Full-Day Tour of Florida Keys Including Aquarium Encounters from Key West

Discover the Florida Keys in Comfort and Style for $149

This full-day tour from Key West offers an engaging way to explore the stunning Florida Keys. Priced at $149 per person, it features hotel pickup, lunch, museum entrance fees, and guided commentary. With an approximate duration of 7 hours, the tour is designed for those who want a comprehensive yet relaxed experience, ideal for families and anyone eager to see iconic sights without the hassle of planning.

Notably, the tour is booked 38 days in advance on average, indicating strong interest and a well-organized schedule. The small-group format, limited to 10 participants, ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience. This tour balances scenic drives, wildlife encounters, and cultural highlights, making it a practical choice for visitors seeking a well-rounded day in the Keys.

Key Points

• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Key West for convenience
• Visits Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, with optional animal encounters like petting stingrays and seeing sharks
• Enjoys a scenic drive over the iconic Seven Mile Bridge with informative commentary
• Stops at Bahia Honda State Park for a picnic lunch and sightseeing
• Wildlife spotting opportunities at the National Key Deer Refuge and Blue Hole
• Small-group size (maximum 12), fostering a personalized experience

Scenic Drive Along the Overseas Highway and Seven Mile Bridge

The tour begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Key West. Traveling in an air-conditioned 15-passenger van, the group heads along the famous Overseas Highway, which is also U.S. Highway 1. This route is celebrated for its spectacular views and engineering marvels, crossing over 20 bridges on the way to the Keys.

The highlight of this drive is crossing the Seven Mile Bridge, renowned for its length and history. The guide shares stories about the bridge’s construction, significance, and its place on the National Register of Historic Places. Along the way, you’ll see the original historic bridge and Pigeon Key, adding a touch of history to the journey. The drive combines stunning scenery with informative narration, making it a memorable part of the day.

Exploring the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters and Animal Encounters

A key feature of this tour is the visit to Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters. Upon arrival, an orientation introduces guests to the marine life and available animal encounters.

Highlights at the aquarium include petting stingrays, viewing sharks and alligators, and learning about marine animals from biologists. Visitors can also swim in the 100,000-gallon reef aquarium or meet four species of sharks, a thrilling experience for all ages. Optional activities, such as meeting iguanas, tortoises, or tarpon, are available for those interested.

During the visit, guests are free to explore the aquarium at their own pace, making this a flexible and engaging stop. The knowledgeable staff enhances the experience with insights into the animals and conservation efforts, ensuring a fun and educational visit.

Scenic Stop at Bahia Honda State Park for Lunch and Pictures

After the aquarium, the group visits Bahia Honda State Park for a picnic lunch and scenic walks. The included lunch features sandwiches, chips, and sodas, perfect for refueling after a busy morning.

The park’s Old Bahia Honda Bridge provides a picturesque setting for a stroll and photos. Visitors can enjoy unobstructed views of the water and the surrounding landscape. The park is also an ideal spot to relax, digest, and soak in the natural beauty of the Keys.

Wildlife Encounters at the National Key Deer Refuge and Blue Hole

The tour continues with wildlife spotting at the National Key Deer Refuge, home to the endangered Key Deer, which only live on Big Pine Key. The guide leads a Key Deer safari, where you may see these tiny white-tailed deer in their natural habitat, perfect for photography.

Next, the group visits the Blue Hole, a small pond that attracts various animals. Here, you might spot alligators, turtles, or elusive bird species. The refuge and Blue Hole offer a peaceful environment to observe local wildlife and understand conservation efforts in the Keys.

The Role of the Small-Group Format and Expert Guides

This tour’s small-group size ensures plenty of personalized attention from the local driver and professional guide. Reviewers highlight the knowledge and friendliness of guides, who share interesting facts about the bridges, wildlife, and history of the Keys.

The guides’ expertise shines as they coordinate animal encounters at the aquarium and point out wildlife sightings during stops, making each part of the experience illustrative and engaging. Plus, the commentary makes the scenic drive informative and enjoyable.

Practical Details: Booking, Timing, and Accessibility

The tour departs at 9:00 am, with hotel pickup arranged in Key West. The maximum group size is 12 travelers, allowing for a relaxed pace and ample opportunity to ask questions.

Cancellation policies are flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, offering peace of mind. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals, and is designed to be accessible.

The Value Proposition for Visitors to Key West

For $149, this tour packs a full day of sightseeing, wildlife encounters, and scenic drives into approximately 7 hours. The all-inclusive nature—covering meals, entrance fees, transportation, and guiding—adds to its convenience and value.

The inclusion of unique stops like the Key Deer Refuge and Blue Hole, combined with the scenic bridge crossings and aquarium encounters, makes this tour stand out among other Key West excursions. The small-group format enhances the experience, making it suitable for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and those wanting a rundown of the Keys.

Final Thoughts on the Full-Day Florida Keys Tour

This well-organized tour from Key West offers an immersive day exploring the natural beauty, wildlife, and history of the Florida Keys. The scenic drive over iconic bridges, the interactive aquarium experience, and wildlife stops at the Key Deer Refuge provide diverse highlights.

While the pace is relaxed and the stops thoughtfully curated, the tour is best suited for visitors eager to see multiple attractions in one day without the hassle of self-driving or planning. The small-group setting and expert guides contribute to a friendly and informative atmosphere across the day.

This tour delivers a balanced mix of scenery, wildlife, and culture, making it a strong choice for those seeking an engaging, all-in-one Keys adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour for guests staying in Key West.

What is included in the price?
The price covers lunch, snacks, entrance fees to attractions, guided commentary, transportation, and local guide services.

Are animal encounters at the aquarium optional?
Yes, guests can sign up for various animal encounters, such as petting stingrays or viewing sharks, but these are optional.

How long is the drive along the Overseas Highway?
The scenic drive lasts approximately 7 hours, including stops and sightseeing.

What wildlife might I see at the Key Deer Refuge?
Endangered Key Deer, turtles, alligators, and various bird species are common sightings.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for families, with engaging wildlife encounters and scenic stops suitable for all ages.