Java Cat • 4 hr Sail Kayak Snorkel EcoTour

Escape the crowd on one of Key West’s most popular tours!

Private charter (6 people max) or split charter options available.

Sail to the Key West National Wildlife Refuge where your experienced captain takes you on a guided kayak tour of lush mangrove islands and snorkeling in sponge and coral gardens. You don’t need any kayak or snorkel experience - we provide you with expert instruction. Included with the tour is all the necessary equipment. There is plenty of shaded seating under Java Cat’s bimini top. Sun lovers can stretch out on the expansive trampoline and watch the world go by.

Your captain plans each tour depending upon that day’s wind, tide and general weather conditions. During the hour long sail to the Refuge, your knowledgeable captain talks about Key West’s beautiful tropical mangroves, marine life and birds.

Kayaking is done in an area called “The Lakes” due to its calm waters, even on windy days, and downwind trails are chosen for easy paddling. After dropping anchor at the Refuge, your captain assists you into your kayak and provides you with instruction. We use high quality sea kayaks with comfortable back rests. Effortlessly kayaking on “The Lakes” through the mangroves islands and seagrass beds, your captain guides your small group and points out the abundant marine life, tropical fauna and birds.  Each day is different and your captain may find sea cucumbers that squirt like water guns, Cassiopeia which are upside down jelly-fish, shells where hermit crabs take up residence, sea stars, huge sea slugs or tulip snails in their banded shells. Other species often observed on the tour are dolphins, turtles, rays, small non-aggressive sharks, spiny lobsters, sponges and crabs.

After kayaking, we pull up anchor and sail to another area of the Refuge known for coral and sponge gardens easily viewed in the crystal clear calm waters. This is a new world to explore from your usual Key West reef snorkel. Before entering the water, your captain provides you with expert instruction. Our snorkel gear is of higher quality than the standard rental equipment. We use short split fins ideal for the shallow water and dry snorkels that keep the salt water out. Don’t worry if you haven’t snorkeled before - its easy and this area is perfect for first-time snorkelers. You will soon be enjoying the bounty of sea life surrounding you in the aqua green tropical waters.

When you’re done snorkeling, come back aboard and rinse off the salt water with our fresh water shower. Cool off with a complimentary chilled soft drink or water. Only too quickly, its time to sail back to Key West.

Daily 9AM & 2PM

Check-in ½ hour before

4 Hours

The Java Cat is located at the Key West Historic Seaport along the main Harbor Walk, behind The Boat House Restaurant at Turtle Kraals at 220 Margaret Street, Key West.

Please check-in at the dock ½ hour before your tour departure time.

Polarized sun glasses, towel, non-aerosol, reef-safe sunscreen refillable water bottles and large brim hats. Don’t forget your camera or GoPro®!

We ask that you not use aerosol sunscreen - it makes the deck of the Java Cat slippery and the chemicals in the aerosol sunscreen harm our beautiful marine ecosystem.

There is a cooler with ice on board - you are welcome to bring along some of your favorite beverages and prepared food to create your own picnic in addition to what we provide. Below deck in the head, there is limited space to change into your swimsuit.

Private charter price includes up to 6 guests. Children under 2 years of age are not permitted on tours.

24 hour cancellation policy.

If we cancel the trip due to weather, we will give you a full refund.