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Island hopping the florida keys - from the air.

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Key West Seaplanes

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By Kara Franker What if I told you of a way to completely forget the crowds and the hassle of the airport, ditch the traffic and the honking horns, and just float away to a secluded island getaway with that special someone?

Your romantic island escape via Key West seaplane awaits you!

You’ve never really experienced the Florida Keys until you’ve seen them from a small plane. Its an exhilarating experience, completely different from trekking along U.S. 1 in bumper-to-bumper traffic. My husband and I recently went for a ride and it was in a word, breathtaking. 

“Many people feel forever connected with the Keys after experiencing it from the air. Its so surreal ” said Julie Ann Floyd, a seaplane pilot who, along with her business partner Nikali Pontecorvo, are Key West locals with nearly 30 years of combined flying experience.

I asked Julie what it’s like to be a seaplane pilot. “Freedom, " she said. "Its life’s most amazing blessing for me. It’s a daily escape from all on the ground below – so peaceful and quiet – no traffic, no noise, no crowds. Just the water, wind, and the seaplane.” 

Cruising along at about 500 feet above the water gives you a unique vantage point from which to view sealife in the crystal blue waters below: dolphin, tarpon, rays, hammerheads, and maybe even a manatee, if you’re lucky. From my perch in the co-pilot’s chair, Nikali pointed out a giant sea turtle below. 

Nikali and Julie make excellent tour guides on the sea plane tour, pointing out islands like Woman Key and Man Key in the Mule island chain. They know the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary better than anyone I’ve ever met. 

“The sanctuary has the world’s third-largest barrier reef, ” said Nikali. An accountant in his former life, he’s been flying in the Keys since 1991 and noted that the reef is one of the best places to dive in the U.S. 

There are at least nine shipwrecks scattered along the barrier reef, each including its own tantalizing tale. Nikali pointed out the Adelaide Baker, located four miles south-southeast of Duck Key, sitting in only 20 feet of water. Originally from Bangor, Maine, she was on her way to Savannah Ga. with a load of timber when she wrecked in the shallow waters of the reef. Locals in the area assisted the captain and the crew to safety, and there was no loss of life.

Julie described the beauty of the islands from the sky as something forever changing and forever beautiful. “Every single day I soak it in, " she said. "My eyes drink in a new color a new pattern in the water, a new shape in the clouds, or a pod of dolphin playing in a way I have never seen before. I have seen pink skies, purple waters, silvery tarpon and green mangroves.”

The pilots pick up adventurous travelers from all over the mainland and they will custom design an island-hopping escape for you. “I love to share the Keys with people so they develop the same connection with the islands that I have – and they come back to visit again and again, ” said Julie. 

Here are some seaplane operators in the Florida Keys:

Key West Seaplane Adventures Keys Seaplanes Seaplanes in Key West Florida Keys Air Tours

Island-hopping Plane Tours Recommendations

  • Take a jaunt to the exclusive Little Palm Island Resort & Spa , a private island vacation destination famous for hosting movie stars and A-Listers, located about 30 miles north of Key West.  
  • Enjoy live music and a delicious slice of key lime pie at the laid-back Lorelei Cabana Bar and Restaurant in Islamorada . 
  • Check out the beautiful white sand beaches at Bahia Honda State Park  on Big Pine Key.
  • Go to dinner at the luxurious Louie’s Backyard restaurant in Key West, where they have sweeping ocean views from the deck. 

PLACES TO REMEMBER

Key West

Big pine key

ISLAMORADA SNORKELERS1

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Miami Seaplane Tours

Seaplane Tours & Charters from Miami

Upper Keys and Lighthouse Seaplane Tour

Quick details.

  • Duration 30 Minutes
  • Availability Daily
  • Adventure Type Seaplane Tour
  • Online Pricing $210 per Person + Taxes and Fees

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Upper Keys and Lighthouse Seaplane Tour Description

Soar smoothly over Biscayne National Park and the Upper Keys, starting with Soldier Key, the first in the chain of the famous Florida Keys. This tour flies you over the beautiful sights that make this area so popular. Biscayne Bay boasts breathtaking seascapes of emerald green waters teaming with wildlife, observable from a low but safe distance gliding through the air.

Your guide provides insight into this world-famous area, the wildlife that inhabits these oceans, and more as they fly you over their favorite spots. Enjoy the natural beauty and human touch to these Ragged Keys with Miami Seaplane Tours, your aerial gateway to South Florida’s National Parks.

Whether you’re a local or you’re visiting Miami for the first time, there’s something for everyone on this thrilling flight, from spectacular views to interesting facts you didn’t know about the area.

