Full-Day Tour in Key West from Miami with Add-on extras

If you’re considering a day trip from Miami to Key West, this full-day tour might be high on your radar. While we haven’t personally hopped on this exact experience, we’ve dug into the details, reviews, and what it offers — and it’s clear this trip appeals to those who want to enjoy the Florida Keys without the stress of driving themselves.

What we genuinely like about this tour? First, the reliable roundtrip transportation makes it a stress-free way to get to Key West. No worrying about traffic, parking, or navigation — just sit back and enjoy the scenic ride. Second, the ample free time in Key West means you can explore at your own pace, whether that’s relaxing on the beach, checking out local eateries, or trying optional water activities like snorkeling.

One thing to keep in mind? The duration of the trip is quite long — around 18 hours — so it might not be ideal if you prefer more relaxed, shorter excursions or travel with very young children. This tour works best for travelers who want a straightforward, no-fuss way to see Key West, especially if they’re happy to add optional extras to enhance their visit.

Key Points

• Hassle-Free Transport: Roundtrip bus from Miami makes it easy and comfortable.
• Flexible Free Time: Several hours in Key West to explore independently.
• Optional Activities: Add extras like snorkeling or boat rides for a more memorable experience.
• Scenic Drive: Pass through Biscayne Bay, Brickell, and famous Key Largo, with views along the way.
• Cost-Effective: At around $70, it offers a decent value for the convenience.
• Limited Included Activities: The trip mainly provides transportation and free time; extras cost extra.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The main feature of this tour is roundtrip transportation from South Beach to Key West — a genuine plus if you want to skip the hassle of driving yourself. The bus departs early, at 6:45 am, giving you a full day to soak in the scenery and enjoy your time in Key West. The return journey starts at around 5 pm, so plan your day accordingly.

However, activities such as snorkeling or boat rides are optional extras, which means they aren’t included in the base price of $69.99 per person. This can be a pro or con depending on your budget and how much you want to do once in Key West. Multiple reviews appreciate the flexibility of choosing activities, but some also comment that the trip itself is more about transportation than guided tours or included entertainment.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Departure from Miami

The trip kicks off from Miami Beach at 6:45 am. The bus ride is quite scenic, with notable views of Biscayne Bay, Brickell, and passing through notable water and cityscapes. This early start is perfect if you want to make the most of your day, but be prepared for an early wake-up call, especially if you’re not a morning person.

En route to Key West

As you head south, you’ll pass through Key Largo, famous for diving and water sports. While you’re not stopping there, it’s a great mental note if you’re into water activities — you’re in a part of the world that’s all about vibrant reefs and lively marine life.

Arriving in Key West

The highlight is arriving around 11:15 am at the Key West Historic Seaport. This gives you roughly five hours of free time. That’s plenty of time to wander the streets, visit local shops, grab a meal, or relax at the beach. The reviews mention that the water in Key West is stunning, especially for snorkeling — one reviewer pointed out the incredible colors underwater, although they also noted maybe venturing further out would improve the experience.

Free Time in Key West

Some travelers use this window to explore on their own or indulge in optional activities. If you choose to snorkel or go for a boat ride, you’ll need to book those separately, which could add to your overall costs but makes for a more personalized experience. The freedom to craft your afternoon is a major plus, and many reviews speak positively about the laid-back vibe.

Return to Miami

The bus departs back at 5 pm, arriving in Miami around 8 pm. This makes for a very long day, but if you’re someone who enjoys scenic drives and packed days, it’s manageable. Keep in mind the reviews highlight some concerns about the bus experience, such as safety issues or seating arrangements, but overall the driver was appreciated for being caring and professional.

What Travelers Are Saying

From reviews, we see a mix of experiences. Many appreciate the smooth, reliable ride and the value for money, especially considering the convenience of transportation. One reviewer said, “Cindy was great. Great driving, very caring about her customers,” which suggests that driver attentiveness makes a difference. Others highlight the stunning views during the drive and the free time in Key West as the best parts.

On the flip side, some travelers have voiced frustrations — for example, a reviewer was unhappy about the bus leak in the rain, and another was disappointed because their cancellation was too late due to cell service issues onboard a cruise. These points highlight the importance of planning ahead and being aware of the long travel hours.

Plus, a few reviewers mentioned that the bus driver sometimes talked on his phone during the ride, which is a safety concern. However, many still found the overall experience enjoyable, especially those who took advantage of the optional water activities, like the glass-bottom boat trip, which they found to be amazing.

The Pros and Cons in a Nutshell

Pros

• Easy, worry-free roundtrip transport
• Flexibility to explore Key West at your own pace
• Scenic route with great photo opportunities
• Opportunity to add water activities for extra fun
• Good value considering the convenience

Cons

• Long day: about 18 hours including travel and free time
• Optional activities cost extra, which can add up
• Mixed reviews about the bus experience (safety, comfort)
• No guided tour or sightseeing included in the base price

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking a straightforward way to visit Key West without the hassle of driving. It’s perfect if you enjoy scenic bus rides and don’t mind a long day on the go. If you’re keen on customizing your experience with water-based activities, this provides the flexibility to do so.

However, if you prefer more guided experiences, detailed sightseeing tours, or shorter day trips, you might find this option too basic. It’s also worth noting that the length of the trip might be challenging for very young children or those with limited stamina for long hours.

FAQ – Practical Questions Answered

What time does the tour start and end?
The bus departs from Miami Beach at 6:45 am and returns around 8 pm, giving you roughly 5 hours in Key West to enjoy your time.

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip bus transport from South Beach to Key West is included, making it a convenient way to avoid the hassle of driving.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Cancellations within that window are not eligible for a refund.

Are there any included activities?
No, activities like snorkeling or boat rides are optional extras, not included in the base price. You’ll need to book and pay for those separately if interested.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?
It can be, especially since most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the long travel hours. Check the specific activity provider for any age restrictions on optional activities.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, sunscreen, a hat, water, and perhaps a camera to capture the scenic drive and colorful views in Key West.

Can I explore Key West on my own?
Absolutely. The free time is meant for independent exploration, so you can wander the streets, visit beaches, or simply relax.

Is the coach comfortable?
Reviews are mixed — some find it comfortable, while others mention issues like leaks or seating arrangements. It’s best to be prepared for a long day and to bring extra layers if needed.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a practical and cost-effective way to see Key West from Miami, especially if your priority is transportation and free time rather than guided sightseeing. The scenic drive sets the tone for a memorable day, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace means you can tailor your experience. The optional extras—snorkeling, boat rides—are a real plus for those who want to turn a simple trip into a more engaging adventure.

While the long hours and some logistical hiccups may not suit everyone, those who enjoy scenic drives, relaxed exploration, and the freedom to choose activities will find this trip a worthwhile addition to their Florida itinerary. Just be prepared for a full day and consider booking optional water activities in advance if you want to maximize your time in the Keys.

In summary, this tour is best for travelers who value convenience and independence, are okay with a long day, and want to see Key West without the stress of driving. It’s a straightforward, budget-friendly way to tick the box on your Florida bucket list — with plenty of room for adding your own adventures along the way.