Florida

Editor Picks: The Best Key West Tours from Miami

by Paul Joseph  |  Updated June 8, 2021

Renowned for its buzzing nightlife, idyllic beaches, watersports, and historic landmarks, the island city of Key West makes for a hugely popular excursion from Miami.

(Photo: Viator.com)

Part of the Florida Keys archipelago, Key West is one of the region’s most visited attractions. Many of those who come here choose to base themselves in Miami, where a wide number of tour companies offer to transport you on the 160 mile hop south of the mainland. We’ve picked out some of the best Key West tours available.

Key West Sail and Snorkel Trip 

Ride across 32 islands from Miami to Key West, explore the island city, then sail away on board a 50-foot catamaran on this one-day snorkelling adventure. After a Miami hotel pickup, you’ll begin the bus ride to Key West, driving across dozens of bridges and islands along the way. On arrival, enjoy time exploring the island city and seeing its array of attractions, including bustling Mallory Square. Then, hop on board a vessel for a cruise off the coast. Snorkel above a coral reef in the Key West wildlife refuge, looking out for more than 600 species of fish, coral, and other sea life. All snorkelling equipment and round-trip transportation are included in the tour price. From $123 per person.

Book at Viator.com

Key West Full-Day Tour by Motor Coach Bus

(Photo: GetYourGuide.com)

Hosted by luxury motor coach tour company Xcursions USA, this full-day tour transports you into the haven of Caribbean vibes and culture known as Key West, where street artists, museums, shops, outdoor cafés, restaurants and historic sites abound. Starting with an early morning 4-hour drive aboard an air conditioned coach bus, taking you across a string of bridges and islands, you’ll arrive in Key West to be greeted by the unique atmosphere of its vibrant street life. Here you’ll get to explore the island city’s notable attractions such as Ernest Hemingway’s former home, the Mel Fisher Museum, and the famous “90 miles to Cuba” Monument. There’ll also be the chance to try out fun-packed activities such as snorkelling among sea life and riding in a glass-bottomed boat. You’ll depart Key West late afternoon for your return journey to Miami. From $53 per person.

Book at GetYourGuide.com

Key West Day Trip from Miami with Optional Activities

(Photo: Viator.com

Starting with an early morning bus pickup from your Miami hotel, you can relax as you travel south to Key West, following a route across more than 40 bridges. Hop between islands, and then arrive in Key West where a laid-back, Caribbean vibe awaits. Here you’ll enjoy around six hours of free time to check out attractions such as Hemingway House where Ernest Hemingway once lived. To maximize your time, select an upgrade option and try a range of activities including riding an open-air conch train around Key West or gliding above the water on a single or tandem parasail. Finally, jump aboard a glass-bottomed catamaran for a 3-hour snorkel expedition to a nearby coral reef. All equipment is provided, as are non-alcoholic drinks. From $49 per person.

Book at Viator.com

Key West Day Trip from Miami with South Beach Bike Rental

(Photo: Viator.com

Ease into the slow-paced Caribbean way of life on this full-day trip from Miami, enjoying the gorgeous views from the Overseas Highway as you make  your way to the island city of Key West by bus. Leaving early means you’ll have the full day to explore, with time to visit Ernest Hemingway’s house, see the southernmost point in the USA, or snorkel the stunning reefs that line the Florida Keys. Once you’re back in Miami, a bike rental is included in the tour cost should you wish to enjoy a laid-back amble along South Beach’s extensive bike paths. From $75 per person.

Book at Viator.com

Semi Private Day trip to Key West from Miami: an anthropological tour

(Photo: Viator.com)

Take an intimate and highly personalised trip to Florida’s southernmost point on this private full–day tour to Key West from Miami. Leave the busy city behind and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Florida Keys as you drive aboard your own private vehicle over the Overseas Highway. On arrival you can choose from the Ernest Hemingway House, the Key West Shipwreck Museum, or Truman Little White House to visit. Your tour will end with a chance to admire a beautiful sunset at Mallory Square before heading back to Miami. From $140 per person.

Book at Viator.com