If you are already going to visit Miami and need a wonderful day tour to get you away from the city for a few hours, a day trip from Miami to Key West is perfect.

A comfortable and relaxing round trip to Key West can help you de-stress from all the activity going on in Miami. Then you can experience one of the most popular tropical destinations in the US.

Best Day Tours of Key West from Miami

	Miami: Key West Snorkeling Day Trip with Open Bar	Day Trip to Key West with Choice of Water Activities From Miami	Key West Full-Day Trip with Parasailing and Transfer
	Best Full Day Tour	Best Budget Tour	Best Adventure Tour
Departure:	700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139	700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139	Pick up and drop off included
Start:	5:30 or 6:30 AM	5:30, 6:00 or 630 AM	6:00 AM
Duration:	15 hours	15 hours	12 hours
Includes:	Roundtrip transportation to Key West, snorkeling gear and professional instruction, 2 hours to snorkel, optional parasailing and Conch train	Air-conditioned roundtrip transportation to Key West, professional tour guide, optional parasailing & boat trip to coral reef, time for independent exploration	Roundtrip transportation to Key West, parasailing ride (other options available)
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Key West Tours From Miami For 2024

1. From Miami: Key West Full-Day Trip with Snorkeling
2. Miami: Day Trip to Key West with Optional Activities
3. From Miami: Key West Full-Day Trip with Parasailing
4. From Miami: Key West Bus Tour
5. Miami Beach: Key West Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Open Bar

Key West Tour Reviews

1. Best Full Day Tour: Miami: Key West Snorkeling Day Trip with Open Bar

You will meet your driver and then board your bus bound for Key West. While on the way south, feel free to brush up on the marine life in the Key West area and what you may find when you snorkel the only living coral reef in North America.

Be sure to check the settings on your waterproof camera too!

When you arrive, you will spend some time with a snorkeling instructor. They will help you get all the gear you need as well as teach you how to use it properly. It’s important to pay attention and be sure to ask any questions before getting in the water if you have any.

You will then head out to the reef where you can see the brightly colored marine life, from tropical fish to the coral itself. The crystal-clear waters of Key West allow you to see far into the distance.

This way you can get a sense of just how big the reef is, while still focusing on the stunning details of a living reef.

After three hours of fun in the waters surrounding Key West, it’s time to hand the snorkeling gear back to your instructor and get dried off just in time to board your bus back to Miami.

Share the excitement of the trip as well as your experiences and photos with others onboard.

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

More Information & Tour Booking

2. Best Budget Tour: Day Trip to Key West with Choice of Water Activities From Miami

Once you board the bus or van that will be taking you down to Key West at the very southern end of Florida, you’ll be traveling down Hwy 1. Along the way, you’ll pass many islands and many bridges.

There will be a short stop at the 7-mile bridge, made famous by Hollywood, for a photo op.

The island of Key West is filled with activity most times of the year. So if you want a fun filled day of adventure this is it!

The option of the Conch train is a great option for sight seeing the downtown area and see all the famous sites you have heard about. It’s hop on hop off so you can enjoy a drink at one of the bars on Duval street.

If you want to spend some time on the crystal clear water exploring the coral reefs there is a snorkel tour option that includes all the gear and instruction so it’s perfect for people who have never tried it.

Looking for something even more exciting? Well then don’t miss the parasailing! There is nothing like seeing Key West from an altitude of 200 feet. See all the way across the island and watch the fish swin underneath you!

After your fun filled day, you’ll be back aboard the air-conditioned bus or that brought you to Key West and ready to head back to Miami. You should arrive back in Miami with plenty of time to enjoy a late dinner and make plans for how you will spend the next day in paradise.

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

More Information & Tour Booking

3. Best Adventure Tour: Key West Full-Day Trip with Parasailing and Transfer

This is a great day trip to Key West from Miami, why not enjoy it with someone special, the whole family, or even a group of friends?

On the way to Key West, you will pass many of the Upper Keys and even the Seven Mile Bridge.

Your first task when arriving at Key West is to go parasailing. This will be the highlight of your day! From an altitude of a few hundred feet you can watch the dolphins play below you and see across the entire island.

There is nothing like sightseeing while parasailing, you won’t want to come down! After parasailing you should then take the Conch Train Tour, where you can explore Key West. Feel free to stroll the quaint shops and laid-back outdoor cafes. If you want a drink while you’re there, the only place is the world-famous Sloppy-Joe’s Bar.

Whether you’d rather visit the Key West Shipwreck & Treasures Museum to learn more about the area and to take a look from their 65-foot observation tower, or you want to get wet with either snorkeling or parasailing, there’s always something for everyone at Key West.

