Key West Snorkeling Day Trip from Miami with Open Bar

Summary

Miami to Key West Coral Reef Adventure & Snorkeling Cruise

If you want a full day of adventure—snorkeling vibrant reefs, exploring quirky Key West streets, and relaxing with drinks on deck—this trip covers it all without any hassle.

What’s the experience like?

The bus rolled out of Miami just as the sun started to warm up the city. I grabbed a window seat—couldn’t help but watch the skyline fade into endless stretches of water and mangroves. Our guide, Luis, kept things lively with stories about the old Overseas Highway and how folks used to fish off the bridges before it got busy with tourists. The drive took about three hours, but honestly, it didn’t feel that long. We made a quick pit stop at a Cuban café in Marathon—best cortadito I’ve had outside Little Havana.

Once we hit Key West, you could feel the whole vibe shift. Roosters strutting around, salty air, and that mix of sunscreen and fried conch drifting from Duval Street. We had two hours to wander. I ducked into Kino Sandals for a look (locals swear by them), then grabbed a cold Key lime pie on a stick from a street vendor. If you’re into people-watching, Mallory Square is the spot—buskers everywhere, and you might catch a guy juggling fire.

The real highlight? The boat ride out to the reef. We boarded just after lunch—music playing, crew handing out snorkel gear and going over safety stuff. The water was clearer than I expected, almost like glass. When I slipped in, schools of yellowtail snapper darted past, and the coral looked like something out of an old Jacques Cousteau film—purples, oranges, even a few brain corals peeking out. After swimming around for a while, I floated on my back with a plastic cup of rum punch (open bar’s legit), just soaking up the sun and sea breeze. No food on board though—so eat before you go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Key West Day Trip from Miami

• Guided bus tour from Miami to Key West
• Free time for shopping, bars, and restaurants
• Boat tour with snorkeling, free drinks, and music

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, all snorkel gear is provided if you choose that option when booking.

Are drinks really free on the boat?

Yep! The open bar is included during the boat tour—think rum punch, sodas, and water.

Can I bring my kids or someone in a wheelchair?

Absolutely. The bus and boat are both accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Is there food on the boat?

No snacks or meals are served onboard—grab something to eat during your free time in Key West.

What’s included

You’ll get round-trip transport in an air-conditioned bus from Miami to Key West, three hours on a snorkeling cruise with free drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), plus all snorkel equipment if you pick that option. Water and soda are always available onboard. The whole experience is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers too.