Boat trips provide one of the best ways to explore and enjoy Florida. But, is a boat ride from Tampa to Key West worth it? This post has the answers.
Is a boat ride from Tampa to Key West a trip worth taking? Will you get your money’s worth when you go for a boat ride from Tampa to Key West?
A boat ride from Tampa to Key West is worth it. This trip will give you an opportunity to get lost in Florida’s beautiful coasts. Furthermore, you will get an opportunity to explore local cultures and historical sites, discover pristine beaches, and soak in the sunshine and scenery.
In this post, we will take a closer look at whether a boat ride from Tampa to Key West is worth it. So, if you are looking to go on a boat ride between these two places but you are unsure whether it’s worth it, then this guide has the answers.
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Overview
If you are looking to explore Florida, you can do so using the various boat tours that run throughout the state. And one of such tours is the boat ride from Tampa to Key West. For this tour, you have the option of making it a single-day trip or a multi-day trip, depending on your budget and preferences.
There are several boat tour companies operating between this route. So, you will simply need to book with one of these companies. Most of the boat tour companies operate throughout the year. So, you shouldn’t have a problem finding one, regardless of the time of the season that you decide to take the trip.
Is a Boat Ride from Tampa to Key West Worth It?
As mentioned above, there are several boat tours that run throughout the state of Florida. And, the boat ride from Tampa to Key West is one of the options to consider. So, is this boat ride worth it?
Without a doubt, a boat ride from Tampa to Key West will be worth it. It provides a great means of escaping the crowded, noisy cities. Also, this tour will give you an opportunity to get lost in Florida’s beautiful coasts. And while at it, you will be exploring local cultures and historical cities, while discovering beautiful beaches and other picturesque landscapes.
Best Places to Explore between Tampa and Key West
While you can take a boat ride from Tampa to Key West within a single day, it’s highly likely that you won’t get enough opportunities to explore and enjoy the amazing scenery along the way.
To this end, it’s highly advisable to plan your trip in such a way that you will have some overnight stops and stays. And, there are some amazing resorts and places where you can stop and spend some time along the way.
One of the best places to stop and explore on your way to Key West is West Palm Beach. Located in South Florida, this moderately-sized city is well known for its scenic beauty. It’s also renowned for its beautiful downtown locations like CityPlace and Clematis Street.
West Palm Beach is also a rapidly-growing urban area with lots of cultural attractions. Also, this area has an almost endless supply of great restaurants and eateries, where you can get an opportunity to sample some local cuisines.
Also, West Palm Beach has plenty of attractions, which you can explore before you head over to Key West. Some of these attractions include the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum. Here, you will get an opportunity to delve deeper into the local history.
You should also consider exploring the Singer Island Municipal Beach, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions on this island. There are also plenty of smaller islands that you can explore around West Palm Beach, including Peanut Island, Ritta Island and Munyon Island.
Attractions between Tampa and Key West
As much as a boat ride from Tampa to Key West is quite a short trip, there are plenty of attractions, beautiful beaches and stunning sceneries to enjoy. Here are some of the attractions to enjoy during your boat ride from Tampa to Key West.
Hollywood City
Located on the east coast of Florida between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Hollywood City is home to over 7 golf courses, 60 parks, approximately 7 miles of beautiful beaches as well as the renowned Hollywood Beach Broadwalk – which is a promenade stretching approximately 2.5 miles along the ocean.
Harry Harris Beach and Park
This small but beautiful beach is also along the way to Key West. It features several shade-covered picnic tables, where you can stop by and have a quick lunch with your family or friends. Other amenities in this park include a boat ramp, fenced playground, a small beach as well as lots of wildlife to see.
Black Point Park and Marina
Popularly known as Black Point, this is the largest public marina in Miami, Florida. It’s a beautiful spot for diving expeditions and fishing. Also, Black Point is home to the Ocean Grill Restaurant, which is one of the best eateries in the area.
Homestead Bayfront Park
Homestead Bayfront Park is a family-friendly park located in South Dade. This beachfront park is a popular jump-off point for exploring Biscayne National Park which is located nearby. It features a shallow swimming area, a beach, a full-service marina as well as a restaurant.
Attractions at Key West
Key West will be your final destination during your boat trip. Located at the tip of Florida, this tiny island is a great destination for someone who wants to unwind. It has amazing reefs, crystal blue waters, the most beautiful sunsets as well as fun restaurants.
Also, this tiny island is famous for its fresh seafood, pastel-hued houses, and relaxed attitude. And, it’s easy to see why it continues to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
Once you land on this island, you shouldn’t be in a hurry to leave, as there’s plenty to take in. For instance, you can visit the only living barrier reef in the U.S, which is located approximately six miles offshore of this island. Here, you can enjoy some snorkeling.
You can also check out Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. This beach is the perfect spot for sunbathing and relaxing. You will also find plenty of restaurants, bars and shops, in case you want to grab a bite or a drink.
Other places to visit during your time at Key West include the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson, Key West aquarium, the Southernmost Marker, and Mile Marker 0. Other activities include booking one of the tours from the island, explore the shipwreck dive sites and visit some of the nearby museums like Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, U.S Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum, Key West Lighthouse Museum, East Martello Museum and Gallery, Key West Shipwreck Museum as well as the Flagler Station, just to name a few.
Best Time to go on a Boat Trip from Tampa to Key West
You can take your boat trip from Tampa to Key West any time of the year, thanks to this state’s warm summers combined with mild, friendly winters. With that said, it’s highly advisable to take your trip somewhere between April and June. During this time, the temperatures are not extreme.
Also, there will be fewer crowds, meaning you will have plenty of opportunities to explore the surroundings, without feeling rushed. Also, the hotels will be affordably priced during this time of the year.
In Summary
A boat ride from Tampa to Key West provides you with an opportunity to explore and enjoy the Sunshine State. Also, you will get to see plenty of things and places, which you can’t see while driving. Therefore, this boat trip will definitely be worth your time and money.