visitKey West is home to sunshine, blue waters and a multitude of watersports. If sunbathing on the beach with a margarita isn’t for you, there are plenty of other outdoor activities in Key West for you. Whether you’re looking for high-adrenaline, action-packed activities, laid-back experiences or anything in between, you set the pace.  The warm, tropical climate means you can play outside all year long, and there’s no shortage of fun to be had including romantic sunset cruises, dolphin watching tours, exploring the wonders of the reef and much more.

Image of couple aboard jet ski outside on water

Cruise on the Water

Warm up with an awesome 90-minute Jet Ski tour. You’ll motor around the island on a 28 mile tour that takes you through the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean and past must-see attractions like Mallory Square and the Southernmost Point Buoy. On this guided tour, you’ll have the opportunity to carve up the water and also chill out while taking a dip at a sandbar beach and observing the local wildlife. One of the top outdoor activities in Key West, Jet Ski tours are the perfect adventure for both beginners and experienced riders. Feel the wind in your hair as you make some waves while exploring and discovering some of the most scenic spots on the island. You’ll make unforgettable vacation memories and see Key West from the water, as it was meant to be seen! (Jet Ski Tours are subject to change due to weather conditions)

Image of couple parasailing with scenic ocean view outdoors

Fly Like a Bird

For those looking to let up on the throttle, try parasailing. Escape the hustle and bustle while your boat captain guides you high above the water’s surface. Soar 300 feet in the sky on 600 feet of line for a bird’s eye view of Key West and the beautiful waters surrounding the island. Gentle takeoffs, dry landings and the option for a quick ocean dip on the way back ensure that you get the experience you’re dreaming of when you parasail with Fury. Enjoy the incredible tranquility and peacefulness of floating above the crystal sea, among the clouds–it’s unlike anything you’ve ever done before!

Image of Snorkelers in the ocean

Strap on a Mask and Fins

Once you’ve explored the surface of Key West, it’s time to head underwater. Seven miles offshore lays the third largest coral reef in the world. This snorkeling haven allows you to swim in open water with yellow-tail snappers, parrot-fish and colorful coral. Keep your eyes peeled! You might even spot sharks and stingrays. The reef in Key West is home to an abundance of colorful marine animals who are just as curious about you as you are of them–which means you may get a chance to meet some of them face-to-face. Our state-of-the-art catamarans feature a stairway to the sea, making it easy to get in and out of the water. And once you’re in, get ready to be awed by the sights beneath you.

Image of couple on beach with outdoor things to do such as kayakers in the background

Paddle the Day Away

Spend the day like a local on Fury’s Island Adventure! We’ll transport you to a remote oasis out at sea where you can hop in a kayak and explore the backcountry. Enjoy the incredible beauty of this secluded area among lush mangroves and striking natural beauty. Try your hand at paddle boarding and snorkeling in the warm crystal waters. Soak in the sun on a sandbar or relax in the shallow waters and keep an eye out for some of our most popular residents–bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles. It’s a day of sea, sun and serenity that’s among the top outdoor things to do in Key West!

See to the Bottom of the Sea

If you’re wanting a water adventure that’s a bit more laid back, then the glass bottom boat might be the right excursion for you. Enjoy the wonders of the coral reef all in the comfort and safety of an air-conditioned, state of the art glass bottom boat with “windows to the sea.” Every seat in the cabin offers a front-row view to the fascinating underwater world that thrives beneath the boat, so everyone has the chance to witness the majesty of the reef without ever getting wet. Onboard naturalists make the experience even more exciting by sharing interesting facts about the wildlife that lives on the reef. Climb aboard and get ready for a unique Key West outing you’ll always remember.

Looking for some more outdoor fun on land after a day on the water?

fishermans cafe coffee and food

Have Lunch at the Historic Seaport (Fisherman’s Cafe)

This popular area of Key West has plenty of walk-able sightseeing and in addition, several waterfront restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Key West seafood along with a spectacular view. Take a stroll along the seawall to watch the boats sailing by and witness local fisherman pulling into the dock with the day’s catch. Be sure to stop at Fisherman’s Cafe–a walk-up eatery that has a rich history dating back to the 1970s. Order one of their top dishes including Hogfish Sandwich or Island Bowl–among the many specialities that is made to order from the freshest local seafood.

