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

Discover the natural wonders of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge with this immersive full-day tour. Combining sailing, guided kayaking, and snorkeling, the experience promises ample opportunities to spot diverse marine life and stunning backcountry landscapes. Priced at a reasonable €120.56 per person, this tour offers an all-inclusive adventure, complete with a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet onboard. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a friendly, knowledgeable crew, this tour is an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts seeking to explore the refuge’s pristine ecosystems. But what exactly can visitors expect to see and do during this captivating adventure?

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Full-Day Tours In Key West.

Key Points

• This full-day excursion from Key West offers a comprehensive experience exploring the natural wonders of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge.
• Guests can observe diverse marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays, during sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling activities.
• The tour includes an all-you-can-eat buffet with fried chicken, shrimp, and other delectable options to enhance the overall experience.
• The meeting point at the Sebago Watersports office in Key West provides a convenient starting point for the tour.
• The tour is priced from €120.56 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Key West National Wildlife Refuge tour is a full-day excursion that invites guests to explore the natural wonders of this protected coastal ecosystem.

Priced from €120.56 per person, the 5-hour tour includes sailing on a schooner boat, guided kayaking through mangrove islands, and snorkeling in shallow waters to observe the vibrant marine life.

Throughout the journey, participants can spot dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and various bird species like ospreys and bald eagles.

The tour is conducted in English and offers the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Guests can also take advantage of the reserve now and pay later option when booking.

Itinerary Highlights

Schooner sailboats whisk guests away to the backcountry reefs and uninhabited mangrove islands of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge.

On this adventure, wildlife enthusiasts can spot dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and a variety of bird species like ospreys and bald eagles.

The tour also includes a guided kayak excursion through the serene mangrove islands, where guests learn about their ecological significance.

Snorkeling in the shallow waters offers a chance to observe vibrant sponge gardens and other marine life up close.

This comprehensive tour immerses visitors in the natural wonders of the refuge, providing an unforgettable experience.

Dining Experience

After a morning of adventure and exploration, guests can look forward to an all-you-can-eat buffet served onboard the schooner. The spread includes classic favorites like fried chicken, shrimp, and an array of deli meats and cheeses, accompanied by assorted breads. To quench one’s thirst, the selection of beverages ranges from cold beers and wines to the tour’s signature homemade sangria and refreshing filtered water. As the afternoon sets in, the crew provides a tasty treat of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies or chips and dip.

Onboard Buffet	Beverages
Fried Chicken	Beer
Shrimp	Wine
Deli Meats	Homemade Sangria
Cheeses	Filtered Water

Meeting Point

Visitors can conveniently find the meeting point at the Sebago Watersports office, located at 205 Elizabeth Street in the heart of Key West, Florida 33040.

This central location makes it easy for participants to access the tour. Once there, guests should bring the following items:

• Passport or ID
• Sunglasses and hat
• Swimwear
• Camera and sunscreen

The meeting point is situated just a short distance from the marina, allowing for a seamless transition from check-in to boarding the schooner sailboat.

With the office serving as the designated starting point, guests can feel confident in knowing exactly where to meet for this immersive wildlife adventure.

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What to Bring

When embarking on the Key West National Wildlife Refuge tour, guests should be sure to bring along a few essential items.

First and foremost, a valid passport or ID is required for the trip.

Sunglasses and a hat are highly recommended to protect against the sun’s glare while sailing and exploring the islands.

Swimwear is a must, as guests will have the opportunity to go snorkeling and kayaking.

Plus, a camera is a great way to capture the stunning coastal scenery and the diverse wildlife that may be spotted along the way.

Restrictions

There are certain restrictions in place for the Key West National Wildlife Refuge tour. Guests aren’t allowed to bring large bags on the excursion.

Plus, unaccompanied minors aren’t permitted, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The tour also has the following guidelines:

• No pets are allowed on the tour.
• Guests are encouraged to avoid bringing valuables that could be lost or damaged.
• Smoking is prohibited during the tour, including on the sailboat.
• Alcoholic beverages can’t be brought on board, but a selection of drinks is available for purchase.

These restrictions aim to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants during the wildlife refuge tour.

Customer Reviews

The Key West National Wildlife Refuge tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from its customers. Based on 27 reviews, the tour boasts an impressive 4.6/5 overall rating. Guests consistently praise the attentiveness of the crew, the incredible wildlife sightings, and the enjoyable kayaking and snorkeling experiences. The quality of the onboard buffet and selection of beverages also receive high marks. Here’s a quick snapshot of some key review highlights:

Aspect	Rating	Comments
Crew	5/5	"The crew was super friendly and knowledgeable."
Wildlife	4.8/5	"We saw dolphins, turtles, and so many beautiful birds!"
Activities	4.7/5	"The kayaking and snorkeling were the highlights of the tour."
Food & Drinks	4.6/5	"The buffet and drinks exceeded our expectations."

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the Key West National Wildlife Refuge tour is a straightforward process. Guests can reserve their spots easily, with a "reserve now & pay later" option available.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers’ plans. Notable booking details include:

• Pricing from €120.56 per person
• 5-hour duration
• English-language tour
• Restrictions on large bags and unaccompanied minors

With these convenient booking and cancellation policies, guests can confidently plan their adventure to explore the natural wonders of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There is a minimum age requirement for this tour – guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour’s restrictions prohibit unaccompanied minors from participating for safety reasons.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, passengers cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes an all-you-can-eat buffet with fried chicken, shrimp, deli meats, cheeses, and a selection of cold beverages.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. Guests are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the wildlife, scenic views, and activities like kayaking and snorkeling. However, guests should be mindful not to disturb the animals or environment.

Are Life Jackets Provided for the Activities?

Yes, life jackets are provided for all the water-based activities on the tour. Guests are required to wear a life jacket while participating in the sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling portions of the experience.

Is There a Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 45 people. The small group size ensures an intimate and personalized experience for all participants during the various activities throughout the day.

Recap

This full-day tour of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region. Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and a diverse array of bird species. The tour’s combination of sailing, guided kayaking, and snorkeling, coupled with a delicious on-board buffet, ensures an unforgettable day in nature. With flexible cancellation policies and a knowledgeable crew, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the Florida Keys.

You can check if your dates are available here: