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Key West Tours
Florida Keys Nature & History Tour from Key West
5

Florida Keys Nature & History Tour from Key West

By Up The Keys
Recommended by 96% of travelers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Discover the beautiful beaches, natural wonders, and wildlife of the Lower Florida Keys on this half-day tour from Key West. Set out on a scenic road trip along the Overseas Highway, stopping at three different islands along the way. Hop out to explore the Bahia Honda State Park, spot deer in their natural habitat at the National Key Deer Refuge, and visit wildlife hotspots including the Blue Hole.

Ages 0-99, max of 12 per group
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • Fantastic wildlife sightings: spot deer, alligators, and rare birds
  • Small-group tour ensures a personalized experience
  • Choice of morning or afternoon tour departure
  • Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your Key West hotel

  • National Park fees
  • Local Driver/Professional Tour Guide
  • Live commentary on board
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Entry/Admission - Bahia Honda State Park
  • Entry/Admission - National Key Deer Refuge
  • Entry/Admission - Blue Hole
What's not included
  • Gratuities
  • Alcoholic Beverages


Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
    Pickup details
    • Free Pick-up at your Hotel, Vacation Rental, Private Home, or any other requested location in Key West or Stock Island. Please note that the tour you have selected has a minimum passenger limit of 3. We do our best to operate every tour we are able to, it's not common that we cannot operate a tour. You will be notified at least 48 hours prior to the tour departure time if the minimum passenger limit has not been met, no action is required on your part so long as we have your correct contact information in the booking. Please also keep in mind that more people may book between now and your tour date.
    Hotel pickup offered
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
      Port pickup offered
      During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included ports.
      • Key West Port Operations, 201 William St, Key West, FL 33040, USA
      Additional pickup options
      During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included pickup points.
      • Edward B. Knight Pier, White St, Key West, FL 33040, USA
      End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

        • Not wheelchair accessible
        • Stroller accessible
        • Service animals allowed
        • Near public transportation
        • Infant seats available
        If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 46648P5

        • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
        • Short walks on uneven surfaces - wear your walking shoes
        • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled by operator due to severe weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
        • Most travelers can participate
        • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
        • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
        • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

        • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

        If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 46648P5

        From
        $120.00
        per adult
        Select date and travelers

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        Itinerary
        • Pass by
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        About the operator
        Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
        • Up The Keys
          249
          Key West, Florida
          Joined in May 2016
        • E9806QEjessicai
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Private Tour To Key West Is The Way To GO!
          We recently went to Islamorada for a family vacation and I had reached out to Up The Keys about a tour to Key West from our resort. Scott and Maddie were INCREDIBLE to work with. They were very responsive and thoughtful. Scott was our guide the day of and WOW did he know his Florida Keys facts! From Islamorada to Key West he educated us on everything from history to ecology. It was such a wonderful experience. Since this was a multi generational trip we went with my daughters, youngest 4, to my grandmother, in her 80's. He dropped us off door to door so my grandmother wouldn't have to walk. He gave advice on things to do that would be great for my kids while my family went to a few museums, he really thought of it all. I cannot express how excellent this tour was. I would HIGHLY recommend Up The Keys!
          Written July 25, 2024
        • lindasB4406QY
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great all day tour and entertainment
          Scott picked us up at our accommodations mid morning and proceeded to WOW us all day. He gave us many options for our trip down to Key West. We had a terrific water front lunch, saw numerous Key deer and loved the bridge view vistas on the Overseas Highway. We toured Key West and had time on our own for shopping and watching the Mallory Square antics. We were four couples and we managed to wear our selves out. Scot was available to assist us at a moments notice and we enjoyed spending time with him and his stories during the drive and during the meals. After our busy day, we were thrilled to not have to drive back to Marathon on our own! Highly recommend this company. They are terrific to work with and will make sure that your trip exceeds your expectations!! Book your tour with Up The Keys and you will not be disappointed.
          Written July 21, 2024
        • Floridaholic
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          The Best Day with the Best Guide
          I was visiting Key West on a cruise with friends from UK. I have been to KW before and been to the Dolphin Research Centre and told my friends who decided on our port stop they would like to do the same. I got in touch with Scott from Up the Keys and he gave me a quote for 4 originally but then more friends said they wanted to go so Scott gave me prices for up to 20 people - the more who booked, the cheaper the price. Everyone contacted Scott directly to pay and I confirmed names so we always kept in touch and had the same information. I always received a reply within 24 hours, most times even sooner though obviously with the UK-FLA time difference that wasn't always possible. Scott & I arranged for a visit to the DRC and then depending on time, we would be able to visit other parts of the Keys. On the day, Scott picked us up at the port - 2 mini buses and one was able to take a small fold up mobility scooter and a rollator. We all settled in comfortably for the ride which was about 90 minutes. Scott had got the tickets for our entrance and he arranged for us to have a picnic lunch about 11.30. At the DRC, you can wander around the different pools watching different groups of dolphins doing activities. It is not a show, they just keep rescued dolphins active. We really enjoyed it and when we went to the covered picnic area, tables had table cloths on and the most amazing picnic including sandwiches, crisps (chips in US), salad, fruit and drinks with recyclable plates and cups etc., and there was plenty for everyone. After lunch was packed away, we had time in the gift shop before we went off to Bahia Honda State Park where we had around an hour to wander or sit. As we were on the Overseas Highway which is one lane in each direction, any traffic hold ups can be major and as we had to be back on board by 3.30pm, I had arranged with Scott to have us back at 2.30pm just in case otherwise he would have given us an extra stop at the 7 mile bridge. I can say that everything was easy with Scott - he was so accommodating and happy to do as we required. His prices were very reasonable and I would say whether a privately organised tour like we had or one that he offers on his website, you won't go wrong with his tours. He is a very genial guy and only wants to give you the best time in Key West. Every single one of the 19 people who took this tour, couldn't thank me enough for the fantastic experience they had with the dolphins, Key West and Scott himself. Do yourself a favour and book with him
          Written May 5, 2024
        • hjsmith15
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Up the keys nature tour
          Excellent your. Elaine was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. She knew exactly where to take us to get the most out of the tour. Highly recommend.
          Written March 26, 2024
        • LuvMalPais
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Key West to Marathon tour
          Scott, the owner and tour guide, was very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. We highly recommend this tour which has a roomy, comfortable van. Excellent day tour from Key West to Marathon lunch included!
          Written February 28, 2024
        • 1of4Rowans
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          An interesting sightseeing trip
          We enjoyed going north from Key West and learning all about the key deer, the 7 mile bridge and how the keys used to look. Our driver grew up in the Key West and it was very interesting to hear about how it was years ago. He was full of interesting information and we spied some Key deer hiding in the mangroves and running across the street. We were very glad to have taken this tour. If you want something out of the usual Key West party scene, this is a good option.
          Written January 6, 2024
        • mrossetti
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Fantastic Tour and Even Better Guide!
          We booked a private tour with Scott and could not have been more pleased. He is a wonderful guide, full of information, easy and flexible. There had been a power outage the night before and, tragically, a fatality which affected the timing of our tour. He stayed in contact and even gave us a discount as we had a different tour because of the road closure. But it was still full of info and some out-of-the-way spots. I would recommend Scott to anyone!!
          Written December 8, 2023
        • 560terryn
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Up The Keys Tour Keywest and surrounding areas
          Wonderful private tour. Scott the owner is awesome. As we age we take more private tours to just sit back and see all sights and the history of the area. No hassle. Your own pace. Treat yourself to one on Up The Keys Tour.
          Written November 4, 2023
        • ljgeary
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great Tour
          Highly recommend stopping by and learning all about the wonderful things happening at the Turtle Hospital. Carla, our tour guide, was so knowledgeable. We loved every second of our hour and a half visit.
          Written October 25, 2023
        • 384kaitlanw
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Excellent private tour!
          We met Rick on our honeymoon in the Keys, and he graciously offered to take us on a private haunted tour! Rick was funny, informative and professional. As he was telling us the haunted tale of the hard rocks cafe, the chandelier started swinging on its own! We so enjoyed our time with him and would definitely recommend him for your spooky evening on the town!
          Written October 22, 2023
        • mstau002
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great day with friendly owners!
          Our group of friends had a blast! Maddie was so accommodating and kind to book with and Scott made sure our trip went smoothly. Great communication and comfortable vehicle to explore the keys in!
          Written September 4, 2023
        • gerrishg
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Wonderful
          Scott was a great tour guide! Very accommodating and showed my daughter and son-in-law how to fish for lobsters!
          Written August 12, 2023
        • briantB4939RF
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great trip
          Scott was a great guide, very knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed our trip. It was a great way to see various parts of the keys.
          Written June 28, 2023
        • bertm349
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great way to experience nearby keys
          Great tour for seeing the keys north of Key West. The tour was very interesting with many opportunities to see many types of wildlife. The history and relics associated with the railroad construction are very scenic. Highly recommended tour!
          Written June 17, 2023
        • janawW879KF
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Up the Keys Tour
          Terrific indepth tour of the keys. Scott and wife are so very accommodating and Scott could explain so much about the area. Being picked up and dropped off at our hotel was the best...not to mention the lunch provided to the group.
          Written May 29, 2023
        See all 249 reviews
        These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

        Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

        Popular mentions

        5.0
        5.0 of 5 bubbles54 reviews
        Excellent
        51
        Very good
        1
        Average
        2
        Poor
        0
        Terrible
        0

        Jesse MacLean
        1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jan 2020 • Family
        The tour was fantastic! Our guide Kim was so informative and fun we learned so much about the ecosystem and the different species importance to each island. The van was comfortable and the views were great! It was awesome to see the cute little Key Deer in their natural habitat in a non-invasive way. Highly recommend for any animal and nature lover!
        Written January 17, 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thank you for your awesome 5-star review! We are so glad you enjoyed your tour. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to the Florida Keys. Happy travels,
        Written January 18, 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Gare R
        29 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Feb 2022
        Wonderful experience ride along scenic overseas Highway 1. The van picks up at the hotel, so it couldn't be more convenient. It's like an hour long scenic ride with stops at Bahia National Park to see the old train bridge, a photo opportunity and see the beach flora. Onto to see the Florida Keys deers which one can get close up to. Wonderful photo opportunities. Deers will eat carrots or apples but feeding is not recommended. Pass through numerous islands until the Blue Hole for alligator and turtle viewing. The tour guide was the best, being a local native and was familiar with everything Florida Keys. She was very knowledge and talkative.
        If you like nature you'll love this tour.
        Written March 7, 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        We're so glad you had such a great time on our Nature Tour! Thank you for taking the time to write such a positive review.
        Written March 8, 2022
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Jim K.
        New Orleans, LA2 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Oct 2020
        Our tour was wonderful. My wife and I were very impressed with our guide, Kim and her knowledge of the area.