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Pricing and Reservations

Online Price Discounted $10 per Person • +Taxes and Fees • Minimum of 2 Passengers

Tour Duration

• 30 Minutes

Tour Schedule

• 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM • 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM • 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM • 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM • 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM • 12:45 PM – 1:15 PM • 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM • 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM • 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM

Give a gift for an experience ABOVE all others!

Related popular tours and charters, miami skyline seaplane tour.

  • Online Discount $194 per Person + Taxes and Fees Online Price Discounted $10 per Person

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The Ultimate Miami and Beaches Seaplane Tour

  • Duration 1 Hour
  • Online Discount $274 per Person + Taxes and Fees Online Price Discounted $10 per Person

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Seaplane and Airboat Adventure!

  • Duration 2.5 Hours
  • Availability Everyday
  • Adventure Type Seaplane and Airboat Tour
  • Online Discount $450 per Person + Taxes and Fees Online Price Discounted $10 per Person

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  • Sightseeing Flights

Excellent Sightseeing En Route To The Dry Tortugas

As the only air service, we are by far the quickest and most exciting way to reach the Dry Tortugas National Park.

Everyone gets a window seat and a headset

Spot sharks, dolphin, turtles and shipwrecks

The Florida Keys do not end in Key West. The island is just the end of the highway - US1. The chain of islands that make up the Florida Keys continue for a further 70 miles. Our flight route takes you due west, over this island chain. Our destination, Dry Tortugas National Park, lies in the blue/green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and is the true end of the Keys. The next point of land would be Mexico.

In our seaplanes everyone gets a window seat and a headset. The flight is narrated throughout, and with your pilot as your personal tour guide, it is a low altitude sight-seeing flight you will never forget. In fact, we have many passengers whose sole purpose of going to the Dry Tortugas is to experience our airplane ride.

Immediately after take-off, you get a birds-eye view of Key West and the historic downtown and harbor area.

Gulf of Mexico and Clear Waters and Two Clouds

There are plenty of uninhabited mangrove islands in this area but only one island has a private house, this is Ballast Key. It is also the only privately owned land within the boundaries of the National Marine Sanctuary. Tennessee Williams often painted canvases there while visiting the owners in the late 70's and early 80's. The island also had a cameo appearance in the Bond movie License to Kill.

Key West Seaplane Taking Off in Gulf of Mexico

Beyond the Marquesas Islands lie the "Quicksands." This area is excellent for spotting huge sea turtles. The water goes down to 30 feet deep and you will be flying over an underwater desert. The sea-bed is made up of huge sand dunes that are continually moved by the strong tidal currents. It is here that the famous treasure salver Mel fisher found the treasures of the Spanish Galleons "Atocha" and "Margarita." Over half a billion dollars’ worth of gold and silver strewn across an eight-mile area. Today this is still an active treasure site with regular finds of huge Spanish Emeralds.

Sunken Ship View from Seaplane

The second is the "Arbutus." This was a 70ft work vessel used by Mel Fisher's divers and it sank without loss of life, due to hull deterioration. The Spanish galleons cannot be seen from the air but this ship marks the northern edge of the treasure site and with its mast still above water it makes for an excellent photograph.

Upon arrival at the Dry Tortugas we make a low pass over Fort Jefferson for a photo opportunity. After circling the fort, we make a smooth water landing, beach the airplane and you will be free to enjoy the delights of the Dry Tortugas. Bring along your camera, the photography is spectacular.

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Keys Seaplanes

  • Miami to The Keys
  • Key Largo & Ocean Reef
  • Marathon & Islamorada
  • Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach & Boco Raton
  • Naples, Sarasota & Marco Island
  • Fort Myers & Tampa
  • All Mainland & All the Florida Keys
  • Basic Flight
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Custom 8 or 10 Lighthouse Flight

A trip crafted for lighthouse fans to explore as many lighthouses from the air as efficiently & beautifully as possible., reserve today.

Key West Private Charter Seaplane for Scenic Flights and Tours and Lighthouses flight

Some favorites that we love to admire with you include: Sand Key Lighthouse, Key West Lighthouse, Sombrero Key Lighthouse, American Shoals Lighthouse, Alligator Reef Lighthouse, Loggerhead (Dry Tortugas) Lighthouse, Garden Key (Fort Jefferson) Lighthouse, Carysfort Reef Lighthouse, Fowey Rocks Lighthouse and the amazing Cape Florida Lighthouse! Some passengers like to pair this tour with a stop for lunch at an eclectic little restaurant along the way. We have up to 10 Lighthouses within an easy flight from Key West or Miami/The Mainland. Seaplane flights include water landing and take off, weather and conditions permitting.

