Planning a day trip from Fort Lauderdale to Islamorada? This guided tour offers a full 11 hours of Florida Keys scenery, wildlife, and laid-back island charm. We’ve examined this experience closely to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.
What immediately catches your eye is the promise of wildlife watching from a boat—think dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles—paired with delicious oceanfront dining and free time at a lively marina. It’s a chance to see the Keys’ natural beauty without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.
One thing to consider is the long day—11 hours is substantial, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a full schedule. Also, no restroom is available on the van, so packing some tissues or wipes might be wise.
This tour is perfect for those who want a balanced mix of nature, sightseeing, and relaxation in one go. If you’re eager to see the Florida Keys’ wildlife and coastal scenery with knowledgeable guides, this experience delivers.
Key Points
- Wildlife and scenery: A backcountry boat cruise offers excellent chances to see dolphins, manatees, and birds.
- Scenic dining: An oceanside restaurant provides a tasty meal with stunning views of mangroves and open water.
- Comfortable transportation: Modern, air-conditioned van with USB outlets ensures a smooth, pleasant ride.
- Flexible free time: A 45-minute marina stop lets you shop, sip a drink, or watch wildlife at your own pace.
- Small group: Limited to 12 participants, making for a more personalized experience.
- Informative guides: Narrated tour by experienced naturalists enriches your understanding of the area.
This tour offers a well-rounded experience of Islamorada, a jewel in the Upper Florida Keys. It’s hosted by Key West Day Tours, which emphasizes small-group intimacy and flexible booking. The cost is $249 per person, which includes nearly everything—transport, lunch, boat ride, and a naturalist guide.
You can check availability for your dates here:Transportation and Timing
Starting early, the tour departs from the Vacation Village in Weston at 8:00 am. The journey is in a new, comfortable passenger van, equipped with USB outlets—helpful for charging devices on the way. The ride is roughly 10 hours, including pick-up, activities, and return, with an expected arrival back in Fort Lauderdale between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
Traveling in a smaller group—up to 12—means fewer strangers and more personalized attention. The shared narrative from the guide adds educational value, revealing local insights about wildlife, geography, and history.
The Itinerary: What You’ll Do
The core of this experience is the one-hour bayside boat cruise. Aboard a bay boat, you’ll glide around mangrove islands in search of wildlife like dolphins and manatees, while soaking up the lush scenery that makes the Florida Keys unique. Many reviews highlight how the guides’ naturalist commentary enhances the boat ride, helping you identify birds, fish, and other creatures.
Next up is the oceanfront nature walk on Lower Matecumbe Key. This 1300-foot boardwalk winds through mangroves, offering scenic views and a gentle stroll along Florida’s coastline. The shallow waters here, with sand flats, are perfect for foot-wading, making it a fun, tactile experience. Expect lots of photo opportunities and chances to spot local birds and lizards.
For lunch, you’ll enjoy a scenic oceanside meal at a local restaurant. The menu is diverse, featuring everything from conch fritters and fried calamari to mahi mahi tacos and steak sandwiches. The views of mangroves, boats, and open water provide a relaxing backdrop to your meal. Several reviews praise the quality of the food and the spectacular setting.
Following lunch, there’s 45 minutes of free time at a lively marina. Here, you might see tarpons feeding or simply soak up the relaxed Keys atmosphere. It’s a good chance to browse gift shops, sip a cocktail, or snap some final photos.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The tour covers all the essentials: roundtrip transportation from Weston, bottled water, narration by an experienced guide, and the boat cruise. The lunch is also included, with a generous menu of choices.
Note that alcoholic beverages are not included, so if you wish to enjoy a drink at the marina, you’ll need to purchase it separately. Also, there’s no restroom on the van, which might be worth considering if you’re sensitive to long hours on the road.
The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective
Reviewers frequently mention the knowledgeable guides, with one saying, “Jason is a great professional, competent and super nice,” highlighting the importance of friendly, informative leadership. The boat cruise is often described as “magnificent,” with wildlife sightings and beautiful scenery making it a highlight.
The food at the oceanside restaurant earns praise, with travelers enjoying the variety and the peaceful setting. The free marina time is another favorite, offering a casual way to unwind and observe wildlife in action.
While the tour is rich in activities, it’s important to note that it’s a long day. For travelers with limited stamina or those who dislike lengthy bus rides, the schedule might feel intensive. Conversely, those eager to see multiple highlights in one day will find it well worth the effort.
More Great Tours NearbyAnalyzing the Value
At $249, the price reflects a comprehensive experience—transport, guided tours, boat ride, and a sizable lunch. The small group size adds to the value, providing a more intimate atmosphere than large tour buses. The inclusion of bottled water and naturalist narration enhances the quality and educational aspect.
On the flip side, the absence of restroom facilities on the vehicle is a small inconvenience, especially on such a long day. Yet, considering the scope of activities and scenic highlights, many travelers find this tour an excellent way to maximize their time in the Keys without the stress of planning.
This trip suits travelers who appreciate nature, wildlife, and scenic coastal views. It’s especially good for those who want a guided experience that balances outdoor adventure with relaxed meals. The small group format is ideal for visitors seeking a more personal touch.
It’s probably less suited for pregnant women, individuals with back or heart issues, or those with motion sickness, given the boat ride and long day. Also, if you prefer a more flexible or self-directed itinerary, this packaged experience might feel a little structured.
For anyone looking to explore the Florida Keys’ natural beauty in a single day, this tour offers both value and variety. The wildlife cruise delivers memorable moments with dolphins and manatees, while the oceanside lunch keeps the experience grounded in local flavor and stunning scenery.
The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and diverse activities make it a well-rounded choice for travelers eager to see the region without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions. Just remember, it’s a full day, so come prepared for a bit of a schedule and pack comfortable clothes, shoes, and your camera.
If your goal is to enjoy the Florida Keys’ wildlife, scenic views, and relaxed island vibe, this tour will meet your expectations—and maybe even surprise you with how much you can pack into a single day.
What time does the tour start?
Pickup begins at 8:00 am from the Vacation Village in Weston. It’s recommended to arrive 10 minutes early to ensure timely departure.
Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation in a new, comfortable van with USB outlets is provided from Weston to Islamorada and back.
How long is the boat cruise?
The boat ride lasts about one hour, providing ample opportunities to see wildlife from the water.
What kind of wildlife might I see?
You can expect to see dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, seabirds, fish, and possibly crocodiles. Guides provide narration to help identify these creatures.
Are meals included?
Yes, a buffet-style lunch with multiple options, including seafood and meat dishes, is part of the package. Beverages are not included but can be purchased separately at the marina.
Is there free time at the marina?
Yes, you get approximately 45 minutes to explore shops, watch wildlife, or enjoy a drink at the marina.
Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
While generally suitable for most, the full-day schedule and boat ride might be challenging for very young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.
Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in planning your trip.
To sum it up, this Fort Lauderdale to Islamorada day trip offers a well-balanced blend of wildlife, scenic beauty, and leisurely enjoyment. It’s best suited for travelers craving a guided, hassle-free way to experience the Florida Keys’ natural wonders in just one day.
You can check availability for your dates here: