Explore the patch reefs, mangrove islands, and waterways of Key West on a 6-hour cruise and snorkeling tour aboard a wooden sailing schooner. Take a hand at the wheel on your way across the Gulf of Mexico, kayak through the mangroves, then snorkel through patch reefs and sponge gardens. This 6-hour tour includes lunch and access to an open bar on the return sail to Key West.

Kayak through mangrove islands
Snorkel at a patch reef
See native wildlife in a natural environment
Buffet lunch, and drinks included

What's Included

Professional guide
All equipment
Full buffet lunch and afternoon snacks
Unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks

Gratuities

Departure & Return

Departure Point

205 Elizabeth St, Key West, FL 33040, USA
Located along the Harbor Walk at the end of Elizabeth Street, between Schooner Wharf Bar and the Conch Republic Seafood Company on the byway colloquially known as Lazy Way Lane.

Departure Time

10:30 AM

Return Details

Returns to original departure point

What To Expect

Make your way to Key West’s Historic Seaport for a 10am departure on the Appledore Star, a 72-foot (22-meter), two-masted wooden schooner. Join the crew to unfurl the sails, take a turn at the wheel, or just relax on deck as you sail across the Gulf water. Watch for dolphins and sea turtles during the morning sail.

When the Appledore Star reaches Key West’s mangrove islands, the captain will drop the anchor for the first stop of the day. Step into a stable, easy-to-paddle sea kayak, and follow a guide through the calm water, exploring the mangrove ecosystem and wildlife. Following the sea kayaking tour, return to the boat for a buffet lunch of deli meat, cheeses, fresh bread, fried chicken, and Key West’s “pink peel” shrimp.

Spend the afternoon at a nearby patch reef, where you can snorkel above the reef’s nursery systems and sponge gardens. Climb back on deck after your snorkel, wash off the salt using Appledore Star’s fresh water rinse, and grab a beer, wine, sangria, or soda from the open bar for the return trip to Key West.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Vegetarian option is available. Must notify operator 72 hours prior ro departure.
Please advise of any specific dietary requirements 72 hours prior to departure.
Not wheelchair accessible
Infants must sit on laps
In order to expedite the check-in process, please provide lead traveler's e-mail address in the 'special requirement' section during check-out.
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

Operated by Sebago Watersports

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience 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.

about cancellations

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:Is there a restroom onboard for the Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour?

A:Yes, each of our ships is equipped with a restroom to maximize your comfort. In addition, each of the catamarans has a freshwater rinse.

Feb 2021

Q:What do I need to bring with me for the Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour?

A:Bring along your towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, bathing suit, and camera. If you want to drink alcoholic beverages on your tour, remember your photo I.D. to show you are at least 21 years old.

Feb 2021

Q:Should I wear my swimsuit or change on the boat for the Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour?

A:It is easier to wear your suit to the tour. There aren’t any changing facilities at our office. However, if you do need to change after boarding, there is a very small changing area in the restroom on board.

Feb 2021

Q:Is there parking at the terminal for the Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak?

A:There is no parking at our office but you may unload passengers in front of our office. The most convenient city parking lot is at Margaret and Caroline Street with pay machines in the center of the lot.

Mar 2021

Q:Will I see wildlife during the Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak?

A:The Florida Keys and the living reef are full of wildlife and it is common to see birds, fish, and marine animals, however, that can’t be guaranteed.

Mar 2021

Q:Is there a place to store my belongings while on the Key West Sunset Sail with Full Bar, Live Music & Hors D'oeuvres?

A:We do not have lockers or storage facilities in our office. Parties are welcome to bring a beach bag or backpack with personal belongings on our boats. However, if you have luggage or suitcases these would be best stored at your hotel or vehicle.

Mar 2021

Q:What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak?

A:The policy on face masks and attendee health is:

Face masks provided for travelers

See all safety measures taken by Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak.

Q:What is the policy on sanitization during Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak?

