Key West Mangrove Kayak Tour: Paddle Shallow Creeks with a Guide

You paddle through water so shallow you can see the seafloor.

A guided kayak tour through Key West's back country mangrove creeks, where you paddle at a relaxed pace through inches of water and learn about the geological structure of the Keys and its marine life from your kayak. The tour runs two hours. Single and double kayaks are available, and all guests must know how to swim. Morning and afternoon departures are offered. Check in 30 minutes early.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Key West mangrove creeks by kayak

• Meet experienced guide
• Paddle through winding mangrove creeks
• View geological structure and marine life
• Learn about local inhabitants from kayak

The experience

If you have a free afternoon in Key West and want to get on the water without signing up for a full-day excursion, this two-hour paddle fits between other plans. You'll meet your guide at the paddle shack, choose between a single or double kayak, and head into the winding mangrove creeks where the water runs so shallow you can see straight to the bottom. The pace is relaxed (this is not a fitness test), and the guide handles the route while you focus on what's moving around you.

The mangrove environment is the whole point. As you glide through the creeks, you'll spot tropical fish darting between the roots, crabs scuttling across the shallows, sea stars and sea cucumbers on the bottom, jellyfish drifting past, and wading birds hunting along the banks. The guide explains the geological structure of the Keys as you paddle, so you're learning the place instead of just passing through it. Every trip takes a different route through the back country, so the wildlife and the creeks themselves change depending on the day and the tide.

Restrooms and a changing area are on site. There are no lockers, but you can leave belongings at the paddle shack while you're out on the water. Beginners are welcome as long as you can swim. If you're bringing a dog, it can come along. Morning and afternoon tours run on the same schedule, so you can pick whichever fits your day.

What’s included

• A local guide leading the paddle.
• single or double kayaks.
• two hours on the water through the shallow mangrove creeks.
• on-site restrooms and changing area.

Options for this experience

2 options

Afternoon Kayak TourGuide in English · 14:00Two-hour kayak tour leaving from Lazy Dog at 2:00 pm. Check-in is at 1:30 pm.

Morning Kayak TourGuide in English · 10:00Length: 2 hours. Two-hour kayak tour leaving from Lazy Dog at 10:00 AM. Check-in is at 9:30 AM.

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 10:00 and 14:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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 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 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Lazy Dog Adventures

Is this one for you?Start your day on the water with the morning departure, or join the afternoon paddle if you're exploring Key West first: either way, your guide leads you through mangrove creeks at a relaxing pace where tropical fish, birds, and the Keys' geology reveal themselves from your kayak.

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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.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle this tour?

No. Beginners are welcome on the Key West mangrove kayak tour. The guide leads at a relaxing pace and handles navigation. You do need to know how to swim.

What kind of wildlife will I see on the mangrove kayak tour?

The shallow creeks are home to tropical fish, crabs, sea stars, sea cucumbers, jellyfish, sponges and various wading birds. The guide points out what's around you as you paddle.

Can I bring my dog on the kayak tour?

Yes, the Key West mangrove kayak tour is dog-friendly, so your dog can come along in the kayak with you.

How long does the mangrove kayak tour take?

The tour runs two hours from start to finish. You should arrive 30 minutes early to check in and get fitted to your kayak.

Can I rent a double kayak if I'm traveling with someone?

Yes. Single and double kayaks are both available on the Key West mangrove kayak tour. You book by the number of people, not the number of kayaks.

What should I bring or wear for the kayak tour?

Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and bring sunscreen. Restrooms and a changing area are on site. Dry bags are available to rent if you want to keep items dry, and bottled water is available for purchase.