A 6:30am start, then Key West by coach. This Miami to Key West shuttle is built for an easy day, with a comfortable bus ride and multiple add-on options once you arrive in Key West.

You get round-trip transport without the hassle of driving the route yourself, and you can choose how active you want to be once you’re there.

Two things I like a lot: you have about 6 hours to explore Key West on your own, and the packages let you pick between shuttle-only or marine activities like dolphins, snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat, or jet skis.

That mix is great if you want Key West time to wander your way, not someone else’s schedule.

One thing to consider: the day is long, and water-based plans can be weather-dependent. If you’re booking snorkeling with high expectations, understand the reef conditions can vary, and the schedule might feel stretched if an excursion gets delayed.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• 6:30am pickup at The Claremont Hotel (17th Street) keeps the trip simple, but it also means an early morning.
• Two long coach legs (4 hours each) plus island time adds up to a full day on the road.
• Your marine activity depends on your option: shuttle-only is transportation only.
• Dolphin Discovery & Snorkeling includes boat tour plus snorkeling gear, with sodas, water, and soft drinks.
• Glass-bottom boat is fully commented, and you may find the view is limited compared to what you hoped for.
• Jet skis come with security gear, and the glove box is small and not waterproof.

Getting to Key West by coach: 6:30am pickup and the drive

Your day starts with a meet-up that’s easy to find: The Claremont Hotel – 17th Street, 1700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach. The scheduled pickup is 6:30am, so plan on being there a few minutes early and having your voucher ready.

Once everyone’s aboard, you settle in for long stretches of coach time. The trip breaks up the travel into two bus/coach legs of about 4 hours each, which is exactly the kind of timing that works well if you prefer to relax rather than focus on navigation. If you get motion sick, you’ll want to be proactive with your usual remedies.

The experience also lists a live guide in English and Spanish. That matters because on a long ride you’ll often want basic context about where you are and what to expect at the island stop, not just time and seats.

Pick your package: shuttle only, dolphins and snorkeling, glass-bottom boat, or jet ski

This is where you should decide your day. The base shuttle is $17 per person and gives you round-trip transportation between Miami and Key West. But the exact experience changes a lot depending on which add-on you select.

Shuttle only: easiest day, least cost

If you choose the shuttle-only option, you’re paying for the bus ride and the convenience of being dropped back at the same meeting point. This option does not include dolphin watching, snorkeling, a boat tour, the glass-bottom boat, or jet skis.

If your goal is simply to spend the day in Key West walking around, this can be good value. You’ll just need to handle activities and food on your own.

Dolphins Discovery & Snorkeling: boat tour plus gear

This package includes the marine portion: a boat tour, snorkeling equipment, and sodas, water, and soft drinks. What it does not include is food and swimming with dolphins.

That distinction is important. You’re set up for viewing and snorkeling, not a swim-with-dolphins program. Also, since alcohol is not available for sale, you’ll want to hydrate with the provided drinks and bring your own water if that’s your style.

Glass-bottom boat: commentary and a lower-effort viewing option

The glass-bottom boat option includes the glass-bottom boat tour and is listed as fully commented. Food and drinks are available to purchase, and again alcohol isn’t available for sale.

One practical note: a glass-bottom ride can feel like a quick introduction rather than a full underwater experience. If you want lots of time in the water or to actively snorkel, you may prefer the dolphins and snorkeling option.

Jet ski: active, gear-included fun

The jet ski option includes jet skis, security equipment, and ski details (including that the glove box is small and not waterproof). Drinks are not included.

This is a good fit if you’re comfortable getting out there fast and you want energy on a long day. It’s also a reminder to keep your phone and cash secured in a way that survives splashes.

Comfort on the road through the Florida Keys

What you’re really buying here is stress reduction. When you book the coach shuttle, you’re not juggling traffic, parking, or navigation. You sit in a seat and let the route happen, with a guide and time blocks built into the day.

The route itself is part of the appeal. The service is designed so you can watch the scenery instead of driving, and that’s a big win if you’re visiting Key West for the first time or you just don’t want to white-knuckle long highway stretches on a tight travel schedule.

Still, do plan around the long day. There’s an early morning, two coach legs, and then island time, and that can mean you won’t have the same easy breaks you get on a shorter tour. If bathrooms and snacks are part of your routine, plan ahead and bring what you need before you’re stuck waiting on the next stop.

And since the recommendations include packing a towel, swimwear, sunscreen (biodegradable), and a reusable water bottle, you should take the packing list seriously even if you aren’t picking the snorkeling option. Weather, sun, and sudden water time happen.

6 hours to explore Key West on your own

Once you reach Key West, you get roughly 6 hours to do your own thing. This time is one of the best parts of the plan because it lets you match the island to your interests, not the other way around.

This is also your moment to handle the practical side of the day: grab lunch or snacks, find a shaded spot, and pace yourself. The dolphin and snorkeling option includes drinks, but it does not include food, and the glass-bottom boat option also says food and drinks are for purchase. Jet ski says drinks are not included.

