cigars in Key West back in 1971 when their grandfather, Angel Rodriquez, immigrated to the United States from Cuba. Since then, the family has remained committed to producing a high-quality tobacco product enriched by their own Cuban heritage. Step back in time with the family as they share with you their history thru their own craft and trade, where you will be able to get hands on and roll your own cigar, sip authentic Cuban espresso, and have the opportunity to sample some of the family's great cigars.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 350 yards (about 320 metres). This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, however this is a walking tour and there is substantial standing. The tour is wheelchair-accessible other than the humidor on the second level of the Rodriquez Cigar Factory. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least 21 years old to participate in tastings of alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Spend a day exploring the tropical flora of the Keys. Begin this peaceful day with a brief transfer from the pier, in your survey of this splendid natural setting, enjoying a guided walk along paved pathways.

Key West Tropical Botanical Gardens

You will learn about the history of the gardens and about how they showcase flora native to South Florida, Cuba and the Caribbean, with an emphasis on protecting and cultivating endangered species of the Keys. Not only do the gardens display wondrous blooms, but they also host an arboretum, wildlife refuge and education center. In all, 7,000 different plants and trees thrive here, making the Tropical Forest and Botanical Gardens a treasure of the Florida Keys, and of the world.

Enjoy a cold beverage made from native Key West fruits before concluding your garden discovery and returning to the pier.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of activity. The venue is wheelchair accessible, however due to the amount of walking that is required to see the gardens, this tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility. Expect hot and humid weather; dress in lightweight clothing, bring adequate protection from the sun and insect repellant.

There is so much to discover at the Southernmost Point of the United States, and the best way to experience it all is aboard narrated tour with the Old Town Trolley or Conch Train. Our expert tour conductors will entertain you with the stories and anecdotes about the pirates and 'shipwreckers', Indian battles, the Naval history of the island, the Cuban cigar makers, and the many colorful characters that make up Key West's vibrant history. Hear about all that this island paradise has to offer and fall in love with the beautiful architecture, breathtaking botanicals, lovely beaches, and unique heritage that combine to make Key West a must do on any Caribbean adventure.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking to the tour vehicle for approximately 250 to 500 yards, depending on the ship berthing location, over smooth, paved surfaces. Vehicle used is at the discretion of the operator. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests must be able to embark and disembark the trolley with little assistance. This tour is exclusive to Silversea guests.

Experience the splendid history and landmarks of Key West during this scenic and informative excursion aboard the Old Town Trolley or Conch Tour Train.

Key West Trolley/Train Tour

Depart the pier via the Old Town Trolley or Conch Tour Train for a 14-mile (23-kilometre) picturesque tour of Old Key West. Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Key West is only 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) wide and four miles (6.4 kilometres) long. During this narrated tour, learn about the history of Key West as you pass by the Hemingway House, Southernmost Point, Audubon House, Duval Street, old conch homes, and other landmarks of the largest historical district in the United States. Your tour ends in the heart of the Old Town at Mallory Square.

Harry S. Truman Little White House

Next, you are escorted on-foot to the nearby Harry S. Truman Little White House. Built in 1890 as the first officers' naval quarters on the harbours waterfront, the Little White House was converted into a single-family dwelling to house the base commandant in the early 20th century. The house has been host to many distinguished guests, including Thomas Edison and US presidents Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton. Following your guided visit, walk back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking from the ship to the tour vehicle of approximately 250 yards (229 metres), and from the tour vehicle to the Little White House Museum of approximately 250 yards (229 metres). This tour involves approximately 20 steps to negotiate. Due to the historic nature of the building, the second level of the Little White House is not wheelchair-accessible. A video of the second floor is shown on the main level for guests unable to climb the stairs. Lightweight, comfortable clothing and sun protection are recommended.