The 5 Best Tours and Excursions From Miami

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.