Fort Lauderdale to Key West Day Tour — Overseas Highway, 7-Mile Bridge & 6 Hours in Old Town
Difficulty
easy
Duration
15 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate—must be able to walk and stand for several hours while exploring Key West on foot
Overview
Cross 34 islands and 42 bridges on a full-day coach from Fort Lauderdale to Key West, including a scenic run over the 7 Mile Bridge and six hours to explore Old Town or add a snorkel, fishing, or dolphin tour.
Fort Lauderdale to Key West Day Tour — Overseas Highway, 7-Mile Bridge & 6 Hours in Old Town
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The bus eases out of Fort Lauderdale before sunrise and the flat Atlantic light turns the highway into a ribbon of silver. Window seats become observatories: mangrove fringes, small fishing boats, and the slow syllable of towns giving way to the wide, low archipelago of the Florida Keys. For five hours you ride the Overseas Highway, crossing 34 islands and 42 bridges — including the cinematic sweep of the 7 Mile Bridge — as the Gulf shimmers on one side and the Atlantic brightens on the other.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Be ready early
Pickups begin as early as 5:30 AM—arrive at your pickup point at least 10 minutes early to avoid missing the coach.
Bring a layer
Bus air conditioning can be chilly on the return; pack a light jacket to stay comfortable on the ride.
Reserve add-ons ahead
If you want snorkeling, a sunset cruise or fishing, book optional water activities in advance to guarantee availability during your 6-hour stay.
Cash and timing for meals
Plan for a breakfast stop en route (not included) and carry a little cash for quick bites or tips in Key West.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Brown pelicans
- Bottlenose dolphins
History
Key West grew as a maritime crossroads—wreck salvaging, cigar-making and a vibrant Caribbean influence shaped its multicultural character in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Conservation
The Keys’ coral reefs and mangroves are fragile; choose licensed boat operators who follow reef-safe practices and avoid stepping on or touching coral.
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Adventure Hotspots in Fort Lauderdale
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Refillable water bottle
Staying hydrated is important in the Keys’ heat and during long stretches on the coach and walking tours.
Comfortable walking shoes
Old Town’s flat streets and uneven sidewalks are best tackled in supportive shoes.
Sun protection (hat & sunscreen)
Sun is intense on exposed piers and beaches—broad-spectrum sunscreen and a hat keep you comfortable.
summer specific
Light jacket or hoodie
The coach runs air conditioning strongly; mornings and evenings can be breezy, especially on the bridge.
winter specific