Key West Lagerheads Beach Bar

Enjoy a Drink at a Beach Bar

Follow Simonton Street all the way down to the beach & you’ll find Lagerheads Beach Bar. Order your beverage of choice and sip on it with your feet in the sand and the sea breeze in your face. This local hangout is home to an array of outdoor activities, live music, great food and a laid-back Key West vibe. Bring a beach blanket or chair and stick around until the sun begins to set, it’s one of the top places to witness the dramatic Key West sunset over the water.

Image of a gathering viewing the sunset celebration a thing to do outside

Watch the World Famous Key West Sunset at Mallory Square

Home of the famous Sunset Celebration that occurs nightly all year long, Mallory Square is a must-visit on your Key West vacation itinerary. Arrive in the late afternoon to enjoy the shenanigans, there are street performers, arts and craft vendors, delicious food and drinks and much more to take part in. Order a conch fritter and a frosty margarita, then find your spot on the edge of the seawall to discover why the Key West sunset is revered as one of the most beautiful on the planet.

Experience All The Things On The Water with Fury’s Ultimate Adventure H2.0

July is historically one of the warmest months of the year in South Florida and temperatures will hover above 85 degrees on the regular. That means many of the locals and visitors of Key West like to cool off in the surrounding waters (and local bars)! Fury offers an action packed Ultimate Adventure H2.0 that combines our most popular watersports with refreshing beverages and fun times cruising on a state-of-the-art catamaran. Lucky for you, we have added a brand new expansive waterpark and a thrilling banana boat ride to maximize your adventure! The trip has a morning and afternoon departure time daily. Reserve your spot now on this very popular trip!

Image of 90 Miles to Cuba Buoy an Outdoor Things to Do

Take Memorable Photos at the Southernmost Point

Believe it or not, the Southernmost Point buoy is one of the most photographed spots in Key West. It’s here, at this massive, colorful concrete buoy, that people gather to capture their vacation memories. Just 90 miles from this spot to Cuba, the iconic landmark is one of those authentic outdoor activities that you cannot do anywhere else on earth. Located at the Corner of Whitehead and South Streets, it’s the Southernmost Point of the Continental USA, where the pavement ends and the water begins! Don’t miss seeing it!

Image of couple on enjoying sandbar in Key West a great thing to do outdoors

Lay Out on a Sandbar like a Local

Surrounded by sparkling aquamarine waters, Key West is the top destination for outdoor activities, including sunning on the beach as the tide rolls in. For a truly unique experience, hop on Fury’s catamaran for the Island Adventure–where you’ll spend the day discovering spots that only the locals know about. In the backcountry, you’ll enjoy snorkeling, relaxing on a sandbar and explore the mangroves on a guided kayak tour.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Stroll Through the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

A haven of natural beauty, the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden is the only frost-free botanical garden in the continental United States. Here, you can stroll through a tropical forest where rare butterflies and migratory birds flit and flutter above and where you can walk amongst indigenous and endangered flora and fauna. Take a self-guided tour of the lovely flowers, lush plants and trees and two wetland habitats as well as two butterfly gardens. This unique sanctuary is the perfect outdoor activity for those with an appreciation for nature.

Couple walking in key west with Fury bikes

Explore the Island by Bike

Rent a bike from Fury and enjoy exploring the island at your own pace. Ride through historic downtown, stop in one of the many restaurants and pubs for breakfast or lunch and visit some of the many unique shops for a Key West souvenir. Fury bike rentals are available daily and weekly and include everything you need–helmets and locks and keys–so you can peddle your way around and enjoy all the sights and attractions without worrying about parking. As you ride around town, you’ll find it’s one of the best ways to see Key West and experience all the most popular spots.

Last Updated 03/03/2024