Miami: Key West Boat Tour w/ Optional Snorkeling & Open Bar

If you’re considering a day trip from Miami Beach to Key West, this boat tour with snorkeling and open bar promises a fun mix of scenery, marine adventure, and relaxation. While it’s not a perfect match for everyone—some reviews point out service inconsistencies—the experience offers enough highlights to make it worth considering, especially if you’re after a laid-back day on the water and a taste of the Keys.

What draws us in? First, the chance to snorkel at the largest coral ecosystem in the mainland US. That’s a rare opportunity to see colorful fish and maybe even sea turtles. Second, the open bar adds a social, festive vibe during the cruise. But keep in mind—the trip is quite long, stretching over 18 hours, so it’s suited best for those up for a full day’s adventure. If you’re a flexible traveler who loves scenic boat rides, marine life, and hassle-free transfers, this could be a good pick. However, those seeking top-tier customer service or a more intimate, personalized experience might find some frustrations.

Key Points

• Large coral reef snorkeling gives you a chance to observe colorful marine life up close.
• Scenic cruise offers impressive views of the Florida coast en route to Key West.
• Open bar creates a lively atmosphere during the water journey.
• Round-trip transport simplifies logistics, saving you the hassle.
• Mixed reviews highlight the need for patience with guides and boat staff.
• Long day with 18 hours total, so plan for an early start and a full day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect on This Day Trip

Early Morning Departure from Miami Beach

The adventure kicks off bright and early at 6:30 AM, meeting at the bus stop on Collins Avenue outside the Claremont Hotel. Expect a long day, with the trip lasting approximately 18 hours—this includes travel, the boat ride, snorkeling, and return. The transport is air-conditioned, which is a relief given the early start, and it’s designed to make the journey comfortable. Since the trip offers round-trip transportation, it’s ideal for those who prefer to skip the logistics of renting a car or arranging separate transfers.

The Drive to Key West

The drive itself is a significant part of the experience. While some travelers might find the 4-hour-plus journey a bit long, it’s a chance to enjoy Florida’s scenery and relax with fellow travelers. The guide’s commentary, if attentive and clear, can add context; otherwise, some reviews mention the staff’s indifference, especially towards non-English speakers, which could detract from the experience.

Boarding in Key West and Setting Sail

Once in Key West, the fun really begins. You’ll board a boat—the Sebago Cubed—for your snorkeling adventure, with some reviews indicating the boat crew is friendly and helpful. The vessel provides safety equipment, marina fees, and taxes included in the tour cost, so there are no hidden expenses here.

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The Cruise with Open Bar and Music

As the boat departs, you’ll enjoy stunning coastal views and a lively atmosphere, thanks to music and the complimentary open bar (if this option is selected). This makes the ride to the snorkeling spot more social and relaxed—perfect for meeting new friends or just unwinding with a drink.

Snorkeling at the Coral Reefs

The highlight is undoubtedly snorkeling over the largest coral ecosystem in the mainland US. Expect to see a vibrant underwater landscape filled with parrotfish, damselfish, barracudas, loggerhead sea turtles, and yellowtail snapper. Many travelers find this part of the trip the most rewarding. One reviewer even called the snorkeling “awesome” and praised the reef’s beauty. You get some time to swim and explore, with safety equipment provided.

Additional Review Insights on Snorkeling

Some guests appreciated the guided assistance, noting that the guides were attentive and knowledgeable. However, a notable negative review from a French traveler described difficulties understanding safety instructions due to language barriers and a perceived lack of effort by staff to accommodate non-English speakers. This suggests that while the experience can be fantastic, it might be less smooth for international travelers who don’t speak English fluently.

Return and Reflection

After snorkeling and some downtime on the water, you’ll head back to Miami Beach, with a few hours left for dinner or rest once home. The long day means you should be prepared for a late return, and perhaps some tiredness.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers round-trip transportation, an open bar, the boat cruise, snorkeling gear, marina fees, and safety equipment. These inclusions contribute to the overall value, especially considering the hassle-free logistics and the chance to see marine life without extra costs. Food, however, is not included—so bringing snacks or planning to eat upon return is advisable.

