Two of my sisters and I went on a day trip. The staff were mostly friendly but at the bar, I felt I was being discriminated and very poor on cocktails. The boat itself is very basic, compared to all the ferries I've taken in my life all over the world. Junk food for options, coffee was not good, have to wait least half an hour before we take off so that adds another hour to the 3.5 hr commute each way. And for a such a long ride, not the most pleasant space to spend time in. It smelled funny inside and rather cold. Not worth $140 dollars for me.
Smaller boat not as much fun, but the travel to and from is always exceptional. I recommend either for travel over airline service
This is our favorite way to travel to Key West. There really isn't a need to have a car in Key West, so this is the perfect way to get there and back. I always meet interesting people on the trip to share tips with on "best this-or-that", as well as shared knowledge of what's new. The 3.5 hours ferry ride is relaxing, and the staff aboard are friendly and helpful too.
Smooth ride and freindly staff. No complaints. Plenty of seat options up top or "down below." Main floor was a bit chilly. Take a jacket.
Was a great experience the crew was great and the ride was smooth. The only advice I would have is on the return trip arrive early the line fills quick and seating get limited. Second I would advise price shop golf cart rentals, the location where the ferry docked was $100 higher than the place next to garrison bight.
They do not accommodate vacationers that need to cancel due to hurricane irma with refunds. They refused to even waive the cancellation fees and even kept the money I pre-paid for parking. I get no refund and no services rendered. Only a voucher which after cancel fees, isn't enough and I'll have to pay more
To use them. Was set to sail in less than 2 months. Area I'm visiting was devastated and my city also directly hit. No problems with hotel, airlines, nothing. This is the only business not willing to work with people. I've already been told by the owner/manager "they will be responding to any bad review" go ahead, no one likes greedy businesses. He told me it's my fault for purchasing a non-refundable ticket. True, I guess it was just so out of line for me to think they would accommodate their consumers in a time of crisis. Proceed with caution with this company and just note you can fly round trip for the same price. $292 down the drain.
They shut down the port some 4 days ahead of hurricane Irma. Mandatory evacuation in effect. Seniors and others who have no transportation are now doomed to the islands. Never again will I suggest the ferry as a viable means of transportation to the Keys.
What a great way to get to Key West instead of making the drive. The crew are awesome and the ride to and from can be very nice as long as you are traveling during good weather
I'm currently on the Key West Express. We paid over $300 and we don't even have a seat! They over book and cannot accommodate. It was a 4 hour trip on the way to key West. We should be able to sit down! They allow people to keep their luggage and dogs in seats. I'm familiar with the family that owns it and highly surprised they'd allow this!
Had a great time. The boat is large enough to make fora a smooth ride both ways. Prices for drinks and food on board the boat was better that I anticipated.
Was very excited to enjoy a nice ride in half the time only to be disappointed in the lack of seating - we had to STAND for all 4 hours & we were not the only ones some people resorted to sitting on the floor - maybe the Keywest Express should set a limit & allow the boat to be sold out as opposed to packing in as many people or "money's" as they can. Some staff was rude also, one told me there was plenty of seats (suggesting the floor) instead of a comforting apology.
Overall pretty well executed, nice staff and they have food and drinks and stuff. It does take like 4hours and you should get there early if you want one of the nicer benches or tables.
Great service from all of the crew. The ride was relatively comfortable considering it is a boat that is going pretty fast. The ride was 3.5 hrs which only resulted in time on the island of about 5 hours for a day trip.
An alternate method to get to Key West from Fort Myers. This used to be an inexpensive way to travel, but the price has gone up over the years. The boat takes about 4-4 1/2 hrs to get there. Goes down in the morning, comes back in the evening, but doesn't run Tuesday or Wednesday in off-season.