Fort Lauderdale to Islamorada Day Trip

Explore Islamorada’s Beauty with a Full-Day Guided Tour from Fort Lauderdale

This full-day trip to Islamorada offers an engaging way to experience one of Florida’s most stunning destinations. Starting from Fort Lauderdale, the tour costs $249 per person and spans approximately 11 hours. It includes a comfortable passenger van, a scenic boat cruise, and a delicious oceanside lunch. The tour is ideal for travelers looking to enjoy Nature, wildlife, and coastal scenery without the hassle of planning.

The tour’s highlights include wildlife sightings like dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles, along with stops at a beautiful beach and a lively marina filled with shopping, drinks, and wildlife viewing. With small group sizes limited to 12 participants and a narrated naturalist-guided experience, this trip balances comfort, education, and fun. However, it’s worth noting that restroom facilities are not available on the van, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, those with back or heart problems, or people prone to motion sickness.

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Key Points

• Price: $249 per person with included transportation, water, and lunch
• Duration: 11 hours, departing at 8:00 am from Weston
• Highlights: Wildlife boat cruise, oceanside beach walk, marina free time, scenic lunch
• Transport: New, comfortable passenger van with USB outlets
• Group size: Limited to 12 participants for a personalized experience
• Availability: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Convenient Departure and Meeting Details in Weston

The tour begins with a pick-up at Vacation Village in Weston at 8:00 am, with a meet-up in front of the resort’s main registration building. Travelers are encouraged to arrive 10 minutes early, with parking available nearby on the east side of the main registration building. The return from Islamorada is expected between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm, making it a full day packed with activity.

Comfortable Transportation and Guided Narration

Traveling in a new, air-conditioned passenger van, guests enjoy USB outlets and the company of an experienced naturalist guide. The narration adds context and insight into the wildlife and landscapes of the Florida Keys, enriching the experience. The roundtrip transportation also includes hotel pick-ups from the designated location in Weston, simplifying logistics for travelers.

Wildlife Cruise in the Bayside Mangroves

The first major stop is a one-hour boat cruise around the bayside mangrove forests of the Upper Florida Keys. The bay boat navigates through winding mangrove islands, offering close-up views of dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and various bird species. Travelers also get a glimpse of luxurious waterfront homes, highlighting the area’s scenic and affluent charm. This cruise is ideal for nature lovers and those interested in Florida’s marine wildlife.

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Scenic Beach Stroll in Lower Matecumbe Key

Next, the tour includes a 45-minute oceanside nature walk at Lower Matecumbe Key. The beach features sand flats that are shallow, making it an easy and enjoyable spot to get your feet wet or relax. The 1300-foot boardwalk winds through mangroves, providing beautiful vistas and a chance to observe coastal plant life and wildlife. The walk offers an excellent opportunity for photos and a peaceful break in nature.

Oceanside Dining with Scenic Views

After exploring the beaches and mangroves, guests enjoy a delicious lunch at an oceanside restaurant in Islamorada. The menu features a variety of local seafood, including conch fritters, fried calamari, mahi fingers, and grouper sandwiches, along with salads and pasta options. The setting offers scenic views of mangroves, open water, and boats, creating a relaxing backdrop for lunch.

Free Time at a Vibrant Bayside Marina

Following lunch, the tour provides about 45 minutes of free time at a lively marina. Visitors can watch tarpon feed, grab a signature cocktail or local draft beer, or browse gift shops for souvenirs. This stop offers a casual, entertaining way to soak in the marina’s lively atmosphere and observe wildlife activity firsthand.

Special Features of the Tour: Small Group & Expert Guides

The small group size of up to 12 participants ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere. The naturalist guide offers informative narration about the wildlife, ecosystems, and local history, making each stop educational and engaging. The tour’s limited group size creates a more intimate experience, ideal for those who prefer a less crowded, more tailored outing.

Practical Details and What to Bring

Participants should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a camera, and light, comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities. The tour includes bottled water, but visitors should be aware that restrooms are not available on the van. The tour does not permit pets (except assistance animals), and no smoking or alcohol is allowed on the van or during the activities.

Critical Considerations and Suitability

This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, or those with motion sickness. It’s designed for active participants who enjoy outdoor wildlife viewing, walking, and boat cruises. Physical stamina is helpful, especially for the beach walk and marina exploration. Still, the scenic, educational, and relaxing nature of the trip makes it a great choice for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Why This Tour Stands Out in the Florida Keys

What truly sets this Fort Lauderdale to Islamorada day trip apart is its combination of wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and oceanfront dining—all in a single, well-organized day. The boat cruise offers close encounters with marine animals, while the beach walk and marina stop provide relaxing outdoor experiences. The small group size and expert narration enhance the overall quality, making it a personalized and informative adventure.

Final Thoughts on the Islamorada Day Trip

This full-day tour offers a balanced mix of nature exploration, wildlife sightings, and relaxed dining, making it suitable for those eager to explore the Florida Keys without the hassle of self-planning. The $249 price covers transportation, lunch, boat cruise, and guided narration, representing good value for the comprehensive experience.

While it’s not suited for travelers with certain health concerns or those seeking indoor or urban activities, it’s an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife admirers. The scenic boat cruise and beach walk are highlights, and the small group setting ensures a personalized touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $249?
The price covers roundtrip transportation, hotel pick-up, bottled water, a naturalist-guided boat cruise, lunch, and 45 minutes free time at the marina.

How long is the boat cruise?
The scenic bayside boat cruise lasts about one hour and takes place around mangrove islands, offering wildlife viewing and scenic vistas.

Is lunch included, and what are the options?
Yes, a lunch is included with choices including conch fritters, fried calamari, mahi fingers, grouper sandwiches, and more. The restaurant features scenic oceanfront views.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect to see dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and a variety of birds and fish during the boat cruise and nature walk.

Are there any physical limitations to consider?
Yes, the tour is not recommended for pregnant women, those with back or heart problems, or individuals prone to motion sickness.

How long does the entire tour last?
The entire experience takes around 11 hours, from 8:00 am to approximately 6:00–7:00 pm.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Participants meet at Vacation Village in Weston, in front of the main registration building, about 10 minutes early.

Is there any shopping during the tour?
Yes, the marina stop includes opportunities to shop for souvenirs and enjoy wildlife viewing.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts, offering flexibility in planning.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Key West Day Tours, known for organizing engaging Florida Keys excursions.

This Fort Lauderdale to Islamorada Day Trip blends outdoor adventure with relaxing coastal scenery, making it a rewarding choice for anyone eager to experience the magic of the Florida Keys in a single day.

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