Finding a safe destination isn’t always easy when planning a big vacation. Unfortunately, high crime and political unrest can make some spots dangerous for tourists. If you’re an American tourist, you may be targeted for crime in some foreign countries. The U.S. State Department posts travel advisories to help American tourists assess threat levels around the world. You may be surprised to learn that several spots known for their beach resorts actually have travel warnings attached.
Don’t fear! You don’t have to give up your dreams of enjoying a tropical vacation just because you like to play it safe. You can actually experience the fun of visiting a place that feels millions of miles away without even using a passport. We’re talking about Key West. As the southernmost spot in the contiguous United States, Key West feels much more like a Caribbean destination than a little island in the Sunshine State.
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Is Key West safe? Yes, Key West and the rest of the Florida Keys are considered very safe. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can skip all of the standard safety practices that go along with planning any vacation. From hurricane season to petty crimes, Key West comes with its reasons to exercise caution. In this post, we’re covering all of the safety tips to know when exploring Key West.
1) Only Work With Reputable Tour Operators
Most people book special excursions when visiting Key West because this is the best way to get away from populated areas to explore the ocean or serene beaches. However, not every tour operator is capable of delivering the same quality. Here are the signs that a Key West tour operator is trustworthy:
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They have plenty of five-star reviews online. People who have already completed an excursion know what they’re talking about
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They’ve been around for a while. Consider it a red flag when a Key West tour company looks like it popped up out of nowhere overnight
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They are actually locally owned and operated. You want to book an experience with people who know the area!
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They accept all major credit cards and payment apps. Unusual payment demands can point to scams
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They have a team of experienced tour guides
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They use top-notch, newer vessels for water excursions
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They are communicative
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They provide safety equipment for your excursion
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They have reasonable refund or rebooking policies if weather situations or other unforeseeable circumstances force them to cancel your booking. Your tour operator should have a clear policy regarding cancellations and refunds
Key West Paddle checks every box on this list! We offer Key West’s one-of-a-kind night kayaking adventure in LED-illuminated glass-bottom kayaks. Led by expert local guides, our after-dark kayaking adventures bring you to the best spots to see the marine life of the Florida Keys come alive at night.
With more than 1,500 verified reviews online, Key West Paddle is one of Key West’s most trusted tour providers. Book your amazing adventure with us today!
2) Protect Yourself Against Petty Crimes
How safe is Key West? Key West’s crime rate is considered average for American cities. Like tourists in any area, Florida Keys tourists are most susceptible to petty crime and theft. When in crowded places, make sure that your wallet and cell phone are secured against your body. Placing them in a back pocket, backpack pocket, or purse pocket can make it easy for thieves to steal from you in crowded areas.
While all parts of Key West are generally considered safe, it’s still important to stay aware of your surroundings in spots with fewer tourists. Avoid handing a stranger your phone to take a picture. If a stranger approaches you, consider the fact that they are trying to distract you in order to pick your pocket.
3) Is Key West Safe At Night? How To Be Safe At The Bars And Clubs In Key West
If you’re coming to Key West for the nightlife scene, you are going to love hanging out on Duval Street at night. Is Key West safe at night? Yes, Key West is perfectly safe for adults who want to socialize at night.
Enjoy everything from a seafood dinner with Key Lime Pie to live music and drinks. Of course, all of the same safety rules that you follow when enjoying nightlife back at home still apply. Here are some tips for safe nightlife fun when you visit Key West:
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Stick to the clubs and bars around Duval Street and Old Town. Stay in well lit areas with lots of people to avoid being targeted
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Keep an eye on your drink! While enjoying locally sourced rum and fruity libations is a time-honored tradition in Key West, you want to make sure nobody can access your unattended drink
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If you have any safety concerns based on suspicious activity, let the bar owner know. You can also contact the Key West Police Department directly.
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Avoid heading to remote beaches or attempting to swim in the ocean after a night of drinking at Key West bars. Dark beaches and impaired judgement can cause a dangerous combination
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Be aware that being invited back to a stranger’s home is always risky
4) Practice Water Safety
Children and adults alike should follow all standard safety practices when enjoying beaches in Key West. Look for signs to see if swimming is permitted at various beaches. It’s important to know that none of Key West’s public beaches have lifeguards.
You may be looking forward to coming to Key West because you’ve heard about the epic snorkeling at Higgs Beach and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. While Key West is a snorkeling capital, snorkeling is only recommended for people who feel comfortable swimming in the ocean.
Here are some things to know about snorkeling safety in Key West:
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Be aware of the undertow that can sweep you further out from shore than you planned
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Avoid fire coral in the water. Fire coral creates a painful rash when it comes into contact with skin. It’s advised that you wear a wetsuit or rash vest when snorkeling in the Florida Keys for this reason
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Avoid snorkeling in windy conditions
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Avoid snorkeling when waves are high
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It’s advised that snorkelers use flags when snorkeling to increase visibility for boaters
Pro tip: The waters off of Key West can be unfamiliar for tourists. Consider a guided snorkeling excursion if your snorkeling skills are a little rusty!
5) Is Key West Safe During Hurricane Season?
Is Key West safe to visit all year long? Thousands of people visit Key West during hurricane season to take advantage of warm weather and clear skies. While the storm risk is a reality, it’s perfectly reasonable to expect beautiful, uneventful conditions when coming during hurricane season. You just need to use common sense.
The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 through Nov. 30. City officials and local hotels collaborate to offer clear evacuation routes in the event that a powerful storm barrels toward the island. If Key West needs to be evacuated, the mainland can be reached by taking the the Overseas Highway to U.S. Route 1 through the Upper Keys.
Pro tip: Opt in for mobile alerts for Key West via the CivicReady mass notification system and Key West Alerts app before you arrive. These resources provide updates and instructions from local authorities in Key West. You can use the address of your rental home or hotel to ensure that you get alerts that pertain to your specific location on the island.
6) Use Bike Lights
Many Key West tourists enjoy scenery and warm air by using bikes to get around. If you’re planning to ride your bike around Key West, just make sure any bike you bring or rent has bike lights. This will help to increase visibility as you zip down Key West’s roads.
7) Obey Crosswalks
Key West is generally a very pedestrian-friendly place. However, some tourists still struggle with obeying traffic rules. This is especially common in exciting areas like the Historic Seaport or Duval Street because there’s so much to see as you walk down the road!
Always keep an eye on traffic flow and wait for the signal to cross when walking around Key West.
Final Thoughts – Is Key West Safe to Visit?
Yes, Key West is overwhelmingly safe. The same common sense that you use in your own town or city should be enough to keep you safe in Key West. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key West is a tropical home away from home for American residents.
Key West Paddle prioritizes the safety of our guests at every step. Each night kayaking tour is carefully overseen by local expert guides. We also keep a close eye on weather conditions to ensure that we’re only taking you out on the water when conditions are 100% safe.
Let our reputation give you the peace of mind you want when booking Key West night kayaking. The only danger here is that slots fill up quickly! Don’t miss out!
Book a dreamy illuminated kayaking tour in Key West with highly rated Key West Paddle now!
