Skip the Key West Walking tour

[jennifersmith23]

Those of you about to go on the Magic Western Cruise, skip the KW walking tour. It was really QUITE boring and it was VERY HOT (even for a Floridian). The only interesting site we saw was Truman's little white house (call that interesting???). The rest of the tour was a complete waste. Find something else to do with that valuable time in Key West.

 

[herrmfam24]

i'm sorry to hear that! that would stink going on an excursion and then having it be horrible....

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hi Jennifer,
Even tho KW is only 2 X 4, walking can be difficult especially during these times of so much traffice in KW and the heat - I sincerely believe for the money that the conch train is the best choice - you ride and still see all the interesting part of KW - as for the "Little White House" - that was a point of interest in my younger day and time - of course it was gated and away from the curious eyes of the conchs, but we knew it was there - here it is over 50 years later and I still have not seen it - where else did the "walk" take you - I was just curious -
Anyhow hope you had a nice time anyhow.
Take care
Always
Shirley

 

[Gaylord_Focker]

Thanks for the informative post. We're still trying to figure out what to do in Key West.

snelsonbrown: Is the conch train tour something that HAS to be purchased through DCL excursions or can someone walk off the boat and purchase a tour for the day? Our family will be deciding at the last minute on the Key West stop. Since the trip is just starting, half want to remain on board the ship to take advantage of no crowds, the rest want to tour Key West! Thanks for all the information you've been providing - it's a great help.

 

[Denine]

From my understanding by reading a book on ports of call, you can do most of anything you want in Key West on your own, including the conch train.
If you want to do anything special, you may want to do the shore excursion.
Hope this helps!

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hello Gaylord,
For my time and money ----
The best way to see KW is on your own - I do not feel that booking through whomever would be reasonable - there could be a lot of "what ifs" and minds are changed at the last moment - monies wasted - best thing to do - make all the arrangements at least for the Conch Train etc once you are there - the conch train station is right there at Mallory Square - NO PROBLEM - it gives you a good insight to the interesting parts of KW - I myself take them every so often tho my uncle is more knowledgeable and when I take him for a ride around town - HE REALLY gives me all the scoop on everything going back to the teens and 20's on up - Mallory Square has a lot of "things" to see and do with a small mile radius - it is interesting to leave the Tourist spots and go to some of the places the locals go --the locals are slowly strinking due to the high cost of everything ---property prices is beyond belief - anyhow will keep posting as to keep as much as possible when down in my town.
I will be in KW the weekend of June 29th - don't know if this will be a Western cruise, but if it is will make sure to try and locate those cruising with help in anyway I can.
Have a great day
Always
Shirley

 

[Gaylord_Focker]

We'll just miss you The Western week starts July 6. Thanks for the tip. We'll skip the DCL excursion and just wait till we get there to do the conch train.

 

[Lisa F]

I hope you don't mind me tagging along on this post, but since shirley is a KW expert and she is already reading here, I figured I'd ask.

Since our last disney cruise when I first discovered how much I love snorkeling at castaway cay, we bought our own snorkeling gear. I am also interested in doing some sort of historic tour since I'm working in historic preservation. Could we do both in one day? A tour in the morning and some snorkeling in the afternoon? What is the timeline like at Key West? And finally, where can two people with their own gear go to do wonderful snorkeling? I wouldn't mind even paying for a boat to go out to find a great place!

Lisa

 

[snelsonbrown]

Hello Lisa - First yes you can take or explore on your own in the am - going in the afternoon is good for snorkeling etc - those that I know in KW that own a boat, usually go out fishing BUT if I hear of anyone will let you know - will ask my friends that live down there - next for snorkeling - here are some numbers you can call for more information or go on the web to find more info - my son always went to Stock Island, but that is a way from Mallory Square - Michael loves going snoreling in KW and has never had a bad experience as of yet. You should have seen it 50 years ago - awesome - anyhow I do not know any one of these personally so I can not recommend but here it is ---Bonsai Diving @ 305-294-2921, Caribbean Spirit @ 305-296-5556 also Floridays @888-733-5455 another one that appears very reasonable is Get Wet @305-294-7738. Now Norm's son will be in KW working for the next several months so will get him to find out something for me and will get back to you or you can email me at snelsonbrown@aol.com
Hope all is getting excited from their coming up cruise and those that have left one - remember the memories built.
Take care and as always
Shirley

 

[DARWIN91]

We took the Trolley Tour and it took you all over the entire island. You had the option of getting off at 9 different stops and could jump on another trolley at those stops. We did not book it through DCL. We just walked into Key West and then decided to take the tour. It was a great way to see all of Key West tourist spots.