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

More Information & Tour Booking

4. Key West Day Tour by Motor Coach Bus From Miami

After departing Miami at 7:15 sharp, you’ll head south and make a quick stop in Florida City to enjoy breakfast. Remember, your meals are not provided. However, this is the perfect place to fuel up for a fun day at Key West.

On the rest of the trip down to the Keys, your driver will let you know what to do as soon as you arrive as well as any important notes, such as if they are aware an attraction or museum is closed for the day.

They will also hand you a visitor map to help you map out the 6 hours of free time you now have at Key West.

With so many things to do and see in Key West, you will never be able to accomplish it all on one day trip. Be sure to book the bus on your next trip to Miami and visit Key West again!

If you’d like to play around in the water, there are shops that specialize in snorkeling adventures or even parasailing.

Back on dry land, however, there’s still plenty to do. Want to stop by the Botanic Gardens and see a tropical world? How about the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory?

Take a ride on the famous trolley bus maybe? Visit a museum? Perhaps you’d like to take a tour of Ernest Hemingway’s beautiful home on Key West?

Once you’ve had your fill then it’s last call for a drink at Sloppy-Joe’s Bar and back to the bus to head to the hustle and bustle of Miami. You’ll leave Key West at approx. 6:00 PM and arrive in Miami after 9:30 PM

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

More Information & Tour Booking

5. Best Combination Tour: Miami to Key West Day Trip with Activity Options

The comfortable double decker bus will allow you to travel in complete comfort and with all the breathtaking views you’ll find along the way to Key West.

Along Florida’s Overseas Highway, you will even have the Gulf of Mexico on one side of you and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.

When you arrive in Key West, your bus will drop you off in front of the marina where you will board the catamaran for your day on the water.

As you cruise out to your snorkel spot on the reef you can enjoy beverages at the open bar. The reef is the largest living coral ecosystem in the United States!

Here as you snorkel in the refreshing water be sure to keep an eye out for all the marine life such as parrot fish, loggerhead sea turtles, yellowtail snapper and if your lucky a barracuda. Don’t worry they are not aggressive unless you harass them!

After your snorkel you have plenty of time to relax on the boat and enjoy a cocktail before you need to get back on the bus to head back to Miami.

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

More Information & Tour Booking

Miami, Florida Travel Guide

• Airports & Entry
• Planning Tips
• Restaurants & Eating Out
• Nightlife & Entertainment
• Getting Around
• Accommodations
• Weather
• Attractions

Miami is a city that thrives of nightlife but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of things to do that are family friendly. In fact, a vacation in Miami might even be educational for all travelers, in a fun and not so obvious way.

Whether you plan on spending your time in Miami at the beaches, partying at the Clevelander or at South Beach, or you plan on taking in the cultural and historical aspects of the city, Miami is a place everyone can enjoy.

Key West is a popular travel destination in the US and for many good reasons.

Not only can you visit some great places, like the seaport, one of the many museums, and even the famous Sloppy-Joe’s Bar, you can also bask in beautiful weather and enjoy watersports such as a jet ski tour in the crystal-clear waters.

Airports & Entry

If you are flying into Miami, you’ll likely land at Miami International Airport, dubbed MIA. This airport is very busy every day of the week and 24 hours a day. In fact, over 1,000 flights depart or return here each day. This means that things can get hectic, but there is usually staff around that can help point you in the right direction.

When leaving the airport, you have several options. If your hotel offers a free airport shuttle, this is going to be your best bet for getting to your accommodations quickly and affordably. If they don’t and you don’t mine ridesharing, there are several shuttle services leaving the airport often. You can choose from SAS Transport Service or Go Airport Shuttle.

If you are flying into Miami from another country, you will need your passport as well as authorization. If you will be staying less than 90 days, which most visiting travelers do, you will need to apply for an ESTA, Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Essentially, this is waiving your visa that you would need if you intend to stay for more than 3 months.

Planning Tips

It’s important to keep several things in mind when planning your vacation to Miami. If you have other tips for those who will be visiting the Magic City, or if you have questions about your trip that aren’t answered in this guide, we would love to hear from you in the comments!

Tip #1: Miami vs Miami Beach

The City of Miami and Miami Beach are two different places. While you may want to spend time in both places during your stay, you should choose accommodations in the place where you intend to spend the most time. The easiest way to get from one to the other and back again is with either Uber or Lyft. It’s also the most affordable.

Tip #2: Choose Local & Day Trip Tours

Just as with any city that attracts many travelers each year, there are plenty of tours available. You might want to take a guided tour of several different museums, or of the art district. You can even take a day trip tour away from the hustle and bustle of Miami and head to Key West for a sunset cruise.