A:The policies on sanitization are:

Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use

See all safety measures taken by Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak.

Q:What is the social distancing policy during Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak?

A:The policy on social distancing is:

Social distancing enforced throughout experience

See all safety measures taken by Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak.

Q:What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak?

A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

See all safety measures taken by Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.5

113 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 113 reviews

Fun sail and kayak tour

Bob_B, Jan 2022

The crew were very friendly and easy to chat to. We met a nice couple on the cruise. Food and drink was plentiful. The Mangroves were very interesting to kayak around and through and the birds were amazing.

No sailing

Elizabeth_S, Jan 2022

The trip was miss represented at booking. At start the days plans were obviously not what we’d signed up for. The crew was great, the food was good, but never even sailed. We were under power the whole time. This was not a sailing trip.

Great way to spend time on the water!

Brian_F, Dec 2021

Staff was awesome! Mario killed it in the dance off! Wade, captain Russ and Mario made our trip fun and informative!! The limited number of visitors in the boat made it super personal! We had a great time! Thank you

5 Star Experience! ⭐️

Cathi_R, Dec 2021

The crew was absolutely amazing! 5 star service!! We loved the kayaking, snorkeling and the sailing! It was a windy day, but all 8 of us in our group had a blast!

Exciting experience- great for groups of friends!

Pamela_M, Dec 2021

We had so much fun on our trip! The guides were nice and knowledgeable about the area, and the experience as a whole was exciting and adventurous the entire time! I would definitely recommend this tour and company to anyone coming to Key West!

Beautiful schooner and...

Shane_A, Dec 2021

Beautiful schooner and wonderful crew! The guys take great care of all the guests, yummy lunch and great selection of refreshments. We would definitely take this cruise again!

Was fun but hot

Sheila_D, Sep 2021

Boat hand was great . Forgot her name. It was cool but really hot no shade . It was neat being on a real boat. Kayak was fun did see a shark which was neat .

Great last full day trip on the Gulf of Mexico.

Jennifer_K, Sep 2021

What a great Captain and crew. We had a fantastic day. The sailing was great. Kayaking fun. Learned alot about the eco system here with the mangroves. The snorkeling was awesome. Crew were very attentive. Well worth the money. Very friendly and did not rush anything.

Not good for snorkeling.

Carla_K, Aug 2021

The schooner and staff was great. Food was good. The main reason we did this was for snorkeling and it was low tide. So couldn’t ancor over the sponge bed. We saw absolutely nothing. Very disappointing. Water was just cloudy and murky.

Great way to spend a day on the water!

Elizabeth_P, Jul 2021

We had a great time on this excursion!! It was a beautiful day, and we were offered beverages (water, soda, juice) as we sailed out. We had 14 people in our group, so once we arrived at our spot, half of the group snorkeled while the other half were led on a kayak trip around & through the mangroves. While snorkeling, we saw lobster & a lot of different fish. A school of fish started following us around which was pretty entertaining. The kayaks were tandem, and we enjoyed going around the mangroves and into two trails where we were able to sit in the shade & listen to all of the wildlife. The snorkeling & kayaking were about an hour long each & it felt like the perfect length of time for each activity. Back on board we got drinks- the sangria was delicious, and they also had beer, wine, champagne, soft drinks & water. After everyone was settled & they put away all of the snorkel gear, they served lunch. We had 1-2 piece of fried chicken (depending on the piece- I had 2 wings, husband had a breast), a slider (roast beef or turkey & cheese), pasta salad, and some chilled peel & eat shrimp. Everything was great & it was the perfect amount of food. The captain & crew were fantastic- very personable & fun to engage with. We enjoyed our time very much & would definitely do it again. Be sure to bring. Towel, sunscreen, & $$ for gratuity because they earn it!

Questions?

Product code: 3800P12

Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak

From $119.95

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Overview

What's Included

Departure & Return

Departure Point

Departure Time

Return Details

What To Expect

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

Traveler Photos

Questions?

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