Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak
Overview
Departing from Key West’s Historic Seaport, the Appledore Star’s sails are raised for an authentic sail experience on the way to Key West’s backcountry.
Your day is spent exploring Key West’s uninhabited mangrove islands in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. Keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays and many other wildlife that call the Refuge home. Your captain knows where dolphins are frequently seen and will let you know if he spots any.
Upon reaching the mangrove islands, the schooner anchors and your exploration begins. Your day is divided between guided kayaking tours and guided snorkeling tours. The warm, shallow water is calm, sheltered by the uninhabited mangroves, making kayaking a breeze.
After your tours, come back aboard and wash off with our fresh water rinse, and relax on deck. Choose from plenty of complimentary cold drinks – frosty cold beer, wine, homemade sangria, chilled sodas and filtered water. This is the best of laid-back island living.
What's Included
- Lunch Gourmet lunch made by our own in-house catering team
- Snacks
- Alcoholic beverages Unlimited beer and wine, for guests >21 years of age
- Carbonated beverages Soda/Pop
- Filtered Water
- Premium snorkeling equipment
- Professional Guide
- Gratuity
Meeting Location
200 William Street
Key West, FL 33040, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Key West National Wildlife Refuge (pass by)
Key West Historic Seaport (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- To re-board the schooner after snorkeling and kayaking, you are required to climb aboard a platform secured to the boat just below the waterline, from there you climb a ladder back aboard the schooner.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Total trip time is 5 hours; time at each location is dependant on weather, refuge conditions and Captain's discretion.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5508814P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 119 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is Cool Shore Excursions’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Lunch. Gourmet lunch made by our own in-house catering team.
- Snacks.
- Alcoholic beverages. Unlimited beer and wine, for guests >21 years of age.
- Carbonated beverages. Soda/Pop.
- Filtered Water.
- Premium snorkeling equipment.
- Professional Guide.
- Gratuity.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak is as follows:
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- To re-board the schooner after snorkeling and kayaking, you are required to climb aboard a platform secured to the boat just below the waterline, from there you climb a ladder back aboard the schooner.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- LunchGourmet lunch made by our own in-house catering team
- Snacks
- Alcoholic beveragesUnlimited beer and wine, for guests >21 years of age
- Carbonated beveragesSoda/Pop
- Filtered Water
- Premium snorkeling equipment
- Professional Guide
- Gratuity
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- To re-board the schooner after snorkeling and kayaking, you are required to climb aboard a platform secured to the boat just below the waterline, from there you climb a ladder back aboard the schooner.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Total trip time is 5 hours; time at each location is dependant on weather, refuge conditions and Captain's discretion.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
