4.5 Hours (approx.)

Likely To Sell Out

Overview

Enjoy an unforgettable morning or afternoon of sailing, kayaking and snorkeling in the pristine marine wilderness of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge.

Highlights

Voyage into the Key West Backcountry under sail on a traditional 65ft Skipjack schooner.
Listen to a historical chart talk and learn about Key West maritime history.
Paddle a kayak on a guided tour through the mangrove island ecosystem.
Snorkel unspoiled waters to encounter tropical fish and exotic marine life.
Enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages including unlimited wine and beer.
Choose the afternoon sailing to catch the Key West sunset at sea.

Description

Key West is surrounded by thousands of square miles of marine wilderness that comprise the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This area includes what locals call the Backcountry – a strip of shallow water flats, tangled channels and wild mangrove islands that lies mostly along the Gulf side of the Keys and runs west out toward the Marquesas. Home to several wildlife refuges and national parks, the Backcountry is the last remaining example of wild, untouched Florida. It is also one of North America’s premiere ecotourism destinations: incredibly beautiful and teeming with an amazing variety of marine and bird life yet within easy reach of a half-day trip from Key West. Don’t miss your opportunity to explore this natural wonderland on one of our Backcountry Sail, Snorkel and Kayak Excursions.

You will cast off from historic Key West harbor for a pleasant 45-minute sail to the west where the Key West National Wildlife Refuge offers an ideal setting for a watersports adventure. The shallow, protected waters and numerous islands make it possible to find calm water and good visibility in almost any weather condition, creating an area perfect for kayaking and snorkeling. Our custom-built historical replica schooners are modeled on the traditional 19th century Skipjack, a sailing vessel designed for harvesting oysters in shallow Chesapeake Bay and later used by Key West wreckers who earned a living salvaging the many ships wrecked on the treacherous reefs and sandbars of the lower Keys. These boats can easily access the very shallow waters of the Refuge to reach deserted mangrove islands, remote sandbars and isolated patch reefs set in surroundings of almost surreal beauty.

Have no fear at all if you have never kayaked or snorkeled before. Both sports are very simple and easy to learn, and our expert guides will provide all of the friendly instruction needed. Within minutes you will be paddling along with your guide into the shade of the mangroves. The stealth and agility of the kayak will allow you to spot exotic birds, small invertebrates, tropical fish, rays, sharks, sport fish and maybe even a sea turtle. Later, put on your mask and snorkel to explore the amazing underwater world of beautiful corals, lush sponge gardens, colorful tropical fish and incredible marine life of all varieties. Snorkeling is far easier than swimming and it opens up a view that most people will see only in nature documentaries. One-on-one instruction and assistance will get first-timers off to a good start, and prescription dive masks and wetsuits are available at no extra charge.

Enjoy an exceptional eco-touring experience with captains and guides who know the waters, islands and reefs intimately. Relax in the sun and refresh yourself with cold water, sodas and snacks. When the water sports are finished, toast a successful expedition with beer and wine then savor the sail home on a graceful craft that traces her lines back to the heyday of the Key West wreckers. If you want a real treat, select the afternoon trip and on the sail back to port you can marvel at a clear-to-the-horizon view of the Key West sunset.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the incredible Key West National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy sailing, kayaking and snorkeling all in one tour. You will never have easier access to an eco-tour that takes you into a marine ecosystem world-renowned for its natural beauty and variety of life. Everything is included – all you need is your swimsuit, beach bag and camera. Make your booking early because the Backcountry Sail, Snorkel and Kayak Excursions are small-group tours that fill up quickly.

Schedule

What's Included

What To Bring

Additional Info

Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ

Where is the meeting point for this activity?

What is the weather cancellation policy?

Do you provide wetsuits?

How long do I get to snorkel?

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Do you provide a shuttle to the Key West Sail, Snorkel, Kayak with Sunset Option?

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Will I get seasick on Key West Sail, Snorkel, Kayak with Sunset Option?

Is sea kayaking a safe activity?

Do I need kayaking experience or will you teach me?

How stable are the kayaks and do they ever tip over?

Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?

Can I go snorkeling if I cannot swim?

I've never snorkeled before, will I be OK?

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Location

Reviews

Average 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 28 verified reviews from Key West Scuba Diving and TripAdvisor

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Outstanding 1/2 day snorkel cruise

Peter Weissberg, Nov 2020 Verified

Can’t say enough good things about Sunshine and the rest of the crew. Great snorkel and kayak trip for a family with kids.

