This Miami to Key West Day Trip takes you down the scenic Overseas Highway to spend an afternoon in Key West highlighted by a thrilling parasailing flight.
Highlights
Complimentary pickup and drop off at most Downtown Miami & Miami Beach hotels
Comfortable transportation aboard a modern touring coach
Narrated tour of the Florida Keys and amazing Overseas Highway
Thrilling parasail flight 300 feet above the waters of Key West
Fun shopping, dining, touring, and partying in tropical Key West
Description
An adrenaline-packed Key West parasailing flight makes this Miami to Key West Day Trip something really special. To plan your trip, use our secure online booking system and let Cool Destinations handle all the details of an exciting Key West tour that will be the highlight of any Miami visit. Complementary pickup and drop off service from most Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, and Downtown Miami hotels together with roundtrip transportation via a modern luxury touring coach make this day trip a great value as well as great fun.
Get an early morning start and depart Miami on U.S. Highway 1 to head for the Florida Keys, a chain of small islands that runs southwest from the tip of the Florida Peninsula almost 200 miles into the Gulf of Mexico. When the road leaves the Florida mainland to cross a narrow land bridge to Key Largo, the northernmost of the Keys, U.S. Highway 1 becomes the Overseas Highway. One of the most spectacularly scenic roads in America, the Overseas Highway links 31 Keys and runs 128 miles from the mainland all the way to Key West, the last inhabited island in the Florida Keys.
You will enjoy every minute of the 4-hour ride to Key West. The air-conditioned touring coach features comfortable reclining seats that are positioned high behind panoramic windows for optimal sightseeing. Following the Overseas Highway, the coach passes through island resort villages and along narrow reaches of land where blue water stretches to the horizon on both sides of the road. The road passes across 43 bridges that connect Keys large and small, inhabited and uninhabited. Every bridge crossing offers great views over the Gulf of Mexico to the north and the Florida Straits to the south.
About 90 minutes into the journey down the Keys, the coach leaves Knights Key on the western end of Marathon Key and launches out over water on the incredible Seven Mile Bridge. This dramatic crossing is a highlight of any trip along the Florida Keys as the highway stretches for 6.79 miles above the clear waters. Except for an arch to 65 feet in height above the Moser Channel for the purpose of allowing ship traffic to pass, the Seven Mile Bridge runs about 20 feet above the water. Looking out the windows of the coach gives you the feeling of flying fast and low over the waves. It’s an unforgettable ride, and you will understand why the Seven Mile Bridge has been used for scenes in action movies like True Lies and the Fast & Furious series.
The exit from the Seven Mile Bridge on uninhabited Little Duck Key marks the beginning of the Lower Keys. Small towns scattered along the road, mostly undeveloped islands separated by shallow channels, many marinas, and boats everywhere give the Lower Keys a very Caribbean feel. It is like entering another country, and it’s hard to believe that Miami is only a few hours away by road. Wildlife preserves and the pristine Backcountry waters along the north side of the Keys have kept much of the original beauty of the old Florida Keys intact along this section of the Overseas Highway.
Soon the coach is making one final crossing from Stock Island and pulling into Old Town Key West. You should have enough time to grab some lunch on the way to the harbor where a specially-designed 12-passenger parasailing boat is waiting to take you offshore for a flight above the blue water. The run out only takes a few minutes, and before you know it, it's time to strap into the harness and step onto the launch platform at back of the boat for lift off.
Feel the rush and marvel at the views as the parasail glides smoothly up to nearly 300 feet of altitude. It’s thrilling yet perfectly safe, and the aerial perspective of Key West is incredible. You can stay completely dry throughout the flight or ask the captain for a toe dip if you would like to descend to the surface of the water and cool off. At the end of the parasailing session, you will return to shore with a few hours available to explore Key West. Do some shopping, have a snack, or visit one of the island’s famous bars for a cocktail.
