Kayaking in Key West: Mangroves, Sandbar & Marine Sanctuary

Paddle the mangroves, then anchor at a private sandbar

A guided kayak eco tour in Key West combines paddling through The Mud Keys and Jewfish Basin in the Florida Marine Sanctuary with a full afternoon on a secluded sandbar. The trip includes a master captain and two crew members, a guided kayak tour through mangrove isles where you might spot any of over 500 marine species, lunch with Cuban sandwiches and wraps, unlimited draft beer and wine, paddle boards, snorkeling gear, and water toys. Check in at 201 William Street 30 minutes before departure; the full outing runs about five hours and returns around 4 p.m.

The Experience

You arrive at the dock in Key West without needing to arrange a boat or figure out where the mangroves are. The captain and crew handle the navigation out to the Florida Marine Sanctuary while you settle in. Once you reach the kayaking zone, you paddle through The Mud Keys with an expert guide who knows where the wildlife congregates—over 500 marine species live in these waters, and the guides position you to spot as many as the day allows. The mangrove maze is narrow enough that you move slowly through it, close enough to the water to see what's moving below.

After the kayak tour wraps, the boat heads to Jewfish Basin and a private sandbar where lunch is already laid out. Fresh Cuban sandwiches, fried chicken tenders, veggie wraps, fruit and cheese platters come onboard, and the bar opens—unlimited draft beer, wine and soft drinks flow for the rest of the afternoon. You can stay on the sandbar, paddle a board out into the shallows, snorkel if the water calls you, or float on one of the lily pads and toys scattered around. The crew stays with you the whole time, catering to what you want to do next.

The boat departs Key West at 12:30 p.m. after a 30-minute check-in, and you're back at the dock around 4 p.m. Bring a bathing suit, sunscreen and sunglasses; everything else—snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, towels and fresh water showers—is provided. The trip suits all fitness levels, so whether you're a strong paddler or someone who wants to take it easy on the water, the pace works.

What’s included

• Guided kayak tour through The Mud Keys in the Florida Marine Sanctuary with an expert guide.
• lunch with fresh Cuban sandwiches, fried chicken tenders, veggie wraps, fruit and cheese platters.
• unlimited draft beer, wine and soft drinks.
• snorkeling equipment and paddle boards.
• water toys and lily pad.
• use of kayaks.
• boat service from a master captain and two crew members.
• fresh water showers.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Sunset Watersports

Is this one for you?Book this trip if you're staying in Key West without a car or want to skip arranging your own boat and guide—the crew picks up the navigation and the wildlife spotting, so you paddle when you want to and relax on the sandbar when you don't.

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Top questions

What marine wildlife might I see while kayaking through the mangroves?

The Florida Marine Sanctuary is home to over 500 marine species, and the expert guides take you to the spots where wildlife congregates most. What you encounter depends on the day and the season, but the guides know the best locations to increase your chances of spotting them.

Is the kayaking difficult, or can someone who's never paddled do this?

The trip is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The guides lead you through The Mud Keys at a pace that works for everyone, and the mangrove passages are narrow and calm—not open water or rough conditions.

What's included in the lunch, and are there options for dietary restrictions?

Lunch includes fresh local Cuban sandwiches, fried chicken tenders, veggie wraps, fruit and veggie trays, and cheese and cracker platters. Pita and hummus platters are also available. If you have specific dietary needs, confirm them when you book so the crew can accommodate you.

Can I snorkel at the sandbar, or is it just for swimming and paddling?

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you can snorkel at the sandbar if you want to. You can also paddle a board, float on the lily pad, play with water toys, or simply relax—the afternoon is yours to choose how you spend it.

How long is the kayaking portion, and how much time do I spend on the sandbar?

The guided kayak tour through the mangrove isles takes up the first part of the outing. Once it finishes, the boat heads to the sandbar at Jewfish Basin, where you have the rest of the afternoon to explore and relax. The full trip is about five hours from check-in to return.

Do I need to bring my own kayak or snorkeling gear?

No. Kayaks, snorkeling equipment including mask, snorkel and fins, paddle boards, and a lily pad are all provided. Bring a bathing suit, sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel and a hat; fresh water showers are available when you exit the water.