Key West is a bucket list destination for many world travelers. It’s uniquely positioned on a small “island” at the southern most point of the continental United States, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico, where the weather is warm year-round and where funk meets upbeat! “Come as you are” – this small town is open-minded and welcomes visitors with open arms!

Must experience:

• An unforgettable city tour by jet ski! Circle around the city and get a “dolphin’s” view while you are riding the waves. 90 minutes of fun, history and awe – if you’re lucky, you might just be accompanied by a dolphin or sea turtle sharing the ocean!
• An iconic Sunset Cruise on a historic schooner. You will pass the Navy Mole where the big ships dock and the civil war-era Fort Zachary Taylor. As you sail towards the sun sinking into the ocean, enjoy a glass of champagne and appetizers and soak in the beauty of another magical Florida day going by!
• A water plane ride to “Dry Tortugas National Park” – the famous fort protecting the Keys from pirates and other crusaders of years gone by. Because of its protected status, snorkeling here is like swimming in an aquarium and the beaches are unspoiled.
• Deep Sea Fishing, Diving or Snorkeling in the warm waters and along the many reefs surrounding the Keys. Plus dozens of sunken shipwrecks are waiting to be explored.
• A city tour on the Conch Train or Bicycle that takes you from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic side, from Hemmingway’s House to the Shipwreck Museum and from Mile Marker 0 (which is the “end of the road”) to the “Most Southern Point” of the U.S., only 90 miles from Cuba.
• Mallory Square for the sunset spectacle every evening with its entertainers and local craft market.

Must eat:

• CONCH! Grilled, fried, as ceviche or in a soup. The meat of this beautiful seashell also gives Key West its rebellious nickname: Conch Republic!
• A heavenly slice of Key Lime pie – an infused pie with fresh Key lime juice, egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk topped off with whipped cream.

Best nightlife: Duval Street.  There is a bar for every taste – hang out at Hogs Breath Saloon and party with the locals at Green Parrot Bar.

Best time to visit: Key West has sunshine and warm temperatures year-round, however, June-October tend to be humid and hot. This is your destination when it’s miserable elsewhere in the Northern Hemisphere!

Top tip: Powerboat Poker Run – the 2^nd week of November! High-speed powerboats hit five restaurants or bars along the way to draw a card and the winning boat is a combination of your draw as well as the time it took to get to Key West. The proceeds go to charity. This event is alongside the annual Powerboat Show and is a race of the fastest, sleekest boats you have ever seen! This event also draws bikers (think Harley Davidson) and a huge party crowd.  If mid-November is not in your time frame, we can also arrange your own private “Poker Run” by speedboat year-round as a true incentive activity!

Our recommended DMC: Cocoon Incentives
Steffi Kordy and her team plans and executes unique incentive and meeting programs not only in Key West but throughout the Sunshine State of Florida. Steffi is also an active committee member of the SITE Florida chapter.