Key West Shipwreck Museum in Key West, FL

1 Whitehead St.Key West, FL 33040
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$19.34 $16.00
Total Price: $17.17 (USD)
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INSTANT CONFIRMATION
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Overview

Discover actual artifacts from a 19th century shipwreck and hold a silver bar from a Spanish galleon! The Key West Shipwreck Museum combines actors, audio-visuals and artifacts to tell the stories of dangerous shipwrecks, daring recoveries and the city’s maritime heritage. Meet Asa Tift, the city's most notable salvager, climb the 65' lookout tower, and more.

1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Discover artifacts recovered from shipwrecks in the Florida Keys, including the Isaac Allerton.
  • Fun and interactive tour with costumed storytellers and audio-visual displays.
  • See the best views of the island from the top of the 65-foot Captain's Lookout Tower.
  • Hold a 64lb silver bar from the 1656 shipwreck of the Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas.
  • Plan to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  • Suitable for all ages. Children 3 and under are admitted free.
  • Wheelchair accessible on the main floor only.
  • Presentations start every 20 minutes on the hour, 20-past, and 20-to. Last show is at 4:40 PM

Description

Discover over 400 years of Key West's shipwrecking history with a visit to the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum.

Enter the world of 1856 Key West and relive the era of the wreckers, listen to tales of dangerous wrecks and daring recoveries, and learn about Key West’s unique maritime heritage and how it became the richest city in the United States.

This Shipwreck Museum combines actors, films, and actual artifacts including artifacts from the 1985 rediscovery of the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856 on the treacherous Florida Keys reef. You can even hold a silver bar salvaged from a Spanish galleon in 1654.

Join Key West's most notable salvager, Asa Tift, and his wrecking crew as he tells you the story of how this unusual industry provided for the livelihoods of the early Key West pioneers. You will be invited to climb the 65' lookout tower and if need be, alarm Mr. Tift of any wrecks on the reef!

Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum Reviews

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Nomadtrad
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
"Ghoulish history"
TripAdvisor user rating 4.0 out of 5
Reviewed May 14, 2024
A cozy dimly-lit nest that is chock-full of dusty historical nautical treasures. Fascinating aspects of how Key West got its start as a pack of shipwreck scavengers. These dueling scavenger families would greedily strip a wreck lickety-split. Take the cargo and probably knock-in a few heads. These rapacious ghouls were the precursors before the mob-connected rum runners arrived for the Havana circuit. Nice multi-level compact museum with a high density of excellent displays and thoughtful narratives.
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susanf447
Port Saint Lucie, Florida
"Fun museum"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed March 15, 2024
This museum was well done with videos, history, artifacts, etc. The walk to the top of the tower is well worth it. There was a good combination of videos, stories, history, and artifacts.
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mcfadden295
Miami, Florida
"Thumbs up."
TripAdvisor user rating 4.0 out of 5
Reviewed January 27, 2024
The bad reviews are people expecting shiny cleaned up things and chests of treasure. If you have a true and realistic interest in Florida shipwrecks and artifacts then you will enjoy this museum.
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kileyb2024
Augusta, Maine
"Great for all ages"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed January 26, 2024
This was really a great place. They do a great job at making you feel like you are in an old ship. It’s awesome to see all the artifacts they have. Capt John was very educational and fun. The look out tower has a great view of key west.
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M832OYbrendac
"Maybe not worth it."
TripAdvisor user rating 3.0 out of 5
Reviewed December 13, 2023
Very small museum, interesting but limited in scope, tower climb was the highlight but due to weather, couldn't make it to the top
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weisendizzy80
Dallas, Texas
"I give it a thumbs up!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed October 10, 2023
Visiting Key West, I decided to do some touristy stuff, so I decided to go to the shipwreck museum. It was very interesting, it will keep your interest. It’s not too long either, so it never gets boring. Also wasn’t expensive at all. I give it a thumbs up for sure. You should definitely take the time to go through this museum.
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amandaC207603
Maine
"A fun stop that’s worth the admission"
TripAdvisor user rating 4.0 out of 5
Reviewed October 07, 2023
It’s a small museum that is packed with artifacts. Captain Joe is another hidden gem on this island. He’s very entertaining and knowledgeable.
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Happiness58957127076
Lakeland, Florida
"A nice little stop"
TripAdvisor user rating 4.0 out of 5
Reviewed October 01, 2023
Fairly informative. Really enjoyed the tower. A nice man named Joe was providing corny jokes and information to everyone which was cute. Not a bad little museum if you take the time to read the exhibits there is some good information.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum

Where is the Key West Shipwreck Museum located?

This Key West museum is located at 1 Whitehead Street Key West, Florida 33040.

How long does it take to tour the Key West Shipwreck Museum?

Visitors typically spend about an hour to an hour and a half.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

The Key West Shipwreck Museum is wheelchair accessible on the main floor only

Is parking available?

Limited on-street parking is available at Mallory Square. The Opal Key Parking Garage is also close by.