![9 Best Key West Food Tours And Experiences [2023]](https://cdn.blogarama.com/images/posts_thumbs_site_id/13673/1367312-3468094528.jpg "9 Best Key West Food Tours And Experiences [2023]")
When you think about food in Key West, Key Lime Pie probably comes to mind. However, Key West has so many more dishes to discover, with great flavors and favorite local spots hiding in plain sight. If you’re interested in finding all of these local gems and flavors, food tours in Key West are a great place to start!
With curated food tastings, immersive story-telling, and expert guides, Key West Food tours offer a convenient, insightful, and hassle-free way to explore the best dishes in the city. They also make for great introductions to the city. Here are some of the best experiences to check out.
Best Key West Food Tour [Top Pick]
Key West Southernmost Food and Cultural Walking Tour
5/5 stars (1000+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 3 Hours | BOOK NOW
This Key West food tour combines the best of both worlds, delicious foods, and a cultural overview of the area! Enjoy the time walking around less-trafficked areas of Key West, all while enjoying the best Key West foods.
During this 3-hour tour, you’ll meet your guide at El Siboney Restaurant and head off to explore more locally-known areas of Key West. From an island backyard bistro with the freshest seafood to a café with specially roasted Cuban coffee & key lime pie, and finally a historic speakeasy with cocktails, you’re guaranteed to see another side of Key West.
Throughout this exciting adventure, you’ll get 4 delicious food tastings and 1 cocktail, so don’t worry about leaving hungry!
Dana really did an amazing job of cultural education along with the food tour. It was delicious and fun-filled! We can’t wait to come back and experience this again!!
Mary B (More Reviews)
Along the way, you’ll learn some interesting facts, as well as stories about the island from your expert guide. It serves as a great introduction to the area. If you’re interested in a Key West walking food tour, this is an easy favorite to go for!
Highlights Of This Key West Southernmost Food Tour:
- 4 food tasting & 1 alcoholic beverage
- 1.2-mile tour of Old Key West
- Friendly, knowledgeable tour guide
- Water at every stop
Popular Walking Food Tours In Key West
Key West Historic Seaport Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour
5/5 stars (430+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 3 Hours | BOOK NOW
Since it is on an island, Key West has excellent seafood and a historic seaport. Dive deep into the flavors and history of the area through this Key West food tour!
This 3-hour tour takes you walking around the docks into some of Key West’s historic neighborhoods! Along the way, you’ll stop for 5 different food tastings, featuring fresh sea flavors as well as non-seafood options. Top off the food experience with a delicious slice of key lime pie and a glass of white wine!
We had a great time walking around Key West with Dana as our guide. She was nice and made sure we enjoyed ourselves. The food was really great and good portions
Quin T (More Reviews)
And while you’re enjoying all these great food stops, you’ll be soaking in the culture of Key West as well. Your expert guide will tell you stories and facts about the area. You’ll leave with a good overview of the Key West food and culture scene.
Highlights Of This Key West Historic Seaport Food Tasting Tour:
- Food and drink tastings at 5 different locations
- Walking tour of downtown Key West
- Professional, local guide
- Water included at most stops
Key West Walking Food Tour
5/5 stars | Tour Duration: 2.5 Hours | BOOK NOW
If you’re looking for a gourmet food tour that covers the best Key West has to offer, this tour is the choice for you. On this 2.5-hour Key West food tour, you’ll get to taste all the flavors Key West is known for!
You’ll start off at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, taking in the Civil War era history. From there, stop by various sites, such as Hemingway’s house, Mallory Square, and the historic seaport. You’ll get five food tastings along the way, as well as one secret dish! So make sure you come to this tour hungry!
We had a GREAT tour, GREAT food, and a GREAT guide! Hank is amazingly knowledgeable and knows all the great places to eat and visit in Key West. Food was awesome! It would be difficult to pick a favorite because all the food was great. Take this tour…you will enjoy the adventure!
Rhonda B (More Reviews)
Highlights Of This Key West Walking Food Tour:
- 5 food tastings and 1 secret dish
- Restaurants that are off-the-beaten path, for a local experience
- Knowledgeable, friendly tour guide
- Historical and cultural overview of the area
Scenic Cruise & Drink Tours In Key West
Key West Sunset Sail with Full Bar, Live Music & Hors D’oeuvres
4.5/5 stars (2200+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 2-3 Hours | BOOK NOW
If there is one thing Key West is known for, it has to be the relaxing cruises on the beautiful waters. Top it up with the magical sunset view, live music, booze, and snacks, there is no better experience. That is why this sunset cruise in Key West is so popular.
On this 2-hour cruise, you’ll depart in a 60ft catamaran, with plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the views on the deck. Your captain will get you in the best spot to enjoy the sunset, as you enjoy live music, hearty appetizers, and alcoholic beverages.
