Because so much damage from Hurricane Irma remained along the Overseas Highway to Key West, we opted to take the Key West Express rather than deal with the lack of available services and miles of destruction remaining on the inter-connecting keys.

When adding in the time required to arrive early for boarding plus the return trip to our home an hour and a half away, we wondered if the round trip fare for three persons was worth the expense.

We certainly can't understand why anybody would make a trip down and back in the same day when it leaves so little time available to enjoy Key West. The trip each way plus travel time to the boat and back home, leaves very little time available for anything other than travel.

Our morning trip to Key West was very smooth although the air temp was too cool for comfortable topside seating once we were outside the Fort Myers Beach harbor and got up to cruising speed.

Unfortunately, all the inside seating area was occupied and we had to settle for what was left on the stern where we were subjected to back-flowing diesel exhaust fumes.

The return trip four days later was extremely rough but we planned ahead and arrived at the terminal two hours prior to our departure so we could be assured of getting more comfortable inside seating on the lower deck, near the stern bar area for a more stable and comfortable ride.

The first two hours of the return trip were exceptionally rough with seas cascading down the side of the boat and across our port side window and the crew was kept busy dealing with seasick passengers.

The third hour became more tolerable and the final hour hour was relatively calm.

Late into the second hour we were treated to a beautiful sunset, albeit, much of it was often blurred by the constant flow of water across our window.

The crew provided very good service in each direction, although, understandably, there was little traffic at the bar or food service areas on the return trip.

Maybe if we go to Key West again, we'll drive.

So impressed with the crew and accommodations of the Key West Express. During a trip to Sarasota I drove down to Fort Myers Beach to hop the Express to Key West for a couple days. Board early to get your seat selection of choice whether that be a group table, reclining chair in the movie viewing area or deck top to enjoy the sun and expansive views. If the weather is going to be windy, pick up your motion pills at the concession and enjoy the ride! While on board you can reserve your Conch Train tickets, a mini car to cruise the island, or pick up info to adventure out on your own. The Waterfront Brewery is right there by the dock for tasty microbrews or walk a couple blocks to Pepe’s Cafe, the oldest restaurant in Key West, and indulge in their baked oysters for lunch (highly recommend!) to fuel up for your time in the Keys. For the trip back to Fort Myers, consider boarding early to get a seat on the port side of the boat to get the best view of the sunset. Enjoy!