The Best Day Trips You Didn’t Know You Could Take in the Keys

Discover the Florida Keys with Up The Keys—private tours, marine encounters, ecosystem exploration, and hassle-free planning.

If you’re curious about Florida’s underwater world but prefer a safe, immersive introduction before diving into open-water snorkeling, the Aquarium Encounters Day Tour is an ideal choice. This guided experience offers a chance to see reef fish, rays, sharks, and other marine life up close, all within a controlled and educational setting. Here’s what makes it a magical experience and how you should prepare for it. What the Day Tour Looks Like Your visit typically begins with a guided walk through the exhibits, where you’ll observe a variety of ecosystems, from mangrove-style basins to tidal pools and a 200,000-gallon coral-reef tank home to moray eels, groupers, sharks, and reef fish. For those wanting to get into the water, there are optional aquarium encounters tour activities: snorkel in the coral reef tank or lagoon enclosure, feed cownose rays by hand, and see a diverse collection of inshore and reef species. Throughout the day, you might spot tropical fish like parrotfish and angelfish, stingrays, tarpon, and other reef dwellers, giving a snapshot of marine life typical to the Keys. Why It’s More Than Just a Visit Public aquariums and interactive marine centers offer more than entertainment; they support education, conservation awareness, and connection with nature. Observing aquatic life has been shown to reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. At the same time, these encounters provide a safer, controlled environment for people of all ages who may not yet feel comfortable snorkeling in open water. Many families appreciate the structured, supervised setup as an introduction to ocean exploration. How to Prepare: What to Bring & What to Know To make the most of your visit and help protect the delicate ecosystems you’ll be observing, here are some practical tips: ● Use reef-safe sunscreen (mineral-based, without oxybenzone or octinoxate): many conventional sunscreens harm coral reefs and disrupt marine ecosystems when washed into the water. ● Bring water shoes or sandals, especially if you plan to snorkel or walk near wet areas. ● Stay hydrated and bring a refillable water bottle; summer sun and saltwater exposure can dehydrate you quickly. ● If you’ll be doing water-based activities, bring a change of clothes or a towel for afterwards (some feeding or touch-tank sessions may splash water).

Skip the traffic and relax on a private shuttle from Miami to Key West, enjoying comfort, convenience, and stress-free travel along the scenic Overseas Highway.

Discover Marathon’s marine attractions with hands-on encounters, dolphin interactions, and guided exploration, perfect for first-time visitors seeking meaningful ocean experiences.

This infographic showcases the excitement of wakeboarding and watersports in the Florida Keys, emphasizing calm warm waters, expert instruction, and high-energy activities. It highlights year-round sunshine, wide-open waterways, and unforgettable scenery, inviting adventure-seekers to explore the Keys and experience.

Dive into an unforgettable Dolphin Encounter in the South Keys! Meet Key Deer, explore the Blue Hole, and visit the Dolphin Research Center for a VIP eco-tour adventure.

Discover how local tour guides make your Florida Keys visit deeper, easier, and unforgettable by revealing hidden gems and sharing authentic stories.

Experience your first visit to the Florida Keys like a pro; enjoy effortless travel in Key West by visiting top spots with stress-free transportation.

Skip the stress of driving; discover how Florida Keys shuttle services and local transport make island travel easy and convenient for every Florida Keys tour.