The trip itself is pleasant enough, and it's a fast and efficient way to get to Key West from Ft. Myers. Our first experience with this years ago was not great, as the boat was full of highly intoxicated passengers, but this time around things were more subdued. However, I had an absolutely bizarre experience with the bartender "Justin" on this trip. On the return trip, I approached his bar area to buy a beer. He was actively engaged in a conversation with a man at the bar. I waited several minutes. He never made eye contact with me or acknowledge me in anyway. So, I simply went to the other bar, ordered my beer, and as I turned to walk away, "Justin" was standing right in front of me and confronted me about leaving his bar. He reprimanded me for not being patient while he was giving "good customer service" to the man he was chatting with. I was in disbelief that he would approach me in such a manner, and I turned to bartender who served me and and said "Are you actually seeing this and hearing this right now?" As "Justin" walked away after his rant, the other bartender said, "I thought you knew him and he was just joking with you at first." I said, "No, I don't know him and he wasn't joking." The bartender then concluded, "Well I guess he's just in a bitchy mood tonight." It was just really strange, and an act of aggression as far as I'm concerned for him to approach me like that. When I returned to my seat with my husband, we then obsesrved another young crew member with long beard standing on the corner of "Justin's" bar staring daggers at us as if we were somehow being problematic. I hope someone at Key West reads the reviews and checks the cameras to verify this incident. You will clearly see that I was completely ignored at his bar, and then he came over to me and got right up in my personal space to confront me. Who does that? read more

The Key West express was a fun boat. The staff was very efficient. Lots of places to sit. The chairs were comfortable. They had food if you were hungry, and I got to Key West with plenty of time to explore and enjoy the town. read more

This is a very economical way to enjoy a ride to Key West from Ft. Myers Beach in 4 hrs. Unfortunately, they do serve alcohol on board and on this trip a small group of people acted like they were the only ones on board. They were drinking, loud, and noisy making the trip for the rest of us aggravating. I couldn't wait to get off the boat. I suggest not selling alcohol or being a little more strict in conduct of passengers. read more

I'd like to share feedback from a recent experience at two Key West Express locations. At the Fort Myers location, the parking attendants and ticket counter staff were notably discourteous -- not the experience customers expect. That said, John and the crew were outstanding: friendly, professional, and genuinely helpful. At the Key West ticket counter, I encountered a similar issue with one staff member who was dismissive when I asked a simple question (gray hair W/ pony tail) -- her own colleague acknowledged it was uncalled for. Key West Express has a strong business model and a lot to offer. Frontline staff are the face of that brand, and a few negative interactions can significantly undermine the customer experience you've worked hard to build. I'd encourage leadership to address this directly, as it's worth protecting what you have. Overall, I would take the Key West Express again for the experience and a 3hrs vs 6hr drive any day - just get dedicated employees! Lastly, I really don't understand why they have such a late departure out of Key West back to Ft Myers -- hotel check out is usually 11am ‍..... what are passengers suppose to do w/ their luggage -- beside leaving it at the hotel.... read more

One year after taking this ferry down and one year without any new updates to the boat. Unfortunately on our way back up from Key West to Fort Myers beach was like sitting on a miniature Tower of Terror ride for 3 hours. Staff was literally helping escort patrons to either the bathroom or areas on the boat that may have had a "smoother ride". For those of us who tried to sleep through the rough ride, a completely belligerent loud patron spent the entire ride screaming his conversation for the entire boat to hear. I'm surprised the bartender never cut him off, this is a huge safety hazard. Again, no wifi available so we all had to suffer through the rough seas, disrespectful patrons and at the end of the ride it still took us closer to 5 hours to arrive from point-to-point. read more

Key West Express - Tours Near Me - Fort Myers Beach, Florida

This company tried to scam us. They told us the trip was being canceled due to rain, then they tried to boom us for the next day, When we asked for a refund they said we didn't show up to our scheduled trip so they were charging us a $50.00 per person no show fee. Even though we showed up two minutes before the ferry departed. So it was not canceled after all they just tried to re book us for the next day and they lied to us. I would not recommend this business. read more

Key West Express - Tours Near Me - Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Negative 5 stars, The boat departs before the scheduled time and they charge you a no show fee of $50.00 per person. Drove an hour away for nothing, The staff are rude, and all they care about is taking your money , not about the customer or the experience. I do not recommended this company. read more