Enjoy yourself in Key West secure in the knowledge that you have a safe, restful ride back to Miami. The coach departs Key West at 5:30pm for a Miami arrival at around 10:00pm depending on traffic. The Miami to Key West Day Trip with Parasailing from Cool Destinations is the easy way to put together a fantastic day trip to Key West. These fun trips fill up fast so use our convenient online booking system to save your seats now!
Schedule
Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including address, Google map, and parking information - will be included in your final confirmation email.
Duration: 6 Hours in Key West
Check-in time: Must be there by 7:15 am to check-in, boarding time will be at 7:40 am.
What's Included
Round trip transportation from Miami
6 hours in Key West
A narrated tour of the Florida Keys
Awesome parasailing flight - see Key West safely from the air!
Gratuities (Optional)
What To Bring
Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.
A Smile!
Hotel Pickup
Hotel pick-up is offered for this tour. Note: if you are booking within 24 hours of the
tour/activity departure time, we cannot guarantee hotel pick-up. Once your purchase is
complete, we will send you complete contact information (phone number, email address,
etc.) for our local operator to organize pick-up arrangements.
Additional Info
Likely To Sell Out
Spaces are extremely limited this time of year so book early to ensure the date you
want.
Voucher Confirmation Info
This tour accepts both printed and electronic vouchers (e-vouchers). You can either print
the voucher and present a paper copy on the day of travel. Or, if you travel with a
mobile device, simply show your Photo ID and present your voucher on your Smartphone or
tablet on the day of travel.
Local Operator Information
Complete operator information, including local telephone number, will be included on your
Confirmation Voucher.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given to customers' questions.
Will you take me back to my hotel after the tour?
Yes, after the tour, we will return you back to the hotel that we picked you up from. Cool Destinations offers complimentary drop-off service to all hotels in Miami Beach and Downtown Miami.
Will you pick me up from my hotel?
Yes. Free pick-up is available from all hotels in South Beach, Miami Beach, and Downtown Miami.
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Miami to Key West Day Trip with Parasailing will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Where can I park my car?
If required, parking instructions for the Miami to Key West Day Trip with Parasailing will be included in your confirmation email.
What is the weather cancellation policy?
If the Miami to Key West Day Trip with Parasailing must be canceled due to bad weather, and you cannot go on another day or time, you will be issued a refund by Cool Destinations.
What is there to see in Key West?
You’ll have approximately 6 hours to explore Key West. Famous for its history, this tropical island is home to famous landmarks such as the Southernmost Point in the United States, Mel Fisher’s Treasure Hunting Museum, Ernest Hemingway’s House with the 6-toed cats, Fort Zachary Taylor, and a spooky above ground cemetery just to name a few. There’s also fun water activities, like snorkeling, a glass bottom boat ride, jet ski tours, and parasailing.
What happens if only my activity in Key West is cancelled?
On occasion, the activities in Key West will be canceled for bad weather. In those cases, you will be given a refund for the canceled part of your trip. Those refunds are as follows:
If Glass Bottom Boat Cruise is canceled due to weather you will be issued a $29 refund.
If Snorkeling Trip is canceled due to weather you will be issued a $29 refund.
If Parasailing is canceled due to weather you will be issued a $39 refund.
If Trolley is canceled due to weather you will be issued a $25 refund.
What are some good items to bring on the drive to Key West?
Here are some good things to bring to keep you comfortable on the trip: a smartphone, tablet computer, MP3 player, books, magazines, camera, snacks, sleeping shades, and a travel pillow.
Is there an age requirement for parasailing?
Yes, the minimum age to parasail is 6 years old. Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their liability waiver prior to boarding the vessel. At Cool Destinations safety is our number one priority. The minimum weight required for parasailing is roughly 90 pounds. If the flyer is less than 90 pounds, they will simply fly tandem with someone not to exceed roughly 450 pounds combined weight. Weight requirements may differ due to wind conditions.
How much free time do we have in Key West?
You’ll have approximately 6 hours to explore Key West at your leisure.
How long does it take to drive to Key West?
