Miami to Key West Tours | $49

Snorkeling and other Activites Available.

Includes
Round Trip Transportation.
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off.
Full Map of Key West.
Full History and Showcase.
Free bottle of water. (Upon Request)

Schedule

• Departure Dates: Daily
• Depature Times:6:45AM
• Duration: 15 Hours
• Return Time: 10:00PM (Approximately)

Pickup Locations
1657 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, Fl 33139 (Main Terminal)
235 9th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Hotel Pick Up Available! Click here for time sheet




Check-in Return Time from Key West

Location:

-------Whitehead St & Greene St, Key West, FL 33040

Time: 5:30PM

Key West is an island parasise full of many wonders, below is a list of the city's highlights.
Key West Aquarium.
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.
Audubon House & Tropical Gardens.
Hemingway Home and Museum.
Harry S Truman Little White House.
Key West Shipwreck Museum.
Mel Fisher Museum.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Red Barn Theatre.
Waterfront Playhouse.

And many more!

Description

From Miami to Key West it’s about a 4 hour bus trip through more than 40 different islands. Trip includes one stop for 30 minutes so riders can purchase food and take a restroom break. We will arrive to Key West at the Mel Fisher Museum (Whitehead St @ Greene St) around 11:30am, from there you have 6 hours of free time on the island to explore its many wonders!

With Snorkeling

Your adventure starts at the Mel Fisher Museum around 12:00pm after all the other passenger get off the bus. You will remain seated and the driver will drop you off at the marina where you will be boarding a Catamaran ship departing at 1:00pm to the coral reef. It is a 35 minute boat ride to the reef, and you will arrive at 1:35pm. You will enjoy the spectacular underwater beauty that is the coral reef for about 1 ½ hours (depending on ocean conditions). Once finished, you will board the ship and head back to the marina in Key West at around 4:30pm. You will still have the opportunity to enjoy the island until almost sunset and meet at the departure point by 5:45pm to head back to Miami.

F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the distance from Miami to Key West?

Key West is right around the neighborhood, around 161 miles away from Miami whih is roughly 3 hours away driving depending on traffic. For those of you who don't use miles it's 259 Kilometers away.

2. Is there a Miami to Key West Ferry?

Unfortunately not at the moment but we're working very hard to provide this service for everyone and like always it will be at our amazing discounted prices, as soon as it's available we'll add the product.

3. How many passengers take the bus from Miami to Key West?

Since Key West is a popular vacation destination many people take it every day, but it really depends on the time of year, usually most people go to Key West during the winter around the holiday season and during the summer. Don't worry though we have multiple 57 passenger luxury coach buses to make sure we keep up with the demand.

4. Can we rent the whole Miami to Key West bus?

Absolutely, and you'll receive a huge discount as well, this can be arranged by contracting us via email or calling our main office directly at (305) 444-0707.

5. What is included with the transportation from Miami to Key West?

Aside from the round trip transportation we also provide free hotel pickup, depending whether or not your hotel is on our list we'll be able to pick you up, we cover the majority of hotels in Miami Beach so check it out! Chances are your hotel is on the list.

6. If I want to drive to Key West myself are there instructions on how to get from Miami to Key West?

Google is your best friend when it comes to researching and finding information, here’s a step by step guide on how to get to Key West via car. Click here

7. Is there any Miami to Key West cruise available?

We're also working on providing a cruise to Key West, as soon as it's available we're going to add it to the product list.

8. How do you get to Key West from Miami?

Half Price Tour Tickets offers daily tours and shuttles from Miami to Key West daily.

9. Is it safe to travel from Miami to Key West by car?

If you're a new comer to the state of Florida we don't recommend driving there without a GPS because you can get lost without one.

10. Do you only do one day from Miami to Key West or can we stay multiple days?

We don't only offer same day round trips to Key West, now you have the option to return any other day you want for an additional $30.

11. Do you offer the Snorkeling, Trolley Tours or the Ghost Tour in Key West?

As for now, we only offer the snorkeling tours in Key West.

Key West is Keys Best

A stunning coral archipelago of over 1,700 islands constitutes Florida Keys in United States. Nestled within sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Atlantic Ocean to the east, these islands extend from south of Miami to Key West until the uninhabited Dry Tortugas. Beginning from the southeastern tip of Florida peninsula all of Keys waters are encompassed within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Distinguished coral barrier reefs, enormous sea-grass beds, vast mangrove forests, and over 6,000 species of marine life are protected within the 2,900 square nautical miles of alluring waters in the sanctuary.

