Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West
Back at the ship by about 10:36 am, 4 h 54 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 3 h 54 min to spare.
Safety margin
- 8:00 amShip docks in Key West20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
- 8:20 amLeave the pierThis tour meets at the pier
- 8:28 amEarliest tour startTour runs 2 h. Latest sensible start: 12:22 pm.
- 10:28 amTour ends8 min back to the pier
- 10:36 amBack at the gangway4 h 54 min before all aboard
- 3:30 pmAll aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours
Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.
Our verdict
This tour fits a typical Key West call (8:00 am–3:30 pm). It runs 2 h; ashore by 8:20 am, you can start by 8:28 am and be back at the gangway around 10:36 am — 3 h 54 min to spare on top of a 1 h safety margin.
Rule of thumb: it keeps the safety margin as long as all aboard is 11:36 am or later. Even a short 7:00 am–2:00 pm call works.
The meeting point is at the cruise pier or a short walk from it — the operator's own directions are written from Pier B (Truman Annex / Opal Key Resort). We allow 8 min to walk off and find them; usually no taxi and no transfer eating into your day.
Among the 350 Key West shore excursions we track, this is one of the shorter ones (the median runs 3 h); 85% of them fit a typical call.
Computed from the tour's published duration, the distance from the cruise pier to its start point and the typical Key West call. Adjust your ship's times above to recheck.
About this tour
This is the only shark tour in the USA and to our knowledge the only tour where guests do not get in the water to view the sharks. Delight in close-up views of sharks and a variety of other marine life. In this eco-friendly catamaran, travel through shallow waters to a location a few miles from shore, observing dolphins, stingrays, barracudas and native birds along the way. Bait is used to attract lemon, nurse and other types of sharks to the side of the boat. Learn all about Key West wildlife and enjoy complimentary soda, juice and chips throughout this family-friendly tour.
Max 35 per group English
What's included
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Restroom on board
- Soda and juice
- Use of polarized sunglasses
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
- 1Key West Extreme AdventuresAfter check-in, the Tiger Cat will cruise through Key West harbor on the way to the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. Here guests will see numerous sharks and a variety of wildlife including dolphin.
- 2Key WestTravel through shallow water close to mangrove islands as you make your way about 4 miles (6.4 km) away from shore to the shark viewing site. Along the way, keep your eyes open for dolphin, sea turtles, stingrays, barracudas, tarpon and an array of native birds. Listen to your experienced pilot discuss the delicate ecosystem of this area and its abundance of wildlife. Enjoy complimentary water, soda, juice — as well as the use of polarized sunglasses — during your trip. When you arrive at the shark destination, get ready for an unforgettable experience! Your pilot will use bait to draw a host of sharks that swim right up to the boat so you and your family can observe them in safety and comfort. See numerous lemon and nurse sharks, and watch out for bull, black tip and hammerhead sharks during nearly one hour of shark viewing. Capture dramatic photos you can't wait to share with family and friends.
Meeting point and getting there
Start point
Directions: Dock is located on Pier B behind the OPAL Key resort.
Directions: Dock is located on Pier B behind the OPAL Key resort.
From the cruise pier
Meets at the pier
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point
Good to know
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you can rebook or get a full refund.
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately
- No alcoholic drinks permitted
- Guests may bring their own lunches and beverages
- Important Note: must call to confirm departure time or your tour may not be guaranteed
Traveler reviews
Operated by Key West Extreme Adventures. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.
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