USA · KAYAKING TOURS IN KEY WEST
Good kayaking tours in Key West fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 7 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Paddle shallow mangrove creeks near Hurricane Hole Marina with guides such as Brett, Rachel, Heather, or Bethany. You’ll learn about Florida Keys geology, handle selected sea life, and look for sharks, manatees, birds, crabs, and jellyfish. Single and double kayaks suit beginners, families, and dogs.
“Very nice tour guide. Very informative! Tour was very good!! It was a beautiful day. Not too tiring. Worth the money”
Sail from 255 Front Street with Danger Charters for a four-and-a-half-hour mix of harbor views, mangrove kayaking, and reef snorkeling. Guides such as Mary, Micah, Katie, and Anthony lead the outing, with gear, wetsuits in winter, snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks included.
“Great three part activity. Loved the sailing, kayaking and snorkeling! Staff was great and attentive! Enjoy the sights and family had a great time!”
Launch from PADDLE! The Florida Keys in Tavernier and follow a guide such as Jack, Tony, Sarah, or Keith through clear, shallow water, mangrove tunnels, and grassy shallows. You may see manatees, dolphins, turtles, rays, birds, fish, or iguanas. Choose a single or double kayak.
“Very good experience Kayaking. The guide was very helpful. Couldn't get time to go in the Mangroves, but it was a memorable experience.”
Spend 6.5 hours aboard a 65-foot schooner sailing from Key West to the National Wildlife Refuge and Florida Keys sanctuary. Snorkel, kayak through mangroves, swim, and eat a buffet lunch with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. Guides such as Daniel, Joe, Brian, and James add local history and ecology.
“Great Day! The crew Tony, Anthony & Conner were personable and ensured that everything worked without a hitch. Felt taken care of the entire day. Highly recommend this tour!!”
Paddle a 100% clear tandem kayak through Sugarloaf Key’s mangroves and backcountry waters, about 25 minutes from Key West. Guides such as Rebecca, Claudia, Sarah, Heidi, and Hatchett explain the ecosystem while you look for sharks, turtles, stingrays, starfish, and tropical fish.
“Had a great experience with Sara! She was very knowledgeable and informative, and safety was clearly a top priority the entire time. The small group setting was perfect, and she was professional while still being very personable with everyone. Everything was well organized and enjoyable. Highly recommend!”
Spend about three hours kayaking through Key Largo’s mangrove tunnels with guides such as Fitz, Joe Joe, Janet, and Mark. Expect calm water, clear views, wildlife lessons, snacks, bottled water, and optional snorkeling. Tandem kayaks are assigned to groups of two or more unless you request a single kayak.
“The natural world of the Keys with an informed and helpful guide. Definitely worth the time while in Key Largo or just passing through!”
Cruise Key West’s backcountry on a custom catamaran, then kayak or paddleboard through mangroves and relax on a remote sandbar. Naturalist-led outings may include snorkeling and dolphin spotting. Crew members such as Captains Matthew and Jude are known for warm, safety-minded service. Choose daytime or sunset.
“Bucket List Trip! Sea turtles, swam with beautiful fish, saw isolated islands, great lunch. We loved it!”
Pick a skyline, a canyon or a coastline.
