Take the famous Key West Hop On Hop Off Trolley Ride that will take you around the island. You can hop on or hop off at any spot that interests you. Enjoy a visit to the beautiful Butterfly Conservatory. A nice relaxing time in nature in between all the other exciting adventures Key West has to offer.
You'll start this day with a short walk from the cruise ship pier to the trolley. You'll already have your passes, so you're good to go. You have the luxury of choosing whether you just stay on the trolley for the full circuit or hop off and explore, as there is so much else to see around Key West. Please see below a copy of the route map to download and take with you. We also offer just the trolley without the Butterflies - see the Key West Hop On Hop Off Trolley.
The trolley will take you all through Old Town, past museums, give you the chance to do some beach activities, stop at some famous local saloons, and visit Mallory Square for shopping, coffee, and people watching.
You'll have the chance to pass Papa Hemingway's home, learn about pirates and Natives, and hear stories of how the Civil War affected Key West through the narration by your conductor. But, there are also museums you could visit, beaches to stroll, shops to peruse, and the eclectic Bahama Village to explore. You are welcome to hop off at any or all the stops then just hop back on the next trolley when it passes by. Remember that the trolleys pass by every 30 minutes or so.
Hop off at stop #11 to see The Key West Butterfly Conservancy. The entrance fee is part of the ticket price. The Butterfly Conservatory provides a unique opportunity to view the behavior of various butterflies and bird species in a tropical setting. The collection has virtually every conceivable combination of shapes, color, and sizes, including a butterfly with an 11-inch wingspan. The butterflies were acquired through a captive breeding program rather than the wild. Well suited for tropical regions, the program is an eco-friendly endeavor. The curators release some inhabitants into the local ecosystem where they flourish and cultivate indigenous flowers, shrubs, and trees that serve as host and nectar plants.
The Learning Center enables guests to explore the lives of butterflies as well as their feeding habits, anatomy, physiology and migration patterns. It is also possible to get an amazing up-close glimpse of a variety of live caterpillars as they feed and develop on their host plants. Take time to browse through the gift shop and the Wings of Imagination, Butterfly Gallery, where you can find a wide range of unique butterflies and other nature-themed items as well as original works of art. NOTE that the butterflies are strictly hands off!
When you have finished browsing around the Butterfly Conservatory, then just hop back on the next trolley to complete your loop. Please remember that the last trolley run starts at 04:30 PM so plan accordingly.
There are 13 stops along the route. Please see the stops below and just some of the highlights/attractions you can find at each so you can plan your day:
1. Mallory Square with the Key West Aquarium, Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Truman House, Mel Fisher Museum, Ripley's, and much more
2. Mac's Sea Garden with Historic Seaport, Pepe's Cafe, Yankee Freedom lll, Flagler Station Railroad Museum, Dry Tortugas Interruptive Center
3. Simonton and Green Street with Ripley's Museum, Hog's Breath Saloon, Rick's Bar, Sloppy Joe's
4. Duval/Crown Plaza with Oldest House Museum, La Concha, San Carlos Theater, Margaritaville
5. Bahama Village with Ernest Hemingway House, Key West Lighthouse, Kermit's Key Lime Pies
6. Fairfield Inn with Key West Yacht Club, Garrison Bight Marina
7. Roosevelt Station
8. Best Western with Airport
9. East Martello Fort/Robert the Doll with Smather's Beach
10. Casa Marina with Key West Garden Club, African American Memorial, AIDS Memorial, Higg's Beach
11. Southernmost Point, Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Southernmost House, please look below for details
12. Truval Village with Salty Dog, Ernest Hemingway Home, Lighthouse Museum, art galleries
13. Angela St. Depot with Key West Cemetery, Kermit's Key Lime Pie Shop, Mel Fisher Treasure, Wyland Gallery
Please download a copy of the route map here. You will receive another on the bus. This excursion may not be booked more than 6 months prior to the excursion date. Restaurants and bars are subject to location change or closure. Updates will be made when notification is received from the local operator.
A voucher will be sent in a separate email than your e-ticket. Please read the voucher for any special information or requirements. This voucher must be printed and present it to the local operator. Without the voucher in hand, you will not be allowed to do the excursion.
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