One of our favorite experiences in Key West, excellent crew & service, delicious d’oevres, and the rum punch wasn’t too bad either. The live music was a nice touch, positive vibes all-around. 10/10 recommend!
Holley J (More Reviews)
This is a great way to separate yourself from the crowds of Key West and get a breathtaking view! Don’t forget to get some stunning photos that your friends will be envious of.
Highlights Of Key West Sunset Cruise:
- Beer, wine, champagne, sangria, and soft drinks included
- Full liquor bar included
- Chef’s special selection of hors d’oeuvres
- Sunset tour with live music from local musicians
Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise with Tropical Buffet Dinner
4/5 stars (960+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 2 Hours | BOOK NOW
All aboard for a sunset dinner cruise in Key West, featuring a tropical buffet and unlimited drinks! If this sounds up your alley, take advantage of this Key West food experience!
Set sail from Key West’s historic seaport on a 65-foot yacht! From the water, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the sunset and get to taste many flavors of the island through a tropical buffet. Live musical entertainment on board really tops off this experience, giving you great memories to take home (and a belly full of food)!
Nice trip. Had an opportunity to see a pretty sunset. DJ is great! The captain set the boat in a nice position for us to take pictures of the sunset!
Yong C (More Reviews)
Highlights Of Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise:
- Sunset tour with buffet dinner included
- Unlimited mixed drinks, draft beer, wine, and soft drinks included
- Live music for entertainment
- Opportunity for great photos
Key West Premium Sunset Sail With Full Bar
5/5 stars (440+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 2 Hours | BOOK NOW
If you want a comforting time on the water, snacking, drinking, and chilling, this tour is for you! It marries food tasting, with drinks and sightseeing on a beautiful boat!
Set sail from the Key West historic harbor aboard the Appledore Star, a bugeye schooner. One of the most standout points about this experience is actually the crew running it! Nothing makes or breaks an experience more than the host.
Once you’ve sailed away, you’ll enjoy the sunset, sightseeing, alcoholic beverages, and snacks from the region! You can even try your hand at sailing (a little) by helping the crew hoist the sails if you like!
Had a great evening on the water with Captain Mario and his crew, Bradley and Jaime.. they were very friendly, funny and knowledgeable.. highly recommend this tour and the crew.. this is a must do in Key West
Shawn H (More Reviews)
Highlights Of Key West Premium Sunset Sail:
- Amazing sunset sail on Schooner boat
- Unlimited beer, wine, champagne, soft drinks, and water included
- Full liquor bar and alcoholic beverages included
- Fun, knowledgeable captain
Specialty Key West Foodie Tours And Experiences
Key West Craft Cocktail Crawl
5/5 stars (300+ reviews) | Tour Duration: 3 Hours | BOOK NOW
Maybe you want a little more booze and a little less food from your Key West food tour! Then leave the typical food tour behind in favor of a craft cocktail crawl!
This 3-hour tour starts at Mary Ellen’s Bar and winds through Key West, stopping at different local establishments for cocktails. You’ll check out 5 different locations, off-the-beaten-path, with a cocktail at each. Don’t worry – there will be some food! You can expect two gourmet food tastings, along with your cocktails, as well as some historical tidbits.
We would recommend this for anyone who wants to enjoy a unique, fun experience out of the hustle and bustle of the tourist bars. Our guide, Rose, was an exceptional host and his love for Key West was apparent. He knew everyone, everywhere. He provided us tips about where to eat and what venues were fun and the histories behind them.
Keri L (More Reviews)
Highlights Of Key West Craft Cocktail Crawl:
- 5 craft beverages from local spots
- Small bites along with your beverages
- History and stories from an expert, local guide
Hemingway Food And Walking Tour
5/5 stars | Tour Duration: 2 Hours | BOOK NOW
Fans of The Old Man and the Sea will find like-minded fans on this Key West walking food tour! Get a different spin on the classic food tour, by following in the steps of famed writer, Ernest Hemingway, along the way!
You’ll start your 2-hour tour at the Hemingway Home and Museum and set out to explore Key West, through the eyes of Ernest Hemingway. While you stop for lunch, snacks, and alcoholic drinks, enjoy history and stories about this famed writer. With the tour capped at 15 participants, you’ll be guaranteed to have a personalized tour experience and more chances to learn about the famous writer.
Greg is the best guide I’ve ever had, very knowledgeable, hilarious, and so polite and accommodating, he even gave my wife and I a ride after. He also gave me great recommendations for food and drinks on the island. My wife had no internet in Hemingway and Greg kept her entertained and she actually had a blast and learned a lot. Would recommend this tour for everyone, not just fans of Papa!
