Let’s face it, when you’re in Key West for a limited amount of time, whether by cruise ship (or any other form of transportation for that matter) there really are not enough hours in a day to truly experience Key West for all that it truly has to offer. Most cruise ship itineraries boast a mere 5-7 hours in Key West, so it’s important to make the most of your time while you’re in port. In fact, no cruise ships are able to stay overnight in Key West and, in order to follow strict rules enforced by the City of Key West itself, all cruise ships must set sail before the sun goes down in order not to block Key West’s namesake – “Home of the Sunset” – and keep Mallory Square clear and open for this gorgeous view and the famous Sunset Celebrations that bring thousands of visitors to marvel at the skies 7 days a week, each and every day of the year.
So, just what do you do with your short time on island then? You turn limes into margaritas and take a self-guided walking tour to all the hot spots compiled by a local who loves to play tourist!
In “Walk the Rock: A Cruise Ship Self-Guided Walking Tour”, you’ll have access to a map of all of my “Paradise Picks” within walking distance of the cruise port that can be completed in as much, or as little time, as you have available to you on island. The entire walk itself can easily be completed in the limited time you are on shore (or simply visiting the Southernmost City) whether by foot or bicycle. (TIP: I prefer foot in order not to pass by places too quickly that you may feel compelled to have a closer peek at). It will be up to you whether you stop at a suggested sight. How much time you plan to spend at each one will determine how many you will choose to partake in. Stroll past them all, or pick your faves as you make the loop and go!
To give you an idea of the distance and time, it takes about a half hour to walk from the Gulf side of the island to the Atlantic, with each stretch being roughly a mile long. In this tour, you will go up and back two main streets (Whitehead and Duval) and even have a chance to stroll through the Historic Seaport before grabbing a fish taco and cold beverage on a quaint local beach where the vibrant seafaring vessels will surely grab your attention—all before shopping for seashells and heading back to your ship. You will see sights like the famous “Mile 0 Marker” and “Southernmost Point of the Continental US”, as well as be able to grab a refreshing rum punch at the iconic “Sloppy Joe’s Bar” and sample a Key West rite of passage—the Chocolate Covered Key Lime Pie (on a stick!) from “Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe”. Sound like a mouthful? Well, it is…and it’s the best tour you can get without actually having me take you personally!
In this guide you will receive two PDF files. One with the map, route and sights to see, and the other with links and further details for 15 of my preferred stops with tips on how to make the most of each one (plus added popular locations pinned to the map that may be of interest to you, too!). Spend as much, or as little, time at each stop as you wish, or branch off the beaten path if called to, and just get back on track before returning to the cruise port. Keep in mind, you don’t have to be a cruise-goer to take part in this tour and get the best out of your time in Key West! You could be a first-timer to Key West, a returning visitor who wants to play tourist with guests/friends, a Paradise Seeker who wants to check out some of my favourite stomping grounds you’ve seen showcased here OR you could even do this tour in reverse on a day trip aboard the Key West Express, coming in from Fort Myers/Marco Island! The possibilities are endless!
Now…let’s not waste a single minute! It’s time to “Walk the Rock!”
Walk the Rock (Key West): A Cruise Ship Self-Guided Walking Tour
In this guide you will receive two PDF files. One with the map, route and sights to see, and the other with links and further details for 15 of my preferred stops with tips on how to make the most of each one (plus added popular locations pinned to the map that may be of interest to you, too!). *Files will be sent to the email address associated with the PayPal account used to purchased this guide.
$5.99
I just checked out the map and points of interest! This is fantastic!! Great job! (And so fast too!!) I love it! Why do I feel like I may be boarding the ship somewhat inebriated?? Hahaha! I think it’s really well done and worth it…[I]t [is] very fairly priced. Going to…look over the places [and] actually print the map!
~ Vanessa Woods
So excited to do this tour myself, and share it with others. It looks amazing!
~ Erin McClary
Wish I had this when I stopped in Key West years ago! It was definitely overwhelming trying to figure out the best sights to see in the limited time we had.
~ Angela Godbout LeDonne
Looking for a great self-guided walking tour to make the most of your short cruise stop in KW? Check out our awesome friend “Sherri In Paradise”…she’s a KW expert from afar who maximizes her time on every visit to our beautiful island!!
~ Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
One of the biggest reasons people decide to travel to a destination is the ability to have an authentic experience in that location. There is no one I would rather have guide me around Key West than Key West mermaid “Sherri in Paradise”. Check out this new walking tour designed by Sherri herself to make sure you hit all the Key West hot spots. It’s great if you have a day during a cruise stop or take it slow and walk the rock over your long weekend trip to Key West.
(Pssst! What are you waiting for? For the price of just one happy hour cocktail you are set to execute a well-planned adventure in Key West! That’s less than a dollar an hour to have me guide you through the streets of Key West and soak up the best sights for your short stay!)
NOTE: This guide is ideally purchased in advance of your trip (please allow some time for the info to be emailed to you upon payment) but, can also be purchased in port, or en route, before you begin to explore! Questions? Contact me here!
Sherri in Paradise 