Kayaking Key West: Mud Keys mangrove tunnels & sandbar

Paddle mangrove tunnels where dolphins and sea turtles actually show up

Kayak the Mud Keys in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, a secluded backcountry area no road reaches. A boat carries you and your kayak from Key West's historic seaport to winding mangrove channels where stingrays, tropical fish, and sea turtles live. After paddling, you drift to Jewfish Basin sandbar to swim and rest. Lunch and unlimited beer, mimosas, wine and champagne are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak tour and sandbar relaxation

• Depart from Key West historic seaport
• Boat ride to remote Mud Keys
• Guided kayak tour through mangroves
• Spot wildlife like stingrays and turtles
• Relax at Jewfish Basin sandbar
• Enjoy drinks and lunch

The experience

The day starts at Key West's historic seaport, where you board a boat that takes you deep into the backcountry of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Most kayak rentals stay near shore. This one transports you to the Mud Keys, a maze of mangrove tunnels and shallow channels where the wildlife density shifts noticeably. Your guide leads you through the winding waterways, and the paddling itself is easy: the tour suits all fitness levels, and the mangroves funnel you through a route that feels more like exploration than exercise.

What makes the Mud Keys different is the isolation. No roads reach this area, no other companies operate here, and the seclusion means you're paddling through habitat rather than a tourist corridor. Stingrays, tropical fish, and sea turtles move through the same channels. Dolphins and sharks pass through too, though no sighting is guaranteed. The paddling takes up the middle of the day, and the pace is set by the guide and the group, not by a clock.

After the kayak portion, the boat cruises to Jewfish Basin, a sandbar in turquoise water where you can swim, wade, or float. Lunch and drinks arrive here: unlimited beer, mimosas, wine, and champagne, plus a meal with vegetarian options if you need them. The restroom is on board. The whole outing runs five hours from start to finish, and you return to Key West by late afternoon.

What’s included

• Kayaks and paddle boards.
• lunch with vegetarian options.
• unlimited beer, mimosas, wine and champagne.
• lily pad.
• on-board restroom.
• boat transport from Key West seaport to the Mud Keys and Jewfish Basin sandbar.

Information

Lasts 5h, runs every day at 11:00, from US$ 161.20 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:00Last departure this season: 31 DecAnother time? ›

GroupUp to 401 private ›

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.1 with pickup ›

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (6 to 12 years) · Child (under 6): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sunset Watersports

Is this one for you?The paddling is easy and the pace is guided, so you're not fighting the water or the schedule. The five-hour outing leaves you time to explore Key West before or after, and the boat handles all the transport so you don't need a car to reach the backcountry.

Traveler reviews

4.56★★★★★★★★★★

9 verified traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 12 years); Child (under 6): free.

What's the paddling like in the mangrove tunnels?

The mangroves create winding channels that are shallow and calm, with no current to fight. The paddling is gentle and suitable for all skill levels. The guide sets the pace and leads you through the waterways where wildlife congregates.

Will I actually see dolphins or sea turtles?

The Mud Keys are home to stingrays, tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks, but sightings depend on the day and the time. The backcountry habitat means wildlife is present, though no specific animal is guaranteed.

How does the boat transport work?

You board at Key West's historic seaport, and the boat carries you and your kayak to the Mud Keys, a remote area no road reaches. After paddling, the boat takes you to Jewfish Basin sandbar, then returns you to Key West.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included, with vegetarian options available. Unlimited beer, mimosas, wine, and champagne are served at the sandbar stop. The restroom is on board throughout the outing.

Is this tour in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary?

Yes, the entire kayak portion takes place in the backcountry of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, specifically in the Mud Keys area. The guide leads you through the marine habitat and explains the local wildlife and waterways.