You are Here: Home / Browse by Destination / North America / United States / Miami & the Florida Keys Explorer
4 days

Miami & the Florida Keys Explorer

Miami & the Florida Keys Explorer

Key Largo

Miami

The Everglades

Trip rating

  • Overview

    Experience the ultimate highlights of southern Florida! Encounter alligators and other denizens of the Everglades in the Florida Swamp, then enjoy Caribbean vibes, explore coral reefs and chill out in the magical Florida Keys.

    Why we love it

    • Discover the Everglades and its wildlife by enjoying an airboat ride on the Florida Swamp
    • Enjoy snorkelling in Biscayne National Park
    • Explore historic Key West - the southernmost point of continental USA

    Itinerary

    Day 1 - Miami - Florida Swamp

    • We depart Miami and drive to the Everglades, which spans the southern tip of the Florida peninsula and most of Florida Bay and is the only subtropical preserve in North America. It is also home to many rare and endangered species and has been designated a World Heritage site, an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance. The area is known for its rich bird life, particularly large wading birds, such as the roseate spoonbill, wood stork, great blue heron and a variety of egrets.
    • Upon arrival at the Florida Swamp we enjoy an exploration of nature's River of Grass on an included airboat trip. An experienced guide will describe the wonders of this unique ecosystem and the native and exotic wildlife that inhabit it. Look out for the various forms of wildlife you find on your journey, particularly alligators.
    • We get to come face to face with and learn all about venomous snakes at a snake show.
    • Join a swamp buggy excursion for an hour-long in-depth eco-tour around the Everglades
    • Stay overnight in adventurous style in traditional Seminole native ‘chickees’ (thatched roof dwellings). Please note that the accommodation tonight is very basic, but it is a great experience as you feel as if you are staying in wilderness away from the trappings of modern-day life. All the ‘chickees’ offer twin-share accommodation. There is no electricity or running water in the 'chickees' themselves, but there are communal bathrooms with showers in the main restroom building. You will need to bring your own torch (flashlight) and towel, but huddling around a campfire surrounded by the evening sounds of the Everglades has a certain magic that comes from being away from civilisation.
    Days Hotel Thunderbird Beach Resort or similar

    Day 2 - Biscayne National Park - Key West

    • From the wetlands, we head south for Biscayne National Park. Made up of 95% water, Biscayne is the largest marine park in the USA and a top snorkelling and scuba diving destination. The largest island, Elliott Key, is regarded as the first of the Florida Keys. We enjoy a lazy afternoon snorkelling (gear included) and exploring the wide array of marine life on offer - truly a unique experience in a protected area. Manatees are known to frequent the mangrove areas whilst snorkellers may be lucky enough to see lionfish.
    • We then drive all the way down the Florida Keys, first to Key Largo, then heading southwest along a chain of islands connected by bridges. The further we go the more scenic it gets and our journey soon takes us across the famous long bridges, paved with turquoise water, lush mangroves and panoramic views.
    • Our destination is Key West, the historic town that has become one of the liveliest places in USA. On arrival, we have the evening free to sample the active nightlife or dine at one of the many fine seafood restaurants.
    Billie's Chickee hut's or similar

    Day 3 - Key West

    • Key West is a magical place and is without doubt the ‘Pearl of Florida’, with an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius. Here we get to enjoy the laid-back Caribbean vibe which Ernest Hemingway took so much solace in; he lived and wrote here for over 10 years.
    • We enjoy a walking tour down the streets of Key West, which gives us a good orientation around the place. All the way down Duval Street to Mallory Square, where the cruise ships dock, there is a certain buzz about the place and everyone seems to be on holidays (which they probably are!).
    • Key West is best explored on foot and we enjoy free time here to make our own discoveries.
    • Numerous dive and snorkel boats will showcase the underwater coral reef or offer world-famous fishing opportunities, or you may simply chose to laze on idyllic beaches, wander the shops or people-watch from a local café. Make sure you sample a slice of the famous Key lime pie.
    • Another option is to hire some bicycles and ride to the excellent Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center (free entry) and Fort Zachary Taylor (entry fee applies), which has the best beach on Key West. This is a great place to view the sunset.
    Comfort Inn Key West or similar

