Morning Sail, Snorkel & Kayak Excursion

Half Day Key West Sailing, Snorkeling & Kayaking Excursion

Start your day with an adventure that has it all. This 4.5-hour morning excursion takes you aboard a classic shallow-draft schooner into the pristine backcountry waters of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge — one of the last untouched marine ecosystems in Florida. Accessible only by boat, this remote wilderness is a world away from the crowds of Old Town Key West.

Set sail from the historic waterfront in Old Town and let the crew do the navigating while you settle in on deck. Once you reach the Backcountry, kayak through mangrove-shaded channels teeming with bird life, snorkel over living corals in crystal-clear water, or simply relax on deck and soak in the sweet Florida breeze. The schooner's shallow draft allows it to navigate through the winding channels, sandbars, and mangrove islands in ways that larger boats simply cannot — giving you access to some of the most postcard-perfect scenery in the Florida Keys.

New to snorkeling or kayaking? No problem. The experienced crew provides a quick instructional briefing before you hit the water, with one-on-one support available if you need it. Snorkeling gear is sanitized between uses, and the easy-handling ocean kayaks are suitable for all ability levels. If you'd prefer to stay on deck, you're more than welcome to enjoy the scenery from the boat.

The Key West National Wildlife Refuge — known to locals as the Backcountry — is a 14-island, 375-mile stretch of open water that serves as habitat for hundreds of bird species, hawksbill, loggerhead, and green sea turtles, Florida manatees, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and the critically endangered Miami blue butterfly. The crew takes great pride in educating guests about the area and in treating the ecosystem with the utmost respect.

Groups are limited to 20 guests, keeping the experience intimate and unhurried. Snacks and beverages are included — fresh fruit, chips and salsa, hummus, soft drinks, wine, beer, and water — so all you need to do is show up and enjoy.

Duration

• 4.5 hours on the water
  
• Check in 30 minutes prior to departure
  

Location / Where to Meet

Check in at the Danger Chandlery Store at Opal Key Resort & Marina in Old Town Key West.

Parking: Key West is small and parking can be tricky — plan ahead so you don't miss your boat. Pay-by-block parking meters near the marina accept cash, quarters, and credit/debit cards. Parking under the Opal Resort & Marina may be available but is often full. If possible, bike, walk, or take a taxi to the dock.

Restrooms: Available at the Danger Chandlery Store in the Dock Master's Office building before boarding. Restrooms (marine heads) are also available on all boats.

Winter hours: 9:00 am – 1:30 pm Summer hours: 9:30 am – 2:00 pm

Ages & Requirements

1. All ages welcome
   
2. No prior snorkeling or kayaking experience required — instruction is provided
   
3. Tandem kayaks have a combined weight limit of 500 lbs (227 kg); guests must be able to participate with some physical fitness
   
4. Guests who are pregnant are welcome to join but should consider their personal comfort with kayak loading/unloading.
   

What's Included

1. 4.5 hours of sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge (Backcountry)
   
2. Top-quality snorkeling gear — masks, fins, and snorkels (sanitized between uses; some prescription masks available)
   
3. Easy-handling ocean kayaks and paddles
   
4. Comfortable life jackets for all sizes
   
5. Wetsuits (winter months only, complimentary)
   
6. Snacks: fresh fruit, chips and salsa, hummus
   
7. Beverages: wine, beer, soft drinks, and water (served after watersports)
   
8. Fresh water rinse on board after snorkeling and kayaking
   
9. Crew instruction and briefing for snorkeling and kayaking
   
10. Shade on board (by nature of the sails; canopy available in summer or low-wind conditions)
    
11. Eco-education from experienced crew about the Key West National Wildlife Refuge
    

Not Included

1. Gratuity — never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 15–25% to your crew
   
2. Trip protection (can be added at checkout for an extra fee)
   
3. Personal items from the Danger Chandlery Store (reef-safe sunscreen, sun shirts, motion sickness medication, sea bands, towel rentals available for purchase or rent at the store)
   

What to Bring / Wear

1. Bathing suit and towel
   
2. Hat and sunglasses
   
3. Reef-safe sunscreen (available for purchase at the Danger Chandlery Store)
   
4. Waterproof or underwater camera — the crew is not responsible for any damaged or lost items
   
5. Photo ID
   
6. Light sweatshirt or extra layer (winter months)
   
7. Seasickness medication — if you are prone to motion sickness, take medication at least 30 minutes before boarding; motion sickness pills and sea bands available at the Danger Chandlery Store; ginger candy can also help
   
8. Small personal cooler if desired (no glassware)
   
9. Please remove any jewelry or watches that could be damaged by saltwater or lost in the water.
   

Wildlife Guidelines

Please be respectful of the fact that coral is a living organism and any standing, touching, or knocking over will irreparably damage the organism that takes a very long time to grow and is essential to our marine reefs. Please also be respectful of any marine animals including but not limited to turtles, rays, sharks, seals, and dolphins. Please never chase, harass, feed, or TOUCH any of the marine species. Enjoy their company if they approach from a distance and calmly move away from them if in their path.

To protect manatees and support responsible ecotourism, the crew follows strict wildlife viewing practices. Guests are asked to observe passively — no touching, chasing, or approaching manatees. We encourage the "Freeze and Float" method: stay still in the water, keep your hands to yourself, and let the manatees decide if they want to come closer. Manatees are naturally curious and may choose to swim near you — a truly special experience — but all interactions must happen on the manatee's terms.

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