• Travel to Key West from Sarasota.historic key west florida image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com
  
  Sarasota, Florida, is vacation city on the Gulf coast. City attractions include the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the pristine beaches of Casey, Longboat and Siesta Keys. In addition, tourists can also take fishing charters and boating tours of the area. For a side trip on a touring boat to Key West, some car travel is necessary.
  
  

From Fort Myers

• A catamaran is available from Fort Meyers Beach to Key West. Fort Myers Beach is 1 ½ hour drive from Sarasota on Interstate 75. In Fort Myers Beach, board the 170-ft. Key West Express, a catamaran trip that follows Florida's west coast and lands in Key West, the southernmost of city in the US. The trip takes 3 ½ hours to complete, and it allows for six hours of exploration in Key West. It is possible to arrange to stay the night in Key West and return the next day. Lunch and beverages are served on the boat, and movies and other activities are available.
  
  

From Marco Island

• Boats to Key West also sail out of Marco Island. The Key West Express leaves Marco Island's boarding dock early in the morning. This choice allows for stops along way, on Tamiami Trail, and with a chance to explore other places on Florida's West Coast. The city of Naples is about a half hour's drive to the Marco Island loading dock. After arriving in Key West, it is a relatively easy, but rather long walk to the center of town, but cabs and trolley services, are available and can be pre-arranged through the touring boat.
  
  

Ferry from Fort Myers

• A jet-propelled ferry to Key West is also available in Fort Myers. The trip takes about 3.5 hours. The ferry has both heating and air-conditioning, and offers private cabins. The boats have turbo-diesel engines and vary in size from 130 to 170 feet. Amenities include large flat-screen televisions, and in-door and out-door seating. Food and beverages are served, and a full bar is available.