Kayaking Geiger Key: Mangroves and sea turtles

Paddle shallow mangrove waters where sea turtles and tropical birds live

Kayak or paddleboard through the mangroves at Geiger Key in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary on a private guided tour. Your guide shares insights into the ecosystem as you paddle at your own pace through shallow waters, spotting sea turtles, stingrays, horseshoe crabs, tropical fish, juvenile sharks and tropical birds. The tour runs two hours and suits all skill levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided kayak and paddleboard tour

• Meet your private tour guide
• Paddle through Geiger Key waters
• Observe sea turtles and sting rays
• Spot tropical birds and juvenile sharks
• Explore shallow waters and sea grasses
• Learn about the local ecosystem

The experience

Geiger Key borders the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which means the shallow waters here hold the creatures and plants most visitors come to see. You paddle at your own pace through tranquil mangroves while your guide points out sea turtles, stingrays, horseshoe crabs, tropical fish, juvenile sharks and the tropical birds that nest in the trees overhead. The shallow depth lets you see the sea grasses, sponges, sea stars and conchs on the bottom: the whole ecosystem visible from your kayak or paddleboard.

A private guide leads the tour in English, and you choose whether you want a single kayak, tandem kayak or paddleboard before you book. The group stays small, which means the guide can adjust the pace and stops to what your group wants to do. All safety gear comes with the rental, along with bottled water. The whole outing runs two hours and suits beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

What’s included

• A single kayak, tandem kayak or paddleboard of your choice.
• all safety gear.
• a private guide in English.
• bottled water.

Options for this experience

7 options

4 GuestsUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00Includes pickup

5 GuestUp to 5 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00Includes pickup

6 GuestsUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00Includes pickup

See 4 more options

7 GuestsUp to 7 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00Includes pickup

8 GuestsUp to 8 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00Includes pickup

9 GuestsUp to 9 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00Includes pickup

10 GuestsUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English · 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00Includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00

Book up to2h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Geiger Key Paddle Hut

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a private kayak tour with your own group rather than joining strangers, and prefer shallow mangrove paddling over open-water distance.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife will I actually see paddling through Geiger Key?

Sea turtles, stingrays, horseshoe crabs, tropical fish and juvenile sharks live in these shallow waters, and tropical birds nest in the mangroves overhead. The shallow depth means you can see the sea grasses, sponges, sea stars and conchs on the bottom as you paddle.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No. The tour suits all skill levels and all physical fitness levels. You paddle at your own pace through tranquil, shallow waters, so beginners and experienced paddlers both find it relaxing.

Can I choose between a kayak and a paddleboard?

Yes. You pick a single kayak, tandem kayak or paddleboard when you book, depending on what you prefer and how many people are in your group.

How long does the tour last?

The tour runs two hours from start to finish, with your guide leading you through the mangroves and pointing out wildlife and ecological features along the way.