Tip #3: Spend at Least One Day at the Beach

Even if you aren’t going to Miami to sit on the beach the entire time, you should spend at least one day there. There are many beaches up and down the coastal areas of Miami and Miami Beach so you’re sure to find one that has the vibe you’re looking for. Don’t really want to sip cocktails all day under an umbrella? Try a more family-friendly beach instead.

Tip #4: Get Wrapped Up in the Cuban Influence

The Latin American influence is everywhere in Miami, from food and drink to music and dancing. Most likely, you won’t get the same authentic Cuban experience anywhere else outside of Cuba so soak in the culture.

Try a cafecito, a strong and delicious Cuban coffee. Be mindful of the caffeine kick, however. Try various Cuban meals. And even if you only go just to listen and watch, step into a Cuban bar or nightclub one night just to get a feel for the flavor.

Tip #5: Safety First

Leave any expensive items you won’t need while you’re out and about back in your hotel room. If you won’t need them on your trip at all, you might want to think about leaving them at home. Try not to flaunt flashy jewelry and or an expensive camera. Not only do these things indicate you’re not local, but they can also make you a target for theft.

Because you most likely won’t be familiar with the areas of Miami you will be visiting, grabbing an Uber or Lyft to get to where you are going is probably the best idea. This way you get where you need to go without getting lost.

You may also want to ensure your health insurance will cover you while you are in Miami. If it won’t, supplemental health insurance plans for travelers is available.

Restaurants & Eating Out

There’s no denying the Latin American influence in Miami. Even if you only pick up a small lunch from a food truck to try a bit of Cuban flare, you should at least try something with the Cuban kick. In Miami, you will find everything from modern restaurants ran by celebrity chefs to food trucks that offer anything you can imagine.

Some of those celebrity chefs at work in Miami are Tom Colicchio at the Beachcraft restaurant and Paul Qui at Pao by Paul Qui. Want a modern throwback? The Wynwood Diner is a modern take on the classic roadside diner. Then you also have gastro-pubs such as Finka Table & Tap.

Nightlife & Entertainment

While there are plenty of nightclubs up and down the beach as well as in several areas of the city, you’ll also find plenty of dive bars with a laid-back vibe as well as some craft brewery options that have finally made their way to Miami.

Craft beer is a newcomer to the nighttime scene in Miami. As a “cocktail town,” Miami is the perfect place to find the classic cocktails alongside new, modern cocktail inventions. No matter what style of late-night entertainment you enjoy, you’ll find it in Miami.

One recommendation: The Ball & Chain. Once a favorite watering hole for the likes of Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and others, this bar and lounge will take you back through history just by walking in the door.

Getting Around

Driving in Miami may be more stressful than helpful. Many locals get frustrated with tourist traffic and many of those who decided to rent a Ferrari or Lambo usually get frustrated with the locals who don’t drive as fast as they want to. This means that renting a car isn’t your best option.

You also won’t want to depend on public transportation. It’s not very reliable and oftentimes won’t get you where you need to go.

The two best options are either a traditional taxi or the modern equivalents, Uber and Lyft. A taxi will most likely cost you much more than an Uber or Lyft ride, and Uber or Lyft will come to pick you up. This is much easier than trying to hail for a taxi.

Accommodations

You’ll find a wide range of accommodations in both Miami and Miami Beach. Luxurious high-rises are just as common as smaller, boutique hotels. If your trip is centered around the beach, you may even want to rent a bungalow.

When staying in Miami for a longer period of time, perhaps a week or more, then home sharing services such as Airbnb are a great option. You get to live like a local and save a few dollars as well, being able to cook a few meals at “home.”

The hotel where a party is always happening is The Clevelander. If you’ve come to Miami to party, that’s where you’ll want to stay. Then there are the classics like the Fontainebleau Hotel with its unique architecture. Frank Sinatra was a regular guest there and even today you may bump into a few familiar faces.

Weather

The perfect time to visit Miami is between March and May. If you’re still dealing with the cold and it’s been a long winter, head to Miami for a few days to warm your toes in the sand. The summer months can get pretty hot and humid, but some say that just makes the party even better.

Starting in the fall, you’ll encounter hurricane season so unless you have travel insurance in the event of poor weather, booking your trip to Miami in the Fall may not be best.

However, it doesn’t matter when you visit, there will always be something going on in Miami. Miami Fashion Week and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival are popular, annual events. If you’d like to visit during the time of a specific event, there’s really not a horrible time to visit.

Attractions

Snorkeling, scuba diving, and other watersports are a popular activity for families, couples, and groups alike. The waters off the beaches of Miami and Miami Beach are known for being clear and cool, perfect for enjoying the sight of some beautiful marine wildlife.

The art scene is huge in Miami. There are many galleries, and art museums as well, around the city. However, most are located in the art district. There are tours that can take you to several of these locations. Sometimes you can even get discounted entry into several locations all for one, bundled price.