Want to visit the Florida Keys from the Gulf Coast but don’t want to spend all day driving? For a relaxing, scenic and fun mode of transportation to Key West - the Key West Express can’t be beat.

The Key West Express departs every morning from Ft. Meyers, FL and then departs Key West (back to Ft.  Myers) every evening. You can go to Key West for just the day or book a hotel room and return whenever you feel like it!

During tourist season, a second Key West Express also departs from and returns to south Florida's exclusive Marco Island.

Four modern vessels make up the Key West Express fleet. We were guests on the 170 foot Key West Express  Catamaran. This new, jet-engine powered vessel has three levels for your enjoyment. The top level is a full sundeck  and was our choice. As we cruised the Gulf of Mexico at 40 mph under the south Florida sun, the salt-water breeze  was cool and refreshing.

In addition to the sun deck, the vessels all have air conditioned interiors with full galleys and bars where patrons can purchase snacks and drinks both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. Large flat screen TV’s are available for your enjoyment.

The trip from Ft. Meyers took between 3 and 3.5 enjoyable hours.

Docking in Key west is at the City Bight Ferry Terminal Historic Seaport. There is transportation available into downtown but  it’s only a short pleasant walk along the boardwalk or colorful streets if you prefer.

While in Key West, be sure to visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum where you can view (and sometimes even touch) the treasure from the Spanish Galleon Atocha which sank just 30 miles from Key West. You  will literally see a ton of treasure - gold bars, emeralds, bronze cannons, and more. The charming and fun gift store has  replicas of the treasure as well as pirate souvenirs. Tickets are $12. Visit http://www.melfisher.org for more information.

Key West is filled with live-music bars and historic restaurants in addition to the ever-present and colorful souvenir shops. Be sure to grab a piece of Key Lime Pie sometime during your adventures. If you are really  feeling adventurous, have a drink at The Garden of Eden, a rooftop, clothing-optional bar on top of the Bull and Whistle at the corner of Duval and Caroline!

Enjoy Fury Water Adventures' glass bottom boat tour or jump on the Conch Train trolley and ride to the  southernmost point in the USA and back.

Ernest Hemingway fans can visit the Ernest Hemingway at  907 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040

For gay visitors, the GLBT Visitor Center is located at 513 Truman Avenue behind the Duval Street Denny's and it is  open from 9 to 5 seven days a week. Key West hosts numerous LGBT events annually and is home to a number of gay and lesbian accomodations. Phone (305)-294-4603 for more information.

Everyone should make at least one visit to Florida's world-famous Key West and, if you are traveling from the Florida's Gulf Coast, the Key West Express is a great way to do it!

For Key West Express rates and schedules, visit their web site at SeaKeyWestExpress.com

Watch our video of Key West Express - VIDEO!

____________________________________________
We were the guests of Key West Express in 2010
Gay Travelers Magazine
PO Box 560318
Rockledge, FL 32956 USA
GayTravelersMagazine@gmail.com
copyright Sunny Harbor Publishing