Contact us with your dreams and ideas and we will create an amazing day for you!

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florida keys seaplane tours

One of the most exhilarating ways to tour the Florida Keys is by seaplane, hopping from island to island with a stop at Little Palm Island Resort.

Photo: Bob O’Neal

Florida Keys Seaplane Adventures

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One of the best things to do in the Florida Keys is island hopping by seaplane

Once you view the Florida Keys from the window of a seaplane, it’s easy to believe that’s how the beauty of the tropical archipelago is truly meant to be appreciated. Taking in the palm tree-covered islands, the bridges that connect them and the emerald water that surrounds them from about 500 feet up is enough to impart a sensory overload of jaw- dropping scenery. Throw in a pillow-soft landing on the water and a picnic lunch on one of the uninhabited islands and you have a travel experience that will stand out in your mind forever.

Florida Keys Aerial, Florida Keys Seaplane Adventures

More than 1,700 islands make up the Florida Keys, including uninhabited spits of land and mangroves that look like fuzzy green puzzle pieces from the air. Photo: Robert Zehetmayer/iStock

Julie Ann Floyd and Nikali Pontecorvo of Key West Seaplanes (keywestseaplanes.com) help make these kinds of memories for guests every day. The duo owns and operates three luxury seaplanes in which they take travelers on island adventures throughout the Keys and beyond. “We’re taking seaplane travel to the next level,” says Floyd, “where everything is nice and comfortable.” One of their newest seaplanes, customized with extra-long wing tips and power modifications to the engine make for a smoother and safer ride, was named grand champion at the Sun-N-Fun air show in 2012, and the latest addition to the fleet was built to the same specifications.

Flights they offer range from 30-minute aerial tours of Key West, where you’ll get an amazing overview of the island and see sights like the Southernmost Point, Fort Zachary Taylor and Christmas Tree Island, to day-long island-hopping tours of the Keys. The amphibious planes can land at uninhabited islands for the ultimate private getaway or pull up at a dock for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Little Palm Island or the Moorings resorts, or anywhere in Islamorada, Key Largo and Ocean Reef, among other destinations. “When you come in by seaplane,” Floyd adds, “people know you’ve arrived.” Along the way you’ll buzz by iconic Keys landmarks like the Seven Mile Bridge and the Alligator Reef Lighthouse from a perspective few ever encounter. Passengers even spot dolphins, sea turtles and other sea life in the crystal-clear water below.

Want to go on a more international trip? No problem (as long as you have a passport). Key West Seaplanes  picks up travelers in any city or any suitable body of water in the Keys or mainland Florida, and can head out for day trips to the Bahamas, including destinations like Bimini, Nassau, Freeport and Paradise Island. However long your flight or where your destination, the views alone will help make it the flight of a lifetime.

Key West Aerial

An aerial view of Key West with the Florida Keys in the distance. Key West is just 90 miles from Cuba. Photo: Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau

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Florida Trippers

Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Florida!

fort zachary taylor photo on a florida keys road trip

The Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary (Best Stops!)

June 10, 2022 //  by  Florida Trippers

If you are looking for a guide to the ultimate Florida Keys road trip itinerary, we have you covered with all the best places to stop!

We have put together an epic itinerary for a road trip to Key West from Miami . Trust us when we say we have picked out the best stops along the way! We have you covered with activities, things to do, as well as hotel and tour suggestions!

Planning your trip to Key West last minute?

Make sure to book ahead! Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top picks for Key West!

Top Experiences And Tours In Key West:

  • Dolphin Watching And Snorkeling Eco Tour (Top pick!)
  • Schooner Sunset Sail (2 hours)
  • Reef Snorkel From Key West (Includes breakfast and mimosas)
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour (Great way to see the city)

Top Places To Stay In Key West:

  • Margaritaville Beach House Key West (Modern mid-range)
  • Blue Marlin Motel (Affordable in downtown)
  • Hampton Inn Key West (Waterfront with pool)
  • Wicker Guesthouse (Great location!)

You can make the trip your own by choosing stops that best fit your personal interests. Or if you want a personalized trip experience checkout our e-book for amazing personalized touches on the best stops! Take as little or as much time as you have. You can do a quick day trip if you don’t mind a quick-paced trip, a weekend get-a-way, or spend a week leisurely visiting all the stops linked below! 

To adventuring outdoors at state parks, to going offshore to visit Dry Tortugas national park, to snorkeling the only living US coral reef, to fun stops for families and adults like where you can spot the Key Deer or feed tarpon, to visiting Key West and all the best beaches along the way, trust us this itinerary for the best road trip to the Florida Keys that is action-packed!

