Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak

The Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour promises a thrilling maritime adventure that immerses participants in the stunning natural wonders of the Florida Keys. Aboard a 72-foot wooden schooner, guests will sail the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, kayak through a lush mangrove ecosystem, and snorkel above a vibrant patch reef – all while observing diverse native wildlife and indulging in a gourmet lunch. This personalized, guided experience offers an exhilarating glimpse into the region’s natural beauty, leaving one to wonder what other captivating sights and activities await.

Key Points

• 6-hour cruise and snorkeling adventure aboard a 72-foot wooden schooner, offering a guided eco-tour of the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Keys’ backcountry.
• Kayaking through a thriving mangrove ecosystem, exploring the unique adaptations and rich biodiversity of this coastal habitat.
• Snorkeling above a patch reef, witnessing the vibrant marine life, including colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and delicate sponge gardens.
• Gourmet lunch and open bar with beer, wine, and soft drinks, served throughout the eco-adventure.
• Personalized experience limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate and immersive exploration of the Keys’ natural wonders.

Overview of the Eco-Tour

The Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour offers a 6-hour cruise and snorkeling adventure that allows visitors to experience the natural wonders of the region.

Aboard a 72-foot wooden schooner, guests will sail across the Gulf of Mexico, kayak through the mangrove ecosystem, and snorkel above a patch reef teeming with marine life.

Along the way, they’ll have the chance to observe native wildlife in their natural habitat and enjoy a gourmet lunch and open bar on the return trip to Key West.

With all equipment and transportation provided, this eco-tour offers a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the area’s unique backcountry landscapes and ecosystems.

Included in the Experience

This 6-hour eco-tour offers a host of inclusions to enhance the overall experience. Guests receive the services of a professional guide, who ensures they have access to all necessary equipment throughout the day’s activities. Plus, a gourmet lunch and an open bar on the return sail are provided, allowing travelers to savor delectable cuisine and refreshments as they soak in the stunning coastal scenery.

Inclusions	Description
Guided Tour	Professional guide leads the way
Equipment	All necessary gear provided
Lunch & Drinks	Gourmet lunch and unlimited beverages

The eco-tour also includes gratuities, ensuring a seamless and worry-free adventure for all participants.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Guests meet at the tour’s departure point, located at 205 Elizabeth St, Key West, FL 33040, where they’ll board the Appledore Star schooner for their 6-hour eco-adventure.

After embarking, the schooner will set sail across the Gulf of Mexico, beginning the exciting journey.

At the end of the day, the tour returns to the same meeting location, where guests can disembark.

This convenient and centralized pickup and drop-off spot makes it easy for participants to arrive and depart the tour.

With clear meeting instructions and a straightforward logistics, the tour organizers ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.

Sailing the Gulf of Mexico

Cutting through the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the Appledore Star schooner sets sail, its towering masts and billowing sails propelling the vessel forward on an exhilarating eco-adventure.

As the wooden schooner glides across the open sea, guests are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding turquoise waters and distant coastline.

The gentle rocking of the ship and the salty sea breeze create a calming, yet invigorating atmosphere, setting the stage for the upcoming exploration of the mangrove islands and snorkeling at the patch reef.

The captain and crew skillfully navigate the schooner, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable sailing experience for all aboard.

Kayaking the Mangrove Ecosystem

The kayaks glide silently through the tangled web of mangrove roots, offering a serene and intimate glimpse into the thriving ecosystem. Paddling amidst the labyrinth of branches, guests observe the vibrant marine life that inhabits this dynamic habitat.

The tour highlights four key features of the mangrove landscape:

1. Aerial roots that extend above the water’s surface, providing a critical nursery for juvenile fish and crustaceans.
2. Intricate prop roots that anchor the mangroves, stabilizing the shoreline and preventing erosion.

Diverse birdlife, including herons, egrets, and pelicans, which nest and forage within the protected mangrove canopy.

Fascinating adaptations of the mangrove trees themselves, such as their ability to thrive in saline environments.

Gourmet Lunch and Snacks

A bountiful gourmet lunch and assortment of afternoon snacks await guests upon their return to the schooner, offering a satisfying refuel after the engaging activities. The buffet-style lunch features an array of deli meats, cheeses, freshly-baked bread, crispy fried chicken, and succulent shrimp. Vegetarian options are also available upon request. To complement the hearty meal, the open bar provides unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks for the journey back to Key West. This well-balanced spread ensures that guests are energized and hydrated for the remainder of the eco-tour experience.

Lunch Items	Beverage Options	Snack Selection	Dietary Accommodations
Deli Meats	Beer	Assorted Chips	Vegetarian Option
Cheeses	Wine	Fresh Fruit	Gluten-free Available
Bread	Soft Drinks	Trail Mix	Upon Request
Fried Chicken		Granola Bars
Shrimp

Snorkeling the Patch Reef

After refueling with the gourmet lunch, guests don their snorkel gear and prepare to explore the vibrant patch reef below the water’s surface.

The patch reef, a unique and thriving underwater ecosystem, is home to an abundance of marine life.

Snorkelers can expect to witness:

• Colorful schools of tropical fish darting among the coral formations
• Stately sea fans swaying in the gentle current
• Curious sea turtles gliding effortlessly through the clear blue waters
• Delicate sponge gardens, each one a masterpiece of nature’s design

The snorkeling experience allows guests to enjoy the wonders of the Florida Keys’ delicate backcountry environment, fostering a deeper appreciation for its fragile beauty.

Additional Tour Information

Guests should come prepared for a day of adventure and exploration, as the tour includes a variety of activities and environments. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so participants must be able to navigate the boat and kayaks. Infants are welcome but must sit on laps.

Vegetarian options are available upon request, accommodating dietary needs. The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy an open bar with beer, wine, and soft drinks, as well as a gourmet lunch of deli meats, cheeses, bread, fried chicken, and shrimp. The crew provides all necessary equipment, allowing guests to focus on seeing the natural wonders of the Key West backcountry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour may not be suitable for people with disabilities as it’s not wheelchair accessible. Infants can attend but must sit on laps. However, the tour provider may accommodate specific needs if requested in advance.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Guests are welcome to bring their own snorkeling equipment, though the tour provides all necessary gear. Using the provided equipment ensures proper fit and safety during the snorkel portion of the experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour is not ideal for young children, as it involves activities like kayaking and snorkeling that may be challenging or unsafe for small kids. However, infants are permitted to sit on laps during the cruise.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Unfortunately, guests are not permitted to bring their own food and drinks on this tour. The tour package includes a gourmet lunch, afternoon snacks, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, so there’s no need to bring your own. Enjoy the provided refreshments!

Is the Tour Affected by Weather Conditions?

The tour may be affected by weather conditions as it involves outdoor activities. Strong winds, rain, or choppy waters could potentially disrupt or cancel the tour. The tour operator will make decisions based on safety and weather forecasts.

Recap

The Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour offers an unforgettable adventure through the stunning natural landscapes of the Florida Keys.

Guests will sail, kayak, and snorkel their way through the region’s vibrant ecosystems, all while enjoying a delicious lunch and open bar.

This immersive eco-tour provides a personalized and guided experience, delivering an exhilarating glimpse into the area’s abundant wildlife and natural wonders.