Key West Express - Tours Near Me - Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Read some negative reviews prior to taking off Fort Myers Beach to Key West. Too late, I had already bought the tickets over a year ago. Everything seemed clean and nice crew upon getting on board. After that I was sleeping 3/4 of the trip. Calm waters helped the entire experience to be acceptable. Sometimes you ROLL THE DICE and win! Would recommend. read more

Crew is great, nice ride. Ticket and information employees are the snippiest people I have ever dealt with. Everyone wants to obey the rules and a bit of a smile from that staff would make the whole process easier. They appear to be for tickets and information, only. No help. Totally rude. read more

Really enjoyed this. But I don't recommend a day trip as you're on the ferry more than in the island read more

Key West Express - Tours Near Me - Fort Myers Beach, Florida

We took the Key West Express to and from Key West instead of driving late June 2024. It was super nice and going down there were only like 50 people on the huge boat. The trip takes about 4 hours and you don't have WiFi for about 3 hours so make sure to bring something to do. We got a table and played cards to pass the time. They have restrooms and a snack bar. There are also TVs scattered throughout. The trip back however was on a smaller boat and there were so many people that some had to stand for the ride. I would have been PO'd if I paid $175 per ticket and I had to stand. Just make sure you get there early to get a seat. They really should have assigned seating so you don't have to waste an hour of your vacation waiting to get on the boat and get a good seat. I was fine, I got a table, but it just didn't seem fair for the others. TL:DR Going was great, coming back was overly crowded and some people didn't have seats. read more

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if you're in the Fort Myers or Marco Island area in South Florida, the Key West express is a great way to visit Key West. It's a 3 1/2 hour trip one way if you go just for the day you can have roughly 1130 to 430 for shopping time. It leaves promptly from Fort Myers at 8 o'clock and returns at 5 o'clock so yes it's a long day, but worth it know that the ship itself has multiple styles of seating if you want a table to play cards or games during your trip, you need to be one of the first people who board all passengers must be on board a half hour before they set sell they have a fully stocked bar on board, they also have a snack bar with an assortment of fast food. They have multiple levels and I highly recommend when you leave the Florida coast to go outside on the top level and get an image of the dolphins that will be surely following you out of the bay. There's plenty of parking for your car at the dock, where you pick up the boat you do you have to buy a parking pass. The staff is extremely friendly. They have a raffle on board no Wi-Fi so be prepared. They do have TV with close caption as well. Restrooms are very clean. read more

Key West Express - Sunset from the top deck on the return visit from Key West. - Tours Near Me - Fort Myers Beach, Florida

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This CAN be a great experience. Our trip was two totally different experiences. Overall, all the staff is great, though too many opportunities to tip are "provided". The trip down to Key West was beautiful with super smooth sailing and a really enjoyable 4 hour trip. The return was another story - with no fault on Key West Express. We were in 4'+ waves for the first part of the trip and a ton of people on the boat were sick. The crew was great trying to take care of everyone, but it doesn't make for a lot of fun. We will do it again, you just need to know what you may get into. read more

I think I was on the same rough ride as Dan V., below. It's the ocean. Okay. Sometimes it's going to be rough and seasickness is a thing. But a notice on the website, or an SMS blast about anticipated conditions would help passengers buy some dramamine ahead of time or otherwise prepare. If I'd known there was a chance that I was going to nauseous for three hours, I'd have driven. read more

This is the way to go to key west, easy trip and food on the way. I'm going Thursday for my third trip with them. I'm taking some friends from Italy. read more

We have been traveling on the Key West Express 1-2 times a year for about 6 years. It's the best way to get to KW if you don't need your personal transportation once you get there. Parking fees in KW have more than doubled in the last few years! From our home it has turned a 6 hour road trip ( if there are no accidents!) into a 3 1/2 - 4 hour trip. It is comfortable enough with options to buy snacks & beverages, both alcohol & non. Staff is friendly & helpful & deserve more tips than I see them getting! read more

We held vouchers that expired during the time period that hurricane Ian decimated our town. Since the docks were destroyed and the ferry wasn't operational, I called customer service to request they extend the deadline for our vouchers and they refused . I ended up throwing out $900 worth of tickets that they wouldn't honor. read more

