Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Our most recommended tours and activities

Key West: Sandbar Excursion & Kayak Tour with Lunch & Drinks

1. Key West: Sandbar Excursion & Kayak Tour with Lunch & Drinks

Explore Key West’s Florida Marine Sanctuary on a sandbar and kayak eco-adventure. Hop on a boat and cruise through the crystalline waters of the Atlantic Ocean as you head toward the marine sanctuary. Be on the lookout for dolphins and sea turtles, participate in water activities, and savor lunch with unlimited drinks. Start with a guided kayak tour through the mangrove islands, exploring the local marine wildlife and mangroves. See as much local wildlife as possible with 500 marine species in the area. Next, venture further into the wildlife sanctuary to a secluded sandbar. Select your lunch with options such as fresh local Cuban sandwiches, fried chicken tenders, veggie wraps, fruit and veggie trays, cheese and cracker platters, and pita and hummus platters. Take advantage of unlimited draft beer, wine, and soft drinks that will be available after lunch. At the sandbar, you'll have the chance to either explore with a paddleboard or kayak, go snorkeling, or just sit back and relax while you grab a drink in the secluded oasis.

Sunny Isles Beach: Key West Day Trip & Optional Activities

2. Sunny Isles Beach: Key West Day Trip & Optional Activities

Start your day on an air-conditioned bus from Sunny Isles to Key West with a 4-hour drive. Watch as your tour guide points out the famous 31 Caribbean Islands along the drive known as the Florida Keys. Cross 43 bridges as you travel through the Keys to Key West. See the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico while driving by the coastline. Key West is the most southern point of the USA and only 90 miles from Cuba. Once you arrive in Key West, get 6 hours to explore the island at a leisurely pace, stroll the artistic streets, or relax at outdoor cafes and restaurants. Upgrade your day trip by choosing an option that includes one of the following inclusions: - Hop-on Hop-off Conch Train All-Day Ticket. This 70-minute narrated tour around Key West is one of Florida’s Top attractions, covers over 100 points of interest, and includes 4 Hop-on Hop-off stops around town. - A 3-Hour snorkeling adventure at North America’s only living coral reef. Travel on a state-of-the-art Catamaran, receive professional instruction, use top-of-the-line snorkel gear, and enjoy an open bar on the way back (including sodas beer, wine, champagne, margaritas, well-mixed drinks)  - A 2-Hour cruise on a glass-bottom boat where you can witness the wonders of North America’s only living coral reef, maybe spotting sea turtles and rays. Fun for all the family, you also get great views of Key West from the sea. - A 12-15 minute parasail off the coast of Key West on a 1-Hour parasailing adventure. Enjoy the tropical vibe of the Keys as you are helped into your parasail harness, before being slowly raised in the air, until you are flying high above Key West. Make your way back from Key West to Sunny Isles at 5:00 PM.

From Miami: Day Trip to Key Largo with Optional Activities

3. From Miami: Day Trip to Key Largo with Optional Activities

Make the most of your time in Miami with a day trip to the closest Florida Key, Key Largo, and maximize your time on the island. Choose from activities such as snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat tour, stand-up paddle boarding, or kayaking. Start your day with a 90-minute drive in an air-conditioned bus from Downtown Miami to Key Largo. Watch as your tour guide points out the famous Caribbean Islands along the drive towards the Florida Keys. See the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico while driving by the coastline. Once at Key Largo, the first and northernmost of the Florida Keys, enjoy 11 hours to explore the island at a leisurely pace. This is where Miami locals come to enjoy the Keys. Lyft and Uber operate in Key Largo if you need to get around. Discover John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park with its man-made beaches, hiking trails, concession stores, and unspoiled waters. The State Park concession store has pre-packaged wraps, sandwiches, ice cream, snacks, etc. Key Largo has a laid-back, tropical atmosphere. There are Tiki bars located right on the water, known for their food and drink. The Fish House, located on the highway, is an excellent fish restaurant. Upgrade your day trip by choosing from the following options: Snorkel Tour A 3-hour snorkeling adventure at North America’s only living coral reef. Travel on a 65-ft high-speed catamaran, receive professional instruction, and use top-of-the-line snorkel gear. The itinerary includes a number of shallow reefs teeming with wildlife. The rental includes bottled water and environmentally friendly suntan lotion. Glass-bottom boat tour A 2.5-hour cruise on a glass-bottom boat for a unique glimpse into the serene undersea world in style and comfort. Fun for all the family as you witness the wonders of North America’s only living coral reef, maybe spotting sea turtles and rays. There is a concession on board selling soft drinks and snacks. SUP Board Rental 1-hour stand-up paddleboard rental. Paddle along the shoreline of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Instructions and a safety briefing are provided. Kayak Rental 1-hour kayak rental. Explore the unspoiled waters of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which extends 3 miles into the ocean. Instructions and a safety briefing are provided. Kayaks are singles, with the rental per kayak. At the end of the day, meet the bus at 7:30 PM for your 90-minute return trip to Miami.

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Things to do in
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
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What people are saying about Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Overall rating

4.0 / 5

based on 13 reviews

Fantastic day out on the water with an opportunity to explore mangroves on kayaks (2 person) or just chill on the boat. Crew was extremely helpful in assisting us with a wheelchair user and an older family member allowing them to experience the water as well (not kayaks) One thing to note is water was a bit deeper than we were expecting (ranging from thigh high to waist high approximately) and also with a current. Not problematic, just something to be aware of, likely tide related. A bit of a challenge to get back up boat stairs as water level got higher, if you have physical limitations you may need an assist. Not intended for snorkeling, just a fun spot to swim and hang out. It was a very clean and well equipped boat, great food (vegetarian options provided) and plentiful drinks and an excellent crew. Bring $ for tips or use Venmo/cash app, they all worked very hard to make it a great inclusive experience for everyone regardless of age or abilities. Definitely will do this again!

Very cool experience! The crew ensured a pleasant stay with unlimited food and drinks. The canoe trip could have been a little longer. This was divided into two groups given the number of canoes. Our round was a bit short because the previous group ran out as someone had fallen out of the canoe. But would be nice if you could canoe for an hour. Now it was only half an hour.

I can't say enough good things about this whole experience. The captain and crew were just amazing! Absolutely worth every penny. If your thinking of doing anything in the keys this should be #1 on your to-do-list! Captain Chuck truly made my daughter's birthday celebration a memorable one!