Before you plan your trip, make sure to check out The Best Times To Visit The Keys where we break down each month and talk all things weather!

a girl in red swim suit sitting on a White Sea plane in the ocean

How long does the Florida Keys road trip take?

If you were to drive non-stop from Miami to Key West on your Florida Keys road trip the 165 miles journey would take you just over 3 hours. Meaning you can decide the perfect amount of time to spend on your Florida Keys drive from Miami!

woman standing at smathers beach in key west on a key west road trip

How long should you take on your Florida Keys itinerary?

You could make it a day trip, a weekend trip, or a week-long trip! The choice is yours! We have put together a list of the best places to stop on a drive from Miami to Key West. Stop at one, or stop at all, meaning you can put together your very own trip curated to your own interests and travel style.

OR take the guesswork out of your itinerary, and purchase our ebook that helps you plan your own trip, with unique itineraries and bonuses! You can purchase it here:   https://floridatrippers.com/florida-keys-itinerary-planning-ebook/

woman standing at the end of key west road trip at route 0

Best time of year to road trip the Florida Keys

Anytime! The average temperature year-round ranges from 73 to 83 degrees for the Florida Keys! And the sunshine state has an average of 270 sunny days a year, meaning there is no wrong time to plan a trip!

There are plenty of festivals throughout the year or head to the southernmost points of the US for the holidays! Just remember that hurricane season does run from June to November, meaning you might have to be a little flexible on your plans if a hurricane or tropical storm is headed towards the Florida Keys or Miami!

cars driving along US 1 from Miami to the Florida Keys

Best stops on your Florida Keys road trip itinerary:

Downtown miami.

The first of our epic places to stop on a drive from Miami to Key West is Downtown Miami . If you flew into MIA airport, this will be the perfect spot to explore, grab a bite to eat, visit a museum such as the Frost Museum of Science or Perez Art Museum or take a relaxing stroll along the water before heading south on your drive.

In this energy-filled town, you are sure to find plenty to explore, and perhaps take in an NBA or MLB game. If you are on a romantic getaway we have you covered with the best date nights in Miami as Miami is a city that comes alive after dark!

Downtown Miami at night is the first stop on a Florida Keys road trip and a great place to explore after dark

Biscayne Bay National Park

Who doesn’t love free Florida keys road trip stops? Biscayne Bay National Park is one of the best National parks in Florida , and it’s free to enter! On your second stop, we take you away from the busy city to explore nature. Visitors will be transported to the turquoise waters and colorful coral reefs found in this national park. Over 95% of this national park is covered by water!

The activities here range from guided eco-adventures, fishing, and boating to paddling, snorkeling, and scuba diving the shipwrecks just offshore to just relaxing! While exploring, you can always take a  boat cruise  through the docks and sail over Biscayne Bay.

an arial view of Biscayne Bay national park with the water and shoreline as well as tree areas

The Everglades, are the second National Park on this itinerary for the Florida Keys! We have a list of all the best things to do in the Everglades for those wanting to spend more time here!  At over two million acres to explore, the Everglades provide countless activities and ways to explore this very unique ecosystem.

If you are up for an adventure, an airboat ride is a perfect way to see areas of the Everglades only seen by water. But there are plenty of biking and hiking trails ( or take a ranger-led tour) if you prefer to stay on land. Keep your eyes sharp the Everglades is a habitat for endangered and rare species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the Florida panther.

An alligator in the foreground and an airboat in the background in the Everglades

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp is one of the most magical of the Florida state parks and is located in the Key Largo at MM 102.5. This is a scuba divers’ dream destination for those driving in the Florida Keys and looking for a place to stop! It is actually the first undersea state park in the entire US!! It protects the only living reef in the United States, and as such is an underwater lovers’ paradise.

While here you can explore the over 70 nautical miles of beautiful coral reefs, hike along the pine trees, or snorkel along the mangroves and shoreline. We highly recommend this as one of the stops along with your Florida Keys Road Trip from Miami!! You can also book a glass bottom boat ride to see the tropical fish and the reef without having to get wet!

a girl in red swimsuit snorkling at the coral reef at John Pennekamp State park

Key Largo is a great place to stop for the first day when road tripping the Florida Keys. There is so much to do here in Key Largo! Known as the “Dive Capital of the World,” you will find beautiful beaches with pristine waters. While it does in fact boast those things, there’s a whole island of adventure waiting for you at MM 102.