The trip from Fort Myers to Key West was fine. The return trip was an absolute failure. The return trip had more passengers and not enough seats to accommodate everyone. My family of three sat on the floor by the napkins and condiments the entire trip. Many other passengers did not have a place to sit either and ended up on the floor as well. Not one single crew member attempted to find us a seat, but when the boat arrived at the dock a crew member stood on the loading ramp with a tip bucket. I'm 61 years old and too old to have to sit on the floor for 4 hours after paying full price! read more

The trip was really smooth and I know we can't predict the seas but our trip this weekend was amazing. They make the on/off process so easy. And look for Ernie..... he's great!! read more

Had an awesome first experience on the express. As someone who is constantly early for this I am in love with the boarding process. Boarding is from 7-7:30am. Boat leaves at 8am. If everyone is onboard they leave early. Do Not Be Late! We did a day trip which is doable but it IS A LONG DAY! I don't know if I'd do that again. Heading down was a bit rocky for the first two hours then calmed down. And no the boat cannot control the water or the weather. There are a variety of seats available. Including some seats that slightly recline line an airplane. There are also tables and more lounge type seating. The crew was great. Very helpful and friendly. They have two bars and a snack bar onboard. The pretzel and cheese was not bad for being microwaved and their snacks weren't outrageously expensive. My family will be back again in April. read more

Key West Express - Tours Near Me - Fort Myers Beach, Florida

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Took the Key West Express down from Fort Myers and had a pleasant experience. We left Sunday morning and returned Monday evening. The boat definitely seemed busier on Sunday and the boat on the way back was the nicer of the two we got to ride. They have drinks and snacks on board for purchase. The ride itself was smooth, but very windy on the way down. The sunset on the return ride was beautiful. This was a great way to get down to Key West, but also fairly pricey. read more

Key West Express - Tours Near Me - Fort Myers Beach, Florida

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Recently took the ferry to the Key West Express overall a great experience. Staff were great. Can't help the choppy ride. It is the ocean and it was a little windy and cloudy that day. They do leave early so be there early. Don't depend on the snack bar for hearty food. It's all frozen and warmed up. Except maybe the hot dogs which are grilled. The cheeseburger sliders are actually frozen white castle cheeseburgers that are microwaved. All in all though it was a great trip and a beautiful view. read more

We have never been to Key West and debated whether to drive, fly, or take the Key West Express Ferry. We got to the terminal in Ft Myers right at 7 to board but there were so many people already in the boat that the only seats left were bar stools. This was not very comfortable for the long ride. So, on the way back we got there very early to ensure getting a comfortable seat and it was much better. The ride was smooth and air conditioned inside. On the Ferry there was a kitchen for food and drinks that were reasonably priced. It was air conditioned on the way back but still quite warm where we were sitting. I would take the Ferry again but only if I'm able to arrive very early to ensure getting a comfortable seat. read more

Second time traveling to Key West this way. This time we did a one way down and rented a car for the journey home (over 3 days). The Key West Express is a great way to get to the Keys. The first time it was a little choppy, but this time it was much smoother - just a little bit of side-to-side movement. It's a boat. You have to expect some movement. It's a 4 hour trip. I think people forget that. Many people rush for the tables, but I find them uncomfortable. The backs don't go up high enough. I prefer the high back chairs in the middle, in the front. I just got a pair of noise cancelling headphones for Christmas - WOW!. Napped for the first 2 hours, watched a movie for 2 hours and BOOM, you're there. read more

Key West Express - Vessel - Tours Near Me - Fort Myers Beach, Florida

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DO NOT TAKE this ferry unless you are told about weather conditions on the ocean by the captain! Took it 2 weeks ago winds were so strong folks could not walk on ferry and 3/4 of the ferry were vomitting. This lasted 4 hours and we were never warned!! We should have had the opportunity not to board. It was horrific!!!!! They were aware it was going to be bad but did not tell us until we were in our seats ready to leave. read more

Not acceptable and basically a party boat . 4 hours of difficult movement on a windy day. No easy access to good drink or facilities. Just sit there like an airplane and wait for it to arrive. read more

Glad we did it. Very nice staff. One thing to consider; If you don't like having the sun beating on you the whole way don't sit on the left side. read more