It is home to the majestic 221 mile long Florida Reef Tract, continental USA’s only living and the world’s third largest coral barrier reef. The reef is arc-shaped, running concentric from Soldier Key to Marquesas Key parallel to the Florida Bay. The Keys are a favorite holiday destination amongst tourists who travel from across the globe to discover the rich marine life, historic shipwrecks, unusual wildlife and many other archaeological treasures abound on land and its waters. Ruins of nine sunken ships lie along the famous Shipwreck Trail which is a perfect getaway for water sports junkies, wildlife enthusiasts and eco-tourists alike. Key West is the southernmost city in Continental America that experiences a wonderful frost-free subtropical weather typical to the Keys.

Conch Charisma is no Dogma

‘Father of Miami’, Henry Flager dreamt of completing the Florida Overseas Railroad to improve transportation from Miami to Key West. An engineering marvel, the rail started operations in 1912 and he died one year later. Most of the railroad was destroyed by the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane leaving behind the significant 'Overseas Heritage Trail, now a paved pedestrian and cycling path. Moving along this 70 mile long trail is an intimate experience with the Keys history. Due to its strategic location for a military post Key West has since the 1820s been called the ‘Gibraltar of the West’.

Cruising into its port is a stellar way to observe an underwater life unique to Key waters, such as five of the seven sea turtles species found here. Named after the Bahamian immigrants who fled to the Keys during the American Revolution, the Queen Conch is a slow-moving snail representing the lazy lifestyle on the island. A strong Spanish and Cuban influence is found in the coffee, food and bread. The Conch Tour Train is a perfect way to explore Old Town, a historic Key West district known for retaining its authentic old charm. Most of the shops and restaurants are found along the vibrant Duval Street. It is the main business district here famous for holding a daily street carnival at the Mallory Square during Sunset Celebration. Taxi, scooter and bicycle rentals are easily available on the mainland. A 4 hour scenic drive over the 127 mile long Overseas Highway makes for a marvelous road-trip.

Keys Lost in Transition

Closest airports are the Key West International Airport, Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International, Florida Keys Marathon Airport and Miami International Airport for those who wish to fly in. A Miami to Key West shuttle operates from Miami Airport to every area in the Keys with an option of a round-trip. Your adventure starts right from the Biscayne National Park that encompasses Biscayne Bay and most of the transitional islands in the Upper Keys. Here you can learn about the history, horticulture and ecosystem of the bay through an informed guide. Offshore coral reefs here are one of the best scuba diving and snorkeling sites. Sands Key has been nicknamed ‘Las Tetas’ which is Spanish for ‘breasts’ after the two hills found here.

Remnants of a damaged wooden dock are found at the Ragged Keys whose northernmost islands are unusually encircled by a low sea wall. Bernard Romans while visiting in 1774 noted that these seven rocks were called ‘Mascaras’ and not ‘Mucares’ like the English did. The 65 foot tall Boca Chita Lighthouse is a centerpiece at the Biscayne National Park. Built by Mark Honeywell it is one of the three historic buildings in the Boca Chita Key. True Florida Keys are famous for being the hideout of the notorious 18th century African pirate ‘Black Caesar’. These include the Elliott, Adams, Reid, Rubicon, Totten, and Old Rhodes Keys formed out of exposed ancient fossilized coral reefs. Elliott Key has four distinguished ecosystems and is accessible only by boat.

Fun Cargo in Key Largo

Aboard a Miami to Key West bus you will stumble upon the well-known ‘African Queen’ boat from the 1951 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. You are now crossing the first and largest of the Keys islands which gained popularity for being the setting of the 1948 film ‘Key Largo’. Rest at the sandy Canon Beach where a 17^th century canon lies aground. Far Beach or the one’s at Founder's Park, Harry Harris Park, Marriott and Bayside Resort are also ideal for sipping your favorite cocktail. Relish authentic meals at popular food joints like the Pilot House, Sundowners, Upper Crust Pizza, Conch House, Shipwreck's Bar and Floating Inn. Wildlife enthusiasts would enjoy a visit to Dagny Johnson State Park which protects the endangered Woodrat and Wild Cotton. More than 1400 endangered American Crocodiles hunted for their hide and skin are preserved at the Crocodile National Wildlife Refuge.

