Food tours in Key West serve up authentic local cuisine while exploring the island’s fascinating history. Smart travelers can expect to spend $90-$98 per person for 2-4 hour guided experiences. The best tours combine fresh seafood tastings, local drink sampling, and chef meet-and-greets with historical commentary from expert guides.
We especially like the combination sailing-and-tasting tours that get you out on the water between stops. The evening tours featuring live music add wonderful ambiance to the food experience. For pure culinary focus, the walking tours through Old Town deliver the most bang for your buck with 6-8 generous tastings.
Let’s explore our favorite food tours that showcase the best of Key West’s flavors and culture.
Key Points
- Gourmet culinary adventures with 2-4 hour small-group tours featuring local seafood, craft beverages, and diverse cuisine influenced by Cuban and Caribbean flavors.
- Knowledgeable local guides provide historical and cultural insights, including visits to Hemingway-related sites and supporting local businesses.
- Tours offer unique experiences like sailing, live music, and interactions with local chefs, as well as opportunities to visit distilleries and factories.
- Highly rated tours (4.5-4.9 out of 5) provide exceptional value for money and memorable culinary experiences, with positive reviews highlighting guide quality and engaging interactions.
- Accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with dietary accommodations and flexible cancellation policies to enhance booking confidence.
Historic Seaport Food & Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours
The Historic Seaport Food & Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours offers participants a gourmet culinary adventure steeped in the maritime history of the island city.
The 3-hour tour explores 5 local restaurants, where guests sample fresh seafood and craft beverages. Along the way, they’ll learn about Key West’s role in trade and the connection between food and local traditions.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and dietary requirements can be accommodated. With comfortable walking shoes recommended, participants can expect moderate exercise and exposure to the weather, as the tour runs rain or shine.
Advance booking is advised, and pricing starts at $93.41 per person.
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Key West: Southernmost Food and Cultural Walking Tour
Set out on a culinary and cultural exploration of Key West’s vibrant Southernmost shores with the Key West: Southernmost Food and Cultural Walking Tour.
This 3-hour guided small group walking tour takes you through the island’s Cuban and Caribbean influences, stopping at 5 local eateries for generous tastings of conch fritters, fish tacos, and key lime pie.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour provides insights into Key West’s history and culture.
Priced at $90.19 per person, the experience offers flexible booking and free cancellation.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 from past participants, this tour promises an intimate and delightful adventure.
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Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours
Travelers seeking a delightful immersion into Key West’s vibrant culinary and cultural landscape can embark on the Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour offered by Key West Food Tours.
This 3-hour, 1.2-mile walking tour covers Key West’s Old Town, showcasing a diverse array of flavors, from seafood and Cuban cuisine to local jerked fish and classic key lime pie.
Guided by knowledgeable locals, guests enjoy 4 food tastings and 1 alcoholic beverage, along with insights into the cultural significance of the flavors.
With a small group size and positive reviews, the tour provides a personalized and immersive experience, making it a top choice for foodies and first-time visitors alike.
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Key West: Hemingway Tour With 3 Food Tastings & 3 Cocktails
Immerse oneself in the captivating legacy of Ernest Hemingway during the Key West Hemingway Tour with 3 Food Tastings & 3 Cocktails.
This 4-hour experience offers a comprehensive exploration of the literary icon’s life in Key West and Cuba. Highlights include guided entry to the Hemingway Home & Museum, visits to a cigar factory and Papas Pilar Rum Distillery, and indulging in Hemingway’s favorite Cuban cuisine and cocktails.
With 3 food tastings, 3 alcoholic beverages, and a slice of famous key lime pie, this tour provides an immersive taste of the Hemingway lifestyle.
The walking tour covers approximately 1.5 miles and is ADA-accessible, making it an ideal way to discover Key West’s Hemingway heritage.
Read our full review: Key West: Hemingway Tour With 3 Food Tastings & 3 Cocktails Review
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Key West Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
For those seeking a mouthwatering exploration of Key West’s vibrant culinary scene, the Key West Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours offers an enticing opportunity.
Priced at $109 per person after a $10.90 discount, this 2.5-hour tour showcases the island’s top-rated eateries, with a focus on local flavors like smoked tuna chili and conch fritters.
While the menu may vary, guests can expect a satisfying sampling of diverse dishes. Though guide knowledge levels vary, the most engaging presenters provide valuable historical insights.
Guests should arrive early to avoid timing issues, and those with dietary restrictions should communicate needs in advance.
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Key West: Sunset Sailing Trip With Open Bar, Food and Music
A sunset sailing trip in Key West offers an enchanting way to experience the island’s natural beauty.