There are plenty of beaches to explore, an offshore shipwreck and coral reef, explore water sports like jet skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking or charter a boat for some fishing! Plus, there are tons of amazing restaurants to enjoy fresh seafood on your visit.

photo of woman standing in palm trees at one of the best islands in the florida keys

Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park

Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park is one of our favorite places to visit in the Florida Keys! Windley Key State Park is a historic site that doubles as a geological area that is formed by fossilized Key Largo Limestone. The entrance fee is $2.50 a person is a perfect way to spend a full day or even just a few hours it makes for an inexpensive stop on a Florida Keys road trip! It is located at MM 85.5.

It is important to note that the park is closed Tuesday and Wednesday, but open Thursday through Monday. You can take one of the five self-guided tours throughout the quarry that Henry Flagler used to build his railroad or experience it at your own pace on a self-guided tour.

This is one of the best and most iconic stops on the famous Florida Overseas Highway!

a girl holding a Windley Key fossil reef geological state park

Islamorada is located about 1.5 hours ( 79 miles) south of Miami at MM 88 and makes our list of the best small beach towns in Florida. The best part is that Islamorada is almost the halfway point between Miami and Key West!

There are six islands that make up Islamorada and are connected via US1. Known as the sports fishing capital of the world, there are also tons of amazing restaurants, gorgeous national parks, and tons of activities.

Make sure to check out some of the Best Islamorada Restaurants for your trip!

You can check out our full list of things to do in Islamorada here! From visiting the Theater of the sea to swimming with dolphins to a fishing charter, history of the diving museum, state, and national parks, and more!

Peak season is in December through May and the best part is you are surrounded by Gulf on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other! This is truly home to some of the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys!

an arial view of Islamorada

Visit Robbie’s Waterfront to feed the tarpon

Robbie’s is probably one of the most well-known stops on your Key West road trip. Located at MM 77 to you can spend a few hours here enjoying lunch and then feed the school of over 100 massive tarpons for $2.50 per person. Kids and adults alive love to partake in feeding the fish and watching the seagulls try and catch the fish here. Fish buckets are $4.50.

The restaurant is open from 6:30 am for a sunrise breakfast until 9 pm for after dinner cocktails. Robbies also has a party boat fishing charter that leaves twice a day and includes everything you need for a fun day on the ocean. As well as sunset catamaran charters.

Go feeding tarpon a t Robies in Islamorada

Dolphin Research Center

The Dolphin Research Center is located at MM 59 ( about 2 hours south of Miami), and has been providing sanctuaries to dolphins since 1984. The center’s mission is to promote education and communication between marine mammals and humans.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, admission is $28 for adults and $23 for children. Admission includes observing the dolphins and sea lions in training sessions and interacting with each other.

In addition to the educational experiences offered, you can book a dolphin encounter where you can get up close and personal with dolphins in the water. Or even paint with a dolphin experience or a VIP trainer for the day.

a dolphin swimming in the ocean at the dolphin research center

The Turtle Hospital

The Turtle Hospital is located at MM 48.5 in Marathon, Florida. Since 1986, the mission at the Turtle hospital has been to rehabilitate turtles and educate the public about turtles. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm tours run every 30 minutes.

If you love Marathon, make sure to check out some of our other favorite things to do in the Middle Keys!

Admission is $30 for adults and $15 for children. This is one of the educational Florida Keys road trip ideas. Over the 90-minute educational experience, you will watch a presentation on sea turtles, get a behind-the-scenes look at the hospital facilities and rehabilitation area, and finally the chance to feed the turtles.

Reservations can be made online!

Don’t forget to check out some of the best restaurants in Marathon Key!

a turtle being fed broccoli by hand at the sea turtle hospital in marathon florida

Drive or walk the 7 Mile Bridge

When driving the Florida Keys the 7 Mile Bridge is located at MM 42 in Marathon. This is the bridge that connects the middle keys with the lower keys. For those who want to continue their road trip, you will have no choice but to drive over the new 7-Mile Bridge that was finished in 1982. IT is the longest bridge in the state of Florida.

But for those who want to get out stretch their legs, and smell the salty ocean breeze why not walk the old bridge or a portion of it? This bridge is important historically as it made a land route from Miami to Key West.

the old and new 7 mile bridge

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park is one of our favorite places to stop on the way to Key West. Located at MM 37, about 30 miles north of Key West. We have put together an entire post on all the tips for visiting Bahia Honda . It was Henry Flagler who spent $30 million to build a railroad to Key West in the early 1900s that turned Bahia Honda State Park into a tropical paradise.

Make sure to check out some of our other favorite things to do in the Lower Keys in addition to Bahia Honda!

Bahia Honda State Park costs $8 per car to enter and is the place to stop if you love palm-lined beaches, clear water, and just activities like snorkeling, camping, and swimming at one of the three beaches from sunrise to sunset!

