Southernmost Point Buoy from the Key West cruise port

Attraction5-8 minutes by taxi (about 20-25 min walk)15-30 minutes including the photo queueFits a typical call

The striped concrete marker at South and Whitehead Streets, put up by the city in 1983, is one of the most photographed spots in the Keys, labelled '90 miles to Cuba' (the nearest Cuban coast is really about 94 statute miles). It is not actually the southernmost point, which lies on Navy land and at Fort Zachary Taylor's beach, but it is the photo everyone wants.

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
5-8 minutes by taxi (about 20-25 min walk) · 1.6 km
Allow about 20 minutes to get off the ship first. Key West taxi fares.
Cost
Free.
Time to allow
15-30 minutes including the photo queue

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 54 min at Southernmost Point Buoy, enough for a visit (allow 15-30 minutes including the photo queue), 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
    8:28 am · At Southernmost Point Buoy
    5-8 minutes by taxi (about 20-25 min walk) from Pier B.
  3. 3
    2:22 pm · Leave Southernmost Point Buoy 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

The original corner is closed for seawall rebuilding, expected to last until late 2026; a full-size replica stands at Duval Pocket Park, 1400 Duval Street, a block away. Queues are shortest early in the morning. Combine with the Butterfly Conservatory and the south end of Duval.

Key West cruise port: Southernmost Point Buoy FAQ

How far is Southernmost Point Buoy from the Key West cruise port?

From Pier B it is 5-8 minutes by taxi (about 20-25 min walk), about 1.6 km.

How much does it cost to visit Southernmost Point Buoy?

Free.

How much time do you need at Southernmost Point Buoy?

Allow 15-30 minutes including the photo queue. Yes. On a typical 8:00 am–3:30 pm Key West call you have up to 5 h 54 min at Southernmost Point Buoy, enough for a visit (allow 15-30 minutes including the photo queue), and you are back at the ship with at least an hour before all aboard.

Can you visit Southernmost Point Buoy on your own from a cruise ship?

Yes, it is easy to do on your own: it is 5-8 minutes by taxi (about 20-25 min walk) from Pier B. The original corner is closed for seawall rebuilding, expected to last until late 2026; a full-size replica stands at Duval Pocket Park, 1400 Duval Street, a block away. Queues are shortest early in the morning. Combine with the Butterfly Conservatory and the south end of Duval.

Tours that go to Southernmost Point Buoy

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

All tours

More things to do near Southernmost Point Buoy

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