3-Day Miami Beach with Miami Bus/Boat Tour, Everglades and Keywest boat Tour

Experience the Best of Miami in Three Days with Bus, Boat, Everglades, and Key West Tours

Planning a trip to Miami? You’re likely looking for a way to see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed or missing out on local gems. This 3-day Miami package from Big Dave Tours offers a well-rounded combination of city sights, outdoor adventures, and island escapades—all in one convenient package. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Florida traveler, this tour aims to give you a taste of Miami’s vibrant neighborhoods, stunning nature, and tropical waters.

One feature we particularly appreciate is the thoughtful mix of urban exploration and natural beauty—you’re not just zooming through sights but getting a real feel for what makes Miami unique. The guided bus and boat tour on the first day is a fantastic way to orient yourself, while the second day’s trip to the Everglades offers an authentic encounter with Florida’s wilderness. The highlight for many is day three’s visit to Key West, including snorkeling on North America’s largest coral reef, which promises colorful underwater scenes and a break from city life.

However, a word of caution: some reviews hint that the Miami city tour might not hit every traveler’s expectations—particularly if you’re hoping for a thorough exploration of neighborhoods beyond the main sights. Traffic and time constraints can limit how much you see in the city, so if you’re craving in-depth local culture or hidden spots, you might find this tour somewhat superficial. This experience suits travelers eager for a structured, all-in-one adventure that covers the essentials comfortably.

If your goal is a practical, well-organized way to sample Miami’s highlights across a variety of environments—urban, wild, and island—you’ll find this tour quite appealing. Just keep in mind that it’s designed more for those wanting a broad overview rather than a deep dive into any one aspect of Miami life.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines city sightseeing, nature, and island adventures in one package.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, especially during wildlife and city tours.
• Variety of Activities: Includes bus, boat, hovercraft, and snorkeling, appealing to diverse interests.
• Value for Money: At $283 per person, it offers a lot of experiences packed into three days.
• Long Days but Well-Structured: Starts early and runs across three days, so be prepared for full schedules.
• Mixed Reviews on City Tour: While some found the city tour somewhat limited, the natural and island excursions received praise.

Diving Into Each Day: What to Expect and Why It Matters

Day 1: Miami Beach by Bus and Boat

Your first day begins at 9 am at the designated meeting point on Collins Avenue. The initial bus tour is an open-top ride, which is perfect for catching the breeze and snapping photos of Miami’s iconic skyline and neighborhoods. This guided tour showcases Miami’s historical areas and its most photogenic spots, giving you a clear sense of the city’s layout and vibe.

What makes this tour stand out is the Biscayne Bay Boat Ride—a 90-minute cruise around Biscayne Bay that offers a different perspective of Miami’s waterfront. You’ll get views of Fisher Island, Miami Beach, and the busy Port of Miami. It’s a fantastic way to see the city from the water, especially if you’ve only ever seen Miami from land. Plus, the chance to spot celebrity homes — Gloria Estefan, P.Diddy, and Lil Wayne are among those with waterfront estates — adds a touch of glamour.

Some reviewers, like marina_p, were disappointed, citing the tour’s limited scope in Miami city exploration. She mentions minimal stops and a brief visit to Wynwood, which she felt didn’t meet her expectations. If you’re after an in-depth neighborhood tour, this might feel rushed. But if your goal is an entertaining overview with photo opportunities and waterside views, this day delivers.

Day 2: The Everglades Adventure

The second day takes you into Everglades National Park, starting at around 9:15 am. The highlight here is a hovercraft ride—a fun and unusual way to traverse the swampy terrain without disturbing the environment. Expect to see native wildlife such as alligators, birds, and perhaps even some shy turtles or snakes.

This part of the tour offers a fascinating walk through the wilderness, giving you a real sense of Florida’s wild side. The guide’s commentary is likely to be informative, helping you understand this fragile ecosystem. The reptile show, featuring the park’s most famous residents, is a crowd-pleaser and offers a close look at some impressive reptiles.

The length of this day, around five hours, balances outdoor activity with enough time to appreciate the park’s natural beauty. Reviewers appreciated the chance to see wildlife up close, with some noting that guides’ knowledge made the experience worthwhile. If wildlife and nature are your thing, this day will be a highlight.

Day 3: Key West and Snorkeling in the Reefs

The final day kicks off early at 6:30 am. The shuttle ride from Miami to Key West is a long but scenic trip—traffic can influence the duration, but it generally takes about four hours. Once in Key West, the real star is the catamaran tour, which includes about an hour of snorkeling over the coral reefs.