This 2-hour excursion departs from the historic Key West seaport aboard the Sandie Cat catamaran, which can accommodate up to 149 passengers. Guests will enjoy unobstructed sunset views, an unlimited open bar, and a selection of appetizers as they listen to live music and dance on the upper deck.
They’ll also have the opportunity to help raise the sails and take photos at the helm.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 224 reviews, this sunset sailing trip is a must-do activity for visitors to Key West.
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Hemingway Food and Walking Tour
The Hemingway Food and Walking Tour offers visitors an intimate exploration of the literary icon’s life in Key West during his residency from 1928 to 1939.
This approximately 2-hour walking tour covers key historical locations related to Hemingway’s residence and social life, providing rich context about the author and the town. Knowledgeable and engaging guides lead the group of no more than 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
The tour includes a lunch stop at a local restaurant and concludes with a rum punch at the original Sloppy Joe’s location.
While not suitable for those with mobility issues, the tour is family-friendly and praised for its historical insights and guide quality.
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Key West: Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour
Immersing visitors in Key West’s vibrant culinary scene, the Key West: Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour offers a captivating 3-hour experience. Priced at $90.19 per person, the small-group tour (limited to 7 participants) explores the island’s historic seaport, hidden culinary gems, and local delicacies like conch.
Guests can look forward to 6 seafood or drink tastings, enough for a hearty lunch. The knowledgeable local guide leads the way, sharing insights into Key West’s flavors and architecture. Participants receive an e-guide, recipe collection, and shopping coupons, making it easy to recreate the tour’s highlights back home.
With high ratings, this tour is likely to sell out, so reserving in advance is recommended.
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Key West: Schooner Sunset Sail With Food & Drinks
Typically, visitors aboard the elegant 105-foot schooner America 2.0 can enjoy stunning views of Fort Zachary Taylor, Sand Key Reef, Mallory Square, and Sunset Pier during the 2-hour Key West: Schooner Sunset Sail with Food & Drinks.
For $116.11 per person, guests can witness the Green Flash phenomenon at sunset and spot dolphins, sea turtles, and water birds. The tour includes complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, personal hors d’oeuvres plates, and optional champagne.
Special holiday offerings, like complimentary treats and photo opportunities, are available for Christmas and New Year’s.
With an overall rating of 4.9/5 from 277 reviews, this sail is suitable for all traveler types and praised for its top-quality staff and peaceful, relaxing experience.
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Key West: Hemingways Life and Local Food Walking Tour
Guests on the Key West: Hemingway’s Life and Local Food Walking Tour explore the renowned author’s vibrant legacy while savoring the city’s iconic flavors.
At $99 per person for the 2-hour tour, participants explore significant Hemingway landmarks, taste local specialties like street tacos and key lime pie, and learn about his life and writing.
The tour includes entry to the Hemingway House and Museum, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. Reviewers praise the engaging storytelling and historical insights provided.
Comfortable attire and footwear are recommended for the moderately-paced tour, which offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Key West: Old Town Secret Food Tour
The Key West: Old Town Secret Food Tour provides participants a unique opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene beyond the typical tourist hotspots.
Priced from $98.46 per person, the 3-hour small-group tour allows visitors to savor a diverse array of local dishes, including conch fritters, jerk chicken, and chocolate-dipped key lime pie.
Along the way, guests gain insights into the area’s rich food culture and history. The tour also includes a rum tasting from one of Key West’s oldest distilleries and complimentary breakfast items.
With an overall rating of 4.9/5, the experience is praised for its engaging local guides and exceptional value.
Read our full review: Key West: Old Town Secret Food Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?
The tour operator’s policies typically determine whether participants can bring their own food. It’s best to check with the specific tour company beforehand to understand the rules and avoid any issues during the experience.
What if I Have Dietary Restrictions?
If you have dietary restrictions, most food tour operators are happy to accommodate them. They’ll work with you to ensure you can enjoy the full experience while catering to your needs. Just let them know ahead of time.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour operator offers wheelchair-accessible options to ensure all guests can fully participate. They work closely with guests to accommodate any mobility needs or dietary restrictions, providing a comfortable and inclusive experience.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Participants are generally allowed to take photos during the food tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure there aren’t any restrictions or areas where photography isn’t permitted. The tour guides are usually happy to assist with finding the best photo opportunities.
How Do I Get to the Starting Point?
Most food tour companies provide detailed information on how to get to the starting point, often including directions, parking options, and public transportation routes. Participants are usually encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to meet the guide and start the tour on time.
The Sum Up
Key West offers a variety of food tours that showcase the city’s rich history, culture, and culinary delights. From walking tours highlighting local cuisine and cocktails to sails with food and drinks, there’s something for every foodie. Whether you’re interested in Hemingway’s life or want to explore the historic seaport, these tours provide a delicious and immersive way to experience the essence of Key West.