Your Guide to Key West Water Activities

Located where the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico meet the Atlantic Ocean, Key West is a paradise for aquatic adventures. Whether you are interested in snorkeling in crystal clear water, kayaking through mangrove forests, or exhilarating jet ski tours, there are Key West water activities for every interest. Stay with Rent Key West Vacations and let our concierge help you arrange tours and experiences on the island!

Top Key West Water Activities to Try on Vacation

Key West, with its stunning coastal landscapes and crystal-clear waters, offers many water sports for enthusiasts of all kinds. Some of the most popular Key West water activities include:

Snorkeling

Key West is surrounded by one of the largest coral reefs in the world, offering exceptional conditions for snorkeling! The best snorkeling spots on the island are the Key West Marine Park, Fort Zachary Taylor, and Dry Tortugas National Park.

Kayaking

Explore the natural diversity of the Keys on a kayak trip between Stock Island and Key West. Reserve a kayak from Lazy Dog and paddle through mangrove creeks and seagrass beds while looking for local wildlife.

Boating

Book a boat rental and explore the waters around Key West on your own time! Explore neighboring sandbars, islands, and parks. Popular destinations for boaters include Boca Grande, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Bahia Honda State Park.

Fishing

Key West is a world-class sport fishing destination offering exceptional offshore, deep sea, flats, and inshore fishing. Target sport fish like tarpon, permit, bonefish, mahi mahi, wahoos, tuna, marlin, and much more!

Key West Watersport Rentals

One of the best ways to explore the waters of Key West is with a local guide. Reserve a tour with one of these local outfitters:

Sunset Watersports: Provides sandbar tours, sunset cruises, snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, dolphin tours, and safari eco-tours.
Fury Water Adventures: Provides snorkeling tours, sunset cruises, eco-tours, parasailing, jet skiing, and private charters.
Sebago Watersports: Provides sunset sails, jet skiing, snorkeling, parasailing, eco-tours, schooners, and private charters.

Book Your Key West Getaway Today

Dive in and discover the best Key West water activities during your getaway with Rent Key West Vacations! Our concierge is here to provide free personalized service and assist you in booking activities on the island. Please get in touch with our concierge at 305-294-0990 or email us at info@rentkeywest.com for more information. Browse our Key West vacation rentals and start planning your Florida getaway today!

Your Guide to Key West Public Beaches

No visit to Key West is complete without spending time splashing and suntanning at our beautiful Key West public beaches! Stay with Rent Key West Vacations in our oceanfront condos and access our white sand beaches just steps from your rental property. Soak up the Florida sunshine as you swim, sunbathe, snorkel, and paddle at our fantastic beaches. From the tranquil shores of Smathers Beach to historic Higgs Beach, there is a beach for everyone in our tropical paradise!

Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach is the largest of the Key West public beaches, welcoming over 150,000 people annually! This beach is a half-mile long and is located on the south end of the island, offering access to several amenities such as:

Beach volleyball nets and volleyball courts
Restrooms
Shower Facilities
Access to tours and water activities with Sunset Watersports

Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach

Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach offers almost 17 acres of beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean. This beach is the best option for travelers who want easy access to a wealth of amenities and attractions. Higgs Beach offers direct access to the Key West Marine Park, one of the best snorkeling areas on the island! Make sure to take advantage of the beach amenities such as:

Children’s playgrounds
Picnic tables
Restroom facilities
Tennis and volleyball courts
Concession stands
Tiki huts
Wooden grandstand
Wooden pier

Simonton Street Beach

Simonton Street Beach is the perfect option if you are looking for a small beach on the Gulf side of the island! The only amenities on the beach are restrooms and a boat ramp for recreational boats. Make sure to bring beach gear with you!

Dog Beach

If you are traveling to Key West with your four-legged friends, we recommend visiting Dog Beach. Stay in our pet-friendly vacation rentals in Key West and access the only dog-friendly beach nearby!

South Beach

If you are staying on Duval Street, we recommend visiting South Beach, on the southern end of Duval Street. This small beach is an excellent place to watch the sunrise or sunset!

Bonus: Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Although not a public beach, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is considered one of the best Key West beaches! Find everything you need for a day at the beach with Chickee Hut Beach Rentals, offering umbrellas, lounge chairs, and snorkeling gear. Then, enjoy beach activities like swimming, snorkeling, fishing, paddling, scuba diving, and suntanning.

Book Key West Beachfront Vacation Rentals

Spend time in Florida’s southernmost city with Rent Key West Vacations, and spend your getaway exploring our beautiful Key West public beaches. Browse our collection of over 30 Key West vacation rentals near the beach and enjoy access to our beaches just steps from your rental home! Enhance your stay with our concierge services and let our team make your vacation even more enjoyable.

Book your Key West beach vacation today, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!

Free Things to Do in Key West

Your Florida vacation doesn’t have to break the bank; save on your upcoming getaway with Rent Key West Vacations! Take advantage of all the free things to do in Key West, from strolling down iconic Duval Street to soaking up the sun at our beautiful beaches. In addition to free activities on the island, many of our vacation rentals are part of larger condominiums so that you can enjoy elevated amenities like swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness centers. Pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and get ready to discover a budget-friendly vacation in Key West!

Discover Free Things to Do on Duval Street

Duval Street runs the entire distance of the island and offers a plethora of free activities:

Start at the South End of Duval Street and take a picture together at the Southernmost Point.
Use the free self-guided walking tour to learn about all the notable attractions on Duval Street.
End your day at Mallory Square and join the free Sunset Celebration, full of entertainment, live music, and food vendors.

Free Activities at Key West Beaches

Spend a day at the public beaches in Key West and enjoy free activities the whole family will enjoy:

Visit Smathers Beach, offering a half mile of soft sand with amenities like beach volleyball nets, restrooms, and shower facilities.
Visit Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, beach volleyball, tennis, pickleball, and children’s playgrounds.
Head across the street from Memorial Beach and visit the Key West Garden Club at West Martello. Explore a former Civil War fort and several gardens home to an impressive collection of rare and exotic plants!

More Free Things to Do in Key West

Looking for more free things to do in Key West? Here are a few more activities found throughout the island:

Visit the Key West Historic Seaport and stroll past world-class dining, shopping, live music, and museums. Enjoy free admission to the Key West Turtle Museum and the Fort Jefferson Museum.
Spend time at the historic Key West Cemetery and learn about the fascinating stories of our past residents with a self-guided tour.
Learn about the diverse ecosystems and maritime history at the free Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. Or visit the Key West Wildlife Center and discover migratory birds on the nature trail.

Key West Vacation Rentals for Every Budget

Book your getaway with Rent Key West Vacations and enjoy all the free things to do in Key West near your rental home. Browse our collection of Key West vacation rentals and find the perfect property for your group. Please contact our reservations specialist at 1-800-833-7368 to customize your Key West getaway today!