Key West from Miami: Dolphin Watch & Snorkeling Tour

See dolphins and Florida's largest coral reef without driving yourself

You travel by comfortable coach from Miami to Key West, watch for wild dolphins along the way, and spend time snorkeling over the largest coral reef on the U.S. mainland with all gear provided. Beverages and entry fees are included, and you can add a jet ski rental if you want. The guide entertains during the drive, and the return trip gets you back to Miami without you having driven eight hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Travel and explore Key West

• Travel from Miami by bus
• Enjoy guide entertainment on ride
• See all the Florida Keys
• Discover Key West coral reef
• Experience vibrant sunsets and beaches

The experience

There's something about the idea of spotting wild dolphins that makes you want to go, even if you've never been much of a boat person. The drive from Miami to Key West is long enough that most people skip it, but a full-day tour on a coach means you get there rested, with a guide who knows where the dolphins actually show up and what the water conditions are like that morning. The route takes you through all the Keys, so you're not just teleporting to the end. You're seeing the actual landscape change as you go south.

Once you're in Key West, the snorkeling happens over the country's largest coral reef system: the one that stretches from the Dry Tortugas all the way up to Palm Beach. Your equipment is included, which sounds small until you realize you're not renting or buying anything, and the guide knows exactly where the reef is healthiest that day. If you want to add a jet ski (a Sea Doo GTS), that's available too, though the glove box isn't waterproof, so plan accordingly. Between the water time, the dolphin watch, and the actual travel, you're looking at a full day, but the coach handles the driving part so you can actually relax on the way back instead of white-knuckling the Overseas Highway.

Beverages (sodas, water, light drinks) come with the package, which matters more than it sounds when you're in the sun for hours. The whole thing is wheelchair accessible, which isn't always true of water tours, and the coach itself is set up so you're not cramped for six hours. If you've been curious about the Keys but didn't want to rent a car or navigate the drive yourself, this is how you actually do it.

What’s included

• Round-trip coach transport from Miami to Key West.
• dolphin watch experience.
• all snorkeling equipment.
• all entry fees and taxes.
• selection of sodas, water, and light drinks.
• jet ski rental available as an add-on.

Options for this experience

9 options

Bus shuttle only, without gas feesUp to 1 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 06:30Balance due at check-in: reservation for 1 bus shuttle for up to 2 guests. The balance due at check-in per guest covers gas (bus), service fees and taxes.

Key West transport from Miami, an excellent optionUp to 15 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 06:30Shuttle by bus only: from Miami to Key West and back

Key West shuttle with 1 jet skiUp to 3 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 06:30One jet ski at Duval Street for up to 3 riders (1 driver and 2 passengers). Weight limit: 460 lbs (208 kg) per jet ski.

See 6 more options

Key West shuttle with 2 jet skisUp to 6 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 06:30Two jet skis at Duval Street for up to 6 riders (2 drivers and up to 4 passengers, 2 passengers per watercraft). Weight limit: 460 lbs (208 kg) per jet ski.

Key West shuttle with 3 jet skisUp to 9 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 06:30Three jet skis at Duval Street for up to 9 riders (3 drivers and up to 6 passengers, 2 passengers per watercraft). Weight limit: 460 lbs (208 kg) per jet ski.

Key West shuttle with 4 jet skisUp to 12 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 06:30Four jet skis at Duval Street for up to 12 riders (4 drivers and up to 8 passengers, 2 passengers per watercraft). Weight limit: 460 lbs (208 kg) per jet ski.

Key West shuttle with 5 jet skisUp to 15 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 06:30Five jet skis at Duval Street for up to 15 riders (5 drivers and up to 10 passengers, 2 passengers per watercraft). Weight limit: 460 lbs (208 kg) per jet ski.

Glass-Bottom Boat ExperienceGuide in English or Spanish · 06:30Glass-bottom boat option: bus shuttle from Miami to Key West and back, plus glass-bottom boat discovery

Dolphin watching and snorkelingGuide in English or Spanish · 06:30Dolphin encounter and snorkeling: bus shuttle from Miami to Key West and back, plus dolphin watch and snorkeling

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Big Dave Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Key West and the Florida Keys coral reef without managing the drive yourself: the coach transport and included snorkeling gear mean you show up ready to go, not tired from navigating the Overseas Highway.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

How long is the full day trip from Miami to Key West?

The itinerary covers a full day of travel and activities, though the exact duration isn't specified in the booking details. Plan for a substantial day trip with coach transport both ways.

Is snorkeling equipment really included, or do I rent it?

All snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price, so you don't pay extra or arrange rentals separately.

Can I add a jet ski to the tour?

Yes, jet ski rental (Sea Doo GTS model) is available as an add-on. Note that the glove box is not waterproof, so secure valuables elsewhere.

What drinks are provided?

A selection of sodas, water, and light drinks are included throughout the day.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The coach is wheelchair accessible, all areas and surfaces are accessible, and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller.

Do I need to drive, or does the tour handle transport?

The tour includes round-trip coach transport from Miami to Key West, so you don't drive yourself. The guide entertains during the ride.

What's included in the price?

Dolphin watch, snorkeling equipment, all fees and taxes, beverages, and round-trip coach transport from Miami are all included.

Can service animals come on the tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.