        She took us to Big Pine Key to see Key deer and we found a spot with a total of 11 deer. One of them, a buck with antlers, actually came up to me while I photographed him and sniffed and licked my phone. Unbelievable!
        Written October 30, 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Our deer sure are friendly! Thank you for your fun 5-star review. We hope to see you again soon!
        Written December 15, 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Andrea
        College Station, TX16 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Apr 2021
        We loved this tour. It was so much fun. Indy was absolutely great. Extremely professional, friendly, thorough. We went in the morning and my husband is still raving about this tour (it's now dinner time), the things we saw, and his interactions with Indy. If you can get this tour with Indy, we would highly recommend it.
        Written April 22, 2021
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Venture51163023989
        1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Feb 2024 • Family
        What a great tour! My husband and I were picked up by George, our tour guide, and were immediately impressed with his personal knowledge of the area and its history. George provided a unique insight and shared many interesting stories throughout our time on the tour. It was definitely one of the best tours we’ve been on!
        Written February 21, 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thank you for sharing your experience, we're so glad you enjoyed the tour so much! We are so happy George is part of our team, he's so great.
        Written February 28, 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Traveling Pair from NH
        Keene, NH14 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Mar 2024 • Couples
        Scott, our driver and guide, was amazing. He told us what to expect at each of the 3 stops, had snacks and water, gave us tips about places to go in Key West, and even offered to drop us off at a different location if we wanted. During our tour, we got views and photos from the 7 Mile Bridge, visited the Bahia Honda beach area, and saw Key West deer, Brown Pelicans, and an alligator.
        Written March 28, 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        We're so happy you had a great time! Thanks for coming out to explore the keys with us, we hope to see you next time! There's always more to explore :)
        Written March 31, 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Kristin R
        Winston Salem, NC22 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Mar 2023
        We really enjoyed our visit to the FL Keys. The nature & history tour helped us fill in the gaps and learn about some more things to do above Key West and below Marathon. It was good to learn about the poison wood tree and see the Blue Hole. Scott, our drivier, knew just where the key deer would be. We learned about the deer and got some great photos.
        It was funny to feel cold in FL on a rainy day. This was the perfect thing to do on an overcast day!
        We enjoyed a brief stop in Marathon to look/walk around the bridge and see into the water. We can stop there on a future trip in warmer weather and know what to expect. The highlight for us was seeing the Bahia Honda State Park. We will have to go back in the future when we travel with a car in the area. Looked great for snorkeling and a picnic!
        We appreciated being picked up at our hotel. Scott was a good driver and was very informative. Definitely recommend for all ages who want to explore a bit and have someone else do the driving.
        Written March 20, 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        We're so glad you enjoyed the morning with Scott, we find that the Keys are beautiful no matter the weather, so glad you could enjoy it as well! Thank you for taking the time to comment. Happy travels!
        Written March 21, 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        jwb9999999x
        Meridian, MS43 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Aug 2020
        One of the best tours in Key West, don't miss it! I spent my last half-day in Key West on this trip, and it was worthwhile. My guide was great and made sure that I saw every possible thing there was to see along the route. So many key deer, it was like they were everywhere, and she knew exactly how to find them. Lots of scenic places to take photos. It was a nice, relaxing trip, suitable for all ages. Highly recommend it. Please note that I actually went in August 2017 rather than 2020. I forgot that I had not given this place a review, and they were special enough for me to come back here and make sure that I did!
        Written May 23, 2021
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thank you so much for your wonderful review from so long ago! We continue to operate our tours the same way you described. I hope you can come back to Key West soon and that you can join us again on another tour. Thanks again, Kim
        Written May 24, 2021
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        solly1962
        Newville31 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        We started our tour when Maddy picked us up from our cruise ship in front of the Opal Key Resort, very close to the pier. It turned out my wife and I were the only people on this tour! ( thank you Maddy for still taking us even tho there only 2)! We had an amazing day! Maddy has a wealth of information about the Keys and the the history of the highway leading through the Keys! We seen Key Deer on Big pine Key, alligators at the Blue Hole and numerous birds! I would definitely recommend this tour! Well worth the money! Thank you Maddy for an amazing day!
        Written March 7, 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thank you for joining us on the tour and for your recommendation! We're so happy you enjoyed the day touring the Lower Keys with us. Have a great vacation!
        Written March 8, 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Peter M
        5 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jan 2020
        Great tour, smooth pickup and return. Kim was very informative, lots of local history, lots of interesting stories. Made everyone feel like we want to move here. Can’t wait to come back for other tours with her and her company. Highly recommended.
        Written January 17, 2020
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Thank you for your 5-star review and your recommendation! We are so glad you enjoyed your tour and your tour guide. We look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to the Florida Keys. Happy travels,
        Written January 18, 2020
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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        Showing results 1-10 of 51
        *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

        Florida Keys Nature & History Tour from Key West provided by Up The Keys

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