Last Updated on August 28, 2023
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Are you planning a visit to sunny Florida and are looking for a shark tour in Key West?
One of the most exciting and thrilling ways to experience Florida’s marine life is by going on a shark tour. You’ll have a great time seeing a host of sharks and a variety of wildlife on these adventures, including small stingrays and an array of native birds.
These tours offer visitors the opportunity to come face-to-face with some of the most fearsome creatures of the ocean while learning about their habits and behavior from experienced guides.
Along the way, you might even get to see other beautiful marine life, like dolphins, stingrays, and sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
Here are the best Key West shark tours, to have an amazing experience and get to know these large ocean creatures.
The first tour specializes in shark tours and the others are dolphin and wildlife tours with a chance of seeing sharks. So if you want the best chance of seeing sharks, then go with the first tour!
Booking a last-minute trip to Key West?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended hotels and accommodations!
Top Hotels In Key West
Douglas House – (Budget Inn Perfect For Couples)
The Capitana Key West – (Top Rated Luxury Hotel)
Hampton Inn Key West FL – (Best Rated Key West Beachfront Hotel)
Simonton Court Historic Inn & Cottages – (Top-Rated Cotatge In Downtown Key West)
Looking To Get Around In Key West?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
Best Shark Tour In Key West
Photo Credit- Key West Extreme Adventures
This tour is rated 5.0 Stars on Viator with over 1,260 reviews!
Tour length – Approximately 2 hours
If you’re on the hunt for sharks during your visit to the Florida Keys, then you need to book this tour, where you’ll get to be up close and personal with these sea predators.
A typical itinerary will have you cruise through the shallow water as you embark out into the sea on a large catamaran boat.
Here, you can watch for an abundance of wildlife, such as dolphins, small fish, stingrays, and native birds as you cruise through the water.
Shortly after departing land, watch as the captain drops bait into the ocean. Sit back and wait for the sharks to arrive.
Soon, you’ll be looking straight into the water at nurse sharks, lemon sharks, and other species as they swarm the food.
This up-close experience is one of the best ways to see these elusive creatures in their natural habitat.
Listen to your knowledgeable guide tell you all about the sharks, as well as teach you the safety lessons of keeping a safe distance from the sharks.
This unique experience is unlike any other that you’ll get during your vacation, and will leave you wishing you could go back for more!
What’s Included in this Tour:
- Professional guide
- Ride on catamaran to see sharks
- Soda, juice, and water
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
We had a beautiful day on the water. The crew went all out to make sure everyone on the boat got a chance to see the Sharks and dolphins. They were very knowledgeable and personable.
Alyce_C ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- Fury Water Adventures
This tour is rated 4.0 Stars on Viator with over 335 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours
Set sail into the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy peering into the crystal clear water through the glass bottom in the large boat.
You don’t even have to get in the water to enjoy the fascinating marine life that Florida calls home, as you can see it right through the bottom of your boat!
Sit back and relax as you embark into the sea, and have the chance to spot tropical fish, turtles, lobsters, and of course, a variety of shark species.
Your captains will point out different marine life, and you’ll get to learn about the reefs that they are living in.
You’ll never know what you’ll see on this tour, which is what makes it so fun. Every cruise is different, and you’ll experience something unique!
What’s Included in this Tour:
- Half day on glass bottom boat
- Knowledgable tour guides
- Reef safe sunscreen
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
It was truly an AWESOME experience. The staff was so friendly, the information they shared was very interesting, and the boat ride itself was glorious.
Carol_G ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- Danger Charters
This company is rated 5.0 Stars on Viator with over 1,000 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes
This Key West shark tour starts with a relaxing boat ride through the clear turquoise waters to the mangrove forests, where you will have the opportunity to kayak and discover the diverse wildlife that call this area home.
After a bit of kayaking, you’ll head back out into the ocean and you will have the chance to snorkel and explore the vibrant coral reefs, which are swarmed with colorful fish and other marine life.
While snorkeling, there is a possibility of encountering sharks, including nurse sharks and numerous lemon sharks, which are harmless to humans.