Although make sure to arrive early on weekends and holidays because it can reach capacity.

This is truly one of the Best Beaches In The Florida Keys and you must check it out!

a girl in red swimsuit standing in the turquoise water with a bridge in background

National Key Deer Refuge

For those looking to get up close to the Key Deer only found in the lower keys, the National Key Deer Refuge is the place for you! What makes the key deer unique is that there are only about 800 left that can only be found on Big Pine Key . This small dog-like deer is only 2 ½ feet tall and weighs just 90 pounds.

This is a free activity to spend an hour or so, visiting the visitors center and learning all about the key deer. Established in 1957, at MM 30.5 it aims to protect species of animals such as the key deer and 20 other endangered species and plants.

Please note it is against the law to feed, touch, or hunt the key deer.

a key deer is a small dog like deer walking along the high grass

Dry Tortugas National Park

The Dry Tortugas National Park is the only stop on this Florida Keys road trip guide that is only accessible by private or  chartered boat tour ,  chartered seaplane  tour, or the  Yankee Freedom Ferry . 

If you want to add this stop to your Florida Keys road trip we highly recommend booking your dates as early as possible! The Dry Tortugas are a group of seven small islands 80 miles off the coast of Key West. Located in the Gulf of Mexico its iconic red brick Fort Jefferson transports visitors back in time. You will be in awe of how beautiful the water is, and how remote this national park truly is!

For those into camping and stargazing , this is your place! Just remember you must pack everything in and out with you! Check out  our guide  to avoid the big mistakes plus tips when visiting  Dry Tortugas National Park !

a girl in red swimsuit standing on top fo the red brick Fort Jefferson with the turquoise water in the background

Key West is as far south as you can drive on this Florida Keys itinerary! At MM 0, you will find the southernmost point of the continental US! There are so many things to do here in Key West! Don’t let the party atmosphere scare you away from visiting. There are historical sights like Ernest Hemingway or Truman winter home, beaches, amazing restaurants , and plenty of activities to enjoy after the sun sets.

We have an entire post dedicated to the best tours in Key West from those craving adventure to laid-back food and walking tours!

a couple standing infront of the southernmost sign at Key West

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is one of the hidden gems on this Florida keys driving itinerary. You will be mesmerized by the gorgeous blue water inviting you in for a swim or snorkel. Plus, the beach area is super instagrammable!

It is also the southernmost  state park  in the continental US and has our vote as one of the  best Florida Keys state parks! The cost to enter per car is $6.50 and is open from 8 am-5 pm daily.

Built in the 1840s, as a series of forts to protect the southern coast after the conflict of the War of 1812 and used during the Civil War and Spanish American War, it was named after US President Zachary Taylor.

Aerial view of Fort Zachary Taylor State Park with the beach in the foreground and the four stone walls of the fort in the background, surrounded by foliage.

Smathers Beach

The last stop on your Florida Keys driving guide is Smathers beach ! This gorgeous white sand beach is the best beach to go for those looking for real sand, as most beaches in Key West are pebble or rock. The imported white sand is the perfect place to relax and swim or snorkel in the water. All of the usual facilities are present here like parking and showers. 

The last stop on our Florida Keys road trip is the perfect place to relax and unwind before your drive back to Miami!

a girl in white swimsuit standing under a palm tree on swathers white sand beach

Where to stay on your Florida Keys road trip itinerary

Key west marriott beachside.

For those looking to stay in Key West, we highly recommend staying at Key West Marriott Beachside , like we did on our last trip to the area! But have also put together a list of the best luxury hotels in Key West.

 The resort is located on the oceanfront with a large pool as the centerpiece of the resort. At the hotel’s marina, you can rent jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Plus, there is a complimentary hotel shuttle downtown multiple times daily meaning you don’t have to bother with trying to find parking. This is truly one of the Best Places To Stay In Key West!

Many of the balconies are oceanfront allowing you to relax and enjoy a sunset or ocean breeze from your town room!

Check Rates:  Booking.com

a plate of food at hotel pool

We give Bakers Cay resort in Key Largo a 10/10! Located just over an hour from Miami, this could be the perfect spot to spend your first night on your Florida Keys road trip! This cool and unique hotel features gorgeously appointed rooms with ocean views!

There are tons of activities that the resort provides including snorkel, boat, and dive tours! The property also features two large pools and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Make sure to check out our list of the Best Resorts In The Florida Keys ! There are some really epic resorts featured for couples, families, and more.

