From Jasmine to Jetpacks, Key West Appeals
An early morning walk today with “blog dog” Giulio reminded me why I live on this island. Neighbor Nancy’s jasmine was in full bloom and fragrance, and her giant pencil cactus is reaching the sky.
Key West's vivid blossoms add color and fragrance to island neighborhoods. (Photo by Steve Smith)
Around the corner, the mango trees have sent out their bloom spikes so in days there will be tiny mangoes. Mounds of multicolor impatiens line our yards, and the Schomburgkia orchids are putting out their bloom spikes, which will be topped with golden and off-white flower clusters.
We also know that this time of year brings beautiful snorkeling, sailing, and sunset trips. The water is a bit cooler, calmer, and crystal clear.
Key West’s Fury Water Adventures offers a trip to suit virtually any need and budget. Start the morning with a snorkel trip to the reef. They furnish all equipment — you just need sunscreen and a towel — and after you snorkel, grab some sun on the sundeck.
If you don’t want to get wet, check out their glassbottom boat. It’s air-conditioned with sundecks, a snack bar, and restrooms. If you enjoy live music, then their “Commotion on the Ocean” is up your alley. Watch the sunset while dancing to live music, sipping a margarita or beer, and munching on hors d’oeuvres.
Key West’s Sebago offers the “Island Ting” combining snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and a buffet lunch. If wave-running and “flying” sounds like an exciting day, then consider the “Power Adventure.”
Key West even offers adventures in jetpack-powered flight! (Photo by Rob O'Neal, Florida Keys News Bureau)
We love to fly here in Key West and there are several options. The Fury and Sebago both offer single and tandem (two flying at one time) parasailing. Another great option is the new Jetpack Adventures. After a brief training session, you strap on the jetpack and soar above the water. It’s like flying with the seagulls and pelicans.
For a more intimate and gay-focused water adventure, try the Blu Q’s day trip for the guys. Captain Steve and his crew will take you out to the backcountry on their catamaran for a day of dolphin watching, kayaking, snorkeling and a great lunch. A waterproof camera is a must so you can share the adventure with your friends back home. Also this trip offers clothing-optional tanning, so you might want sunscreen.
In the evening on the Blu Q, join your friends as you chase the sunset into the Gulf of Mexico. All are welcome on the sunset trip.
The women can enjoy trips with Captain Karen on Venus Charters. Originally a steel worker in Ohio, Captain Karen packed her bags and left the cold for the emerald waters of Key West. Venus Charters is the only women-only snorkel and dolphin-watching trip in the Keys. Captains Karen and her partner Debra take you out for dolphin watching, fishing, and snorkeling — and they’re also well known for commitment ceremonies on the water.
On Key West's gay trolley tour, passengers learn about the island city's LGBT sites, history and highlights.
If frolicking on the water is not your thing, hop aboard the Key West Business Guild’s Gay Trolley, running every Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. Learn intriguing facts about our colorful history and both the famous and infamous (though we feel there’s not much real infamy here on the island!).
Hosted by guild staffer Matt Hon, the tour will make you laugh, hoot and even holler (check this fun YouTube video of the tour). The trolley departs from the corner of Duval and Angela Streets, across from courtyard restaurant Mangoes.
By the way, for overall LGBT information about our southernmost paradise, visit the Business Guild’s website. You’ll find all the latest on events, lodging, dining, nightlife, attractions and much more.