Brandon S (More Reviews)
Highlights Of Hemingway Key West Food Tour:
- Food and literary tour, going into the life of Ernest Hemingway
- Lunch & snacks included
- Alcoholic beverages along the way
- Small group (max 15) for personalized experience
Jimmy Buffett Tour
4.5/5 stars | Tour Duration: 1.5 Hours | BOOK NOW
If you’re a Jimmy Buffett fan, make sure you take advantage while you’re in Key West to see some of his favorite spots. This may be the closest you ever get to the famed “Margaritaville”!
On this 1.5-hour adventure, you’ll take a walking tour around historic Old Key West, focused on the famous musician, Jimmy Buffett. It will open you up to all the Buffett-related sites in town, that you might not see on your own!
These include spots that inspired some of his songs, the spot of his first gig, his favorite watering holes, and more! And, if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also enjoy an alcoholic beverage and a slice of excellent key lime pie that is so well known in Florida!
We really enjoyed learning more about Jimmy Buffett and how Jimmy’s presence in Key West was / is a big influence on local history. We did not realize that some of the buildings, landmarks, hotels and bars (that we literally passed by almost daily) that Jimmy visited or owned played such a significant part in the local economy and the growth of his own career… He also treated us to a piece of Kermit’s Key Lime Pie and a Margaritaville Margarita drink. We highly recommend this tour to those who love Jimmy Buffet’s music and those who want to learn more about Jimmy as a person.
Mary R (More Reviews)
During the tour, you’ll sample four of their excellent wines and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the property. As if that weren’t enough, you’ll also enjoy the best wine pairing: three specialty desserts from local businesses!
You’ll meet up in Over the Rhine, a popular neighborhood, and walk to Revel with your seasoned tour guide. This is a unique way to take in the city, as well as enjoy some Cincinnati favorites! Definitely give this tour a try if you have a soft spot for wine or a sweet tooth!
Highlights Of Jimmy Buffett Tour:
- Walking tour of Old Key West, focusing on Jimmy Buffett
- Small group tour (max 15) for a personalized experience
- Hidden Buffett-related sites
- Snacks & alcoholic beverages included
What To Expect During Key West Food Tours
If you’ve never set foot in Key West or experienced a Key West food tour, you might have some questions about how things will go. You’ll have many different tour options from walking food tours to scenic cruises with snacks. As such, make sure you read the details carefully and contact the tour company with any questions you might have.
Even so, you can expect good food and sightseeing on every food tour! Make sure you know where you’re expected to meet your guide or if you’ll be picked up/dropped off at your hotel. After that, all there’s left to do is enjoy the tour! But what does that entail?
Excellent Food: As you’d expect with Key West culinary tours, you can expect some good food! Many tours in Key West will feature the famous key lime pie and the most well-known spots, but others will take you off the beaten path for other flavors. In either case, you’ll have some tasty food in Florida, but make sure you check the menu if you want specifics beforehand!
Expert Guide: One of the best parts of a food tour is getting to know your guide! These are knowledgeable, friendly people who want to make sure you enjoy your food tour to the fullest.
Take advantage of their knowledge by bringing your questions! Plus, many Key West food tours have smaller tour groups, capped at 15 participants, which allows you to spend more time with your guide and get even more local knowledge.
Sightseeing: Key West walking food tours are especially good for sightseeing! As you go from location to location, you’ll get to enjoy iconic sights around the city and hear accompanying facts from your guide.
Keep in mind that there’s always a trade-off between distance covered and depth explored. While you might see more in a car-based tour, you might get a better feel for the place on foot. Know what experience you want and what you’re looking to see before you book!
FAQ About Key West Food Tours
What food is Key West known for?
Above all other foods, Key West is known for key lime pie. Most food tours will include this dish in their offerings, but if you really want to try it, make sure you take a close look at the food samples before booking. There are also many other interesting foods in Key West on offer!
How long is a Key West food tour?
Food tours can range in length from 1.5 – 3 hours, so it’ll depend on what tour you take. Make sure you pay attention to the specifics of the tour you booked, so you know how to plan the rest of your day.
Are drinks included on Key West food tours?
As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t expect drinks to be included in your tour. Unless it is mentioned in the tour overview, drinks generally come at an additional expense. Since Key West is often sunny and hot, we recommend you take along a water bottle at least and check with your tour provider, if you think you’ll need more drinks along the way!
What if I have allergies or dietary restrictions?
Some tour companies have accommodations for guests with allergies and dietary restrictions. However, not all do. The best thing to do is read the tour details carefully before booking and make your restriction/allergy known beforehand. We also recommend reminding the tour provider a day or two before your tour, just to make sure they have everything in order.
Should I eat before going on a Key West food tour?
Generally, you don’t need to eat before a Key West food tour! On average, you can expect between 3 – 5 food samplings, which is normally enough to stand in for a meal. However, this does vary by tour.
For example, tours focusing more on Jimmy Buffett