If you opt for the without-snorkeling version, you still get the scenic cruise and transportation but miss out on the underwater adventure, which is arguably the core highlight.

The Reviews: Voices from Travelers

With a 3.6 out of 5 rating from 16 reviews, opinions are mixed but insightful. Many guests highlight the quality of the snorkeling and the amazing views, with one raving, “The snorkeling was awesome and the coral reef is totally worth checking out.” They appreciated the good value for money, especially with the open bar and transport included.

On the other hand, some critiques focus on poor customer service or logistical frustrations. For example, a traveler from France rated it only 1 star, citing staff indifference and language barriers. Another review pointed out the cold bus air conditioning and the lack of Wi-Fi, which might matter to travelers wanting a more comfortable or connected experience.

Several guests praised the friendly, attentive guides and the overall atmosphere, describing the trip as “worth every penny,” especially the snorkeling segment.

The Experience Provider: Big Dave Tours

This company manages the tour, and their reputation seems to hinge on offering a straightforward, affordable day trip. As with any large tour operator, experiences can vary, and the reviews suggest that while the core activity is enjoyable, the customer service may leave some travelers wishing for more attentiveness.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers who value a full day of adventure, are comfortable with long bus rides, and genuinely want to snorkel at a major coral reef. It’s ideal if you’re looking for value, given the inclusions of transportation, snorkeling gear, and drinks. Those seeking a laid-back, social atmosphere will enjoy the open bar and scenic cruise.

However, if you’re sensitive to language barriers, prefer personalized service, or dislike long days of travel, you might want to explore other options. Also, keep in mind the actual snorkeling experience can be variable—some travelers rave about it, while others note difficulties.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This tour packs a lot into a single day—transport, marine exploration, and social fun. The value for the price is notable, especially for those eager to explore the coral reefs and enjoy a lively atmosphere. If you’re a traveler who enjoys scenic boat rides, marine life, and don’t mind a long day, this trip could be quite satisfying.

But it’s important to go in with realistic expectations: not every aspect will be flawless. Customer service can be hit-or-miss, and the long hours require good stamina. For travelers who prioritize authentic interaction and personalized attention, or who are traveling with small groups, other options might serve better.

In short, this tour offers a memorable experience for those looking to combine scenic views, marine discovery, and a relaxed vibe in one package. Just be prepared for the long haul, and you’ll likely find it to be a worthwhile adventure.

FAQ

What time does the tour start? The meeting point is at 6:30 AM on Collins Avenue in front of the Claremont Hotel, South Beach.

How long is the entire trip? The full experience lasts about 18 hours, including travel time, snorkeling, and the boat ride.

Is the open bar included? Yes, if you select the option, you’ll enjoy drinks during the cruise, adding a lively element to the day.

Are safety equipment and fees included? Yes, safety gear, marina fees, and taxes are part of the package, so there are no hidden costs on-site.

Can I just do the boat cruise without snorkeling? Yes, you can opt for a version of the tour that does not include snorkeling, but the highlights are centered around the underwater experience.

Is food provided? No, food is not included, so plan to bring snacks or eat after the trip.

Are the guides multilingual? The tour provides guides in English and Spanish, but some reviews mention challenges with staff speaking other languages or providing clear instructions.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible? Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but it’s advisable to confirm specific needs directly with the provider.

To sum it up, this Miami to Key West boat tour with snorkeling and open bar offers a mix of scenic adventure, marine exploration, and social fun—best suited for travelers craving a full-day escape with plenty of opportunities to see marine life and relax on the water. While it’s not without its imperfections, for many, it delivers a memorable taste of the Keys at a reasonable price.

You can check availability for your dates here: