Key West: Schooner Sail, Snorkel & Kayak Backcountry

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.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 20

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 effortNot recommended during pregnancyInfants 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.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, premium snorkeling equipment is provided and included in the tour price.

Can I bring my own kayak or snorkel gear?

The tour uses provided equipment. Check with the operator if you want to use your own.

What if the weather is bad?

Time at each location depends on weather and refuge conditions, at the captain's discretion. The tour may be rescheduled or modified.

Is lunch included?

Yes, gourmet lunch prepared by the boat's in-house catering team is included.

Can infants come on the tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult's lap for the duration.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited beer and wine (for guests 21+), filtered water, soda, and snacks are included.

How do I get back on the boat after snorkeling or kayaking?

You climb onto a platform secured just below the waterline, then climb a ladder back aboard the schooner.