1
Miami International Airport
MIA • KMIA
13 km • 13 km drive
Primary gateway airport for Miami and the closest major hub to most Miami-area marinas.
Transport: Rideshare and taxis, Rental cars, Metrorail connections (limited for bulky gear)
Logistics · Destination Guide
Miami
A city base with national-park shipwrecks and reef diving in every direction
Updated Dec 13, 2025 • 14 sources
Logistics
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Quick Facts
- Primary airport: Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Typical transfer: 13 km drive
- Entry requirement: Miami is in the United States.
- Getting around: Rental car: the most practical option for divers, especially if you plan day trips to Key Largo, Broward, or Palm Beach.
Getting There
Most visitors fly into Miami International (MIA), with Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) as an easy alternate. Miami works well as a hub if you want to day-trip to Key Largo, Broward, or Palm Beach without changing hotels.
If your dive plan is Keys-heavy, consider splitting the trip: a few nights in Miami for Biscayne National Park and city time, then a few nights in Key Largo for early-morning reef charters.
Airports
2
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
FLL • KFLL
48 km • 48 km drive
Good alternate for Miami and convenient if you plan to dive Broward County sites (Fort Lauderdale, Pompano).
Transport: Rideshare and taxis, Rental cars, Tri-Rail and rail connections (schedule dependent)
3
Palm Beach International Airport
PBI • KPBI
112 km • 112 km drive
Useful for Palm Beach and Jupiter diving days, including Blue Heron Bridge and offshore drift dives.
Transport: Rental cars, Rideshare and taxis
Getting Around
- Rental car: the most practical option for divers, especially if you plan day trips to Key Largo, Broward, or Palm Beach.
- Rideshare/taxis: workable inside Miami, but less convenient with wet gear and bulky bags (tanks are normally provided by operators, not transported by visitors).
- Public transit: useful for city sightseeing, but often inconvenient for early marina departures and large gear bags.
Traffic can be intense. Plan extra time for morning boat check-ins and weekend travel.
Entry Requirements
Miami is in the United States. Entry rules depend on your citizenship and may include a visa, ESTA (Visa Waiver Program), or other documentation. Check official U.S. government guidance before booking flights.
If you are connecting onward to the Florida Keys by car, no additional formalities apply beyond your U.S. entry requirements.
Gear Logistics Checklist
- Flying with gear: pack regulators and computers in carry-on, and protect mask lenses. Most airlines treat scuba gear as standard luggage, but weight limits vary.
- Tanks and weights: do not fly with cylinders. Local operators provide tanks and weights; confirm whether nitrox is available if you want it.
- Rinse and storage: choose lodging with a balcony, gear-rinse area, or at least space to dry equipment. Salt air and humidity make drying slower than you expect.
Practicalities
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
USD is the standard. Cards are widely accepted in Miami and the Keys; cash is still useful for small tips, parking, and some casual food spots.
ATMs are common in Miami Beach, Downtown, and along major roads. Remote Keys locations can have fewer options, so withdraw before long drive days.
Electricity
120V • 60Hz • A, B
Standard U.S. outlets. Bring a charger rated for 120V if you are traveling from a 220V region.
Communications
Mobile coverage is strong in Miami and generally good along the Upper Keys main corridor. eSIMs are widely supported by major carriers. On boats and remote bays, expect occasional dead zones and keep offline copies of maps and tide plans.
Language
English is dominant, with Spanish widely spoken. Haitian Creole is also common in parts of Miami-Dade County.
Insurance
Carry dive accident coverage (many divers use DAN) plus general travel insurance. If you are doing deeper wrecks, drift dives, or freediving, confirm your policy covers those activities.
Packing list
In-water Essentials
- Mask you trust, plus defog.
- Surface marker buoy for boat diving, and a diver-down flag for shore sessions where required.
- Exposure: many divers use 3mm in summer and 5mm in winter. Bring a wind layer for boat rides.
Nice-to-have in South Florida
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard for long snorkel days.
- Dry bag for boats and sudden storms.
- Insect repellent for Everglades and mangrove days.