Private Sightseeing Tours
Private sightseeing tours in Florida are offered in various cities and regions, providing personalized and exclusive experiences for travelers. Here are some of the best locations to find private sightseeing tours across the state:
1. Miami (area info)
- Private Tours: Miami is home to numerous private sightseeing tours that showcase the city’s beaches, Art Deco architecture, and Latin-American culture.
- Popular Tours: Private Miami City Tours, Miami to Key West Private Tour, and private boat charters along Biscayne Bay.
- Notable Operators: Miami Tour Company, See Miami by Boat, and Viator offer customizable private tours (VISITFLORIDA Media).
- Locations: Downtown Miami, South Beach, Little Havana, and the Everglades (Travellers Worldwide).
2. Orlando (area info)
- Private Tours: Known for its theme parks, Orlando offers private sightseeing tours that include park VIP experiences and private city tours.
- Popular Tours: VIP Disney World Private Tours, Private Orlando City Tour, and private airboat tours in the surrounding wetlands.
- Notable Operators: Orlando VIP Tours, Tours in Orlando, and Florida Dolphin Tours (Road Affair)(VISITFLORIDA Media).
- Locations: Theme parks (Walt Disney World, Universal), Downtown Orlando, and nearby natural parks (Travellers Worldwide).
3. Key West (area info)
- Private Tours: Key West offers personalized tours that highlight the island’s history, marine life, and vibrant culture.
- Popular Tours: Private Sailing and Snorkeling Tours, Private Sunset Cruises, and Private Historic Walking Tours.
- Notable Operators: Key West Adventures, Danger Charters, and Key West Tours and Attractions (Road Affair).
- Locations: Old Town Key West, Duval Street, and surrounding waters (Rove.me).
4. Tampa & St. Petersburg (area info)
- Private Tours: Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg offer a variety of private tours, from city explorations to scenic boat rides.
- Popular Tours: Private City Tours, Private Brewery Tours, and Private Boat Tours in Tampa Bay.
- Notable Operators: Florida Private Tours, VIP Tampa Tours, and St. Petersburg Water Tours (Travellers Worldwide).
- Locations: Downtown Tampa, Ybor City, St. Petersburg waterfront, and Tampa Bay (Road Affair).
5. Naples & Marco Island (area info)
- Private Tours: The Naples area offers private tours focused on luxury experiences, eco-tours, and wildlife viewing.
- Popular Tours: Private Everglades Airboat Tours, Luxury Yacht Tours, and Private Dolphin and Wildlife Tours.
- Notable Operators: Naples Private Charters, Eco Endeavors, and Pure Florida (Rove.me)(Travellers Worldwide).
- Locations: Naples, Marco Island, Everglades National Park, and surrounding waters (Road Affair).
6. St. Augustine (area info)
- Private Tours: As one of the oldest cities in the U.S., St. Augustine offers private tours with a focus on its rich history.
- Popular Tours: Private Historic Walking Tours, Private Ghost Tours, and Private Boat Tours.
- Notable Operators: The Tasting Tours, Old City Tours, and St. Augustine Private Tours (VISITFLORIDA Media).
- Locations: St. George Street, Castillo de San Marcos, and surrounding waters (Travellers Worldwide).
7. Sarasota (area info)
- Private Tours: Sarasota is known for its cultural attractions, and private tours in this area highlight both natural beauty and the arts.
- Popular Tours: Private Sarasota City Tours, Private Kayaking Tours, and Private Art and Cultural Tours.
- Notable Operators: Key Culinary Tours, Sarasota Private Tours, and Siesta Key Watersports (Road Affair).
- Locations: Siesta Key, Downtown Sarasota, and Ringling Museum (Rove.me).
8. Fort Lauderdale (area info)
- Private Tours: Known as the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale offers private tours that explore its canals and beaches.
- Popular Tours: Private Yacht Tours, Private City and Beach Tours, and Private Airboat Tours.
- Notable Operators: Fort Lauderdale Private Tours, Blue Water Charters, and Everglades VIP Tours (Road Affair)(Travellers Worldwide).
- Locations: Fort Lauderdale canals, beaches, and the nearby Everglades (VISITFLORIDA Media).
These private sightseeing tours offer a personalized experience, whether you’re exploring Florida’s vibrant cities, natural landscapes, or coastal waters.
Before Heading Out
Before heading out for a private sightseeing tour in Florida, there are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and personalized experience:
1. Tour Customization
- Discuss Your Preferences: Since private tours are customizable, it’s a good idea to discuss your interests with the tour operator beforehand. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or food, tailoring the tour to your preferences ensures a more personalized experience (VISITFLORIDA Media)(Road Affair).
2. Weather Conditions
- Check the Forecast: Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in summer when sudden thunderstorms are common. Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly, whether it’s sunscreen and hats for sunny days or a light rain jacket for possible showers (Travellers Worldwide).
- Tour Rescheduling: Many private tours, especially outdoor or boat tours, might be rescheduled due to severe weather. Be sure to confirm your tour operator’s weather-related cancellation policies (Road Affair).
3. Transportation and Meeting Points
- Know Your Pickup Location: Private tours often include hotel pickups, but some may require you to meet at a designated location. Clarify where the tour will begin and ensure you have accurate directions.
- Transportation Options: For certain tours (e.g., boat, helicopter), ensure that the transport provided is comfortable and meets your needs, especially if you have specific preferences (Travellers Worldwide).
4. Bring Essentials
- Dress Comfortably: Depending on the type of tour, you may need to dress appropriately. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking tours, while light clothing and sunglasses are important for outdoor tours. If your tour involves water activities, consider bringing a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen (Road Affair).
- Pack Snacks and Water: Some tours, especially those that last several hours, might not include food or drinks, so bringing your own snacks and water is a good idea (Rove.me).
5. Tour Length
- Understand the Duration: Private tours vary greatly in length, ranging from a couple of hours to a full day. Make sure to check how long the tour will last and plan your day accordingly. Some tours offer flexibility with timing, so confirm the schedule when booking (Travellers Worldwide)(Road Affair).
6. Costs and Tips
- Confirm Costs: Private tours often come with a higher price tag compared to group tours. Be sure to clarify what is included in the price, such as entrance fees, meals, or transportation.
- Tipping: While tipping is not always required, it is customary to tip your guide if you had an excellent experience. Make sure you have some cash on hand for this (VISITFLORIDA Media)(Rove.me).
7. Age Restrictions and Mobility Issues
- Check for Age and Mobility Requirements: If you’re traveling with young children or have mobility concerns, confirm that the tour is appropriate for all participants. Some tours may involve stairs, long walks, or physical activities like kayaking or hiking (Road Affair).
8. Cancellation and Refund Policies
- Review Cancellation Terms: Private tours often require advance booking, and cancellation policies can vary. Some operators may offer full refunds with enough notice, while others may charge a fee. Always check the cancellation terms before booking (VISITFLORIDA Media).
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy your private sightseeing tour in Florida and make the most of the personalized experience it offers.