Experience a scenic drive on the Overseas Highway then explore Key West’s coral reefs aboard a modern glass-bottom boat on this great Miami to Key West tour.
Highlights
Enjoy free pickup and drop off at most Miami Beach & Downtown Miami hotels
Experience the scenic Overseas Highway aboard a luxury touring coach
Cross the famous Seven Mile Bridge while listening to a narrated tour of the Keys
Explore the living coral reef for nearly an hour aboard a unique glass-bottom boat
Return to shore with some extra time to enjoy historic Old Town Key West
Description
Cool Key West is happy to offer Key West glass-bottom boat tours, one of the island’s most popular attractions, as part of an exciting Miami to Key West Day Trip combination package. In one fun, busy day you can sightsee the full length of the Florida Keys on the incredible Overseas Highway, explore the living coral reefs in the Gulf of Mexico waters just offshore from Key West, and spend some time visiting historic Old Town Key West.
This great day trip is an easy way to spice up your Miami vacation with a Key West tour and some play time in the Caribbean paradise of the Lower Keys. Get complementary transfer service to the tour departure point from most hotels in Downtown Miami and Miami Beach. Then, after a 7:45am departure from downtown Miami, you will travel down the Keys in the comfort of a luxurious modern touring coach. It’s the convenient, economical way to visit Key West, and you can enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride along with a bit of playtime in Key West without having to worry about the long drive back to Miami at the end of the day.
This 1-day Key West tour begins on U.S. Highway 1 running south out of Miami through the Southern Everglades. About an hour later, the highway leaves the Florida mainland and crosses the narrow land bridge that stretches between the shallow inshore waters of Barnes and Blackwater Sounds. This is the northern end of the Overseas Highway, and minutes later the coach rolls onto the resort island of Key Largo then turns southwest to start along the Florida Keys island chain on one of America’s most iconic scenic drives.
The Overseas Highway is an incredible example of innovative road construction. Much of the roadway follows the former roadbed of the Overseas Railroad, a railway connection to Key West built between 1905 and 1912 by Standard Oil baron and railroad magnate Henry Flagler.
Flagler wanted to extend his Florida East Coast Railway to offer trade and tourist access to the island of Key West 128 miles from the tip of the Florida Peninsula. Often referred to as Flagler’s Folly because the Overseas Railroad pushed the limits of early 20th century construction engineering capabilities, the route threaded along narrow islands and crossed numerous bridges over open sea.
The daring project had a short operating lifespan, closing permanently in 1935 when a Category 5 hurricane destroyed the central portion of the rail line. However, Flagler’s brave vision left a legacy in the form of one of the world’s most spectacularly scenic highways. As it crosses 43 bridges and 31 islands, the Overseas Highway offers many expansive views over open ocean. Emerald water, white sand, beautiful resorts, busy marinas, and lively small towns make the ride to Key West one of the most interesting trips you will ever take.
A world-class Overseas Highway attraction comes into view about 90 minutes into the drive, when the touring coach reaches the western end of Marathon Key. The legendary Seven Mile Bridge rises gracefully above the water and carries the roadway across 6.79 miles of open sea to touch down on tiny, uninhabited Little Duck Key.
Although the bridge rises to 65 feet high in an arch placed near Pigeon Key for the purpose of accommodating ship traffic, the road is only about 20 feet above the water for most of its span. This gives passengers in crossing vehicles a wonderful feeling of low-skimming flight above the clear water. The Seven Mile Bridge has been highlighted in several action movies including the two of the Fast and Furious films, and it is certainly an unforgettable part of every journey to Key West.
When the coach leaves this astounding bridge, you enter the Lower Keys. Here, the Caribbean island atmosphere dominates as Backcountry bays and channels alternate with undeveloped tropical bushlands, small Old Keys communities, modern luxury resorts and marinas, and the occasional waterfront trophy home. Time flashes by like the scenery, and the coach reaches Key West and pulls into Old Town at about 12:00 noon. There is just time to grab a snack and look around a bit then proceed to the harbor where your glass-bottom boat awaits.
Departing at 2:00pm, the boat runs about 30 minutes out into the pristine waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Enjoy the sun on the open upper deck, grab some refreshments from the snack bar and sit in the air-conditioned cabin, use the clean, spacious restrooms, take some pictures, and enjoy the boat ride. Soon the vessel reaches the shallow Backcountry flats where patch coral reefs and a rich variety of marine life can be found.
