Fly by seaplane over turquoise shallows to a 19th-century island fortress 70 miles from Key West, then snorkel a pristine moat reef with no roads, no crowds, and no equal. The most dramatic, remote experience in all of Florida.
What to expect
Bank low over the shallow emerald-and-sapphire waters of the Florida Keys in a twin-engine seaplane, spotting sharks and rays from altitude before splashing down at Fort Jefferson. Explore the six-sided Civil War fortress — home to 16 million bricks and a captivating prisoner-of-war history — almost entirely alone in the early hours. Then slip into the crystal-clear moat waters, alive with vibrant coral and tropical fish. The remoteness and the colour of the water here are simply extraordinary.
Good to know
Flights depart from Key West Airport or the seaplane base. Best paired with an overnight in Key West; confirm logistics if arriving by cruise at Key West. Book directly through Key West Seaplane Adventures as far ahead as possible — flights are small (4–10 passengers) and sell out months in advance. Full-day option strongly recommended for the complete experience.