The intentionally sunk Spiegel Grove shipwreck and mystical reefs such as the Snapper Ledge, Dry Rock, Grecian Rocks, Pickles, Elbow, Turtle and Molasses Reef are found here. Situated 21 feet below the glittering waters is the world’s first underwater hotel surrounded by striking sea creatures like the parrotfish, snappers, angelfish and barracuda. This spell-bounding underwater inn known as the ‘Jules' Undersea Lodge’ is packed with a kitchen, hot shower, music, books and movies. Most of these underwater treasures lie in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park well known for all the water sports activities. One such wonder is the 9 foot tall bronze statue of Jesus lying 30 feet below sea surface. This ‘Christ of the Abyss’ 4,000 pound heavy statue depicts him showering blessings of peace. This is an incredible site to see and if you do not know the story and truth of the most inspirational human being ever to walk this planet, this may be the tipping point for you.

Sea in Autumn through Glass Bottom

But those of you not feeling that blessed might want to keep your Miami to Key West trip short and sweet. Then hop on the 65 foot tall Spirit of Pennekamp, a high speed catamaran that glides across turquoise blue waters through many a flora and fauna giving you a chance to observe the underwater life from a distance. Children love spotting seashells, sharks, elkhorns, turtles, sponges, barracudas, parrotfish, sea horses and stingrays through its vivid glass bottom bars. Get a glimpse of favorite Key West attractions such as the colorful Florida Reef Tract, which though looks sturdy but is actually quite vulnerable.

The glass bottom boat can be closed or open air with comfortable seats. The boat can be of two designs, the modern twin hull or the traditional V-hull. During summers you can hop on a closed glass bottom boat packed with an air conditioner to avoid the scorching sunshine. The best part is that anytime you can jump off the boat into the enticing waters and swim along with the sea dwellers and playful dolphins. A well informed captain will give you an informative eco-tour about the diverse ecosystem that inhabits this wonderland. Watch the mysterious seascape change as you move away from the scenic shoreline of Key West out into the glittering waters into the Gulf of Mexico. A serene glass bottom boat tour provides windows to the stunning underwater reef that this island is famous for.

See and Sing While Kayaking

When the sea has to be traversed more than land, kayaking is a preferred mode of water transportation from Miami to Key West. Key Largo is a premier kayaking destination from where tourists sail off to explore the mangrove ecosystem by paddling through a maze of canals and streams. Glide over lots of shallow water in different shades of blue to discover the prosperous marine flora and fauna abound. Sail through the crystal clear waters as you come across baitfish moving beneath your boats, undulated jellyfish lying in small pools and tiny crabs scampered in muddy waters.

While navigating your motorboat through the flats spot purple corals, sport fish, canary yellow fish, rays, sharks, and an array of tropical birds. Sail through the mostly-isolated white-sand beaches and you might come across a stunning blue heron while it is preying on a slimy yellow water snake. You might see an iguana peering out from the mangroves, red crabs firmly seated on a damp rock, a nurse shark rippling through the otherwise mirror-calm waters. Sail over thick sea grass beds and through narrow tunnels which might have an opening the size of a kid’s bedroom. For beginners usually the kayak is a stable and short sit-on-top with an open cockpit. For overnight trips or longer excursions, longer boats with compartments for storage are preferred. And mother ships are sizable motorboats used for secluded paddles for shuttling to isolated areas.

Escapade Saga on Islamorada

Moving on a Miami to Key West bus you will pass through the ‘Village of Islands’ of Islamorada, home to the highest point above sea level in the Keys. Theater of the Sea is a marine mammal theatre set up on Windley Key in 1946. Children love watching shows performed by bottlenose dolphins as they swim in, ring a bell and jump through a hoop. California sea lions, sting rays, lizards, crocodilians, sea turtles and sharks are some of the other marine life species found here.

Nature lovers would enjoy sighting trees like the Holywood Lignum-vitae, Gumbo-limbo, False Mastic, Pigeonplum, Florida Strangler Fig, and Poisonwood at the Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park. Another attraction is a renovated building, leftover of a small home with a windmill built by William John Matheson, a wealthy Miami chemist. Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve has over 7,000 acres of sea-grass beds meadows and mangrove wetlands. The interesting San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park is located near the ghost town of Indian Key, whose sole inhabitant until little later than 1880s was a wrecker called William Bethel. The striking Alligator Reef Light is located near the Alligator Reef in Matecumbe Keys. The sandy Anne's Beach named after a local environmentalist Anne Eaton is situated in Lower Matecumbe Key.

