Fort Lauderdale to Key West Tour with Optional Add-ons

When you’re dreaming of a day trip to the southern tip of the United States, a Fort Lauderdale to Key West tour offers a tempting blend of scenic drives, free time in vibrant Key West, and optional water adventures. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, we’ve carefully examined what travelers experience and what they say about it. This tour promises a comfortable ride, plenty of sightseeing, and the flexibility to make the most of your day—at just over a hundred dollars per person.

What we really like about this tour are the stunning views of the Seven Mile Bridge—a true marvel of engineering—and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. Plus, the chance to explore Key West on your own with six hours of free time offers a taste of the island’s signature charm. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the length of the day; it’s quite a long one, and some travelers might find the total travel time a bit exhausting. Still, if you’re someone who loves scenic drives and independent exploration, this trip could be a perfect fit.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want to see the Keys without the hassle of driving and who enjoy a flexible schedule. It’s ideal for those with a moderate physical fitness level, comfortable with a long day, and eager to experience the iconic island atmosphere at their own pace.

Key Points

• Comfortable, air-conditioned coach bus with Wi-Fi makes the long ride more pleasant.
• Six hours of free time in Key West is ample for sightseeing, dining, or relaxing on the beach.
• Optional water activities like snorkeling, trolley tours, and glass-bottom boat rides are available upon booking.
• The scenic drive across the Seven Mile Bridge offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Florida Keys.
• The tour provides narrated commentary about landmarks and activities along the way.
• Overall value: a balanced mix of transport, free exploration, and optional adventure.

The Itinerary in Detail

The journey begins with hotel pickup from select locations in Fort Lauderdale, making it easy to start your day stress-free. Once aboard the air-conditioned coach, you’ll settle in for a roughly 4-hour drive southward. The highlights here are the famous Seven Mile Bridge, which stretches across open waters with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. The large windows on the bus ensure you won’t miss these spectacular sights, and the onboard guide will share tidbits about the area’s history and attractions.

The drive to Key West is a visual feast—long stretches of water, islands, and lush scenery. Some reviews mention the Wi-Fi can be spotty, so bringing entertainment or reading material is a good idea if you want to avoid the frustration of unreliable internet.

Arriving in Key West around 11:30 AM, you’re dropped off at 908 Caroline Street, right in front of the Flagler Museum. This spot is a prime location for exploring the island’s highlights and is close to many shops, cafes, and historical sites. The tour offers 6 hours of free time here, which is enough to do some sightseeing, enjoy a meal, or visit a few local attractions. The driver is available for questions or suggestions, helping you make the most of your time.

Optional activities—such as snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat tour, or a trolley ride—are available to enhance your experience. These can be booked in advance, adding more adventure to your day. Keep in mind, these extras aren’t included in the base price, but reviews indicate that many travelers find them worthwhile.

The return trip departs at 5:30 PM, with an expected arrival back in Miami around 9 PM. Drop-offs at specific hotels are typically between 9 and 10:15 PM. It’s a long day, but the scenery, freedom to explore, and the chance to see the iconic Keys often make it worthwhile.

What Travelers Love

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides who provide interesting commentary about the region. One reviewer mentions, “Luis was a great tour guide,” emphasizing how a good guide can elevate the experience. The views of the water and the bridge regularly earn praise as some of the most beautiful scenery experienced on a day trip. Several travelers appreciate the good value for money, especially considering the convenience of transportation and the flexible schedule in Key West.

The flexibility of self-guided exploration resonates with many. “The whole Key West experience was very good,” admits one traveler, noting the well-organized logistics, including hotel pickups and transfers, as a major plus.

Water lovers also appreciate the option to add on snorkeling or a glass-bottom boat tour, providing a chance to see the colorful reefs and marine life that make the Keys famous. A common theme in reviews is that the long travel time can be tiring, but most agree that the breathtaking scenery and the relaxed island vibe are worth the effort.

