Miami to Key West Day Trip with Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

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Miami

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6 Hours in Key West
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile Ticket
Instant Confirmation

Overview

The Miami to Key West Day Trip with Glass Bottom Boat Cruise packs 3 Florida highlights into a single day for one of the best Miami to Key West tours around.

Highlights

  • Enjoy free pickup from most Miami Beach & Downtown Miami hotels
  • Tour the scenic Overseas Highway from the comfort of a luxury touring coach
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Looking for the perfect Key West tour to include in an exciting Miami to Key West day trip? The Key West Express presents one of the most popular Miami to Key West tours – a day that combines a scenic road trip along the length of the Florida Keys with an afternoon marine adventure aboard one of the best Key West glass-bottom boats. And you also get some time to explore historic Old Town Key West.

Arrange a free morning pickup from any hotel in Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, or Downtown Miami. Then check in for the 7:45am departure, board the luxurious modern touring coach, and settle into a soft, comfortable seat for the scenic 4-hour drive down the famous Overseas Highway. Enjoy the view out the oversize windows and listen to the narrated tour, take photos, read a book, or just sit back and relax – our coaches are made for traveling in style. Plan on arriving in Key West rested and ready to play, enjoying an unforgettable fun-filled day, then returning to Miami at about 10:00 in the evening.

Following the Overseas Highway from Key Largo south down the Keys offers endless superb views out over the waters of the Florida Straits and the Gulf of Mexico. The highway crosses open water on 43 bridges that link 31 different Keys. At the southwest end of Marathon Key, the road climbs onto the renowned Seven Mile Bridge.

The Seven Mile Bridge has been featured in many action movies including Bad Boys, 2 Fast 2 Furious, and True Lies. Crossing the spectacular span gives a feeling of flying low over emerald blue water as the coach speeds along the elevated roadway. This world-class feat of bridge engineering stretches above miles of blue water before touching down on uninhabited Little Duck Key. The road then crosses 3 short bridges to Bahia Honda Key, the gateway to the tropical world of the Lower Keys.

Crossing the Lower Keys offers glimpses of old Florida as blue water, white sand, small communities, and expanses of undeveloped tropical bush country roll past outside the window. Around noon, you will arrive in Old Town Key West refreshed and ready for adventure. Waiting at the harbor with seats reserved for your 2:00pm departure is a modern version of the classic Key West glass-bottom boats that have been a leading island attraction since the late 1800s.

After casting off on a cruise over the crystal waters of Key West into one of the most biologically diverse marine ecosystems in the world, you are free to explore the upper sun deck, go out on the bow for some photos, hit the snack bar for a beverage and some chips, or use the clean, spacious restrooms. It takes about 30 minutes to run out to the reefs, and the high-tech catamaran design of the glass-bottom boat makes the ride smooth and totally enjoyable.

Specially designed to introduce visitors to the life of the reef while causing minimal impact on the unique coral ecosystem, this amazing vessel gives every passenger room for a great look at the underwater world. The innovative underwater windows deliver views similar to what you would see through a dive mask without the need to get wet.

An expert guide narrates the tour and helps you identify colorful corals, exotic sponges, and sea creatures including fish from over 400 species. The guide can also answer any questions that guests might have. It’s the perfect tour for families with small children, elderly folks, and anyone who has ever wondered what a glass-bottom boat is all about.

Take a Miami to Key West tour down one of America’s most scenic highways and put it together with a classic Key West glass-bottom boat cruise to make a day in tropical paradise that will be a highlight of your Miami vacation. Our 100% secure online booking system and friendly customer service let you reserve seats with a few taps on a smart phone screen. Get your tickets now and take a Miami to Key West Day Trip with Glass Bottom Boat Cruise!

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
OR
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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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
  • Gratuity
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Additional Info

  • Spaces are extremely limited this time of year, so book early to get the date you want.
  • This tour accepts both printed and electronic vouchers (e-vouchers).
  • Complete operator information, including local telephone number, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ

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

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.

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.

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. The Key West Express offers complimentary drop-off service to all hotels in 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.

What is the weather cancellation policy?

If the Miami to Key West Day Trip with Glass Bottom Boat Cruise must be canceled due to bad weather, and you cannot go on another day or time, you will be issued a refund by The Key West Express.

Where can I park my car?

If required, parking instructions for the Miami to Key West Day Trip with Glass Bottom Boat Cruise 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 with Glass Bottom Boat Cruise will be included in your confirmation email from The Key West Express. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience 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
2,714 reviews

Average 4.60 out of 5 stars based on 2,714 traveler reviews collected by The Key West Express and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1,874
4 stars
605
3 stars
235
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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