While shark viewing, you may see other marine life such as sea turtles, stingrays, and even dolphins.
What’s Included in this Tour:
- Professional tour guide
- Unlimited beer, wine, water, and soda
- Light snacks
- Snorkeling equipment
- Wet suits in colder months
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
What a fun trip knowledgeable and personable guides. Especially like the history part given while sailing .
Marian_S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- Wild Lime Adventures
This company is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 11 reviews!
Tour length- Be advised that this tour is aproximately 11 Hours
The half-day Key West shark tour provides hours of shark viewing and an excellent opportunity to explore the stunning marine life. Sit back on this great trip and take in the natural beauty of the area, and you’ll even have the chance to get in the water!
During the snorkeling portion of the tour, there is a possibility of encountering different species of sharks, including nurse sharks and lemon sharks.
These are the two most common sharks seen in the Keys and are known for their docile behavior.
Your knowledgeable guide can give you information on these sharks, as well as the other marine life that you may see on your tour.
The encounter with these magnificent creatures is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the tour, and it offers a unique and unforgettable experience, but you’ll get to do even more!
The tour also includes time spent either kayaking or paddleboarding, which allows you time to sit back and enjoy the sunny Florida weather.
What’s Included in this Tour:
- Full day tour to the Florida Keys
- Knowledgable guide
- Water, soda, lunch, and light snacks
- All snorkel and kayak equipment
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
Everything was well tuned. The van is new and all the equipment are top quality. The guide, Stacy, was taking care of the group and manage to provide them the best experience by looking for wild life to observe. I had an amazing day. I recommend it. Probably too demanding for kids.
A Trip Advisor Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
FAQs
Can You See Sharks In Key West?
Yes, you can see sharks in Key West. The best way to see them is by booking a tour, such as the Shark and Wildlife Viewing Tour. Their guides have many years of experience and will take you to the perfect shark destination.
The most common type of shark in Key West is the docile nurse shark, which is typically harmless to humans.
Are There Great White Sharks In Key West?
Great white sharks are rarely seen in the Florida Keys, although these apex predators do sometimes migrate through the waters of Key West.
Where Can You See Sharks In The Florida Keys?
You can see sharks in many areas off of the keys, with the most common being nurse sharks, lemon sharks, hammerhead sharks, and black tip sharks.
As mentioned, the best way to see them is by booking the Shark and Wildlife Viewing Tour, which will bring you right to where the sharks call home.
Are Sharks A Problem In The Florida Keys?
No, shark attacks are very rare in Key West.
In fact, there have been zero recorded fatal attacks. But, there have been incidents of shark bites in the area.
What Should I Bring On A Key West Shark Tour?
All of the tours on this list will provide almost everything you need for your tour, but there are a few additional things to pack.
Always remember your sunscreen to help protect your skin from the hot Florida sun.
On top of the sunscreen, you’ll also want sunglasses and a sun hat to keep the sun out of your face. Lastly, bring a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated throughout the tour.
Here are more essentials for your trip!
Never hit the water without your sunscreen. You’ll want at least SPF 30 to protect from the Florida sun.
Sun Bum Sun Screen
If you’re planning a boat cruise, quick drying beach towels are an essential item to pack. Unlike regular towels, quick drying beach towels are made from materials that dry quickly, meaning you won’t have to worry about them getting wet and heavy as the day goes on.
Quick Drying Beach Towel
Keep your phone dry and take beautiful pictures under water with a waterproof phone case.
Waterproof Phone Case
Final Thoughts: Best Shark Tour In Key West For 2023
A shark tour is a great way to experience the amazing marine life that inhabits the waters around Key West.
From witnessing large sharks swim around the boat, to learning about shark conservation and identification, a shark tour offers an unforgettable experience.
Visitors can also enjoy snorkeling alongside wildlife or simply relax on the boat while admiring colorful coral reefs.
Shark tours in Key West are a great way to get close to nature and explore some of the incredible creatures that inhabit our oceans.
Safe travels!
Travel Resources
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To Book Activities- For activities, I suggest booking with Viator, they have thousands of 5-star activities to choose from!
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