Customer service is horrible. We had vouchers that had to be used by the end of the year. Yes i understand it is our fault for waiting so long, but we have been planning to go right around this new year for awhile now! We ended up having a family emergency a few days before we were going to set sail. Not only did they tell me i couldnt just change the day of my trip to bump it up a few weeks, but even if i wanted to, they wouldnt even honor the credit of what i originally paid for the tickets. I wasnt even able to APPLY THE MONEY I PAID to a trip in a couple weeks. Absolutely horrible customer service. I wasnt expecting a free trip. I dont mind paying the difference at all! We have a family member on his death bed in the hospital during the holidays, & you cant even help us out by allowing us to apply our credit THAT WE ALREADY PAID? It takes nothing for them to change the date of our trip a couple weeks, it wouldve just taken some humanity. Absolutely disgusted with this business & now will never give them a chance, & ill be sure to let friends & family know how horribly they run their business. read more

I'm shocked that they only have 3 stars on Yelp!!! What a GREAT experience I and my group of friends had yesterday! We left Ft. Myers on time and had a GREAT trip to Key West. Our return trip also left on time and yup, we had a great trip back to Ft. Myers. So glad they had a bar and a friendly hard working bartender. He didn't have a name tag but he mentioned that he was from Puerto Rico. My only negative comment was that I wish they had decent food and not concession crap. A decent breakfast going there and a decent dinner (sandwiches) coming back would have been perfect. I know AS A FACT that they could have a better food selection and most likely make a lot more money while being able to offer their customers good food. Anyway, I will definitely be taking this ferry again but will definitely pack a tasty meal. read more

We were told as we were entering the Key West Harbor that the boat had been cancelled for Monday and Tuesday. That caused us to cancel our hotel room without a $300 dollar credit and made it so that we had to do a return trip on the same day. 7 hours to and fro Fort Myers to spend 5 hours in Key West would not have been what we would do. They said they made the determination half way through our trip but we that is horse hockey.....nothing changed as far as the weather report was concerned. They just didn't want to get less revenue from impacted parties. The least they could have done was schedule a bus for affected parties..... Make sure to know the weather before you go. I was told they never cancel, even by the worker on the boat.....that was not the truth. So very disappointed!!! read more

Although it is a four hour ride it is smooth and visually great. They have a kitchen and bar to make it an enjoyable trip and plenty of room I. The cabins or the upper decks. Be sure to get to the dock early to get your seats because they fill up quick. Bring a book, game or some form of entertainment. I highly recommend trying the KWE at least once if heading to the Keys. read more

Blatant ignorance of safety regulations and COVID prevention measures. I traveled to the Dry Tortugas National Park in November'21 and took a Key West Express boat from Fort Meyers to Key West and back. The experience was horrendous as the crew openly violated the safety regulations regarding COVID preventions, specifically facial masks requirements, and did not enforce the rules on the passengers. Perhaps only a tiny fraction of the passengers were wearing facial masks, the rest were ignoring the rules. When I politely asked one of the crew members to remind passengers about the safety regulations and enforce the rules, this crew member give me a look like he was going to punch me. Needless to mention, many crew members were not wearing masks themselves. In sum, be aware of the life-threatening health risks you are taking while traveling with Key West Express, and do not expect your health and safety to be their concern. read more

We bought tickets in the middle of the pandemic. They were good for two years and they honored them without question. Pandemic health restriction had been lifted, so masks not necessary. The ship was clean. Staff kept the bathrooms tidy and the galley was always being wiped down. The seating was pretty comfortable. The seats were cushioned. The backs reclined a bit. The upholstery was clean. The food was perfectly edible. It wasn't fancy, but this is a ferry boat ride, not a seven day culinary extravaganza cruise. I thought they did a fine job of "staying in their lane" when it came to the food. Prices were reasonable. I think the highest price food items were the cheeseburger or the breakfast sandwich which were like 4.50. People being people--there were some who brought their bags and put them into seats, then left and went upstairs and sat outside, thus taking double seats. Still others left their bags in the aisles and crew had to move them One word of caution--don't be late. Both times times we shoved off before the actual scheduled departure times. They can't control the weather. We had smooth seas and arrived on schedule. If the seas got rough I would expect speeds to slow down. 34 dollars to park your car. read more

