Another Question for Clay

[Mary Louise]

Hello Clay,

 

Someone mentioned to me that there are several small islands off of Key West. If this is true, are there any ferrys that run there on a regular basis? How would one be able to get to these small islands.

 

Thank you for your assistance.

 

ML

[cudjoekey]

I may not be Clay, but I believe that I can answer your question.

 

Key West lies at the end of a chain of islands (the Florida Keys) that are all connected by the Overseas Highway (U.S.1). Although there are a number of wonderful little places sprinkled among the 100 miles of Keys, there are no ferries. The only way to get to the other Keys is to drive (or take a public bus) and, to be honest with you, there are not a lot of recommended places until you get at least 25 miles from KW.

 

Besides the general Keys, there is a small island called Sunset Key that is located just off of KW. Sunset Key has a number of ultra-exclusive residences and a restaurant (expensive) called Latitudes. I believe it is run by the Hilton which runs a ferry to the island on a schedule (not sure how often it runs). I have also heard that there is quite anice beach although I am not sure if it is open to the public.

 

Other than that, the only other possibility is Fort Jefferson, which is located quite a ways to the West of Key West. Ft. Jefferson is located in the Dry Tortugas and is a national park. You have to take a long (private) boat ride or a sea plane to get there.

 

I hope that helps!

[Mary Louise]

Thank you for that information. I really appreciate it. You certainly did answer all of my questions. Have a great day.

 

ML

[Clay Clayton]

Most of what BB posted is correct except for the need for a private boat to get to Ft. Jefferson. You can take a nice day trip, the boat leaves about 8 in the morning, its a 2 hour or so trip out, you get a guided tour of the civil war era fort, then lunch (bascially make it yourself sandwiches and chips) and then time to snorkel. Its a great place to snorkel esp for beginners as the fort acts as a breakwater so you can always find someplace not too choppy. The boat leaves around 2 and you are back in KW around 4:30. As i recall, the trip costs around a hundred bucks.

 

Clay - a key west local

[Mary Louise]

Hello Clay,

 

Thank you so much for that information. It sounds like a great trip, but I think our cruise ship leaves at 4pm.