Check Rates: Booking.co m

man and woman kissing at bakers cay in the florida keys

Cheeca Lodge and Spa

Cheeca Lodge and Spa is located in Islamorada, one of the cutest small towns in Florida! It is located 15 minutes from the local airport or just a 1.5-hour drive south of Miami. A stay here means relaxing in a lush tropical paradise surrounded by the turquoise waters of the ocean. This is truly one of the best luxury hotels in Florida!

The property features a golf course, restaurants, pools, sea kayaks and bicycles for guests to use, Camp Cheeca for children, and an ocean-front bar! The rooms here are luxurious with all the amenities one could want and balconies to enjoy the ocean view or golf and lagoon views.

Check Rates: booking.com

the Cheeca Lodge from the wooden dock to the hotel

Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club

Marathon is just over 2 hours (114 miles) from Miami making it the perfect place to stop for the night on your Florida Keys vacation itinerary. Don’t let the resort and yacht club scare you the property is reasonably priced averaging $230 a night!

The resort is on the water and features modern rooms, with a gorgeous pool and onsite restaurant. It is easy to spot by its historic lighthouse right on the bay.

driving from miami to key west on 7 mile bridge

The top 3 adventures in The Florida Keys & Key West

Dive or snorkel colourful coral reefs, kayak in subtropical mangroves and pedal along winding trails in this southern oasis full of outstanding outdoor pursuits.

florida keys seaplane tours

A 125-mile-long archipelago at the southernmost tip of the US, the Florida Keys are made up of around 1,700 laid-back islands. Stretching like a string of pearls across the teal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the Keys are best known for sandy beaches and bohemian culture. Beyond sun-worshipping and sipping rum runners (the area’s signature cocktail), there are also boundless activities for outdoor enthusiasts keen to explore this palm-fringed paradise. From snorkelling and sailing to biking and kayaking, the Keys offer a multitude of fun ways to inject adventure into a classic Florida holiday.

Snorkelling & diving in coral gardens

With a wealth of coral-lined islands rich in marine life, the Keys are an ideal spot to sink into balmy waters and discover delicate reef systems. Just off Key Largo lies the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — the first underwater park in the US. Glide through clear waters and explore vivid coral gardens teeming with aquatic life. With 48,000 acres of protected ocean to explore, you’ll find a rich ecosystem of tropical fish, sea turtles, lobsters and fierce-looking barracudas that call this diverse region home. Book a PADI scuba dive tour to get up close and personal with Christ of the Abyss — a towering bronze sculpture of Jesus below the surface of the water.

florida keys seaplane tours

Kayaking through the mangroves

Grab a paddle and venture into the ethereal mangroves of Key West — a dense labyrinth of jungly tunnels and crystalline creeks. Guided kayak tours take you deep into this watery haven, where you’ll paddle through narrow passages shaded by the jade-green mangrove canopy. Wait until the sun sinks below the horizon and take a guided night kayak tour for the chance to see nocturnal marine life such as manatees emerging in the fading light. Family-owned tour operator Night Kayak Key West offers an evening excursion through the mangroves, where you’ll paddle a glass-bottomed kayak with LED lights illuminating the world below.

florida keys seaplane tours

Biking the Overseas Heritage Trail

Discover the Keys on two wheels by cycling over 90 miles of paved roads on the expanding Overseas Heritage Trail , which traces the historic Overseas Railroad. With its ultimate aim of connecting Key Largo to Key West, this multi-use and largely car-free trail is perfect for those wanting to explore this scenic region under their own steam. Cycle over former rail bridges, traverse tree-lined beach tracks and glide along beside turquoise waters. Key Largo Bike and Adventure Tours offers rentals and self-guided bike tours where you can set your own pace and distance, with planned routes, luggage delivery and bike pick-up in Key West.

Related Topics

  • ADVENTURE TRAVEL
  • UNDERWATER ADVENTURE
  • TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE

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USA TODAY

Small plane crashes on golf course at private Florida Keys resort; 1 person injured

A small plane in the Florida Keys crashed on a golf course at a private resort leaving one person hurt, officials said.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office was called to the Ocean Reef Club shortly after 12:30 p.m. Friday, spokesperson Becky Herrin said. The Ocean Reef Club is a private club in Key Largo with its own airport .

One person is injured, and officials believe he is the pilot, Herrin said. He was airlifted by helicopter to Jackson South hospital in Miami, but Herrin did not know what condition he is in. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue spokesperson Andrea Rudchenco said Air Rescue South transported one "trauma alert patient" to the trauma center.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Florida plane crash: Small plane crashes into metal warehouse at Edgewater airport; pilot uninjured

NTSB working to investigate cause of crash

The Florida Highway Patrol responded to the scene, but a representative deferred questions to the National Transportation Safety Board.

