Ft Lauderdale to Key West with Optional Activities

If you’re considering a day trip from Fort Lauderdale to the lively, colorful island of Key West, this tour might catch your eye. We’ve looked into a popular package that promises a scenic drive, iconic landmarks, and a variety of ways to experience the island’s charm—either by land or water. The package is priced at $99 per person, offers several add-ons, and is designed to give you a taste of what Key West has to offer in roughly 15 hours.

What we really appreciate about this trip is the scenic drive across the Florida Keys, especially the drive over the famous Seven Mile Bridge—an image many travelers find unforgettable. Plus, the opportunity to customize your experience with optional upgrades like snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat, or a trolley tour can make the day more personal and engaging. However, there are some points to keep in mind, including flexible weather conditions and mixed reviews about transportation comfort and timing.

This tour tends to suit adventurous travelers who want a full day of exploration with options to add water activities or guided tours. If you’re okay with a longer bus ride and are eager to see Key West without breaking the bank, it might be just the trip for you. But if you’re looking for a more polished, luxury experience, this might feel a little rough around the edges.

Key Points

• Scenic drive across the Florida Keys offers memorable views and a chance to see iconic bridges and islands.
• Flexible upgrades like snorkeling, glass-bottom boat, and trolley tours allow for a tailored experience.
• Long bus ride (around 4 hours each way) might be tiring, especially if A/C or bus comfort are issues.
• Strong guides and drivers are frequently praised for their knowledge and helpfulness.
• Weather can impact water activities such as snorkeling and parasailing, so flexibility is key.
• The tour offers good value for the price but check the reviews for potential logistical hiccups.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting bright and early at 6:15 am from the Four Points by Sheraton in Dania Beach, this tour takes you on a scenic journey through the Florida Keys. The drive is roughly four hours, with a brief stop in Miami to pick up additional passengers. You’ll cross over some 42 bridges during this stretch, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, which is often highlighted as a highlight—an impressive feat of engineering and a perfect photo opportunity.

Once in Key West, you’ll get about six hours of free time to explore. Your destination is the lively downtown area, where you can stroll through shops, admire historic sites, or relax at a local bar. Notable stops include Mallory Square, famous for its sunset celebrations, and the Hemingway House, home to the legendary author. Other popular options include the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, the Southernmost Point buoy, and the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.

If you opt for the upgrades, your experience will be distinctly richer. The Conch Tour Train provides a narrated, 75-minute journey through Old Town, giving you background on the city’s history and notable sights. The hop-on hop-off trolley is a flexible way to get around at your own pace, hopping off at attractions like museums or markets. For water lovers, snorkeling offers a chance to see vibrant coral reefs, with beverages included on the catamaran, making it a relaxing and scenic undersea escape.

The water-based adventures are popular, but reviews indicate a few caveats. A few travelers mentioned that water activities like snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides are weather-dependent and could be canceled if conditions aren’t ideal. Others expressed disappointment when their snorkeling experience was canceled or overcrowded, especially when the boat was overbooked.

Back on land, the trolley tour is highly praised for its live commentary and ease of transportation. If you’re someone who enjoys guided insights and hopping between sights, this upgrade can be a real time-saver. But be prepared for the fact that some guests experienced issues with mic volume and commentary clarity.

Timing wise, the tour departs around 6:15 am and returns to Fort Lauderdale approximately by 11 pm, giving you a full day of adventure. While the length and pace can be demanding, the overall experience is packed with photo-worthy moments and opportunities for exploration.

The Pros and Cons

What We Love

• Stunning drive across the Florida Keys, especially the Seven Mile Bridge, is a real highlight. It’s the kind of scenic backdrop that makes the long bus ride worth it.
• Flexible activity options like snorkeling, glass-bottom cruises, and trolley tours provide great ways to customize your day.
• Knowledgeable guides and drivers are often praised for their helpfulness and safety-conscious attitude.
• Affordable price point makes this a good entry-level option for those wanting a taste of Key West without splurging for a private tour.

