Smathers Beach from the Key West cruise port

Beach10-15 minutes by taxi2-4 hours including travelFits a typical call

Key West's longest public beach, roughly half a mile to a mile of imported white sand along South Roosevelt Boulevard on the Atlantic side, with calm, shallow water, volleyball courts, restrooms, showers, food trucks and watersports vendors. About 3 miles from the piers near the airport, so it is a bike, taxi or Key West Rides trip rather than a walk.

Getting there from the ship

From
Pier B
Key West has 3 cruise piers; your line confirms which one the evening before. Pier guide.
Travel time
10-15 minutes by taxi · 3.9 km
Allow about 20 minutes to get off the ship first. Key West taxi fares.
Cost
Free; chair, umbrella, kayak and paddleboard rentals from beach vendors (prices not confirmed); parking meters $5/hour.
Time to allow
2-4 hours including travel

Will you be back for all aboard?

Yes. On a typical 8:00 am–3:30 pm Key West call you have up to 5 h 40 min at Smathers Beach, enough for a visit (allow 2-4 hours including travel), and you are back at the ship with at least an hour before all aboard.
  1. 1
    8:00 am · Ship docks
    Allow about 20 minutes to get off and through the terminal.
  2. 2
    8:35 am · At Smathers Beach
    10-15 minutes by taxi from Pier B.
  3. 3
    2:15 pm · Leave Smathers Beach by
    That gets you back to the ship an hour before all aboard.
  4. 4
    3:30 pm · All aboard
    Typical for Key West; your ship's time may differ. Check ship time vs local time

Tip

No lifeguards, and the water stays shallow a long way out. Seaweed can pile up on the tide line. Budget 20-30 minutes each way by bike; on a 6-hour call Fort Zachary Taylor is the safer choice.

Key West cruise port: Smathers Beach FAQ

How far is Smathers Beach from the Key West cruise port?

From Pier B it is 10-15 minutes by taxi, about 3.9 km.

How much does it cost to visit Smathers Beach?

Free; chair, umbrella, kayak and paddleboard rentals from beach vendors (prices not confirmed); parking meters $5/hour.

How much time do you need at Smathers Beach?

Allow 2-4 hours including travel. Yes. On a typical 8:00 am–3:30 pm Key West call you have up to 5 h 40 min at Smathers Beach, enough for a visit (allow 2-4 hours including travel), and you are back at the ship with at least an hour before all aboard.

Can you visit Smathers Beach on your own from a cruise ship?

Yes, it is easy to do on your own: it is 10-15 minutes by taxi from Pier B. No lifeguards, and the water stays shallow a long way out. Seaweed can pile up on the tide line. Budget 20-30 minutes each way by bike; on a 6-hour call Fort Zachary Taylor is the safer choice.

Tours that go to Smathers Beach

Checked against a typical 8:00 am–3:30 pm call with an hour's margin.

All tours

More things to do near Smathers Beach

All 12 places