Miami to Key West Day Trip & Glass Bottom Boat Cruise Combo

2,763 Reviews4.60 out of 5 stars Based on 2,763 traveler reviews collected by Cool Key West and TripAdvisor |
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Miami

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6 Hours in Key West
Hotel pickup offered
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Overview

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!

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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
  • Gratuities
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
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Meeting point

Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL, USA

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End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Begin your full-day trip to Key West with convenient pickup from your Miami hotel aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned coach equipped with a restroom. You'll have 6 hours to explore this charming island at your own pace, and this package includes a trip to a living coral reef on a glass-bottom boat.

Miami to Key West

Relax and enjoy your journey to the Florida Keys aboard our well-maintained luxury coach. Our knowledgeable tour guide will share fascinating stories about Key West's rich history and vibrant culture as you travel back in time across the iconic Overseas Highway.

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6 hours in Key West • Hotel shuttle included

US Highway 1 (pass by)

Marvel at the stunning views along the scenic Overseas Highway. This iconic route, often called "the coolest road in the USA,” connects 31 islands with 43 bridges, making it a dream for photographs. Don't forget your camera!

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Breakfast stop

Stop for breakfast and stretch your legs en route to Key West.

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20 minutes • Food & drinks not included

Seven Mile Bridge (pass by)

This engineering marvel has been featured in numerous films and TV series, including Road House, Licence to Kill, True Lies, 2 Fast 2 Furious, and Burn Notice. It also appears in the video game Grand Theft Auto VI.

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US 1 Mile Marker 0

Welcome to the southernmost point in the continental United States! Fun fact: Key West is closer to Cuba than it is to Miami.

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Key West

You’ll arrive in Key West at approx. 11:55 AM. We provide a detailed map of the city to help you navigate and make the most of your time.

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918 Caroline St, Key West

Have fun exploring!

Key West is extremely walkable, and you’ll have no problem finding amazing photo opportunities with attractions like The Southernmost Point in the USA, Ernest Hemingway’s Home & Museum, Fort Zachary Historic State Park, and The Key West Lighthouse, to name a few.

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6 hours (approx.) • Attraction Tickets Not Included

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

The check-in location for your boat tour is approximately five blocks from the coach drop-off. From the comfort of an air-conditioned cabin of a luxury vessel, you’ll see tropical fish, colorful coral, jellyfish, sea turtles, and more. This is a viewing only trip, you will not be getting into the water.

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0 Duval St • 90 minutes (approx) • Admission Ticket Included

Board the boat

You’ll be on a 65-foot catamaran, which is air-conditioned and enclosed. It has a shaded viewing cabin, snack bar, sundeck, and 2 restrooms.

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Mallory Square (pass by)

Pass by the world-famous Mallory Square and view the crowds from the ocean.

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View Living Coral Reef

See North America’s Only Living Coral Reef, “Western Dry Rocks” in comfort, home to colorful tropical fish, rays, sea turtles, numerous species of coral, and more! 25-30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Key West to Miami

At approximately 6:00 PM you will depart Key West with unforgettable memories of your day in paradise. You will be dropped off back at your original pick-up point.

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4 hours (approx.) • Hotel shuttle included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Transportation has a toilet
  • Suitable for travelers of all fitness levels
  • What to bring: camera, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, travel pillow, and a smile!

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given to travelers by the Cool Key West customer support team.

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.

Can I bring luggage on the bus?

Yes, you may bring one piece of luggage and one carry on bag, per person.

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 convenience store and a grocery store in the same vicinity.

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.

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 much free time do we have in Key West?

You’ll have approximately 6 hours to explore Key West at your leisure.

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.

What happens if only my activity in Key West is cancelled?

On occasion, activities in Key West will be canceled because of bad weather. In those cases, you will be refunded for the canceled part of your trip. Those refunds are as follows:

  • If the Glass Bottom Boat Cruise is canceled due to weather, you will be issued a $60 refund.
  • If the Snorkeling Trip is canceled due to weather, you will be issued a $60 refund.
  • If Parasailing is canceled due to weather, you will be issued a $70 refund.
  • If Trolley is canceled due to weather, you will be issued a $55 refund.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 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.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the activity for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help.
Live Chat, Text, Call, or Email our friendly customer support with your questions.

Activity code: C-266291

Reviews

4.60
2,763 reviews

Average 4.60 out of 5 stars based on 2,763 traveler reviews collected by Cool Key West and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1,906
4 stars
619
3 stars
238
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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