The pristine waters around Key West provide excellent kayaking and canoeing for every experience level. Clear, protected waterways weave through mangrove forests, offering close encounters with local wildlife. Our favorite tours include the guided eco-adventures, which expertly showcase hidden waterways and marine life, and the unique night glow paddles that illuminate the water after dark. Combo tours that mix kayaking with snorkeling deliver great value, especially for first-time visitors. Custom private tours work well for families or those wanting extra attention. Let’s explore the best water tours Key West has to offer.
Key Points
- The Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour offers a serene 2-hour excursion through mangrove waterways, allowing guests to observe diverse wildlife.
- The Ultimate Key West Kayak Eco-Tour provides a personalized experience with a maximum of 40 travelers, including onboard refreshments and a chance to see local fauna.
- The Guided Clear Kayak Eco-Tour offers a small-group experience to explore the underwater world through crystal-clear kayaks and spot marine life.
- The Afternoon Sail, Snorkel, Kayak & Sunset Excursion combines various water activities into a 4.5-hour adventure with a knowledgeable crew and wildlife sightings.
- The Sunset Kayak Tour of Manatee Bay provides unobstructed sunset views and the opportunity to see manatees, with personalized attention and refreshments included.
Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour
The Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the serene mangrove waterways of the Florida Keys.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the 2-hour excursion takes kayakers through a lush, natural environment where they can observe a variety of wildlife, including tropical fish, crabs, sea stars, and sea birds.
With a maximum group size of 10, the tour provides an intimate and educational experience, as guides share insights about the geological history of the region.
While a moderate fitness level is required, the easy pace of the tour makes it suitable for paddlers of all skill levels, providing a peaceful and immersive way to connect with the natural beauty of Key West.
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Key West Afternoon Sail, Snorkel, Kayak & Sunset Excursion
Offering a diverse array of adventures, the Key West Afternoon Sail, Snorkel, Kayak & Sunset Excursion allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of the Florida Keys from both land and sea.
Priced from $128.89 per person, this 4.5-hour experience includes snorkeling in pristine waters, gliding through mangrove-shaded channels on kayaks, and sailing on a schooner.
Catering to small groups of up to 20 guests, the tour provides all necessary equipment and refreshments.
With a focus on personalized experiences, the excursion offers an instructional briefing for beginners and features positive customer reviews highlighting the crew’s helpfulness and wildlife sightings.
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Half-Day Cruise From Key West With Kayaking and Snorkeling
Visitors to Key West can embark on a half-day cruise that combines the best of the island’s natural wonders.
This excursion offers a perfect blend of activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, and sunset sailing. With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour provides a more intimate experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy the local ecology and history.
The knowledgeable guides, along with the included refreshments and equipment, ensure a comfortable and enjoyable outing. Highly recommended by 98% of previous travelers, this cruise is an excellent choice for those seeking to explore the beauty of Key West’s waters and witness its diverse marine life.
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Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak
This eco-tour combines sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling in Key West, offering an engaging experience with a focus on nature and relaxation.
Departing from the Historic Seaport, guests sail across the Gulf on a 72-foot wooden schooner, keeping an eye out for dolphins and sea turtles.
They’ll then explore the mangrove ecosystem by kayak and enjoy a gourmet buffet lunch on board.
The afternoon is spent snorkeling at a nearby patch reef, followed by drinks on the return trip.
With a small group size and an attentive crew, this tour provides a personalized adventure suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
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Key West: Sandbar Excursion & Kayak Tour With Lunch & Drinks
Departing from the waterfront on William Street, this five-hour tour invites guests to explore the Florida Marine Sanctuary‘s crystalline waters and lush mangrove islands.
Priced at $139.95 per person, the experience includes a guided kayak tour, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and a relaxing stop at a secluded sandbar.
Participants can enjoy a Cuban sandwich, fried chicken tenders, or vegetarian options for lunch, paired with unlimited draft beer, wine, and soft drinks.
The tour offers a chance to spot dolphins and sea turtles, as well as over 500 unique marine species.
With an overall 4.8/5 rating from 187 reviews, this excursion promises an enjoyable and informative day on the water.
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Guided Clear Kayak Eco-Tour Near Key West
Situated just a short drive from the vibrant Key West, the Guided Clear Kayak Eco-Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the region’s serene natural beauty.
