What is included in the Aquarium Encounters Day Tour?

The tour includes entry fees, a picnic lunch, guided visits to the Aquarium Encounters and Bahia Honda State Park, and a Key Deer Safari on Big Pine Key.

Is transportation provided?

Yes, Up The Keys provides air-conditioned transportation with pick-up from hotels and vacation rentals in Key West.

Can I participate in the Stingray or Shark encounters?

Yes, those are optional experiences available for an additional fee and subject to availability.

How much walking is involved?

The tour involves light to moderate walking at outdoor sites such as Bahia Honda State Park and the Key Deer Safari.

Are the tours suitable for children?

Yes, families are welcome. The Aquarium Encounters and animal viewing opportunities are especially engaging for kids.

What should I bring on the tour?

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, comfortable shoes, water, a hat, and a camera to make the most of your day.

Aquarium Day Tour in Florida Keys with Up The Keys | Aquarium | History Tour

The Florida Keys stretch like a fragile chain of islands bridging the mainland to the tropical warmth of the Caribbean. South of Key West, this archipelago offers a blend of ecosystems, from saltwater marshes and mangrove-lined shores to coral reefs teeming with marine life. Up The Keys brings this rich environment closer with their Aquarium Encounters Day Tour, a 7-hour immersive journey that combines hands-on discovery with scenic drives along the iconic Overseas Highway.

This VIP day trip features stops at some of the Keys’ most striking natural and cultural highlights. Guests begin by winding through island landscapes marked by the famous 7-Mile Bridge, a soaring ribbon of road that showcases endless blue waters surrounding you. The tour includes a visit to Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, an interactive facility where you can engage directly with native species, from colorful reef fish to curious stingrays and even trained sharks – depending on your preferred add-on experience.

Lunch is a picnic spread enjoyed in nature, a chance to recharge amid salt-scented breezes. Then, the tour moves into one of the Keys’ most celebrated parks: Bahia Honda State Park. Whether wandering the white sand beaches with views of both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, or walking the historic Old Bahia Honda Bridge for panoramic photos, this stop reveals why the park is a crown jewel of Florida’s coastal offerings.

An added highlight is the Key Deer Safari on Big Pine Key, where the endangered miniature deer roam free, making for unforgettable wildlife spotting. The tour also visits the Blue Hole, a rare freshwater pond surrounded by mangroves where alligators and other native creatures gather.

Up The Keys operates intimate group sizes in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles with knowledgeable guides who weave history, ecology, and local culture into the narrative. This is not just a tour; it’s a curated experience that makes the Florida Keys’ unique environment accessible, educational, and deeply memorable. For travelers seeking a grounded yet spirited adventure across the islands, Up The Keys stands out as an essential part of the region’s outdoor recreation scene.