KEY WEST EXPRESS
Fort Myers, Florida USA

Want to visit the Florida Keys from the Gulf Coast but don’t want to spend all day driving? For a relaxing, scenic and fun mode of transportation to Key West - the Key West Express can’t be beat.

The Key West Express departs every morning from Ft. Meyers, FL and then departs Key West (back to Ft.  Myers) every evening. You can go to Key West for just the day or book a hotel room and return whenever you feel like it!

During tourist season, a second Key West Express also departs from and returns to south Florida's exclusive Marco Island.

Four modern vessels make up the Key West Express fleet. We were guests on the 170 foot Key West Express  Catamaran. This new, jet-engine powered vessel has three levels for your enjoyment. The top level is a full sundeck  and was our choice. As we cruised the Gulf of Mexico at 40 mph under the south Florida sun, the salt-water breeze  was cool and refreshing.

In addition to the sun deck, the vessels all have air conditioned interiors with full galleys and bars where patrons can purchase snacks and drinks both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. Large flat screen TV’s are available for your enjoyment.

The trip from Ft. Meyers took between 3 and 3.5 enjoyable hours.

Docking in Key west is at the City Bight Ferry Terminal Historic Seaport. There is transportation available into downtown but  it’s only a short pleasant walk along the boardwalk or colorful streets if you prefer.

While in Key West, be sure to visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum where you can view (and sometimes even touch) the treasure from the Spanish Galleon Atocha which sank just 30 miles from Key West. You  will literally see a ton of treasure - gold bars, emeralds, bronze cannons, and more. The charming and fun gift store has  replicas of the treasure as well as pirate souvenirs. Tickets are $12.

Key West is filled with live-music bars and historic restaurants in addition to the ever-present and colorful souvenir shops. Be sure to grab a piece of Key Lime Pie sometime during your adventures. If you are really  feeling adventurous, have a drink at The Garden of Eden, a rooftop, clothing-optional bar on top of the Bull and Whistle at the corner of Duval and Caroline!

Enjoy Fury Water Adventures' glass bottom boat tour or jump on the Conch Train trolley and ride to the  southernmost point in the USA and back.

Ernest Hemingway fans can visit the Ernest Hemingway at  907 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040