What to Expect at Each Stop

The Seven Mile Bridge

Expect a magnificent view as your bus crosses one of the longest bridges in the world. It’s a photo-worthy moment, with clear waters stretching out on either side. The guide typically shares stories about the bridge’s construction and its significance in the Keys.

Flagler Museum at 908 Caroline Street

This location serves as your gateway to Key West. You’re free to wander this vibrant part of town, which is close to attractions like the Southernmost Point and Duval Street. Note that admission to the Flagler Museum isn’t included, so plan if you want to visit it separately.

The Free Time in Key West

Six hours in the island’s core gives you plenty of options. You might choose to stroll Duval Street’s lively shops, relax on a beach, or indulge in some local seafood. Some reviews mention that the walk from the drop-off point to popular sights is quite a distance, so comfortable shoes are advised.

Optional Activities

• Snorkeling or boat tours are popular choices for marine life lovers.
• The trolley offers a hop-on-hop-off experience for exploring attractions at your own pace.
• The glass-bottom boat provides a peek into the underwater world without getting wet, lasting about two hours.

The Return

As the bus heads back, the guide often shares more local stories, and travelers typically reflect on a full day of adventure and scenic beauty. The journey back is a long haul but generally smooth, with some reviews noting the Wi-Fi struggle but most appreciating the overall experience.

The Price and Value

At $119 per person, this tour offers a competitive price point for a full-day excursion. Considering the transportation, guide, and flexible exploration time, it’s a good deal—especially when compared to renting a car or booking separate tours. The optional add-ons, while not included, are a chance to customize your day and enrich your visit.

The reviews suggest many find the value to be high. A traveler notes, “It’s a very long day but well worth it,” emphasizing that the scenery and experience justify the time and expense. Others mention the comfort of the coach bus and the convenience of hotel pickup as major benefits.

Practical Considerations and Final Thoughts

This tour is ideal for those who prefer not to drive in unfamiliar territory, and who are comfortable with a long day that involves a good deal of sitting. The group size of up to 55 travelers creates a social atmosphere but still allows for personal exploration.

While the Wi-Fi can sometimes be unreliable, most travelers find it manageable or bring alternative entertainment. The water and restroom facilities onboard add to the comfort, making the lengthy journey more bearable.

For adventurous spirits, the optional water activities can transform a sightseeing trip into a mini marine expedition. For those mainly interested in sightseeing and leisurely exploring, the free six hours in Key West will be ample to soak up the island’s charm.

In summary, this tour offers a great way to see the Florida Keys without the hassle of driving or planning a multi-day trip. It balances scenic views, flexible free time, and optional adventures for a fair price. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a taste of Key West’s vibrant atmosphere but prefer the comfort and convenience of organized transport.

FAQ

What if my hotel is not listed for pickup?
Please select the hotel nearest to you. After booking, you can contact the local operator, who may arrange pickup at an alternate location if available.

What transportation is used during the trip?
You’ll travel on a comfortable, air-conditioned motorcoach that can accommodate up to 56 or more passengers, depending on the bus.

Where in Key West are we dropped off?
The drop-off point in Key West is 908 Caroline Street, right in front of the Flagler Railroad Museum, which is centrally located for exploring the island.

What time does the bus arrive in Key West?
The bus is scheduled to arrive around 11:30 AM, with departure back to Fort Lauderdale at 5:30 PM. Actual times may vary slightly due to traffic or other unforeseen circumstances.

What can I do during my free time in Key West?
You can explore iconic sights like the Southernmost Point, relax at local beaches, or enjoy a meal at one of the many seaside eateries. The driver can give suggestions.

Can I participate in water activities?
Yes, optional water activities such as snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, and trolley rides are available and can be booked when you reserve your trip.

How long will I have in Key West?
You will have approximately 6 hours to explore, which is enough to see the main sights and enjoy some leisure time.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera are recommended. If you’re planning water activities, bring a towel and change of clothes. Water is permitted onboard.

This tour offers an efficient way to tick off the Florida Keys from your travel list, blending scenic drives, independent exploration, and optional adventures. Perfect for those who want to maximize their time without the hassle of driving or organizing multiple trips.