Adrenaline Glee on a Jet Ski

One of the best ways to check out the Key West backcountry is during a thrilling ride aboard a Jet Ski or a wave runner. Feel the adrenaline rush when these state-of-the-art watercrafts glide across pristine blue waters past remote islands scattered here and there. Jetting past the Southernmost Point at Mallory Square, it is possible that you may spot a local sea turtle or sociable bottlenose dolphin.

Tourists who travel from Miami to Key West to observe the natural habitat of the rich marine flora and fauna find Jet Skiing an exhilarating option for sightseeing. A stop at the sandbar during a 28-mile Jet Ski tour is one of the most favorite parts of this ride. Get off your Jet Ski and take a dip in the resplendent waters to refresh yourself, of course not without clicking a few pictures with your waterproof camera. This adventure is suited for both beginners and expert Jet Ski riders.

You can even tour with a knowledgeable and experienced guide who will tell you about the rich history of this magnificent island. Children aged 5 years and above can get off the watercraft to swim and play with the sweet dolphins and have fun in this giant natural swimming pole known as the ocean.

A typical Jet Ski ride can last anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes, enough to relish in the stunning beauty that encompasses this paradise island. You can ride solo, or even better along with a friend, and pivot or slow down anywhere you feel like to soak in the spirit of relaxation within the backdrop of the magnificent scenery or maybe a romantic and stellar sunset. Sunsets are always better when scene from on the water. 

Wishing Animal in Fishing Capital

Keys are known as the ‘Fishing Capital of the World’ for recording more saltwater compared to any other angling destination in the world. This attracts many saltwater and freshwater anglers to travel from Miami to Key West and visit this fishing Mecca that hosts several sports fishing tournaments. One such hotspot is the Marathon Hump located right about in the middle of the Gulf Stream. You can either bring your boat or hire a charter boat and apply your fishing skills in the spotless waters.

Surrounded by stunning flats and vast stretches of mangrove fields in the Gulf Streams, Backcountry or Flats Fishing is perfect for catching fishes like permit, snook, barracuda, jacks, sea trout, redfish, tarpon, and bonefish. Try deep sea fishing by as much as 1,500 feet deep down and you might be rewarded with a billfish. Tuna, ceros, dorado, wahoo, cobia, and snapper can be caught during Light Tackle Fishing, one of the most easy charter in Florida Keys. If you want to make the most of the spectacular coral reefs and wrecks found in the Key waters go in for Wreck Fishing and Reef Fishing. Apart from Harbor Fishing, fishing from the Long Key Bridge, Old Seven Mile Bridge, and bridges at Toms Harbor, known as Bridge Fishing, is ideal choice if you don’t have a boat and just want to ‘wet a line’. A Party Boat is preferred for an economical means of fishing.

Not a Race, Marathon the Place

Some fishing enthusiasts travel from Miami to Key West to follow in the footsteps of celebrated writers like Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey who made Marathon their favorite fishing spot. A Bahamian Heritage Festival is celebrated at the historic home built by Bahamian pioneer George Adderley. It is situated within the Crane Point Museum where you can learn about native dwellers of these islands. Some of these inhabitants include the rare Antillean nighthawk, endangered Key deer, Great White heron, Gray kingbird Black Whiskered vireo.

To catch a glimpse of this assorted wildlife head to Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, National Key Deer Refuge, Bahia Honda State Park, Long Key State Park, Curry Hammock State Park, or the Great Florida Birding Trail. Get up close and personal with California sea lions and bottlenose dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Situated on No Name Key is a village that obtains no electricity whereas Pigeon Key is home to many white crowned pigeons. Out of the 42 bridges in Florida Keys three have been identified as a heritage site namely the Seven Mile, Bahia Honda, and Long Key Bridge.

Leave the Hull, Go Snorkel

Water lovers hoping to explore the mystical marine life that inhabits the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean should look no more. After all, you cannot tell any stories about what you saw sitting on a boat while others swam and snorkeled! Moreover, hidden within these spotless waters is an exotic aquatic life, sunken ships, and large sea-grass beds that can be observed during snorkeling.

An instructor will guide you through the basics required to snorkel, after which both beginners and experienced snorkelers can undertake this thrilling water sport activity. Before starting, ensure that you are well hydrated if you wish to spend a long time snorkeling, such as two to three hours at a stretch. A Miami to Key West shuttle take passengers to and fro between the mainland and a snorkeling destination.

Then enjoy a swim along friendly dolphins, colorful coral reefs, unusual marine plants, and variety of beautiful fish. You can even attain a glimpse of North America’s only living coral reef, the 221 mile long Florida Reef Tract, which makes Key West a snorkeling Mecca amongst water sports junkies. This one of a kind experience will cost you only $70, a small price to pay for a priceless adventure.

