Miami & Key West: 3-Day Snorkeling, Everglades & Boat Tour

Three Days Across Florida's Water, Reef & Swamp

You cross the Florida Keys on the Overseas Highway, choose between reef snorkeling or free time in Key West, then spend two days touring Miami's Art Deco district and Biscayne Bay before hitting the Everglades twice on fast airboats. Hotel pickup is included for the snorkeling option, and the open bar on the boat means you're not paying extra for drinks—just arrive 15 minutes early to keep the schedule on track.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Key West Day Trip

• Travel across Florida Keys
• Choose snorkeling or explore Key West
• Return shuttle to Miami

Day 2 — Miami Bus and Boat Combo

• Airboat ride in Everglades
• Spot alligators and tropical birds
• Biscayne Bay cruise past mansions

Day 3 — Everglades Adventure

• Airboat ride in Everglades
• Spot alligators and tropical birds

The Experience

A catamaran cuts across the turquoise shallows, and you're leaning over the rail watching a parrotfish work the coral below. That's the snorkeling option on Day 1 of this 3-day Florida tour—but if you'd rather skip the reef, you get the same Key West arrival and free time to walk Duval Street, hit the beach, or browse the local shops instead. Either way, you're crossing the Overseas Highway first, the long spine of road that connects Miami to the Keys, and the drive alone is worth the trip. The shuttle back takes you through the same ocean views, traffic depending.

Day 2 swaps the Keys for Miami itself. You'll ride a bus past South Beach's Art Deco buildings, then board a boat that cruises Biscayne Bay—the part where the big houses sit, the ones with the names you might recognize. It's not subtle, and it's not trying to be. After that comes the Everglades airboat ride, which is the part that actually wakes you up. The captain guns it across the marsh grass, and you're scanning the water for alligators and tropical birds while the engine roars. It's loud, it's fast, and it's four hours of the kind of thing you can't do anywhere else. Day 3 wraps with another Everglades airboat run, same thrills, same wildlife.

The snorkeling package includes the equipment and an open bar on the boat—though you have to be 21 to drink, which is a U.S. law thing. Hotel pickup and drop-off are built in if you go the snorkeling route; without it, you're arranging your own way to the departure point. All the guides are live, fees and taxes are already in the price, and you need to show up 15 minutes early so the tour doesn't leave without you. Schedules shift with the season, so you'll get a heads-up if anything changes after you book.

What’s included

• Key West snorkeling with equipment and open bar (snorkeling package only).
• Key West exploration with free time (no-snorkeling package).
• Overseas Highway shuttle to and from the Keys.
• Panoramic bus tour of Miami's South Beach and Art Deco district.
• Biscayne Bay boat cruise past celebrity mansions on Millionaire's Row.
• Two 4-hour Everglades airboat rides with expert captains and wildlife viewing.
• hotel pickup and drop-off (snorkeling package only).
• all fees and taxes.
• live guides throughout.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Big Dave Tours

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want Florida's three main draws—reef, city, and swamp—without arranging transport, entry fees, or timing between them yourself. The fixed schedule and included pickup mean you show up and move through the itinerary, which is what makes three separate experiences fit into three days.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What's the difference between the snorkeling and no-snorkeling options?

The snorkeling package puts you on a catamaran with reef gear and an open bar; the no-snorkeling option gives you free time in Key West to walk, shop, or relax on the beach instead. Both include the same Key West day and the rest of the 3-day itinerary.

How long is the drive from Miami to Key West?

The shuttle crosses the Overseas Highway, and the duration depends on traffic. You'll get the same scenic route on the way back.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for the snorkeling package only. Contact the operator after booking to confirm your location is eligible.

What should I bring for the Everglades airboat ride?

The itinerary doesn't specify, but bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a secure hat—the boat moves fast and the sun is direct. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer for the snorkeling?

The snorkeling takes place on a catamaran with equipment provided. The itinerary doesn't list swimming ability as a requirement, and all fitness levels are noted as suitable.

Can I bring children?

Yes. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and infants must sit on an adult's lap. Children under 21 cannot consume alcohol on the Key West boat.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and transportation options are wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed.

What time do tours depart, and when should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before departure to avoid delays. Tours leave on schedule. Exact times vary by season and availability; you'll be notified of any changes after booking.