Water activity

Key West: Full Day Tour of Key West National Wildlife Refuge

4.9 / 5

11 reviews

Activity provider:Schooner Appledore
Water activity

Key West: Full Day Tour of Key West National Wildlife Refuge

Activity provider:Schooner Appledore

From US$ 119.95 per person

Discover the diverse ecosystem of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge in an all-day tour. Enjoy sailing, a guided kayak tour of the mangrove islands, and a snorkel tour of backcountry reefs.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Sail a tall ship on the way to Key West’s backcountry
  • Explore the uninhabited mangrove islands in Key West's National Wildlife Refuge
  • Lookout for dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays and many other wildlife
  • Take a guided kayaking tour or a guided snorkeling tour
  • Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet served directly on the boat
Full description

Get the most out of Key West and combine 3 adventures into one full-day adventure tour. Board a schooner sailboat and sail the ocean waves, enjoy a guided kayak tour of the mangrove islands, and snorkel in the backcountry reefs. Drink as you please onboard and partake in an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Set sail from Key West's Historic Seaport and sail toward the uninhabited mangrove islands in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. Keep an eye open for dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and many other species that call the refuge home.

Once you reach the islands, allow the crew to help you get into a stable sea kayak and provide some tips on paddling. Feel the ease of gliding through the warm, shallow water, sheltered by the mangroves.

As you kayak in the calm waters, learn about the mangroves and their important role as nurseries to the sea. Discover how they survive in saltwater and the various marine life that inhabits the mangrove ecosystem.

Try to spot the local bird species, such as ospreys, frigates, blue herons, bald eagles, and even roseate spoonbills. Search the waters for tropical fish, stingrays, and sea turtles.

If Kayaking isn't for you, opt for the guided snorkeling tour. Don't worry if you've never done it before, the guides are happy to provide instruction and assistance to get the best out of your experience.

Swim through the shallow waters and witness the sponge gardens. Admire the colorful fish swimming over the sponges and surround yourself with marine wildlife. If you prefer to float on the surface, grab a noodle, bask in the sun, and watch the clouds drift by.

Afterward, climb back aboard and clean up or relax on the deck. Choose from a wide selection of cold drinks such as beer, wine, homemade sangria, and chilled soda. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet feast, including fried chicken, shrimp, deli meats and cheese, and assortments of bread. At last, raise anchor and leave the islands behind. Enjoy an afternoon snack of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies or chips and dip, and feel the breeze as you sail back to the seaport.

Includes
  • Sail on a tall ship
  • Guided snorkeling of Patch Reefs or a Mangrove Island kayak your with equipment
  • Full Buffet Lunch and Afternoon Snack
  • Soft drinks and filtered water
  • Homemade Sangria, Premium Bee,r and Wine after snorkeling
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Check-in for all Schooner Appledore tours in Key West is at the Sebago Watersport’s office – 205 Elizabeth Street, Unit I, Key West FL 33040. The office is at our docks located on the Harborwalk in the Historic Key West Seaport. From Elizabeth Street, walk down Lazy Way Lane, past “Yours and Mayan” and the “Fisherman’s Cafe”, we are the next to last shop on the right. Or from the end of William Street, make a left down Lazy Way Lane passing Schooner Wharf Bar. Sebago’s check-in office will be on the left-hand side.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Swimwear
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags
  • Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

  • The Florida Keys and the living reef are full of wildlife and it is common to see fish and marine animals, however, that can’t be guaranteed.
  • All guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 11 reviews

Review summary

  • Transportation
    5/5
  • Value for money
    5/5

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Bellissima giornata in barca, i ragazzi sono fantastici, pieni di premure per gli ospiti! Abbiamo visto i delfini, fatto snorkeling e poi kayak in mezzo alle mangrovie! Per completare la giornata, un bel pranzetto e la sangria di Mario! Assolutamente da consigliare!

October 7, 2022

Hallo, der Trip ist auf jeden Fall empfehlenswert. Wir sahen Delphine auf der Hinfahrt, mehrere Vögel bei der Kajak-Tour und Fische unter Wasser beim Schnorcheln. Getränke wurden viel gereicht und Essen war auch o.k.. Das Team aus dem Kapitän und den 2 Guides war sehr nett und kompetent. Dazu noch super Wetter und ein tolles warmes Meer. Wir hatten viel Spaß und sehr nette Leute kennengelernt. Auf jeden Fall ein toller Tag auf dem Meer.

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October 6, 2022

Très belle expérience. Équipage sympathique et bienveillant. Boissons à volonté. Très belle sortie en kayak dans les mangroves (bébé requin, oiseaux et crabes) et sortie avec masque et tuba (tortues et poissons). Repas de bonne qualité. A recommander sans hésiter lors de votre visite à Key West !

August 12, 2022

Product ID: 414285