Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 114 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak worth booking?
Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak is a 5-hour experience in Key West, United States, from $119 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 114 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (114)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $119 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
Included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Filtered Water
- Carbonated beverages
- Snacks
- Premium snorkeling equipment
- Professional Guide
- Lunch
Not included
- Gratuity
What you'll see and do
The Key West National Wildlife Refuge, located at the southernmost tip of the United States in the Florida Keys, is a sanctuary of natural beauty and biodiversity. Spanning over 200,000 acres, this refuge comprises a mosaic of habitats including mangrove islands, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, making it a vital haven for a diverse array of wildlife.
Pass by without stopping
Key West Historic Seaport
The Key West Historic Seaport is a vibrant hub of maritime history, culture, and activity nestled in the heart of Old Town Key West. Steeped in tradition and charm, this historic seaport offers a captivating glimpse into the island's seafaring past while providing a lively atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Key West
Check-in is located at the far end of William Street, just to the right of the Western Union sign. From Elizabeth Street, keep the water on your left and follow Lazy Way Lane past the shops. The Marker Resort on your right, and the Schooner Wharf Bar on your left. The booth will be on your left.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Check-in is located at the far end of William Street, just to the right of the Western Union sign. From Elizabeth Street, keep the water on your left and follow Lazy Way Lane past the shops. The Marker Resort on your right, and the Schooner Wharf Bar on your left. The booth will be on your left.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Key West Schooners
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Total trip time is 5 hours; time at each location is dependant on weather, refuge conditions and Captain's discretion.
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 112 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
112 verified traveler reviews for Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
10/7 Eco Tour
Captain Joe and Christina were professional, accommodating, and so fun. The tour offered a great blend of fun and adventure. It was a beautiful day on the water!
via Tripadvisor
Once was enough
The food was excellent! Rafeal was an excellent guide & hard working 1 st mate. Our only complaint was there was no shade on the boat & for those who stayed on during the kayaking & snorkeling it meant 5 hours in the hot sun because the Captain didn’t want to put up a shade canopy!
Response from the operator: We’re so glad you enjoyed the food and that Rafael helped make your experience special. We’re sorry the lack of shade made the day uncomfortable, especially during the longer portions of the trip. We appreciate you sharing your concerns and will pass them along to our team.
via Tripadvisor
Great family excursion!
Joe and Kristina were amazing hosts/captains/shipmates!!! We lucked out and only had 6 people total on our trip on a Wednesday. Joe and Kristina were so very nice and professional. Their instructions were simple and clear, they made sure we were comfortable at all times, they had ice water to drink and always asked if we had questions. Snorkeling was great and the kayak tour through the mangroves with Kristina was amazing! Joe controlled our sailboat with ease and got us out and back with such skill …..I couldn’t believe how effortless he got us out of port and back to the dock without a hitch! Lunch, after snorkeling and kayaking, on the way back to the dock was perfect, cocktail shrimp, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken salad sandwiches, pasta salad and coleslaw with condiments ……everything was fresh and cold…….such a great end to a hot day! Chocolate chip cookies at the very end just made it even better lol! I would 1000% recommend this to anyone thinking about it.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this incredible review! ⛵️ We’re thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing day and that Joe and Cristina made your experience so special. Having only six guests aboard certainly sounds like you lucked into a wonderfully intimate trip! We love hearing that you felt comfortable and well cared for throughout the day, and we’re especially glad you enjoyed the snorkeling and the kayak tour through the mangroves with Cristina. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to both of them—Joe will certainly appreciate the compliment on his sailing skills! 😊 And it sounds like we ended the day on the right note with a fresh lunch and chocolate chip cookies! 🍪 We’re so happy you enjoyed every part of the experience. Thank you for the enthusiastic recommendation—we truly appreciate it! We hope to welcome you back aboard for another unforgettable adventure. 🌴🌊⛵️
via Tripadvisor
The Best of KW
The Bugeye Backcountry Tour was, without a doubt, our favorite experience in Key West! From the moment Captain Luana gave the safety briefing, we knew we were in expert hands. Mate Christina was fantastic—her snorkeling and kayaking instruction made everyone feel comfortable and confident, which made the adventure even more enjoyable. We sailed to a beautiful, secluded area of the backcountry where we had plenty of time to snorkel (although I happily chose to float and soak it all in!). My son absolutely loved seeing all the fish. After snorkeling, we explored the mangroves by kayak, including a fascinating hurricane hole. Along the way, we spotted even more fish and an abundance of wildlife. When we returned to the boat, we were treated to a delicious handcrafted lunch that was the perfect ending to an incredible morning. What really made this tour stand out was how personal it felt. Captain Luana and Mate Christina were so friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what they do. With a smaller group, there were no crowds, no waiting around, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy every part of the experience. I would recommend the Bugeye Backcountry Tour to anyone visiting Key West. It was an unforgettable adventure and a highlight of our entire vacation!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your incredible review! 🛶🤿⛵ We’re honored to hear that the Bugeye Backcountry Tour was the highlight of your Key West vacation. Captain Luana and Mate Cristina will be thrilled to hear your kind words. Their goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and memorable experience where every guest feels comfortable exploring the beauty of the backcountry, whether snorkeling, kayaking, or simply relaxing and taking in the surroundings. We’re so glad your family enjoyed the secluded sailing destination, the snorkeling adventure, the mangrove exploration, and those special moments of discovering the wildlife along the way. Hearing that your son loved seeing the fish and that you were able to relax and soak it all in is exactly the kind of experience we hope to provide. Thank you also for highlighting the intimate group setting. We believe the smaller, more personal experience allows guests to truly connect with the water, the environment, and the crew without the crowds. We’re delighted that the handcrafted lunch was the perfect finishing touch to your adventure. Thank you for recommending the Bugeye Backcountry Tour. We hope to welcome you and your family back aboard again soon for another unforgettable Key West adventure! 🌊☀️😊
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
The experience was amazing! The kayaking, snorkeling, crew was amazing, wonderful experience overall
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 🛶🤿😊 We’re thrilled to hear you had an amazing experience and enjoyed the kayaking, snorkeling, and time with our incredible crew. It’s great to know that every part of your adventure came together to create such a memorable day. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience on the water soon! 🌊☀️
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 40
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Key West Schooners, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 81.1.
See everything Key West Schooners runsWhy this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Key West.
How much does Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak cost?
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Prices start at $119 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Key West usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Key West is not rushed.
Is Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 114 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Key West, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak?
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Around 40 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Key West can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Key West and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Key West within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Key West?
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Key West is a boat town. The only living coral barrier reef in the continental US sits seven miles offshore, and reef trips, sunset catamarans and backcountry kayak runs are the core bookings, alongside Hemingway house and Duval history walks. Our ranking weighs boat capacity and reef site rotation, which separates the good operators from the party cruises. On Outty we rank every Key West experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Guided Bike Tour of Old Town Key West, Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset, Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Key West?
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December to April, dry season and calm reef water. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Key West?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak?
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Included: Alcoholic beverages; Filtered Water; Carbonated beverages; Snacks; and Premium snorkeling equipment. Not included: Gratuity. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak?
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Check-in is located at the far end of William Street, just to the right of the Western Union sign. From Elizabeth Street, keep the water on your left and follow Lazy Way Lane past the shops. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak?
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Across 114 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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