A snorkel cruise is available on state-of-the-art catamarans that sail to the preferred destination and provide you with good quality snorkeling gear. Once you have relaxed enough on the cruise deck, jump into the lap of Mother Nature where many wonders await you. Through the shallow waters enjoy watching what you had only seen on television till now.

Swim Around a Historic Shipwreck

History buffs might know that most of the wealth that made the islands of Florida Keys rich was brought by shipwreck scavengers. Age old sunken ships that lie deep under the glittering waters provide an artificial reef thereby enhancing the diverse marine life. Both scuba divers and snorkelers can get aboard a Miami to Key West shuttle that ferries passengers to a wreck destination and then dive down to checkout the awe-inspiring ruins of these historic ships.

Seven miles off the coast of Key West, 140 feet below sea surface is Vandenberg, the second biggest ship to be intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. Sitting upright is the 180-foot tall Cayman Salvager that was purposely sunk in 1985 for providing shelter to the aquatic life through its cavernous openings. Lying 65 feet of underwater is a classic tugboat, Joe’s Tug which sits upright.

A huge iron lighthouse marks the main body of Sand Key Lighthouse Reef, home to unique coral formations of different depths. This ten mile long reef is a popular diving site amongst water lovers. Big lobsters and groupers amongst variety of marine life find shelter in the dark caves and overhangs of the celebrated coral reef system, the Ten-Fathom Ledge. Watching ruins of a pair of coral-coated anchors of an 18th century vessel is the main attraction of Kedge Ledge, an intriguing patch reef. Of the many fascinating shipwrecks, 9 have been identified by the Florida Key National Marine Sanctuary as that of prime interest, and these lie along the renowned Shipwreck Trail.

The Zest of Key West

Built in 1852, the Key West Lighthouse was destroyed by the same hurricane responsible for Sand Key lighthouse destruction. An 88 step climb on a circular iron stairway will lead you to the deck of this 66 foot tall effigy from where you can relish panoramic view of the island. At the Key West Shipwreck Museum you will learn how most of the Keys gained its wealth through shipwreck salvaging. Ernest Hemingway spent a lot of his time on this island writing some of his classics like ‘The Snows of Kilimanjaro’ and ‘The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber’. Six and seven-toed Hemingway Cats found at his winter home are believed to be descendants of his pets. The Audubon House has one of the best tropical gardens along with a collection of antique furnishings and beautiful fine art gallery.

Named after renowned ornithologist John James Audubon, the house still preserves some of his works. Be prepared to be terrified at nighttime during a 90 minute ghost tour around this island city listening to its ghost lore. At the Eco Discovery Center, captivating exhibits, films, and marine artwork will keep you enthralled. Round trip aboard a Miami to Key West bus takes 15 hours and costs only $49. At 12:00 pm you will arrive at the Mel Fisher Museum which has a collection of many 17th century shipwreck artifacts. Two thieves recently stole a solid gold bar kept in a plexiglass case from here. At 1:00 pm a boat ride will take passengers to a gorgeous coral reef where they can spend almost three hours. Chill at the Higgs, Smathers or South Beach and savor a scrumptious meal at El Siboney, Jimmy Buffett or Sloppy Joes before the bus departs for Miami by 5:45 pm. If the city impressed your heart, mind, and soul then book a return ticket for another day and for more enquiries call on (305) 444-0707. 

Parasail High in Lower Keys Sky

While parasailing it is possible to catch a glimpse of lovers cuddling up within the quiet walls of Fort Taylor where Civil War reenactments are sometimes held. Gliding through the gentle breeze you might understand why President Harry S. Truman chose this site as his winter home. Blowing with the wind under a clear blue sky over you with dazzling waters underneath, watch the Truman’s Little White House nestled within this diverse ecosystem and make your Miami to Key West trip worthwhile. Fly past multicolored tropical birds, playful dolphins and take a dip into the resplendent waters once in while for an exhilarating experience.

If you are not so much for the dip then opt for dry landings and takeoffs on the state-of-the-art parasailing boats available for this thrilling excursion. Children above 6 years of age are allowed to parasail as latest technology and informative guides will ensure a smooth ride. As you slowly ascend 300 feet above sea surface enjoy the panoramic sights of sparkling waters and thick green covers that surround this paradise island. Contrary to popular opinion parasailing is actually very tranquil and fun for which you don’t need to know swimming. After the take-off all you need to do is sit back and relax and occasionally wave and smile at your loved ones standing below. You might even spot the illustrious ‘90 miles to Cuba’ monument depicting the islands’ proximity to Havana.