So think of your island time as: activity timing plus meals plus wandering. Bring cash, because there are mentions of items available for purchase onboard (sodas for $2 each, plus water, chips, peanuts, crackers, and cookies). Also, have your ID or passport card with you, since the packing list calls for it.

If you’re the type who likes to plan your own mini-itinerary, this setup works well. You can also go with the flow: stroll, people-watch, and reset between any boat-based activity and your return to Miami.

Dolphin watching and snorkeling: what you might see and what to pack

For the dolphins and snorkeling option, you’re set up with a boat tour and snorkeling equipment, plus non-alcoholic drinks (sodas, water, soft drinks). The focus is on marine viewing and snorkeling gear, not on swimming with dolphins.

A key point here is what the reef experience can look like. The coral reef near Key West is described as a major natural system, and it’s framed as a huge living coral ecosystem along Florida. That kind of description builds big expectations, but conditions can vary day to day. On some outings, the reef you see may not look like a postcard.

So I’d recommend you go with flexible expectations. Bring your camera, use sunscreen, and remember that even when conditions aren’t perfect, you can still learn a lot from the guides and enjoy the boat time. The main win is getting out on the water and having a guided plan, not guaranteeing the most dramatic visuals.

Packing checklist that actually matters here

From the provided guidance, bring:

• Swimwear (you will likely need it even if you think you might just watch)
• Towel
• Sunscreen, ideally biodegradable
• Reusable water bottle plus water
• Camera
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Cash
• Passport or ID card

If you’re snorkeling, also think about comfort. A reef day is a sun day, so treat shade and hydration as your real priorities, not just the water.

Glass-bottom boat vs jet ski: choosing your fun level

These two options offer very different energy, and you should pick based on how you want to spend your Key West time.

Glass-bottom boat: good if you want simple viewing

The glass-bottom boat includes fully commented narration, and it’s designed for an easy look at the underwater world. If you’re prone to seasickness or you just prefer to stay dry, this is often the lower-stress choice.

One practical expectation to set: the view from a glass-bottom can be more about sand and sea growth than dramatic coral scenery. If you want a highly active water experience, you may feel it’s more of a quick viewing stop than a full highlight.

Jet ski: best for active people who plan ahead

Jet skis come with security equipment and the included ski details, including a small glove box that is not waterproof. That glove box is useful for small items, but you still need to protect your phone and anything that can’t get wet.

Also, this is not the kind of activity that pairs well with a delicate day. You’ll want to be physically ready for it, and you’ll want to remember that drinks are not included, so bring your plan for hydration.

In short: if you want calm and easy, pick glass-bottom boat. If you want movement and adrenaline, pick jet ski.

Value for money at $17, plus tips for a smoother day

At $17 per person, the shuttle portion is a solid deal for a round-trip transfer that avoids driving yourself. The real value comes from convenience plus comfort: you’re paying to sit back and get to Key West reliably.

But the value depends on what you want. If you pick shuttle-only, you’re paying for transport and spending your money on your own activities. If you pick a marine add-on, you should treat it as a day package, not just a seat on a bus.

A few practical tips that can make or break the day:

• Start early on purpose. The 6:30am pickup means you’ll feel better if you sleep and pack the night before.
• Bring what you’ll actually use: towel, swimwear, sunscreen, water.
• Plan for limited breaks. A full day with long coach legs can mean little downtime.
• Have cash for onboard snacks and for purchases on the island.

Also, note the straightforward rule about alcohol: alcohol is not available for sale in the provided purchasing options. Non-alcoholic drinks are covered in some packages, but you should still plan to hydrate consistently.

Should you book Big Dave Tours Miami to Key West shuttle?

Book it if you want a comfortable, guided way to reach Key West without the stress of driving, and you like the idea of about 6 hours of island time to do your own exploring. The add-ons are a smart way to tailor the day: choose shuttle-only if you want independent sightseeing, choose dolphins and snorkeling if you want an active marine experience, choose glass-bottom boat if you want simpler viewing, and choose jet ski if you want energy.

Skip it, or at least reconsider, if you hate long days or you’re very sensitive to changes in weather and water conditions. Snorkeling and reef experiences can vary, and this day is early and scheduled tightly around transport.

If you’re aiming for an easy Key West day with clear options and a comfortable ride, this is a strong fit, especially for first-timers who want the logistics handled.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Miami pickup?

You meet at The Claremont Hotel – 17th Street, 1700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139.

What time is the pickup in Miami?

The pickup is scheduled for 6:30am.

How long is the full trip?

The activity is listed as 14 hours total.

Is dolphin watching included with the shuttle-only option?

No. The shuttle-only option includes transportation only and does not include dolphin watching, snorkeling, boat tour, glass-bottom boat, or jet skis.

What is included in the Dolphin Discovery & Snorkeling option?

It includes the boat tour, snorkeling equipment, and sodas, water, and soft drinks. It does not include food or swimming with dolphins.

What is included in the Glass Bottom Boat option?

It includes the glass-bottom boat tour and is listed as fully commented. Food and drinks are available for purchase, and alcohol is not available for sale.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, camera, water or reusable bottle, swimwear, passport or ID, sunscreen (biodegradable), and cash.