Key West

Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West

Key West, USA
Key West Shark and Wildlife Catamaran Tour
  • 2 hours
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Get up close with sharks and other marine wildlife on this boat tour from Key West. Travel on board an eco-friendly, 34-foot catamaran just a few miles off the coast of Key West. See dolphins, stingrays, turtles and birds and learn about Key West’s waters, and then watch as the pilot drops bait to draw a variety of sharks right to the edge of the boat. Bring a camera to capture the excitement as these super predators swarm. Cold drinks, snacks and polarized sunglasses are included on this Key West shark cruise.
  • Shark and wildlife boat tour from Key West
  • View lemon, nurse and other shark species from the safety of your catamaran
  • Spy dolphins, stingrays and sea turtles on your way to the shark viewing location
  • Travel in a catamaran built to minimize environmental impact
  • Learn about the marine life and mangrove islands on your tour from your pilot
  • Refreshing non-alcoholic drinks and chips provided

What's Included

  • Professional guide
  • Use of polarized sunglasses
  • Soda and juice
  • Bottled water
  • Restroom on board
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Opal Key Resort & Marina
    245 Front St, Key West, FL 33040, USA

    Directions: Dock is located on Pier B behind the resort.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Check in at the dock, located on Pier B behind the Westin Resort in Key West, and then climb on board the Tiger Cat. This 34-foot (10-meter), custom-built, eco-friendly catamaran is captained by local wildlife experts with more than 30 years of experience on the Florida Keys’ backcountry waters. The boat utilizes a power-pole system rather than an anchor(s) to keep it in place while viewing sharks, thus preventing any possible damage to the seagrass and coral bottom below.

Travel through the shallow waters close to natural mangrove islands and look for a variety of wildlife — like dolphins, turtles, stingrays and birds, to name a few. Then proceed about four miles (six km) offshore to prime shark territory. A scented bait is dropped into the water to attract these super predators right to the edge of the boat, sharks of all kinds: lemon, nurse, bull, blacktip and hammerhead sharks. Make sure to have a camera ready to capture the scene.

Cold beverages, snacks and polarized sunglasses are included on this Key West shark tour.

Key West Extreme Adventures Shark Tours (Pass By)

Key West

1 hour 55 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately
  • No alcoholic drinks permitted
  • Guests may bring their own lunches and beverages
  • Important Note: must call to confirm departure time or your tour may not be guaranteed
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Filter by:

Q:What is the departure point for the Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West?

A:The departure location is 245 Front Street, Key West, FL 33040. The dock is located on Pier B behind The Westin Resort.

Jun 2021

Q:What time is the departure for the Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West?

A:The departure is typically 10 am, however, tour times may vary due to season, tides, and weather conditions. be sure to call the local operator at the phone number on your ticket at least 24 hours prior to your tour to confirm the departure time.

Jun 2021

Q:What kind of boat is used during the Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West?

A:Enjoy the comfort and shade aboard “Tiger Cat”, a 34-foot catamaran that uses a power-pole system in lieu of anchors to keep the boat secure. This eliminates potential damage to the sea grass and coral bottom.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring my small child with me on the Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West?

A:Yes - Children age 5 and under are free with an accompanying adult. Please specify if bringing children in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout.

Jun 2021

Q:Does the wildlife come close to the boat during the Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West?

A:Yes, your pilot will use bait to draw a host of sharks that swim right up to the boat so you and your family can observe them in safety and comfort.

Jun 2021

Q:What should I bring with me on the Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West?

A:Be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and your camera as there will be several amazing photo ops! Polarized sunglasses are provided, but feel free to bring your own if you wish!

Jun 2021

Q:What should I wear on the Whale Shark tour?

A:It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes.

Jun 2021

Q:Is there shaded seating available during the Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West?

A:Yes, there is seating available under the canopy for shade.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring my own drinks/snacks with me on the Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West?

A:Yes - cold drinks and snacks are provided, however, you are welcome to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.

