Kayaking in Islamorada: Mangroves, snorkel reef & lunch

Mangrove kayak, reef snorkel, wild bird sanctuary and key lime pie

A 10-hour guided activity in Islamorada combines kayaking through an old-growth mangrove forest, snorkeling a coral reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and a stop at the local wild bird sanctuary. You paddle or SUP with a marine biologist guide, spot sharks, stingrays, manatees and reef fish, then return by boat with unlimited rum punch and snacks. Hotel pickup and drop-off from the Fort Lauderdale or Miami area are included.

The experience

Your day starts with pickup from your hotel in the Fort Lauderdale or Miami area, and on the drive down you stop at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary to learn about local avian life. Then you head out with your marine biologist guide into an old-growth mangrove forest (the operator calls it their secret spot), where you kayak or SUP through shallow water to look for nurse sharks, bonnet head sharks, southern stingrays, manatees and fish species. Your guide explains what makes this ecosystem vital to the ocean and coral reef system.

After the mangrove paddle and lunch, you board a boat and head out to snorkel an actual coral reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Your guide assists with all equipment and positions you to see sea turtles, dolphins, sharks and tropical fish. The boat ride back includes unlimited rum punch, soft drinks and snacks. On the way home, you stop for key lime pie before being dropped at your hotel.

All snorkel, kayak and paddle board gear is provided, along with towels and fresh water showers. Bring a refillable water bottle: water, sparkling water and soft drinks are available throughout the day. Vegan and vegetarian meal options are available. The activity runs 10 hours total and requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

What’s included

• Water, sparkling water, soft drinks and snacks throughout the day.
• sunscreen.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Fort Lauderdale or Miami.
• all snorkel, kayak and paddle board gear and equipment.
• professional naturalist guide.
• vegan and vegetarian meal options.
• towels and fresh water showers.
• unlimited rum punch on the boat ride back.

Information

Lasts 10h, runs every day at 07:00, from US$ 289 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 14 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

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

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

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 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Wild Lime Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Fort Lauderdale or Miami without a car: the pickup and 10-hour structure mean you don't arrange transport to Islamorada or worry about timing the drive back. The smaller-group format and marine biologist guide keep the focus on what you're actually seeing rather than moving through crowds.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 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. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the old-growth mangrove forest like when you kayak through it?

The mangrove forest is shallow water where you paddle among the trees to spot sharks, stingrays, manatees and fish. Your guide explains how the ecosystem supports the broader ocean and coral reef system. It's the operator's designated spot for wildlife viewing.

Can I choose between kayaking and paddleboarding?

Yes, you can kayak or SUP (stand up paddle board) through the mangrove forest. Both options cover the same route and wildlife viewing area.

What marine life will I actually see on the snorkel?

The reef snorkel in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary gives you chances to see sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, eels, spotted eagle rays, barracudas and tropical fish. Your guide knows the best spots and helps position you for viewing.

How does the pickup work if I'm staying in Miami or Fort Lauderdale?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from either the Fort Lauderdale or Miami area. You're collected from your hotel, driven to Islamorada, and returned at the end of the day.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Parts of the trip may be cancelled due to poor atmospheric or marine weather conditions. If a portion needs to be cancelled while you're on the activity, the guide will provide an alternative experience. No refund is given for weather-related changes.