The NTSB said it is working with the Federal Aviation Administration. The preliminary investigation states the Cirrus SR 20 plane crashed under unknown circumstances, the NTSB said Friday evening.

Plane crashes in the state have made headlines several times in the last month, as five people died in eight different plane crashes in Florida during the month of February.

This is a developing story. Please check back for more updates.

Contributing: Samantha Neely, Cheryl McCloud

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Small plane crashes on golf course at private Florida Keys resort; 1 person injured

Scene from March 1, 2024 plane crash at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo.

IMAGES

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    About. As the only air-service, we are by far the most exciting and convenient way to reach the Dry Tortugas, one of North America's most inaccessible National Parks. The Park lies in the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, 70 miles due west of Key West, FL. Low altitude sightseeing flight, great snorkeling, pristine beaches, tour Fort ...

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    Here are some seaplane operators in the Florida Keys: Key West Seaplane Adventures Keys Seaplanes Seaplanes in Key West Florida Keys Air Tours. Island-hopping Plane Tours Recommendations. Take a jaunt to the exclusive Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, a private island vacation destination famous for hosting movie stars and A-Listers, located ...

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    Miami Seaplane Tours had its genesis in 1995 as Fun Flight Miami, with a very humble beginning that consisted of a very passionate seaplane pilot, one Ultralight, and the desire to fly over the South Florida waters. Settling on an easily accessible area at Key Biscayne, the business was born and, after a few years, became Ultralight Adventures ...

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    Keys Seaplanes® allows you the ability to explore Florida, The Keys and of course, Key West from the most amazing perspective! Flying in an amphibious seaplane, allows us to have the capability of landing on water, as well as on land. ... Florida Keys Nature & History Tour from Key West. 51. Bus Tours. from . $102.00. per adult. LIKELY TO SELL ...

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    Key's Seaplanes private charters can take you from almost anywhere on the Mainland or in the Keys, to Little Palm Island. Whether you just want to go there for a night, or just for breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner; we would love to accommodate. Key's Seaplanes provides exclusive seaplane charters which often transports our guests via our ...

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    Keys Seaplanes flights include water landing and take-off, weather and conditions permitting. Our Dry Tortugas flight comes in two packages, the standard is approximately 100 minutes long, and the second is an extended version which includes further exploration of the uninhabited islands (back country) just to the west of Key West as well as ...

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    2023. 1. Key West Seaplane Adventures. 1,245. Air Tours. By GlobeTrotting57056. The plane ride was amazing as we enjoyed seeing dolphins, too many turtles to count, tarpons, sharks and sting rays. 2. Fly-KeyWest Helicopter Tours.

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    This 3-hour tour offers plenty of time to savor an intimate lunch and admire unforgettable beach views before heading back to Miami. Fantastic combination of a Florida Keys seaplane flight and lunch too. Go on a 40-minute seaplane flight over the upper Florida Keys. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Lorelei Cabana Bar and Restaurant.

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    Key West Day Trip. Let us fly you to the southernmost point in the United States, Key West, for an amazing day trip. Key West is famous for watersports, lively nightlife, beaches, and historic sites. During your day trip, you get to experience the famous Duval Street, one of the most energetic strips of shops, bars, and cafes in all the land.

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    Upper Keys and Lighthouse Seaplane Tour Description. Soar smoothly over Biscayne National Park and the Upper Keys, starting with Soldier Key, the first in the chain of the famous Florida Keys. This tour flies you over the beautiful sights that make this area so popular. Biscayne Bay boasts breathtaking seascapes of emerald green waters teaming ...

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    Amazing trip to Key West with Miami Seaplane Tours. The flight was fabulous and we saw lots of marine life on the way including sea turtles, sharks, manta ray, stingrays and whales. Key West was busy but still felt relaxed and friendly. Tony, our pilot, was so knowledgeable and informative that the whole day was a complete success.

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    Windley Key State Park is a historic site that doubles as a geological area that is formed by fossilized Key Largo Limestone. The entrance fee is $2.50 a person is a perfect way to spend a full day or even just a few hours it makes for an inexpensive stop on a Florida Keys road trip! It is located at MM 85.5.

  22. The top 3 adventures in The Florida Keys & Key West

    A 125-mile-long archipelago at the southernmost tip of the US, the Florida Keys are made up of around 1,700 laid-back islands. Stretching like a string of pearls across the teal waters of the Gulf ...

  23. Small plane crashes on golf course at private Florida Keys resort ...

    A small plane in the Florida Keys crashed on a golf course at a private resort leaving one person hurt, officials said. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office was called to the Ocean Reef Club shortly ...