Waverunner Tour Islamorada: Mangrove Tunnels & Sandbar

Throttle through mangrove tunnels you can't reach any other way.

A 1.5-hour waverunner tour in Islamorada where you pilot a Yamaha jetski through mangrove tunnels, past 20 islands and out to the world-famous sandbar, with two open-water freedom rides and a calm-water swim stop in the bay. The tour adjusts for riding ability and conditions. Children from age 5 are welcome. Life vests, showers and lockers are included.

The experience

The tour opens with 15 minutes of open ocean: your first chance to feel what the waverunner can do in a big, clear stretch of water. From there you head into the mangrove tunnels, a maze of narrow channels where the trees close in on both sides and the water stays flat and protected. You'll pass under the Whale Harbor Bridge, cruise past Bud N' Mary's Marina, and run the length of the Islamorada coastline on the ocean side. The route covers over 18 miles total, and the guide watches for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, manta rays and birds as you go.

Midway through, you get another 15 to 20 minutes of open water: the second freedom ride where you can push the throttle and feel the speed. Then the tour moves to the calm Gulf side of the bay, where you pull up to a shallow area surrounded by mangroves and stop for a swim and a dip. The ride back to the marina is long and relaxing, letting you settle after the pace of the earlier stretches. Life vests are provided and required. Showers and lockers for your belongings are available when you return.

The tour runs 1.5 hours total and may shift depending on water conditions, weather or how comfortable you are on the waverunner. Guides speak English and Spanish. Children from age 5 can ride, though the operator notes the tour is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, and is not recommended during pregnancy.

What’s included

• Yamaha waverunner.
• life vest.
• showers.
• locker storage for personal belongings.
• two open-water freedom rides.
• mangrove tunnel navigation.
• sandbar stop.
• swim break in the bay.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day at 10:30 and 13:30, from US$ 259 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish and in groups of up to 7.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:30 and 13:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 71 private ›

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Florida Keys Watersports

Is this one for you?The tour starts and ends at a marina in Islamorada, so you don't need a car to get on the water. Book it if you're staying in town or arriving without a rental. The two freedom rides break up the guided sections, so you get both the structure of a tour and stretches where you control the throttle.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 17 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

Can I ride a waverunner if I've never been on one before?

Yes. The tour starts with a 15-minute freedom ride in open ocean to let you get used to the waverunner before you enter the mangrove tunnels. The guide adjusts the route based on riding ability and water conditions, so beginners and experienced riders both go on the same tour.

What happens at the sandbar and the mangrove tunnels?

The world-famous Islamorada Sandbar is a shallow, sandy area where the tour stops so you can see it and take photos. The mangrove tunnels are narrow channels where the trees form a canopy overhead and the water stays calm. You navigate through them on the waverunner, which is something you can't do from a boat tour or from land.

Is there time to swim during the tour?

Yes. The tour includes a swim stop on the calm Gulf side of the bay, surrounded by mangroves. This happens during the second open-water stretch, after you've had time to ride and explore.

Do I need to know how to drive a waverunner, or will someone teach me?

No instruction is given before you ride. The guide assumes you can handle basic throttle and steering. The first 15-minute freedom ride gives you a chance to get comfortable with the waverunner in open water before the tour moves into the mangrove tunnels.

What's included in the tour price?

The waverunner, life vest, showers and lockers for your belongings are all included. Gratuity is not included. $25 per jetski is suggested.