I had been to most of the tourist attractions in Key West but had never circumnavigated the island. What I liked about my recent waverunner tour around Stock Island and Key West was drinking in familiar and unfamiliar sights from the water. With my sister and her fiancé in town, playing tourist was the thing to do, and they enticed me out for the two-hour tour with Barefoot Billy’s.
Aboard a two-person Yamaha Waverunner, our trio switched several times among our two waverunners, alternating who drove solo. Reaching high speeds on straightaways but slowing on bumpy oceanside waves, we stopped five times to enjoy sand bars, historic sights such as the Southernmost Point, admire the lifestyle of the rich and famous in a certain neighborhood called Key Haven, reportedly with homes owned by Hulk Hogan and internet mavens, as well as Sunset Key reachable only be boat off the coast of Key West’s Mallory Square. In an open bay, we also played with waverunners for about 10 minutes, running them full out, doing figure eights, or jumping wakes.
Our guide was knowledgeable enough about what we were seeing. One was a Conch, but we got another. Not a Keys native, he had a good banter and was likeable nevertheless.
According to Barefoot Billy’s website, “the tour itself consists of 28 miles, completely circumnavigating the island, a task impossible by any big boat.”
The tours depart a few times a day and are popular, so early reservations are suggested. Tour times are 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and cost is $130 if riding solo, or $150 for two. A $10 discount looks like it’s available online at www.barefootbillys.com. Or, call 305-735 2241 for reservations from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Comments