This part of the trip offers a chance to see North America’s largest coral barrier, teeming with colorful fish and underwater life. If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming among vibrant tropical fish or exploring coral formations, this is a must-do. Reviewers emphasize the beauty of the waters and the clarity of the snorkeling experience, with many mentioning that the reef is in excellent condition and worth the trip.

After the boat tour, you’ll have some free time to explore Key West’s charming streets, vibrant cafes, and sunset views. The return shuttle, again around four hours, completes your day. Some travelers found this day to be the most memorable, especially the underwater scenes and island atmosphere.

Practical Insights on Transportation, Timing, and Value

This tour operates with convenient mobile tickets, and the meeting points are centrally located in Miami Beach, making arrival straightforward. The early start on day three is worth noting—be prepared for a long day with multiple transportation legs, but with well-organized shuttles handling the logistics.

The price of $283 per person might seem steep at first glance, but when you break down what’s included—city tour, boat rides, wildlife adventure, and reef snorkeling—it provides a notable variety of experiences. This is especially true considering the inclusion of transportation and guided commentary, which adds value in terms of convenience and insight.

The group size is capped at 99 travelers, so it’s generally a small enough group for a more personalized feel. The guides are often praised for their knowledge, which enhances understanding and enjoyment.

Considerations and Tips

• Be prepared for full days; comfortable shoes and sun protection are must-haves.
• The tour is weather-dependent—if rain or storms roll in, some activities might be altered or canceled, with options for rescheduling or refunds.
• Some reviews mention limited stops during the city tour, so if exploring neighborhoods deeply is your priority, consider supplementing with a separate visit.
• Early mornings mean you’ll want to start your days promptly, especially on the third day.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This package is perfect for travelers who want a balanced overview of Miami’s urban vibrancy, natural environment, and island paradise in just three days. It’s suited for those who prefer organized tours that reduce planning stress but still offer diverse experiences.

It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want to get the main highlights without missing out on key sights and activities. If wildlife, water adventures, and scenic boat rides excite you, this tour will deliver.

However, if you’re seeking a deep cultural dive into neighborhoods like Little Havana or Wynwood, or if you prefer more personalized, less structured experiences, you might find this tour somewhat surface-level. Still, for the value and variety offered, it’s a compelling option for most travelers.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For a well-rounded, action-packed three days in Miami, this tour offers excellent variety and convenience. From the city skyline and celebrity homes to the wild Florida Everglades and colorful coral reefs of Key West, you cover a lot of ground without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions.

The guides’ expertise and the inclusion of transportation make it a practical choice for those who want a seamless experience. The snorkeling in the reef stands out as a highlight for water lovers, providing a memorable underwater adventure.

While some may find the Miami city tour a bit brief, the overall package balances city sights with nature and island fun, offering good value for the price. It’s particularly suited for travelers who prefer guided, multi-activity trips rather than solo planning.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, fun, and efficient way to explore Miami and its surroundings in just three days, this tour ticks many boxes—especially if you love outdoor adventures and scenic boat rides.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate. It’s suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers interested in exploring Miami’s diverse attractions.

What’s included in the price?
The tour covers guided bus and boat city tours, a hovercraft ride in the Everglades, and a catamaran snorkeling trip in Key West, plus transportation between locations.

Are the activities weather-dependent?
Yes, the tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How long are the travel days?
Day one is about four hours, day two around five hours, and day three approximately four hours of travel, not including activity times.

Can I see celebrity homes?
Yes, during the Biscayne Bay boat tour, you’ll get views of homes owned by celebrities like Gloria Estefan, P.Diddy, and Lil Wayne.

Are meals included?
The provided information doesn’t specify included meals, so it’s advisable to bring snacks and water, especially on long days.

What should I bring for snorkeling?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a waterproof camera if you wish to capture underwater scenes.

Is there a limit on group size?
Tour groups are capped at 99 travelers, ensuring a manageable size for comfort and interaction.

What if I have special needs or require assistance?
Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate, but it’s best to contact the provider directly for specific accommodations.

What’s the best time of year to take this tour?
While the tour operates with good weather requirements, Florida’s climate favors spring and fall for pleasant temperatures and lower crowds.

To sum it up, this 3-day Miami tour delivers a lively, well-structured sampler of what the city, its wild side, and nearby islands have to offer. Ideal for travelers seeking an efficient way to experience Miami’s highlights with the convenience of guided tours and transportation, it balances adventure with comfort. While it might not satisfy those craving in-depth exploration of neighborhoods, it offers enough variety and scenic beauty to make your trip memorable—and worth every penny.