Kayak through Mangrove Forests in the Florida Keys
Description
Experience the magic of the Florida Keys on an exhilarating natural ocean and mangrove eco-tour. Aboard your kayak, you will embark on a truly awe-inspiring journey through one of the planet’s most unique and diverse ecosystems: Florida’s mangrove forests. After navigating through the forest’s serene tunnels and narrow waterways, you will discover a shallow and secluded saltwater lagoon. During your three-hour tour, you will encounter a variety of fascinating wildlife that find refuge here. Crystal-clear waters ensure you’ll easily observe the vibrant biodiversity of the sea floor. Keep your eyes peeled for grazing manatees, sunbathing green iguanas, or the elusive mangrove tree crabs. Your guide has a deep love for the ocean and is passionately dedicated to preserving the delicate ecosystem of the Florida Keys. His extensive knowledge will enrich the experience for every nature enthusiast. Grab your paddle and get ready for an adventure that promises to create lasting memories!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tavernier Creek Kayak Tours, you will receive some safety instructions prior to boarding your kayak. Following your guide, you will paddle out of the canal towards the open ocean.
As you leave the canal, you will spot Kalteux Key and the Atlantic Ocean to your right (to the south). Here you will turn left to head north into Tavernier Creek.
As you head north into Tavernier Creek, you will navigate under the Overseas Highway heading further into Tavernier Creek. Keep a sharp eye out, you may start to see some of the Florida Keys' abundant and diverse wildlife as you continue on the leisurely trek.
Soon you'll be paddling through the Tavernier Creek. Your guide will lead you to a small break in the dense mangrove forests found throughout the Florida Keys. These secluded waterways are often too small for motorized watercraft, and you will likely be grateful for the quiet sound of your paddles as you approach exotic birds and vibrant green iguanas. The pinnacle of your tour will be when you arrive at a stunning saltwater lagoon surrounded by the mangrove forests. Here you will spend a few minutes taking in the gorgeous scenery, and you may even spot a grazing manatee or two. Once you have explored the lagoon, you will turn around to make the leisurely journey back to the marina where you started.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(68)
My husband and I did the kayak tour this week with Jade. We booked the 7 am slot and had an amazing time. Kayaking through the mangroves was such a fun, unique experience and I highly recommend carving some time to do this on your trip. Book with Tavernier creek kayak tours! Jade was a great tour guide and we enjoyed our tour with him.
A magical paddle into the mysterious mangrove forest, lead by a chill sage. You’ll get up close to the inhabitants of the tunnels, above and below the surface.
I love the adjectives magical, and mysterious! That's a good way to explain the mangrove tunnels. And I'll take being chill any day! Thanks again for coming and kayaking with me. Jade
Great guided tour, very knowledgeable about the habitat.
Our family of four went on a guided tour with Lily and could not have had a better time. She allowed us to go at our own pace and stop for breaks as needed. She pointed out sponges, fish, jellyfish, and the different types of mangroves. We had a great time and this was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip to the Keys.
We are so glad to hear that this made one of the highlights of your vacation. I'll be sure to pass on the word to Lily and let her know you enjoyed it! Thanks for coming and kayaking with Lily and Tavernier Creek Kayak Tours!
The kayak trip was a really great experience, well worth the money! Our guide was great, super knowledgeable and fun to talk to! We got to see lots of wildlife! Definitely bring lots of sun block and big spray, though the guide had us covered for anything we forgot.
My wife and I did the Kayak through Mangrove Forests tour in early May. At 72 and 70, the guesstimated 3½-miles of paddling made for an ibuprofen-afterwards outing – but we had a great time! Our guide (failed to write down a name, but he’s in a photo) was friendly and knowledgeable, pointing out and describing vegetation, birds, and sea life as we paddled. The Mangrove tunnels got so dense we had to stow our paddles and pull ourselves along using roots and branches. A lot of fun. Highly recommend!
We both really enjoyed this trip. It was just Jade and one other couple so a totally tranquil experience. We didn’t see a huge amount of wildlife (the manatees and dolphins were off doing other stuff) but it didn’t matter. Floating along through the mangrove tunnels, using the branches to propel us, was unique and sublime and Jade provided just the right amount of commentary to make it interesting. You would never be able to do this without a guide so I highly recommend this tour. Very well priced too.
We went through mangrooves for kayak and it feels really amazing. He helped us every detail and we had a lot of fun. Must visit with friends and family
Guides are very nice and helpful. Tour accommodated all skill levels. Fun excursion and great way to see the Key diverse ecosystem.
Thanks for your review! Yes, we definitely try our best to make sure anyone that wants to see this great ecosystem gets the chance. I appreciate you mentioning that everyone can do it! See you again soon on the water!
Lily was a fantastic guide with tons of energy and fun personality. We saw things that can only be viewed from the water.
Thanks for your kind review Bonnie, Lily has a keen eye for capturing sight of critters under the water and up in the air while she's guiding. We love exploring this great ecosystem with our guests and appreciate you coming with us! Safe travels!
