Adventure Collective
Explore the Florida Keys: An Exclusive Dolphin Research Center Day Tour - Key West

Explore the Florida Keys: An Exclusive Dolphin Research Center Day Tour

Key Westeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

6 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks and gentle terrain

Overview

Discover the magic of the Florida Keys on a unique 6-hour day tour. Visit the Dolphin Research Center, Bahia Honda State Park, and the National Key Deer Refuge with expert guides and small groups.

Key West, Florida

Dolphin Research Center Day Tour

6 hour Adventure! • All Ages

Walking Tour

Select participants and date

Adventure Photos

Dolphin Research Center Day Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating 6-hour VIP tour of the South Keys, guided by a friendly expert. Discover the Dolphin Research Center, Bahia Honda State Park, and the National Key Deer Refuge while enjoying scenic views and a picnic lunch. Experience the Florida Keys like never before, in a small, comfortable group.

What's Included#

Picnic Lunch, Entry Fees, Filtered water, Scenic views, Local tour guide and Free Hotel & Vacation Rental Pick-Up

Duration

6 hours Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 9am-3:30pm

About#

With your friendly & knowledgeable tour guide, this 6-hour VIP Tour of the South Keys promises to amaze you. En route, you’ll learn the history, culture, and ecology of the Florida Keys, listen to island music, & enjoy the breathtaking scenery! Feel free to ask questions, share your experiences, and point out wildlife. It's more like a road trip with friends than a tour. For this 6-hour tour, we recommend the following tour experience:

Tour Highlights

  • Guided Tour Of The Famous Dolphin Research Center
  • 7-Mile Bridge
  • Picnic lunch
  • Guided Sightseeing of The Beautiful Bahia Honda State Park
  • National Key Deer Refuge Safari & Blue Hole

Tour Details

  • We drive you from island-to-island on the iconic Overseas Highway, about 58 miles from Key West & over 20+ bridges
  • Visit the World Famous Dolphin Research Center, a sanctuary & forever-home for dolphins, sea lions, and parrots
  • Enjoy an included picnic lunch of sandwiches & chips in a scenic location
  • Experience the Beautiful Bahia Honda State Park: dip your toes in the Gulf of Mexico AND the Atlantic Ocean, walk on a historic railroad bridge for spectacular views, and more!
  • Explore The National Key Deer Refuge: Photograph endangered Key Deer on Big Pine Key on our world-famous Key Deer Safari and Visit the Blue Hole to look for alligators and other native wildlife

Add Optional Interactive Dolphin Encounters#

Subject to availability:

  • Meet The Dolphins ($35 Per Person)
  • Swim With The Dolphins ($210 Per Person)

Additional Company Information

Up The Keys Tours are the only land-based tours in the Florida Keys operating from Key West and we strive to provide the best possible tour experiences. Small groups of 9 or fewer ride comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle along the Overseas Highway. Drivers are also professional tour guides, equipped with microphones, who share fun and interesting information about the Florida Keys and the islands we traverse. You'll love this tour so much, you'll book it again next year!

We sanitize our tour vehicles before each tour in accordance with CDC recommendations. For more information, please see our Health & Safety Policy.

Adventure Tips

Book in advance

This popular tour fills quickly, so reserve your spot early to guarantee availability.

Bring sunscreen and a hat

Protect yourself from the strong Florida sun during outdoor stops like Bahia Honda State Park.

Wear comfortable footwear

Expect light walking at wildlife and beach stops—stable shoes will keep you steady.

Carry a refillable water bottle

Stay hydrated throughout the day while exploring coastal and park environments.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Bottlenose dolphins
  • Endangered Key deer

History

The National Key Deer Refuge was established in 1957 to protect the unique Key deer populations native to the area.

Conservation

The tour supports local conservation through educational outreach and helps raise awareness about protecting fragile marine and terrestrial habitats in the Florida Keys.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Key West

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sunscreen

Essential

Crucial for UV protection during Florida's sunny climate.

summer specific

Lightweight hat

Essential

Helps shield your face and eyes from direct sunlight.

summer specific

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Necessary for walking on uneven paths and sandy beach areas.

Reusable water bottle

Essential

Keeps you hydrated throughout the outdoor excursion.