Miami, being the southernmost major city in mainland America, is surrounded by natural beauty. From pristine beaches to swampy marshlands and even tropical islands, it’s all within day-tripping distance. If you don’t own a vehicle, or would simply rather let someone else do the driving, here’s a round-up of the best tours and excursions from Miami – and yes, one of them does involve leaving the country.

This tour will have you on the white-sand beaches of Key West before lunchtime. Along the lengthy drive, your guide will provide a running commentary on notable and historical sights as you travel across 32 islands and 42 bridges. Once you arrive in Key West, you’ll have five hours to explore the town at your own pace – giving you full control over your day. Spend it on the beach, go explore historical landmarks or simply take in the relaxed pace of life in a local bar – there are plenty of ways to fill your time before boarding the bus back to Miami in the late afternoon.

Key West Day Trip from Collins Avenue in Miami Beach

Set out into the unspoilt Everglades with a master naturalist on this full-day adventure from Miami. You’ll tour the Ten Thousand Islands by boat, and spot birds, manatees and dolphins as your expert guides provide insight. Next, head out on a guided hike in Big Cypress National Preserve, before a thrilling hour-long airboat ride over the wetlands to spot alligators, pelicans and more wildlife in its natural habitat. Your day out will also include a visit to a Native tree island village only accessible via boat, free time to explore a historical trading post and lunch.

Explore the real Everglades on a full-day guided tour, led by an experienced master naturalist. Take a 1-hour, guided boat tour of the beautiful 10,000 Islands. Chance to see bird species: like roseate spoonbills, white pelicans, and ospreys. See manatees and dolphins up close. Go on a 1-hour dry nature hike led by a master naturalist, where you will immerse yourself in incredible wildlife and rare plants and orchids, under a canopy of huge cypress trees. Hold onto your hat on an exhilarating 1-hour air boat ride, the best in the Glades. Discover the remote beauty of a Native American tree island village where they used to live, one can only get to by boat. Witness alligators and other wildlife where they should be spotted, in the wild, and up close!  Enjoy a narrated scenic wildlife spotting drive through Big Cypress. Visit a historic trading post and other intriguing cultural and ecological stops. A delicious lunch is included. Truly personalized, authentic and amazing experience!

Full-Day Everglades Naturalist-Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike and Airboat

Full-Day Everglades Naturalist-Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike, and Airboat

Embark on a sea-faring voyage to the sun-kissed Bahamas for the day. Your sleek ferry will depart from metropolitan Miami, giving you around two hours to enjoy the scenery on the 79-kilometer (49-mile) journey before docking at Bimini to relax at the Hilton Beach Club. Your day pass gives you access to all of the hotel’s amenities, and you can even book in for water sports such as snorkeling and parasailing at your own expense. If you’d like to explore beyond the hotel, you can hire a golf cart and spend the day buzzing around the island. And remember, you’ll be entering another country, so it’s imperative you bring your passport.

Bimini , bahamas day cruise from fort lauderdale & free transportation included

Bimini, Bahamas Day Cruise from Fort Lauderdale

Led by a marine biologist, this day tour will whisk you from Miami to the Florida Keys, allowing you to get up close and personal with the area’s unique wildlife and coastal ecosystems. Paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard through the mangrove forests and seagrass flats, eat lunch on the water, then snorkel at two reef locations in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and other marine life as your expert guide explains the fascinating ecology of the Florida coastline.

With pick up from either the Ft. Lauderdale or Miami area, you will be taken to Islamorada in the Florida Keys. This tour is perfect for the person who wants to become fully immersed in different marine ecosystems found in the Keys. With your marine biologist or naturalist guide, kayak or SUP (stand up paddle board) into an old-growth mangrove forest and then out into the beautiful and ecologically important sea-grass flats. This guided tour is your chance to see nurse sharks, bonnet head sharks, southern stingrays, manatees, many varieties of fish, marine iguanas, a wide array of marine invertebrates, and more! Then in the afternoon head out on a boat and snorkel with your guide to a beautiful reef location in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. You will have a chance to see sharks, eels, sea turtles, dolphins, spotted eagle rays, baracudas, and more. Picturesque sea views along the way. Delicious lunch. Round trip transportation. Smaller-group tour. Find the real Florida!

Florida Keys Eco, Paddle and Snorkel Tour

Florida Keys Eco, Paddle, and Snorkel Tour

Head out onto the open water and feel the warm sea breeze on this snorkeling adventure off the coast of Key West. You’ll cruise past 32 islands between Miami and Key West, have some free time to explore the island city, then sail away on-board a spacious 50-foot catamaran. The turquoise water off the Florida coast is home to a coral reef with around 600 different species of marine life. Dive in with your snorkel and mask to see it all up close. Professional snorkeling instruction is provided for those who aren’t familiar with the sport.

You'll get picked up from your Miami hotel and begin your approximately 4-hour bus ride to Key West. On your way you'll cross 42 bridges and hop 32 islands before reaching Key West. Experience a Caribbean atmosphere complete with street artists, outdoor cafes and restaurants. After arriving there will be plenty of time for you to explore Key West on your own. After exploring Key West you'll take 3-hour visit to the coral reef on a catamaran snorkeling cruise. Before entering the water to snorkel, the friendly and professional crew will be on hand to assist and instruct you. Once you descend “the stairway to the ocean”, you will discover the wonders of the underwater world and its abundance of marine life including tropical species found nowhere else on earth. Snorkeling is from 1 to 4 pm (bus arrives between 11.30 am – 12 noon and departs at 6 pm) Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler, or want to try something new and exciting, Key West is the perfect underwater destination.

Key West Sail and Snorkel Trip from Miami

Key West Sail & Snorkel Trip From Miami

Explore the diverse wilderness and wildlife of Florida with a tour or excursion from Miami.

The 5 Best Tours and Excursions From Miami

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