Jun 2021

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Patricia_H
We were totally amazed watching the sharks--very exciting! But just as important was the intelligence of the crew--what an education we received not only about sharks but also about the ecosystem of the area. The crew was genuinely involved--so patient in answering questions and making sure that everyone had a wonderful time. They especially looked out for the children and gave them a lot of attention. What an amazing family--a father and two sons! We highly recommend this trip for everyone.

Reviews

5.0
1,879 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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0
0
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 1,879 reviews
Shark enthusiasts' paradise!
Melinda_W, Apr 2024
This was truly enjoyable for my family. There are so many sharks! Definitely going to do this again.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
It is nice to know you enjoyed our shark adventure so much!
Shark adventure
KellyL_B, Apr 2024
Family owned and run business. Very personable and knowledgeable. So much fun that we booked another shark adventure with them!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Oh wow that's great we will be hosting you again in the future. It was our pleasure to prove you the adventure!
Amazing trip, totally worth it!
Samantha_S, Apr 2024
Great experience, no dolphins around today, but we saw about 30 lemon sharks from the boat, all competing for the fish, and all 3 of our teenagers were given a turn feeding the sharks. This trip is totally worth it, run by 3 great guys who gave us tons of information about everything we saw. Thank you!!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you so much for your kind words about our family. It was our pleasure to host you for the adventure!
Incredible
GinaLogan, Apr 2024
This entire excursion from start to finish was incredibly special. The education the guys give you on sharks, giving sharks a voice and introducing them to people will go along way towards understanding. Thank you so much for the work you are doing, we are there every 6 months so we will definitely be on another tour. Maybe next time I can see a hammer 😍💓
Response from Host, Apr 2024
What a nice review to read, thank you! It is always our hope that passengers walk away from the tour with a new understanding and appreciation for our beloved sharks.
We saw Sharks.. & Dolphins!
Charles_S, Apr 2024
We saw dolphins up close too, right off our engines! YES- I would Recommend! You cannot go wrong with this experience... sharks is 99% garunteed unlike other wild animal experiences! And on top of that you will see not one or two but multiple! I believe we fed about 7+ large sized sharks. They feed them multiple times to allow all the guest to get a viewing of the action and they rotate the guest from the front with each feeding so everyone gets a good show. Kids (& adults too) are giving the opportunity to throw the fish tail in. Soda, water, and juices are included with the experience and plentiful for 2nds! The captain and his son were friendly and were very knowledgeable about additional shark facts also. About 24 guest total on my trip. Plenty of boat a seating. It was nice!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Seeing the thrill of our passengers when not only do we present wild sharks each trip but the amount is impressive. We always make it a priority that each passenger has had multiple opportunities at capturing footage of a lifetime. Thank you so much for all your kind words about our adventure!
Second visit
STEVE_L, Apr 2024
Our second trip with the guys. Very informative and a great shark experience . Dolphins and lemon sharks seen.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
We thank you so much for your continued enjoyment of our adventure!
Tons of fun
Nick_R, Apr 2024
The Captain and his son are a great team. This was tons of fun. Very cool way to see sharks up close.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
We are pleased to know you enjoyed your time on the water with us so much, thanks!
Shark feeding
Doris_H, Apr 2024
Watching the guys feed the sharks on the cruise. We had a great day. Would do it again in a heartbeat
Response from Host, Apr 2024
We love haring that you had such a good time with us and our sharks!
The Amazing Shark Tour
Joe_D, Apr 2024
Everything as promised the tour was amazing and the Captain and his two sons which was his team made sure we seen the shark and dolphins they knew their stuff it was totally worth it we have a blast.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Hearing that you had an amazing experience with our family on the water is rewarding. We hope to host you again in the future!
Shark Excitement
Patricia_H, Apr 2024
We were totally amazed watching the sharks--very exciting! But just as important was the intelligence of the crew--what an education we received not only about sharks but also about the ecosystem of the area. The crew was genuinely involved--so patient in answering questions and making sure that everyone had a wonderful time. They especially looked out for the children and gave them a lot of attention. What an amazing family--a father and two sons! We highly recommend this trip for everyone.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you so much for your compliments about our tour and interaction with passengers while enjoying it. We always hope that passengers leave the adventure with some knowledge to take with them.