Rated 4.8/5 based on 409 reviews, this small-group tour provides a personal experience, allowing participants to explore the underwater world through the crystal-clear kayaks.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour offers insights into the local ecosystem and the chance to spot diverse marine life, including starfish, tropical fish, nurse sharks, turtles, and jellyfish.
With included safety equipment and a weight limit of 425 lbs for tandem kayaks, the tour caters to a range of fitness levels, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and families alike.
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Miami: Key West Tour With Snorkeling & Kayaking
Explore the vibrant waters of the Florida Keys on a comprehensive Miami: Key West Tour that combines a boat trip, snorkeling, and kayaking.
This 2-day adventure from Miami to Key West offers a packed itinerary at $225 per person. Sail to the coral reef for snorkeling, then enjoy an all-you-can-eat lunch before kayaking through mangrove islands.
The tour includes round-trip coach transfer, meals, equipment, and instruction. Travelers can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
The experience is suitable for various groups, with positive reviews from couples, friends, solo travelers, and families. An overnight stay in Key West is required, and the order of activities may vary.
Read our full review: Miami: Key West Tour With Snorkeling & Kayaking Review
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Key West Full-Day Island Ting Eco-Tour: Sail, Kayak and Snorkel
Embarking on an exhilarating eco-tour, travelers are invited to discover the vibrant waters of Key West on the Key West Full-Day Island Ting Eco-Tour.
This highly-rated adventure offers a full day of activities, including a 1-hour kayak tour, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast, a hearty buffet lunch, and refreshments throughout the day.
With a maximum of 40 travelers, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience. While some have noted unmet kayaking expectations and mixed reviews on food, the majority of customers praise the engaging crew, delicious cuisine, and the opportunity to see dolphins, stingrays, sea turtles, and manatees.
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Key West Morning Sail, Snorkel & Kayak Excursion
Visitors to Key West can embark on a captivating 4.5-hour morning excursion that seamlessly combines sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Priced from $117.07 per person, the Key West Morning Sail, Snorkel & Kayak Excursion offers a spacious experience for up to 20 guests.
Participants will snorkel in the pristine waters of the Florida Keys, kayak through mangrove-shaded channels, and sail on shallow draft schooners.
Instructional briefings are provided for beginners, and quality gear, healthy snacks, and beverages are included.
The excursion departs from the Danger Chandlery Store at Opal Key Resort & Marina, with check-in 30 minutes prior to departure.
Guests should bring a bathing suit, towel, and sun protection.
Read our full review: Key West Morning Sail, Snorkel & Kayak Excursion Review
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Key West Half Day Kayak Rental
Those seeking a more independent and immersive kayaking experience in Key West can opt for the Key West Half Day Kayak Rental.
Rated 4.8 out of 103 reviews and recommended by 98% of travelers, this half-day rental allows adventurers to explore the area’s mangroves and wildlife at their own pace.
Priced from $40 per person, the rental includes all necessary equipment and offers convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.
While a moderate fitness level is required, the rental isn’t recommended for those with serious medical conditions.
Customers praise the easy reservation process and unique opportunity to spot manatees, starfish, and jellyfish, though some experienced difficulty navigating the maps.
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Premium Day Sail, Snorkel &, Kayak With Lunch
Sailing aboard a picturesque schooner, guests can embark on a premium day-long adventure in Key West that combines the thrill of snorkeling in the region’s pristine waters with the serenity of kayaking through mangrove channels.
Priced from $158.46 per person, the 6.5-hour experience includes a live English-speaking guide, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a full buffet lunch.
Participants can explore the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, with eco-guides providing insights, and enjoy complimentary snacks, drinks, and gear.
Suitable for all ages, this all-inclusive tour offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in the Florida Keys.
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Ultimate Key West Kayak Eco-Tour: Mangrove and Sandbar Adventure
Embarking on the Ultimate Key West Kayak Eco-Tour promises a captivating journey through the region’s mangrove mazes and a tranquil visit to a secluded sandbar within the Florida Marine Sanctuary.
Travelers will enjoy guided kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding while spotting local wildlife. The tour also includes onboard refreshments, such as unlimited draft beer, wine, and a delectable lunch featuring Cuban sandwiches, fried chicken, and vegetarian options.
