Outdoor Activities in Lower Keys (Key West)

Key West Aquarium

Opened in 1934, this educational and entertaining aquarium features diverse exhibits on sea life in the area and live demonstrations. Wander among the many varieties of marine life or take a guided tour. One of the major attractions of the aquarium includes daily feedings of shark and fish. Children usually enjoy the touching area, where visitors can touch marine creatures in shallow pools.

Mosquito Coast Outfitters

If you're interested in water sports or want a unique way to see the islands, consider this local tour group specializing in ecology trips. See crystal clear waters with tropical fish, reefs and mangroves inhabited by rare birds. They offer daily back country tours that depart from Key West in sea kayaks to explore the northern islands of Geiger Key and Sugar Key. Tours last approximately six hours.

Island Airplane Tours

Adventure-lovers and thrill-seekers will want to check out these tours. See the area from a bird's eye view in a vintage, open-cockpit 1940s Waco biplane, or ride in an S2-B airplane. If you have the stomach for it, enjoy the pilot's aerobatics like rolls, loops and other theatrical displays. Prices vary according to the tour, but whichever you choose, you're guaranteed a once-in-a-lifetime flying experience. Check website for details and events. Call to arrange a flight time.

Schooner Wolf

If you've ever wanted to spend quality time in the ocean on an authentic sailing ship, this is an experience for you. A 44-passenger topsail schooner, this beauty departs the Key West Seaport twice daily for two-hour daytime and sunset sightseeing tours. Day cruises offer sightseeing around the Keys. Sunset cruises offer the same plus champagne, wine, beer, sodas, and live music.

Subtropic Dive Center

This outfit claims to be Key West's largest full-service dive center and who's to argue? Reef trips for diving or snorkeling aboard the company's fleet leave at various times every day, so there's a good chance one will fit into your schedule. Subtropic knows where all the great reefs and hot diving spots are. The staff will make sure your adventure into the mystical tropical waters will be a memorable one.

Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry

This national park is the farthest-at-sea national facility, and home to the historic Fort Jefferson. The 100 foot catamaran called 'The Yankee Freedom II' features twin bow observation pulpits and a main deck large enough to walk around, plus an air-conditioned cabin with galley and bar. Dine on a complimentary breakfast on board and a comlimentary picnic buffet at Fort Jefforson. Your journey includes a free, guided tour.

Dry Tortugas National Park

This national park is the nation's only at-sea national park and is home to the historic Fort Jefferson. Located about 70 miles west of Key West and accessible only by boat or chartered seaplane, the park and fort lure divers, snorkelers and nature lovers who flock here to get a close look at stag horn coral, angel fish, rare birds and the loggerhead turtles that gave the island its name. Built in 1846, the five-sided fort covers more than 11 of the island's 16 acres.

Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden

Located right in the middle of crowded Old Town Key West, this place is an "island in the stream." Owner Nancy Forrester has somehow managed to face down the pressure of development and the tree-tearing fury of hurricanes in order to keep this 30-year-old garden pristine and magnificent. Here you will see the tropics in all its foliage glory with exotics such as orchids nestling in branches, huge ferns, bromeliads, red ginger, pink heliconias and a "sunburn" gumbo-limbo tree. Bring a picnic lunch and tour the onsite art gallery, as well. Admission is USD6.

Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Can you imagine a man without a stomach, who eats his food and then uses his hands to push it down to his intestines? Grosse! You think? Well apparently not… Mr. Robert Ripley visited 201 different countries to find the most unusual stories. These acts are now on display at this crazy Believe It or Not venue. There are over 500 exhibits and 13 galleries on two floors, with different themes. Ripley's Archive documents weird experimentations and actions undertaken in the past - there is one section on Amazing Acts and Unbelievable Stunts. Check the website for more information.

Turtle Kraals Museum

Learn all about the care and feeding of turtles at this museum in the Historic Seaport district. In the museum are photographs and historical documents detailing the island's turtle industry. Other exhibits teach you about sea turtles and the perils they face, and show you how their shells work. In residence here is a young loggerhead named Eddie, but the museum hopes to add to their turtle population with injured turtles who cannot live on their own. Admission is free, and there is a turtle feeding daily at 4p.

Parawest Parasailing Adventures

Rise above it all with the help of the folks at Parawest. This exciting activity combines the thrill of skydiving, the tranquility of hot-air ballooning and the whoop-de-doo of hang-gliding with the adventure of parasailing. After you are harnessed into a parachute, a speedboat takes off, causing you to rise in the air. The eight-minute flight includes a freefall and a dip, so don't eat a big meal before you try this. On the longer 10-minute flight, you'll rise about 600 feet up in the air.

Jack Tar Custom Fishing Trips

Catch the big ones aboard a 52-foot sportfishing boat that heads out into the Atlantic on customized fishing trips. Jack Tar also operates a 25-foot custom T-Craft with a 10-foot beam. Family owned and operated, the company will help you chase down such thrillers as marlin, sailfish, wahoo, tuna, dolphin, kingfish, spearfish and barracuda. You need to call to arrange a trip. Trips are USD450-650, depending on how long you want to stay out there, but you can also join other charters for USD100-150 per person.