Amazing experience
Jasmin_B, Apr 2024
The experience was wonderful from start to finish. This is a family run business and it was operated extremely professionally. The crew was extremely friendly to children and made them a priority. They also catered to the adults. We saw a ton of sharks and they gave the children a chance to feed the sharks as well. I traveled with my husband, but I would love come back and bring my children. They were extremely knowledgeable and made the entire experience so enjoyable. I would recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in seeing sharks and feeling safe during the entire tour. Wonderful crew!!!!!!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Our family loves hearing that you had an amazing experience on our adventure. Please in the future bring along the kids as we love seeing them thrilled by feeding the sharks. Thank you for your positive feedback!
Outstanding experience!
Dennis_B, Apr 2024
The Captain and his crew were courteous, professional, and added humor to the trip! They answered my numerous questions with patience!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Interacting with our passengers is a pleasure to share both our knowledge and experiences on the Key West waters.
Great experience!
Yolanda_M, Apr 2024
We had the best time on the 1:00 ride on April 8th, 2024. Great way to celebrate our 35th Anniversary. Such a genuinely nice family business. One thing we try to do is support family business whereever we may be! Highly recommend taking this boat ride! We'll worth it. Friendly, fun and relaxing! They recommend a great place for dinner too!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Our family really appreciates your patronage for ours and other family businesses. It is nice to know that you enjoyed our company and were able to enjoy a good recommendation for dinner.
Must have for young kids in Key West
Song_C, Apr 2024
Very friendly staff and unique experience. And the caption is extremely friendly to kids and people with special camera gear. The only I think they could have done better was to provide meeting instructions with pictures sooner (e.g. the night before departure).
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you so much for your positive feedback! We definitely look to make the most our of the experience for each passenger. I appreciate the suggestion about sharing the meeting instructions further in advance.
Must do🦈🦈
Catherine_S, Apr 2024
Crew was great and informative and was a great morning visiting with the sharks I would highly recommend a must do with families especially
Response from Host, Apr 2024
We agree! It is our hope all the visitors take the adventure with us and our beloved sharks!
Super cool 😎
Hongmei_D, Apr 2024
Nice staff and rich experience. We saw a variety of marine life in transit to the reef as a bonus. Plentiful drinks for happy hour after being on the reef.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
I have a feeling this review is intended for a snorkeling adventure. We do not venture to the reef or serve drinks for a happy hour. Either way it is nice to hear you had a good time on the water!
Must do activity!
ClaireH, Apr 2024
The shark feeding excursion was a must do activity in Key West!!! The boat captain and his brother were witty and fun, and extremely knowledgeable about the sharks, we learned so much! They took the time to ensure everyone had a clear view and were very professional, we felt safe and had a great time.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
It is my brother and I hope that all visitors have an opportunity to witness the sharks feed from our adventure. We always make it a priority that everyone has the same opportunity to witness the action so thank you for that recognition.
Great time with Lots of Sharks
Michael_O, Apr 2024
Very exciting. LOTS OF SHARKS. The crew is awesome. Made sure everyone on the trip got up close and good pictures. Ton of feeding time. They were also very informative. Great time!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
It is always a treat to see our passengers faces when we present so many sharks in a feeding. Glad to hear you captured some amazing pictures.
Fun experience! Staff were knowledgeable and fun!
GinaKane, Mar 2024
Watching my sons face who is always been enthralled with sharks, since he’s a little child light up!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
It is our pleasure to provide such a memorable experience for you and your son!
As exciting as advertised
Douglas_B, Mar 2024
Sharks were as exciting as advertised and really enjoyed talking with the captain and crew about all aspects of their business and wildlife off Key West
Response from Host, Mar 2024
It was our pleasure to show you the thrill that the sharks provide while feeding them. Thank you for sharing the adventure!
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