Dry Tortugas Plain Aboard a Seaplane

Though lying at the southernmost tip of Key West, the monument does not mark the very end of the Keys. These extend 70 miles off the Key West coast near a bunch of seven isolated islands of Dry Tortugas in the Gulf. Tourists that travel from Miami to Key West to this region of uninhabited tropical ecosystem know that it can only be accessed by boat or seaplane. A low altitude seaplane tour is a unique way to get to this destination flying over emerald blue waters all the while enjoying the picturesque landscape. A narrated flight with a window seat for everyone, enjoy a birds-eye view of the historic harbor and downtown area of Key West as you take off. Soon glide over the ‘Flats’ which with only 3-5 feet deep shallow waters make marine life spotting very easy. Plenty of sting rays, porpoise and sharks find home in this fragile ecosystem part of the National Marine Sanctuary. Fly past the only private house within the sanctuary’s boundaries, the celebrated Ballast Key where Tennessee Williams was a frequent visitor. Further ahead in Marquesas Islands watch the stunning coral atolls, which are a big circular bunch of coral islands. Then cross over the ‘Quicksands’ where water runs 30 feet deep and sea turtles are easy to spot. It was here that Mel Fisher found salvaged treasures of famous Spanish galleons ‘Atocha’ and ‘Margarita’. Spot popular shipwrecks like that of an intentionally sunk World War II Destroyer Escort and a 70 feet tall vessel belonging to Mel Fisher's divers. Arriving into the Dry Tortugas, don’t miss clicking pictures of Fort Jefferson as you make a low pass.

A Full Circle of Adventure

If arriving during spring you might spot many birds sitting in the fort’s parade grounds, wait to get off for a close range. It is a peak bird-watching season when many migratory birds fly through and you might spot falcons and cattle egrets hunting on songbirds. To get a better view of migrant birds head to a small fountain under the buttonwood trees, the only closest freshwater source. The brown pelican, sooty tern, masked booby, magnificent frigate bird, mourning dove, roseate tern, and brown noddy are seven out of the 299 bird species that often nest within the Dry Tortugas National Park. It is the only nesting ground of magnificent frigate birds in continental America and the only nesting ground of noddy and sooty in America.

Over 80,000 tourists every year visit the park which homes some of the most untouched Florida Keys coral reefs. The park's centerpiece is marked by Fort Jefferson, a huge incomplete coastal fortress. Made with over 16 million bricks, the fort is the Western Hemisphere’s biggest masonry structure. Other popular activities here are camping, scuba diving, saltwater fishing, snorkeling, and picnicking. Although transportation from Miami to Key West does not include a ferry, it is possible to take one from the Dry Tortugas to the Fort Myers. Established in 1886, the fort is a governmental hub of Lee County and gateway to the Southwest Florida region. Situated on the McGregor Boulevard in the fort are winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford (two people who made a positive difference in America and created thousands of private sector jobs). Now you can relish in your full circle of adventure. 

Float Aboard a Glass Bottom Boat

Tourists who wish to observe the unique underwater marine life from a distance, hop on a glass bottom boat for a special adventure reserved for the water lover in you. Gliding across the turquoise blue waters you will be able to spot seashells, sharks, elkhorns, turtles, sponges, barracudas, parrotfish, sea horses, and stingrays of the many flora and fauna found undersea.

It is the perfect way to get a glimpse of favorite Key West attractions such as the colorful 221 mile long Florida Reef Tract, North America’s only living and the world’s third largest coral barrier reef, which though looks sturdy but is actually quite vulnerable. So please do not grab or touch the coral; just leave things as they are. Of course if you see some trash anywhere, even at the bottom of the sea, you can take it and dispose of it properly. 

The glass bottoms boat can be closed or open air with comfortable seats. The boat can be of two designs, the modern twin hull or the traditional V-hull. During summers you can hop on a closed glass bottom boat packed with an air conditioner to avoid the scorching sunshine. The best part is that anytime you can jump off the boat into the enticing waters and swim along with the sea dwellers and playful dolphins.

A well informed captain will give you an informative eco-tour about the diverse ecosystem that inhabits this wonderland. Watch the mysterious seascape change as you move away from the scenic shoreline of Key West out into the glittering waters into the Gulf of Mexico. A serene glass bottom boat tour provides windows to the stunning underwater reef that this island is famous for.