Key West: Schooner Sail, Snorkel & Kayak Backcountry

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/15

Duration5h

GroupUp to 20

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Sails Up at Key West's Historic Seaport — Then Into Mangrove Waters

You board at the historic seaport, sail out under canvas to the Wildlife Refuge, then split your time kayaking and snorkeling in shallow mangrove waters with a professional guide. Lunch, drinks, and equipment are included, and you're back by early afternoon. The climb back aboard uses a ladder, so you need moderate fitness and comfort with that step.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail, kayak, and snorkel in Key West

Depart from Key West Historic Seaport
Raise sails for backcountry sail
Watch for dolphins and wildlife
Anchor at mangrove islands
Join guided kayaking tour
Join guided snorkeling tour
Return aboard and rinse off
Relax on deck with cold drinks

The Experience

The Appledore Star sits at the dock, canvas folded tight, and the captain's already checking the weather. You board at Key West Historic Seaport in Old Town, and within minutes the sails go up — not for show, but because that's how you get out to the backcountry. The boat moves quiet and steady toward the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, a 200,000-acre stretch of mangrove islands and shallow water at the southernmost tip of Florida. The captain knows where dolphins show up. He'll point them out if they're around, but mostly you're watching the water change color as you leave the harbor behind.

Once the schooner anchors in the refuge, the day splits between kayaking and snorkeling in water so shallow and calm it feels almost unreal. The mangroves shelter everything — no chop, no current, just clear water where you can see down to the bottom. A guide takes you out in a kayak first, moving slow through the islands, and you're looking for sea turtles, manta rays, the smaller fish that dart between the roots. The snorkeling comes next, same water, different angle. The equipment is included and professional-grade, so you're not squinting through a foggy mask. Between the two, you climb back aboard using a platform and ladder — it's the one physical part that takes a second to manage, but the crew's done this a thousand times.

Back on deck, there's a fresh water rinse to get the salt off, and then you settle in with what the boat offers: cold beer, wine, homemade sangria, sodas, filtered water, and snacks while the gourmet lunch comes out. The captain and crew aren't rushing you. The whole thing is five hours, but time stretches when you're anchored and the sails are down and there's nothing to do but eat and drink and watch the mangroves.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Key West Historic Seaport aboard the Appledore Star, guided kayaking and snorkeling in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, premium snorkeling equipment, gourmet lunch prepared on-site, unlimited beer and wine for guests over 21, sodas, filtered water, snacks, and a fresh water rinse after water activities. The total trip time is 5 hours.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Key West Schooners

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the backcountry wildlife and mangrove islands without arranging your own boat or gear — the schooner, guides, lunch, and drinks are all handled, and the five-hour window fits a half-day without eating into the rest of your Key West time.