Set out on a remarkable day trip from Fort Lauderdale to the enchanting town of Islamorada in the Florida Keys. This 11-hour excursion promises an unforgettable adventure, with a scenic drive, a wildlife boat cruise, and a delightful lunch by the ocean. Explore the Keys’ natural wonders in an intimate setting, as the small group size ensures a personalized experience. Whether you’re captivated by the dolphins and sea turtles or enchanted by the charming village, this day trip offers a unique opportunity to learn about the allure of the Upper Florida Keys.
Key Points
- Excursion from Miami-Dade County to the Upper Florida Keys, with highlights including a 75-minute boat cruise, 1-hour lunch, and self-guided walking tour.
- Opportunities to spot diverse wildlife like dolphins, sea turtles, and crocodiles, as well as explore scenic mangrove landscapes.
- Includes roundtrip transportation from Vacation Village at Weston and a guided scenic drive followed by a self-guided walking tour.
- Lunch at an oceanside restaurant with various menu options, and free time to explore the bayside marina.
- Tour not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with certain health conditions, and restrictions on pets, smoking, and food in the vehicle.
Trip Overview
The Fort Lauderdale to Islamorada Day Trip is an 11-hour excursion that takes visitors from the Miami-Dade County area to explore the picturesque Upper Florida Keys.
Priced from $249 per person, the small-group tour (limited to 12 participants) departs from Vacation Village at Weston and includes roundtrip transportation.
Highlights include a 75-minute boat cruise, a 1-hour lunch at an oceanside restaurant, and a self-guided walking tour in a traditional village.
Travelers can expect to see diverse wildlife, such as dolphins, sea turtles, and crocodiles, along with scenic mangrove landscapes.
The tour operates in English and offers a free cancellation policy.
Itinerary Highlights
Starting from Vacation Village at Weston in Miami-Dade County, the day trip begins with a scenic drive to Florida City, where participants can enjoy a brief 10-minute break before continuing the journey to Key Largo.
The highlight of the trip is a 75-minute boat cruise in Islamorada, where guests can spot dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and other wildlife.
After the cruise, the group will enjoy a 1-hour lunch at an oceanside restaurant, followed by a guided scenic drive and a 1-hour self-guided walking tour in a traditional village.
The optional van ride back to Florida City completes the day’s adventure.
Boat Cruise and Wildlife Viewing
During the backcountry bayside boat cruise around mangrove islands and waterfront homes, guests can look for a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, birds, fish, lizards, and even crocodiles.
The 75-minute boat tour provides an up-close look at the natural beauty of the Florida Keys. Along the way, guests will enjoy a guided nature walk along a 1300ft boardwalk through the mangroves, offering scenic vistas and opportunities to spot more local flora and fauna.
This immersive experience allows travelers to appreciate the diverse ecosystem and unparalleled natural wonders of Islamorada.
Dining and Marina Experience
After the boat cruise, guests can look forward to a 1-hour lunch at an oceanside restaurant featuring a variety of dishes, including conch fritters, mahi fingers, seafood pasta, and classic burgers.
The restaurant’s scenic mangrove views create a tranquil dining experience.
Following lunch, visitors have free time to explore the fun bayside marina. They can enjoy shopping, wildlife viewing, and sipping cocktails while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
This marina experience provides a well-rounded taste of the local culture and lifestyle, complementing the natural wonders explored during the earlier boat tour.
More Great Tours NearbyTransportation and Important Information
Roundtrip transportation is included in the day trip, with hotel pick-ups from Vacation Village at Weston. The van features USB outlets, allowing you to charge your devices. A restroom is also available for your convenience.
When packing, bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
However, please refrain from bringing pets (except assistance dogs), smoking, consuming food in the vehicle, or littering.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, or those prone to motion sickness.
With a 5/5 customer rating, this day trip promises a professional and enjoyable experience guided by Jason.
Preparing for the Adventure
Though the day trip promises an exciting adventure, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind when preparing for the journey.
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are a must, as the tour involves a moderate amount of walking. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat can help protect against the Florida sun.
Bringing a small backpack or bag to carry personal items is also recommended. Participants should refrain from packing heavy or bulky luggage, as storage space in the van is limited.
Lastly, leaving pets at home is required, except for certified service animals.
With these simple preparations, travelers can focus on fully enjoying the day’s activities.
Capturing Memorable Moments
With stunning natural landscapes and unique wildlife encounters, the Fort Lauderdale to Islamorada day trip provides ample opportunities for capturing memorable moments.
The backcountry boat cruise offers a chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life in their natural habitats. Along the mangrove boardwalk, visitors can photograph vibrant birds and lizards.
During the self-guided walking tour in the traditional village, travelers can immortalize the charming architecture and local culture.
Whether snapping photos or recording videos, this day trip promises a treasure trove of picturesque moments to cherish long after the adventure concludes.
Exploring the Upper Florida Keys
As the day trip departs Fort Lauderdale, travelers embark on a scenic journey to the Upper Florida Keys, where the charming town of Islamorada awaits.
The 75-minute boat cruise allows them to explore the backcountry and mangrove islands, spotting diverse wildlife like dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees.
Disembarking at a marina, guests enjoy a leisurely lunch with scenic views before a guided drive through the traditional village.
With free time to shop, relax, and take in the lively atmosphere, the Islamorada experience perfectly encapsulates the tranquil beauty of the Florida Keys.
Ask Away
Is the Tour Appropriate for Families With Young Children?
The tour may not be suitable for families with young children due to health restrictions and 11-hour duration. However, it offers activities like boat cruises and wildlife viewing that could appeal to older children if properly supervised.
Are There Any Discounts or Group Rates Available?
The tour offers a discounted group rate for 6 or more participants. Families with young children may find the long driving times and boat cruise challenging. It’s best to inquire about any special rates or accommodations for children.
Can the Boat Cruise Accommodate Passengers With Disabilities?
The boat cruise can accommodate passengers with disabilities. The tour operator provides accessibility assistance and makes every effort to ensure all guests can fully participate in the wildlife viewing and nature walk portions of the excursion.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Explore Additional Sites?
The tour operator doesn’t offer options to extend the duration or visit additional sites. However, they may accommodate passengers with disabilities – travelers should inquire about accessibility when booking. The standard 11-hour itinerary covers the key highlights of Islamorada.
What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Day Trip?
The recommended attire for the Islamorada day trip is comfortable, casual clothing. Visitors should wear lightweight, breathable fabrics and closed-toe shoes suitable for light walking. Bringing along sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen is also advised to enjoy the outdoor activities.
Final Words
This day trip from Fort Lauderdale to Islamorada promises an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Florida Keys, spot dolphins and sea turtles on a wildlife cruise, savor a delicious oceanside lunch, and discover the charm of a quaint village. With roundtrip transportation and a small group, this intimate exploration is not to be missed.
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