With a maximum of 40 travelers per tour, this eco-adventure offers a personalized experience. Praised for its excellent crew, beautiful scenery, and unique activities, the Ultimate Key West Kayak Eco-Tour is a must-try for those seeking an immersive exploration of Key West’s natural wonders.
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Sunset Kayak Tour of Manatee Bay
For those seeking a more tranquil kayaking experience, the Sunset Kayak Tour of Manatee Bay in Key Largo offers a peaceful and scenic adventure.
This 5-star rated tour takes paddlers into the Gulf of Mexico, providing unobstructed sunset views from the water. The guided experience is designed for all skill levels, with personalized attention and all necessary gear provided.
Travelers can expect to see diverse marine life, including the elusive manatee. The tour includes refreshments and gratuities, making it an ideal activity before dinner plans.
With positive reviews highlighting the friendly guides and memorable moments, this sunset kayak tour is a must-try for nature enthusiasts visiting Key West.
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Private Key West Sandbar and Paddle by Boat
Frequently, travelers to Key West embark on the Private Key West Sandbar and Paddle by Boat excursion, a highly recommended 5-star rated adventure.
This private tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the area’s stunning sandbars and mangroves by kayak or paddleboard. The experience includes a knowledgeable local captain, bottled water, and a pet-friendly floating raft for relaxation.
Guests must be able to swim and have a moderate level of fitness. The tour departs from and returns to the Hurricane Hole Marina on Stock Island, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Positive reviews emphasize the personalized attention, wildlife sightings, and flexibility to accommodate individual preferences.
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Night Glow Kayak Paddle Session in Key West, FL
Travelers seeking a unique nighttime adventure in Key West can enjoy the Night Glow Kayak Paddle Session. This highly-rated activity features crystal-clear tandem kayaks with multicolored LED lights, allowing participants to explore the coastline and spot marine life in the glow.
The self-guided experience enables guests to set their own pace and route. All necessary equipment, including paddles and life vests, is provided. The activity accommodates up to 20 travelers for a more intimate experience.
While not wheelchair accessible, it’s near public transportation and has infant seats available. Though some travelers desired food/drink options, the overall experience is described as beautiful and enjoyable, with sightings of glow fish and sharks adding to the adventure.
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Key West Sunset Kayaking in Clear Kayaks
Those seeking a serene sunset experience can enjoy Key West Sunset Kayaking in Clear Kayaks. Operated by Glow Paddle, this 2-hour tour starts at 7:30 PM and costs $59.00 per group (up to 2 people).
Participants will meet at Spencers Boat Yard, check in, and then paddle away in clear kayaks to witness the stunning Key West sunset. The tour includes a kayak, paddle, and life vest.
Reviewers noted calm waters, jellyfish, and minnows under the kayak, making for an enjoyable experience. However, a moderate fitness level is required, and the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible.
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Holiday Paddle in Key West
Glow Paddle’s Holiday Paddle in Key West offers a unique nighttime kayaking experience.
Customers can enjoy glow sticks, glow paint, and life vests while renting a kayak for a scenic tour. The meeting and end point is 701 Palm Ave, Key West, FL 33040, USA, with the tour returning to the starting location.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and service animals are allowed. However, the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness from participants.
This holiday-themed paddle provides a fun and memorable way to explore the waters around Key West during the evening hours.
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Clear Kayak Rentals in Key West
Clear Kayak Rentals in Key West offers visitors a unique way to explore the scenic waterways around the island.
Operated by Glow Paddle, the rental service provides clear kayaks, life vests, and paddles for groups of up to two people starting at $50. The meeting point is at Spencers Boatyard, and the activity concludes at the same location.
While it’s not wheelchair accessible, the rental is stroller-friendly and allows service animals. Guests should have a moderate fitness level as the experience requires some physical effort.
With confirmation received at booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours before, Clear Kayak Rentals in Key West is a popular activity that’s likely to sell out.
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Recap
Key West offers a variety of exciting and immersive kayaking experiences. From eco-tours through mangrove forests to sunset paddles in clear kayaks, there’s something for every adventurer. Whether you’re looking to explore the backcountry, spot wildlife, or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery, Key West’s diverse range of kayaking options ensures an unforgettable water-based adventure.