My wife and I recently took a trip on the Key West Express, and it was an excellent experience. The comfortable seating made the 4-hour boat ride a breeze, and the smooth ride made it even more enjoyable. Sitting at a table with another couple was a great way to socialize and share the experience. Happy to report amenities include clean bathrooms, food, coffee, water, soda, snacks for sale and a full bar. Looked like it was open the entire trip. Being able to get up and walk around the boat added to the overall comfort and enjoyment of the journey. I'm definitely planning to do it again in the future. It's a fantastic alternative to driving to Key West, and I highly recommend it. read more

We booked tickets to go from Ft Myers to Key West on one day and come back the next. We were at the dock checking in when we were told the return trip was cancelled due to weather. We weren't able to stay an extra day due to our flights, so were pondering what to do when the lady at the counter told us that, while our tickets were non-refundable, we personally weren't cancelling, so since it was due to weather, we could be fully refunded. I clarified it would be a refund, not a credit, and she confirmed. She said we wouldn't want to go down and back on the same day, spending 7 hours on the ferry and carrying our luggage around with us. A man who worked there said we shouldn't want to go that day that it was running because the captain didn't even want to be on it and called it the "vomit comet" so we agreed - they sold us on the decision to cancel for a refund and not try to make the trip. Fast forward a week and no refund on my card. I called and they told me because the boat still went down and back on the first day, I was out of luck and I would only have a credit. They just said the lady at the counter at the dock was wrong. The lady on the phone was extremely condescending explaining what a roundtrip ticket was to me as if I'd never heard of the concept when I was simply trying to point out that the roundtrip that I paid for was not for a same day roundtrip, but included a separate day on which it literally wasn't possible to travel due to their own weather policies. So now we will have to pay to take another separate trip to Florida to potentially have this happen all over again read more

I'd avoid this experience at all costs! The ferry itself has old broken down seats, extremely uncomfortable for 3.5+ hours. The people on the boat are loud as hell. It would be nice if they designed one deck as a "quiet" area. Food is terrible, almost microwave quality. I asked about an ADA seat, had to explain that means handicapped, and was blown off because I didn't "look handicapped", which is illegal by the way. Was told I could sit on the back deck and dangle my feet in the water.... Yeah that really helps when I'm looking for a seat to accommodate me. If you're gonna complain about masks, I'd suggest just leaving the state of FL. read more

Very kind and patient staff overall -- I was struggling with a carry-on size spinner until I reached the gate -- after that was always someone offering to help me. I'm a girl and we overpack, what can I say? :) One thing I don't appreciate -- I booked this on Wednesday night -- and it said the trip took 2.5 hours. 3 on a day with bad weather. In 4 days (from when I booked my ticket to my return trip), their website admin changed the travel time to an average of 3.5 hours without notifying any passengers with standing reservations. I don't live in Ft. Myers. I have a 2 hour+ drive back, and I got dropped off by my husband for this trip to avoid my car sitting in a lot all weekend. Not cool, KWE. A simple email could have helped the majority of us adjust our itineraries, and I seriously feel bad for anyone who missed a flight bc of this. My whole travel time (plus this extra hour) from my doorstep to my family's doorstep in the keys is longer than me just driving to the keys myself. Food for thought. read more

Fun and easy way to escape to Key West for the weekend. 4 hour boat ride, once you're there, u don't need a car. Use the Key West Express several times a year. Sometimes, the boat can be a little crowded. Bring cash for tips. You can't add to your credit card payments at the bar. read more

They did an awesome job but sadly they did not approve of me being a veteran due to only giving Active Military discounts. I fought for my country and am disabled now due to it. Also, they only recognize local Law Enforcement....other Law Enforcement do not receive a discount. Seems very obtrusive. read more

This boat is a jet-powered COVID hotspot, superspreading disease at a high rate of speed across South Florida. Yeah, they have signs about masks, maybe 30% of people inside wear them. And because it's Key West, half the boat is blacked out when they board, so by the third hour there's a lot of maskless yelling and singing happening. Super safe, great place for the seniors of Fort Myers. Luckily, you can sit outside, where the mortality rate is probably lower, even though it's "Florida cold" and smells like diesel fumes. I'm not saying don't take the boat, it really is crazy fast, super convenient and reasonably priced. They even let you bring your bike or pets! So I give it two stars. Just know you might get COVID and accidentally kill your grandma. read more