    Day 4 - Key West - Miami

    • We have another free morning to enjoy the Florida Keys sun or indulge in some further sightseeing. The Hemingway House is a Mecca for lovers of history and literature. You could chose do join an optional tour through the house and garden (entry fee applies) and get an entertaining spiel on what made ‘Papa’ Hemingway such a larger than life character. You even get to meet the many living descendants of Hemingway’s six-toed cats!
    • We depart Key West and drive back to Miami. Our tour concludes upon arrival back in Miami at approximately 5 pm. Optional post-tour accommodation is available - please inquire when booking your tour. Alternatively why not add on a beach extension down in Key West?
    • If you are planning to fly out of Miami tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 9 pm (21:00 hrs).
    Comfort Inn Key West or similar
    Download detailed trip notes

  • Details

    What to Know

    What's Included

    • The services of a professional tour leader
    • Sightseeing and activities (including entrance fees where relevant): Florida Swamp, airboat ride, Biscayne National Park, snorkelling and Key West.
    • Transport

    Not Included

    • International flights
    • Airport transfers
    • Airport departure taxes
    • Visas
    • Insurance
    • Meals
    • Any optional tours and activities
    • Tips
    • Items of a personal nature

  • Map

    Map Itinerary

  • Reviews

    Past Travellers' Ratings & Comments

    There’s no feedback available on this trip yet. If you’ve been on this trip and would like to contribute a review, rating or simply make a comment then please get in touch.

    •  

  • Stories

    From our Blog

    Kids choice: Picking the perfect family holiday

    by ben.fenlon on 3 Oct 2012

    My name is Ben, I’m just a normal teenager. I struggle to get out of bed before 10, I find talking to my parents painful and school is a drag. The only thing that makes school liveable is the thought of holidays and the opportunity to travel around the globe.

    So parents, here is my guide to...

    Read on...

    Feast Cookalong: Sticky buns

    by kellie.bright on 3 Aug 2012

    Alix Clark is the editor of SBS food magazine Feast. In this regular series, she will choose a different dish from Feast magazine and recreate it in her own kitchen:

    Exciting news this month as the food I cooked looked pretty much exactly like the dish in the magazine. This month’s cover is a...

    Read on...

    San Fran...not just a bridge!

    by kellie.bright on 28 May 2012

    Celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge are currently underway in San Francisco.

    After opening on May 27, 1937 it became one of the most astonishing and admired man-made wonders of the world, gracing millions of postcards and featuring in countless films.

    Since...

    Read on...

    Top 5 attractions along Route 66

    by kellie.bright on 9 Jul 2012

    If you've seen Billy Connolly's new 6-part TV series, "Billy Connolly's Route 66" you'll no doubt be ready to feel the wind in your hair and the tarmac whizzing along under your tyres in the USA.

    Connolly's a brilliant host, with a unique way of connecting with the...

    Read on...

    24 hours in New York City

    by lilli.morgan on 3 Jul 2012

    Happy Independence Day to our American friends! To celebrate, we're letting everyone do a bit of daydreaming, with a trip to New York.

    Our well-travelled staffer Lilli was there earlier this year, and took some incredible photos. She also has plenty of tips for those people dreaming of a...

    Read on...
From US $939.00
*Per Person, Twin Share

Select a trip date below

Trip Start Dates
Trip Duration
Guaranteed Departure Start Date
Trip Selected:
Price: US $
Start:
End:
Discount price: US $

*Please note: To receive the discounted price for this departure, please enter the Promo Code at Step 4 of the booking form.

No Code available
View all departures

Trip at a glance

Trip Code PNXFK
Group size 4 - 13
Start City: Miami, Florida, USA
End City: Miami, Florida, USA

Contact an expert

800 387 7902We'll call you

Simply enter your details and we'll call you back within the next business day.

Request a Brochure