What to Watch Out For

• The bus ride can be lengthy and somewhat uncomfortable if your bus isn’t equipped with good A/C or if you’re sensitive to motion.
• Water activities are weather-dependent and might be canceled or overbooked, leading to potential disappointment.
• Several reviews mention poor bus sanitation and breakdowns—an important consideration if you prefer smooth transportation.
• The timing can be tight, especially if delays occur, so flexibility is essential.

The Real Experience from Travelers

Many travelers highlight their guides’ and drivers’ professionalism. As one review states, “Very knowledgeable and helpful. They assured our safety,” which is reassuring for anyone anxious about long bus trips. Others appreciated the scenic drive; one said, “The trip across the islands, Seven Mile Bridge, the beautiful scenery… Key West was fun!”

However, negative reviews aren’t absent. Some travelers complained about transportation issues, such as buses breaking down or being poorly maintained. One shared, “Poorly maintained buses, no A/C half way into the journey,” while another added, “We were stranded in the middle of the highway for over 2 hours,” which can really put a damper on your day.

Water activity experiences also drew mixed reviews. While many enjoyed their snorkel or glass-bottom cruise, others were disappointed when their activities were canceled or overbooked. One traveler remarked, “No seats left for us on the boat… they oversold the experience,” which is frustrating when you’re excited about the water.

Despite these hiccups, many guests felt the overall experience was worth the effort. “The scenic drive and the sights in Key West made it a memorable trip,” noted one happy traveler. The combination of land exploration and optional water adventures makes this a versatile choice for those who like a little bit of everything.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who loves scenic drives and iconic landmarks, this trip offers ample opportunities to check those boxes. The flexible add-ons make it ideal for water enthusiasts or those who prefer guided city tours. It’s suitable for travelers comfortable with long bus rides and possibly unpredictable weather affecting water activities.

This tour is particularly good for budget-conscious travelers eager to see Key West without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s also great for those who enjoy a social group environment and don’t mind some logistical quirks. But if you’re after a more luxurious, seamless experience, or if you’re sensitive to bus discomforts and tight schedules, you might want to consider other options.

The Sum Up

All in all, the Fort Lauderdale to Key West tour with optional activities offers a practical way to experience the island’s highlights without breaking the bank. The scenic drive alone makes it worth considering, especially if you’re keen on capturing the views from the Seven Mile Bridge. The ability to customize your day with water activities or guided tours adds an extra layer of flexibility that many travelers appreciate.

However, the tour isn’t without its flaws. Bus comfort issues, weather-dependent water adventures, and some logistical hiccups mean you should be prepared for a day that might not go perfectly. That said, if you’re flexible, eager to explore, and enjoy guided experiences, this trip offers good value and a memorable introduction to Key West.

For travelers who prioritize affordability, scenic views, and a lively atmosphere, this tour fits quite well. But if you prefer a more curated, comfortable, or exclusive experience, it might be worth exploring other options. Either way, you’re likely to come away with plenty of stories—and hopefully some fantastic photos.

FAQ

Does this tour include transportation?
Yes, it includes comfortable round-trip bus transportation from the Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport. Pickup begins early at 6:15 am.

Can I customize the activities?
Absolutely. You can upgrade to include a 90-minute Conch Tour Train, hop-on hop-off trolley, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat, or parasailing. All are booked at the time of purchase.

What about water activity weather?
Water activities like snorkeling and glass-bottom cruises are subject to weather conditions and may be canceled if the weather isn’t suitable.

How long do I have in Key West?
You’ll have about six hours to explore after arrival, with departure scheduled for 5:45 pm, giving you a solid afternoon to walk around and visit attractions.

Are there any major sights included?
Yes, highlights include Mallory Square, the Southernmost Point, Ernest Hemingway House, and optional stops at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory and Fort Zachary Taylor.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and swimsuit if you plan to swim or snorkel. Remember, some activities require participants to be able to swim.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as family-focused, many parts of the tour could appeal to older children and teens, especially water activities and sightseeing. Just keep in mind the long bus ride and physical requirements for water adventures.

In the end, this trip is about balancing expectations with the realities of a budget-friendly tour. If you’re looking for a scenic, flexible, and affordable way to get a taste of Key West, it could be a good fit. Just go in knowing that some things might be a bit rough around the edges, but you’ll likely leave with plenty of memories and photos to cherish.