Best Trip of the Vacation

Thomas Kent, Oct 2020 Verified

I cannot say enough about this trip! It was amazing is so many ways, but what really made it the best was the Crew! Meg and Matt made the best of every situation we we put in. We had some wind, some water, some rain, and even a giant turtle! Despite all that, we saw the sunset and enjoyed some cold ones on the way back! I highly recommend you make it out to visit this adventure, you wont be disappointed!

Amazing key west sail, snorkel and sunset trip

Grant Barnes, Aug 2020 Verified

Must do this on the trip! Was so much fun and totally worth it! So beautiful

Our Response, Aug 2020

Grant, thank you so much for your positive rating for your recent visit. We are so glad you enjoyed your activity on Key West Scuba Diving and we had the opportunity to help make your vacation so much fun.

Danger Chandler Cruise

Kylie Farris, Jul 2020 Verified

It was fabulous. Weather could have been better but Captain and crew were 5 star.

Our Response, Jul 2020

Kylie, thanks for leaving feedback on the Key West Sail, Snorkel, Kayak with Sunset Option. We're glad you enjoyed being out on Harbour with us. Looking forward to welcoming you back aboard, next time!

Unreal experience, must book

Lauren Guzman, Jul 2020 Verified

Captain and crew were professional, knowledgeable, relaxed, and accommodating. Activities were incredible, views and sunset out of this world. Stop reading reviews and JUST DO IT!!!

Our Response, Jul 2020

Lauren, thanks for taking the time to share your prestigious opinion with the community. We take pride in giving outstanding service to every customer and we're overjoyed to receive your compliments and appreciation. We hope to see you here again and please bring all your friends and family. We will ensure they all enjoy the same quality of service as you have.

Amazing snorkel, sail, kayak and sunset cruise

Thomas Schulte, Feb 2020 Verified

This is by far the best thing I did while in let Key West. The crew was adding and it was very educational and super fun. If your on the fence, her off and book this before it sells out. You will not regret it. If your lucky you'll meet Molly and the other crew members who are spectacular.

Our Response, Feb 2020

Thomas, thank you for taking the time to share this positive rating on Key West Sail, Snorkel, Kayak with Sunset Option! We will make sure to share this with Molly and the rest of the team to let them know to keep up the amazing work and hope you'll stop by again soon when you're in. Thank you again for choosing Key West Scuba Diving!

Awesome sailing trip with kayaking and snorkeling

Kara Gendron, Jan 2020 Verified

Nate, Ellen and Matthew were great Guides! Fun trip out to mangroves where we kayaked and saw all sorts of wildlife, followed by some great snorkeling and drinks on the trip back. Highly recommend Danger Charters.

Our Response, Jan 2020

Kara, thanks for leaving a review and giving your recommendation on the Key West Sail, Snorkel, Kayak with Sunset Option! We are thrilled that you loved your experience; our staff will definitely be happy to read what you wrote. Thanks a lot for booking your tour on Key West Scuba Diving, we look forward to seeing you again.

The crew was amazing especially Rachel and Ellen! We had an awesome day.

Rose Koning, Jan 2020 Verified

The crew was amazing and the service was amazing. Ellen and Hagg rocked. The captain Rachel was so informative and fun! We had an incredible day on the water.

Our Response, Jan 2020

Rose, thanks for taking the time to leave us a review of your experience on the Key West Sail, Snorkel, Kayak with Sunset Option - that means a lot! Our captains and guides intimately know the waters, islands, and reefs. It is good to hear they made your experience so memorable. Thanks a lot for booking your tour on Key West Scuba Diving, we're looking forward to your next visit.

Great Snorkel and Kayak Backcountry

Theresa Stepp, Dec 2019 Verified

Captain Evan very nice and efficient. Brianne and Ellen very knowledgeable about the wildlife and history of Key West. Very helpful and fun. Would go again next visit.

Our Response, Dec 2019

Theresa, we really appreciate you taking the time to share your rating on the Key West Sail, Snorkel, Kayak with Sunset Option. We are very pleased that Evan, Brianne, and Ellen did a great job of making your experience unforgettable. I will definitely share what you wrote to the team to keep up an amazing work. Thanks a lot for booking your tour on Key West Scuba Diving, we look forward to seeing you again.

Sunset option

Martha Michael, Dec 2019 Verified

Fun experience.

Our Response, Dec 2019

Martha, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a 5-star rating on the Key West Sail, Snorkel, Kayak with Sunset Option - it's much appreciated! Thanks for booking your tour on Key West Scuba Diving. We hope to see you again soon, and bring a friend!

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. Call (855) 274-1023 to speak with a Key West Dive Specialist .

Key West Sail, Snorkel, Kayak with Sunset Option

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