The glass-bottom boat’s high-tech viewing windows are designed so that every passenger gets a great underwater view of one of the world’s most biologically diverse eco-systems. It's an amazing educational experience, and guests of all ages are thrilled by the multitudes of fish representing more than 400 species. Strange-looking sponges, colorful corals, and large creatures such as sea turtles, rays, and sportfish are often sighted. An expert guide is on hand to provide narration, explanation, and answers to any questions.
Besides being great fun, a Key West glass-bottom boat tour is also the environmentally-friendly way to experience the wonders of the fragile coral gardens. A top Key West attraction since the first glass-bottom boat on the island was launched in late 19th-century, a glass-bottom boat cruise is the perfect pairing for an Overseas Highway tour and some afternoon fun in exciting Key West.
Secure online booking and excellent customer service by phone or email makes it easy to arrange a Miami to Key West Day Trip & Glass Bottom Boat Cruise Combo. Reserve your seats now and join Cool Key West on this great Key West day trip!
Schedule
Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including address, Google map, and parking information - will be included in your final confirmation email.
Duration: 6 Hours in Key West
Check-in time: Must be there by 7:15 am to check-in, boarding time will be at 7:40 am.
What's Included
Round trip transportation from Miami
6 hours in Key West A narrated tour of the Florida Keys
State-of-the-Art Catamaran Glass Bottom Boat
Air Conditioned Enclosed Viewing Area, Seated Sundeck
Expert Tour Guides
Gratuities (Optional)
What To Bring
Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.
A Smile!
Hotel Pickup
Hotel pick-up is offered for this tour. Note: if you are booking within 24 hours of the tour/activity departure time, we cannot guarantee hotel pick-up. Once your purchase is complete, we will send you complete contact information (phone number, email address, etc.) for our local operator to organize pick-up arrangements.
Additional Info
Likely To Sell Out
Spaces are extremely limited this time of year so book early to ensure the date you want.
Voucher Confirmation Info
This tour accepts both printed and electronic vouchers (e-vouchers). You can either print the voucher and present a paper copy on the day of travel. Or, if you travel with a mobile device, simply show your Photo ID and present your voucher on your Smartphone or tablet on the day of travel.
Local Operator Information
Complete operator information, including local telephone number, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given to customers' questions.
Will you take me back to my hotel after the tour?
Yes, after the tour, we will return you back to the hotel that we picked you up from. Cool Key West offers complimentary drop-off service to all hotels in Miami Beach and Downtown Miami.
Will you pick me up from my hotel?
Yes. Free pick-up is available from all hotels in South Beach, Miami Beach, and Downtown Miami.
Will I get seasick on Miami to Key West Day Trip & Glass Bottom Boat Cruise Combo?
If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Miami to Key West Day Trip & Glass Bottom Boat Cruise Combo will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Key West. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Where can I park my car?
If required, parking instructions for the Miami to Key West Day Trip & Glass Bottom Boat Cruise Combo will be included in your confirmation email.
What is the weather cancellation policy?
If the Miami to Key West Day Trip & Glass Bottom Boat Cruise Combo must be canceled due to bad weather, and you cannot go on another day or time, you will be issued a refund by Cool Key West.
What is there to see in Key West?
You’ll have approximately 6 hours to explore Key West. Famous for its history, this tropical island is home to famous landmarks such as the Southernmost Point in the United States, Mel Fisher’s Treasure Hunting Museum, Ernest Hemingway’s House with the 6-toed cats, Fort Zachary Taylor, and a spooky above ground cemetery just to name a few. There’s also fun water activities, like snorkeling, a glass bottom boat ride, jet ski tours, and parasailing.
What happens if only my activity in Key West is cancelled?
On occasion, the activities in Key West will be canceled for bad weather. In those cases, you will be given a refund for the canceled part of your trip. Those refunds are as follows:
If Glass Bottom Boat Cruise is canceled due to weather you will be issued a $29 refund.
If Snorkeling Trip is canceled due to weather you will be issued a $29 refund.
If Parasailing is canceled due to weather you will be issued a $39 refund.
