So many of the boat tours you can do in the Florida Keys involve snorkeling or fishing, but there are a few options that really focus on the boat experience itself, and the African Queen boat tour from Key Largo is one of them. You read that right, the African Queen: the actual boat from the famous Humphry Bogart and Katherine Hepburn film. Going out on the African Queen boat tour is much more a floating history lesson paired with dolphin viewing than an adventure into the backwaters of the Keys.
This boat trip for sure has a niche audience of film-lovers and history buffs. While this isn’t the best boat tour from Key Largo with kids, it’s a great, relaxing trip for adults. You get to hear so much cool history that going out on the African Queen is a must to prepare you for your next trivia night when you get home. If you have any questions about the African Queen boat tour or Key Largo, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan an amazing time in the Florida Keys.
Why do the African Queen Boat Tour?
What I really enjoyed about doing the boat tour on the African Queen from Key Largo was the storytelling element. I grew up watching old movies and my grandma loved Katherine Hepburn, so I have seen African Queen many times. Listening to the captain tell stories of the boat’s journey and getting to go through photos of the ship over the years, including during filming, was pretty cool for a movie geek like me. And I can never get enough time on the water.
On the African Queen tour, we clunk-clunk-clunked our way through the canals of Key Largo before getting out on the open water. Visiting the Florida Keys in summer, it was a hot day and sightseeing in the breezy open air was delightful. Add the many dolphins to our trip and you can see why I enjoyed it so much.
Tips for a Great Key Largo Boat Tour
When you head out on the African Queen for a boat tour from Key Largo, be sure that you’ve done your sunblock in advance. Yes, there is some shade on the boat, but not every seat and not all the time. Before you leave the marina and get into the breeze you might get a bit toasty and sweat, so do your sunblock in advance. Also, I would recommend booking an early tour if you can. Get out on the water before the heat of the day, just after all the fishermen head out. This way you can still have a full afternoon and you’ll beat the heat.
One other tip to consider is to have realistic expectations of the African Queen boat tour. It’s fun getting to hear the stories and even drive the boat, but this is not a high speed adventure. This is a Key Largo boat tour for history buffs and to get out on the water. I don’t consider this a kid-friendly tour because there isn’t a high activity level or thrills along the way except for dolphins.
Being Ready for the Key Largo African Queen Tour
I live in hats and when you’re out on the water in the Florida Keys, whether you’re doing a wildlife tour or a historic tour like the African Queen boat, you’ll want the added sun protection. Wear a brimmed hat, lightweight longsleeve shirt perhaps, and do your sunblock in advance. Also, bring a camera! Between the vintage boat and the wildlife, there’s a lot to take pictures of.
Parking for the African Queen
Parking for the African Queen boat tour from Key Largo isn’t difficult at all. There is a lot directly next to the marina or you can park in the lot for the Holiday Inn Key Largo. The whole complex is owned by the inn so patronizing the boat supports the business as a whole. Parking is free (as of December 2024).
Boat Tour Operating Information
To be sure you have the best experience doing the African Queen boat tour, here’s the operating information for your visit:
- Operating Dates/Season: year round, every two hours from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, returning around 5:30 pm
- Office phone number: 305-451-8080
- Company website: The African Queen
- Tour check-in address: 99701 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
More Things to Do on Key Largo
I really enjoy spending time on Key Largo as there are great activities and lots of good restaurants. Being the first of the towns in the Florida Keys, this is the easiest key for people in Miami and South Florida to get to, so it’s a popular weekend destination. Every day of the week is great though, and it maintains its chill mode most of the time. Key Largo is a good place to launch into wildlife tours with several snorkeling and dive outfitters being based here.
Also, there are a few state parks on Key Largo, but the highlight really is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. From trails to kayaking to glass bottom boats and snorkel trips, this is the one-stop-shop for an awesome Key Largo experience.
Here are more options for activities on Key Largo.
Where to Stay on Key Largo
Key Largo is the largest of the Florida Keys and has boutique hotels, roadside motels, B&Bs and resorts. We’ve enjoyed staying in condo style resorts and well as luxe spots on Key Largo. Heck, the Holiday Inn Key Largo is actually our most frequented hotel in the Keys. Check out the map below for ideas for where to stay when you come to this wonderful island.
I hope you’ll consider spending some time out on the water with the African Queen. As I said, it’s a great tour for adults that love history and films. If you have any questions about visiting Key Largo or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help plan awesome Florida Keys trips!