The road trip takes about 4 hours. Driving the Overseas Highway is a one-of-a-kind experience. You will see some of the most spectacular scenery in the State. You will literally be driving right over the ocean and across a thin chain of islands and bridges, including the famous 7-Mile Bridge. These bridges connect 34 islands that make up the Florida Keys.
How do people dress in Key West?
Key West is super casual. A sundress for ladies and khaki shorts for the gets is as dressed up as anyone usually gets.
Do you have to know how to swim in order to parasail?
Although it is best for you to be comfortable in the water, you do not have to know how to swim. Each guest is provided with a buoyancy compensator (BC) that will assist with flotation.
Do we stop on the way to Key West?
It depends. If passengers wish to take a break, we will stop at the McDonalds in Tavernier at approximately 9:00 AM. There is also a convince store and a grocery store in the same vicinity.
Can I bring luggage on the bus?
Yes, you may bring one piece of luggage and one carry on bag, per person.
Are there beaches in Key West?
There are several beaches in Key West, with the most popular being located at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Key West is a great watersports destination, so bring a bathing suit and sunscreen, if you plan to get wet.
Are there any weight restrictions for parasailing?
Minimum weight to fly alone is 90 lbs; not exceeding 450 lbs in tandem or triple (the captain may change these safety restrictions due to weather conditions).
Reviews
4.71
1642 reviews
Average 4.71 out of 5 stars based on 1642 verified reviews from Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
5 stars
1186
4 stars
439
3 stars
17
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1 star
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Petribe_R, May 2023 Verified
This was our first time going to Key West & it was a great time. We choose the package with snorkeling activity. The reef was very pretty and the amount of time out in the reef was great to explore the reef, get a tan and spend quality time with the girls. The margaritas that was provided on the boat were so good and they staff there made sure that no one had their cups empty the entire time. Very pleased with the entire trip. Would definitely recommend. It was a holiday weekend and there was a game playing that night so time management was at the forefront of everything.
Xiuwen_L, May 2023 Verified
It was our first time parasailing, great experience. I had Scotty and Maddie. Wonderful people! Would definitely go back
Ross_C, May 2023 Verified
It’s a long day but couldn’t recommend it highly enough - Tour guide was excellent and very informative, stopped for breakfast on the way and then got 6 hours in Key West before journey home. Great city!
Isela M, May 2023 Verified
Tour guides were very nice and informative I was picked up on time. Loved it. Definitely recommend for solo trip or family
yangxihua, May 2023 Verified
Totally enjoyed this tour. Lewis is a very good guide, every thing was well organised and very clear.
A550BUconnors, May 2023 Verified
Pick up was prompt, within ten minutes of the allocated time and right outside our hotel. The guide was very informative, telling us about the history of the Keys. The bus was comfy and had power outlets too, and there’s a stop for breakfast along the way in case you wish to buy some. We just had transport to Key West and had six whole hours to spend on arrival, which was more than enough time. Very central drop off location in Key West and easy to find to come back. We were dropped off at our South Beach hotel between 9-10 pm so it really is a full day out.
Rongen_Z, May 2023 Verified
Good communication. The guide David thoughtfully put us on another bus coming back since the lower level was too hot. Would recommend to others
Angela_F, May 2023 Verified
My most memorable was the trolley ride through the city and stop in to see all the different stores, ice cream parlor. Nice restaurants in the city and all the history behind Key West and some of it was tied in with my hometown Macon, Georgia.
Marina_T, May 2023 Verified
We loved our guide very informative and made sure everyone got to where they needed to be , the snorkelling was beautiful ! And Key West has such a vibe !!
priship2023, May 2023 Verified
The entire day trip to Key West was filled with amazing people and staff. Everything was on time and the staff on the bus (Lili) was incredibly sweet and helpful. Her instructions were super clear plus the staff on the boat when we went snorkeling was just super helpful and professional beyond my expectations. I personally panicked when I went inside the water and the life guard (not sure about the name) saw me struggle and he promptly reached towards me and offered to help. Even though I was very nervous, he went out of his way to calm me down and offered to help. Highly recommend booking this trip because for the price it is so much worth it. Hope this helps.
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Product code: C-266292
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