Shuttle to Key West
from
Fort Myers
KEY WEST EXPRESS FERRY - THE BIG
CAT
Introduction
If you’re considering a side trip to Key West, we highly recommend taking
the Key West Express ferry from Fort Myers Beach. In just 3-1/2 hours, you
can be having lunch at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville or enjoying live
music and a beer at Hog’s Breath Saloon. It would take you at least twice
that amount of time to drive to Key West, and you wouldn’t have half the
fun.
Key West Ferry Details
Key West Express operates a couple different high-speed catamarans out of
Fort Myers Beach and one from Marco Island. We took the Big Cat out of
Fort Myers Beach. With a 9:00am departure, arrival in Key West is around
12:30pm. You can return the same day, or stay a few days to really soak up
the Key West ambiance. The Ferry heads back at 6:00pm, arriving at the
Fort Myers Beach marina at around 9:30pm.
The current fare for a round-trip is $129 per person, with reduced fares
offered for children and seniors. Add to that taxes and surcharges. If you
book at least 8 days in advance, you will receive a substantial discount,
but the fare will be non-refundable (if you, or Key West Express, needs to
cancel the trip, you’ll receive a credit for a future trip). Call or check
the website for discount details.
Food and beverages are sold from the galley on a cash-basis only. Soft
drinks, beer, wine, muffins, breakfast sandwiches, soft pretzels, hot
dogs, hamburgers, pizza and other snacks are offered. If you prefer, you
may bring your own breakfast/dinner on board with you.
On-Board the Key West Ferry
The ride on the Big Cat catamaran is very smooth and the interior is very
comfortable. Inside seating is set up primarily with seats on either side
of a table. This is especially nice if you’re traveling with a group and
want to play cards or just socialize. The upper deck, with outside
seating, has rows of seats (no tables). You probably won’t spend much time
up on top, as it’s very windy and chilly once the catamaran gets moving.
During the 3-1/2 hour excursion, you’ll see passengers sleeping, playing
cards, reading, watching one of the plasma tv’s, trying their luck at the
slot machines, eating and drinking. Typically, those who slept on the way
down to Key West will be partying hearty on the way back; those who
partied hearty on the way down and in Key West, will be fast asleep for
the trip back!
You’ll find the Key West
Express staff very friendly and helpful. Before arriving at Key West, the
staff will stroll through the cabin to pre-sell tickets on the Conch Tour
Train and electric car rentals. The Conch Tour Train is very popular, but
I prefer the Old Town Trolley, which costs about the same and includes
“on/off” privileges. It’s very helpful for first time visitors to learn
the layout of Key West and identify places of interests for a future
visit. And if you’re only visiting for the day, you’ll get a decent
overview of the Key West lifestyle in a short period of time.
At Key West
If you visit Key West only for the day (about 5-1/2 hours), you will have
time to take a trolley tour, have lunch, do a little shopping on Duval
Street, and possibly visit an attraction or two. Unfortunately, you will
miss the sunset celebration that occurs daily at Mallory Square.
If you visit Key West for a
few days, you will be able to better appreciate the Key West lifestyle,
see a variety of attractions, sample several different restaurants and
night spots, and perhaps go snorkeling, fishing or take a sightseeing boat
tour.
A Couple of Tips
Arrive at the marina early for boarding. The best seats, along the
windows, will be taken first. Whatever you do, don’t place your claim on a
spot upstairs on the open deck. Once the boat gets moving, you won’t want
to stay there. The same holds true for your return trip. As you check in
at the Key West Ferry Terminal, you will be assigned a boarding letter (A,
B, C, etc.). You will board in the order called.
Take a sweater or jacket, especially if you tend to chill easily. The
inside seating areas are air-conditioned and it can get a bit chilly.
Resources
Website: www.seakeywestexpress.com Toll Free: 1-888-539-2628
Location 1: Salty Sams Marina
2200 Main Street
Ft. Myers, Florida 33931
239-463-5733
Location 2: Bridge Location
706 Fisherman’s Wharf
Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33931
239-463-5733 |
