Pirates and Treasure: Self Guided Tour of Key West's Old Town
Active
1h - 1h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Embark on a self-guided audio adventure through Key West's storied Old Town, where the sun-soaked streets echo with the daring tales of pirates, treasure hunters, and fearless 'wreckers'.
Led by the eccentric Captain William Shade, the ghost of an 1800s pirate, you'll navigate from Mallory Square to the Key West Shipwreck Museum. Duck into El Meson de Pepe's for rum-fueled revelry (drinks are not included in the price of the tour), explore Capt Tony's Saloon's ghostly history, visit the Oldest House Museum, and dive into Mel Fisher's Maritime Museum for tales of daring underwater heists. Encounter the wild past at Audubon House, and stand before the Custom House where customs agents once tamed the Key West tides. This is no ordinary stroll; it's a spirited awakening of history, where every step reveals the legends that shaped this island city.
Best times for the tour are either early mornings or just before sunset, where the temperature can be a bit more pleasant.
Available options
Pirates and Treasure: Self Guided Tour of Key West's Old Town
What's included
Lifetime access to this tour in English
VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Detailed itinerary
1
Pass by El Meson de Pepe's Restaurant and Bar, where the rum flows freely, and the salsa never stops. While not a required stop, it offers a riotous throwback to the days of pirate code and treasure hunts.
2
Move through the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden, learning about Captain David Porter's transformation of the fishing village into a thriving naval station. While not a designated stop, this area provides historical context for Key West's evolution.
3
Stumble into Capt Tony's Saloon, where spirits aren't only in the bottles, and grim tales of the departed linger. While not dwelling inside, this infamous saloon holds a dark history, including a hanging tree and ghostly tales.
4
Pass by the Oldest House, now a museum, and delve into the history of wreckers who turned "finders keepers" into a treasure hunt for rum or a ship full of gold.
5
Admire Captain George Carey's House, transformed into a local hub in the 1900s, hosting prominent figures like Gloria Swanson, Tennessee Williams, and the Hemingways. While not entering, it adds cultural richness to your journey.
6
Explore Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, a gateway to Key West's untamed past. While not entering, this site reflects the wild history of the city.
7
Stop 7
Pass by
Pass by Mel Fisher's Maritime Museum, a treasure trove for armchair buccaneers, hearing about daring underwater heists that prove the adage, "fortune favors the bold."
8
Pass the old Custom House, where customs agents once attempted to tame the wild tides of Key West. While not entering, it adds historical depth to your stroll.
9
Stop 9
Pass by
End your tour in front of the Key West Shipwreck Museum, where you'll have met legendary characters who left their mark on this island city. While not entering, this final stop allows you to reflect on the awakening of Key West's vibrant history.
What's not included
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink
Tickets to optional attractions en route
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
ES
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
The tour begins on the southern end of Mallory Square (420 Wall St, Key West).
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About Key West
Key West is a vibrant island city known for its tropical climate, rich history, and laid-back atmosphere. As the southernmost city in the continental U.S., it offers a unique blend of Caribbean and American cultures, stunning beaches, and a thriving arts scene.
Top Attractions
Duval Street
The heart of Key West's nightlife and shopping, Duval Street stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, offering a mix of bars, restaurants, shops, and galleries.
Entertainment
Half day to full day
Free to explore, costs vary for attractions and dining
Dry Tortugas National Park
A remote and pristine national park accessible only by boat or seaplane, featuring Fort Jefferson and stunning coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.
Nature
Full day trip
Ferry: $185-$220, Seaplane: $300-$350, Park entry: $15 per person
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
A lush tropical garden filled with free-flying butterflies, birds, and other wildlife, offering a serene and educational experience.
Nature
1-2 hours
$22 for adults, $12 for children (6-17)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Key Lime Pie
A tangy and sweet pie made with key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk, topped with whipped cream or meringue.
Dessert
Contains dairy and eggs, can be made gluten-free
Conch Fritters
Deep-fried fritters made with conch meat, vegetables, and spices, served with a dipping sauce.
Appetizer
Contains seafood, can be made gluten-free
Grouper Sandwich
A sandwich featuring fresh local grouper, often blackened or fried, served on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and tangy sauce.
Lunch
Contains seafood, can be made gluten-free
Popular Activities
Snorkeling
Diving
Kayaking
Paddleboarding
Fishing
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Sunset cruises
Best Time to Visit
November to April
This is the most popular time to visit Key West, with pleasant weather and lower humidity. It's ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.
21-28°C
70-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
U.S. Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (ET) (UTC-5:00, UTC-4:00 during daylight saving time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Key West is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, can occur in tourist areas. Exercise caution and common sense to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable establishments
- • Be cautious when using public transportation or taxis, and always use licensed services
Getting there
By air
- Key West International Airport • 4 miles from downtown
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and convenient, with multiple routes serving popular destinations.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town
New Town
Day trips
Dry Tortugas National Park
70 miles by ferry or 30 minutes by seaplane • Full day
A remote and pristine national park featuring Fort Jefferson and stunning coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.
Big Pine Key
30 miles north of Key West • Half day to full day
A scenic island known for its pine rocklands, wildlife, and the famous Key deer.
Looe Key Reef
5 miles west of Big Pine Key • Half day to full day
A popular snorkeling and diving spot featuring a vibrant coral reef and diverse marine life.
Festivals
Fantasy Fest • Late October
Key West Food and Wine Festival • Early November
Key West Highlight Film Festival • Early November
Pro tips
- Visit Mallory Square for the famous sunset celebrations, which feature street performers, local vendors, and stunning views of the sunset.
- Explore the island by bike or scooter, as it's a great way to get around and see the sights.
- Try key lime pie, a local specialty made with fresh key limes and sweetened condensed milk.
- Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, a lush tropical garden filled with free-flying butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.
- Take a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote and pristine island featuring Fort Jefferson and stunning coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