If Trolley is canceled due to weather you will be issued a $25 refund.
What are some good items to bring on the drive to Key West?
Here are some good things to bring to keep you comfortable on the trip: a smartphone, tablet computer, MP3 player, books, magazines, camera, snacks, sleeping shades, and a travel pillow.
How much free time do we have in Key West?
You’ll have approximately 6 hours to explore Key West at your leisure.
How long does it take to drive to Key West?
The road trip takes about 4 hours. Driving the Overseas Highway is a one-of-a-kind experience. You will see some of the most spectacular scenery in the State. You will literally be driving right over the ocean and across a thin chain of islands and bridges, including the famous 7-Mile Bridge. These bridges connect 34 islands that make up the Florida Keys.
How do people dress in Key West?
Key West is super casual. A sundress for ladies and khaki shorts for the gets is as dressed up as anyone usually gets.
Do we stop on the way to Key West?
It depends. If passengers wish to take a break, we will stop at the McDonalds in Tavernier at approximately 9:00 AM. There is also a convince store and a grocery store in the same vicinity.
Can I bring luggage on the bus?
Yes, you may bring one piece of luggage and one carry on bag, per person.
Are there beaches in Key West?
There are several beaches in Key West, with the most popular being located at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Key West is a great watersports destination, so bring a bathing suit and sunscreen, if you plan to get wet.
Reviews
4.71
1642 reviews
Average 4.71 out of 5 stars based on 1642 verified reviews from Cool Key West and TripAdvisor
5 stars
1186
4 stars
439
3 stars
17
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Petribe_R, May 2023 Verified
This was our first time going to Key West & it was a great time. We choose the package with snorkeling activity. The reef was very pretty and the amount of time out in the reef was great to explore the reef, get a tan and spend quality time with the girls. The margaritas that was provided on the boat were so good and they staff there made sure that no one had their cups empty the entire time. Very pleased with the entire trip. Would definitely recommend. It was a holiday weekend and there was a game playing that night so time management was at the forefront of everything.
Xiuwen_L, May 2023 Verified
It was our first time parasailing, great experience. I had Scotty and Maddie. Wonderful people! Would definitely go back
Ross_C, May 2023 Verified
It’s a long day but couldn’t recommend it highly enough - Tour guide was excellent and very informative, stopped for breakfast on the way and then got 6 hours in Key West before journey home. Great city!
Isela M, May 2023 Verified
Tour guides were very nice and informative I was picked up on time. Loved it. Definitely recommend for solo trip or family
yangxihua, May 2023 Verified
Totally enjoyed this tour. Lewis is a very good guide, every thing was well organised and very clear.
A550BUconnors, May 2023 Verified
Pick up was prompt, within ten minutes of the allocated time and right outside our hotel. The guide was very informative, telling us about the history of the Keys. The bus was comfy and had power outlets too, and there’s a stop for breakfast along the way in case you wish to buy some. We just had transport to Key West and had six whole hours to spend on arrival, which was more than enough time. Very central drop off location in Key West and easy to find to come back. We were dropped off at our South Beach hotel between 9-10 pm so it really is a full day out.
Rongen_Z, May 2023 Verified
Good communication. The guide David thoughtfully put us on another bus coming back since the lower level was too hot. Would recommend to others
Angela_F, May 2023 Verified
My most memorable was the trolley ride through the city and stop in to see all the different stores, ice cream parlor. Nice restaurants in the city and all the history behind Key West and some of it was tied in with my hometown Macon, Georgia.
Marina_T, May 2023 Verified
We loved our guide very informative and made sure everyone got to where they needed to be , the snorkelling was beautiful ! And Key West has such a vibe !!
priship2023, May 2023 Verified
The entire day trip to Key West was filled with amazing people and staff. Everything was on time and the staff on the bus (Lili) was incredibly sweet and helpful. Her instructions were super clear plus the staff on the boat when we went snorkeling was just super helpful and professional beyond my expectations. I personally panicked when I went inside the water and the life guard (not sure about the name) saw me struggle and he promptly reached towards me and offered to help. Even though I was very nervous, he went out of his way to calm me down and offered to help. Highly recommend booking this trip because for the price it is so much worth it. Hope this helps.
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Product code: C-266291
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