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    The perfect itinerary for 3 days in Key West

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Duval Street

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

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Southernmost Point Buoy

Key West Lighthouse

Blue Heaven

Key West Aquarium

Key West Shipwreck Museum

Smathers Beach

Tiki House

Island tours

Day trips

Museums & exhibitions

Nearby sights

Duck KeyAttraction in Florida Keys, United States

Dolphin ConnectionAttraction in Duck Key, United States

  • Top experiences
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Sailing trips & boat tours

Snorkeling

Dolphin & whale watching

Boat parties

Canoe & kayak tours

Parasailing

Dinner & lunch cruises

Pub crawls & bar tours

Speed & jet boat tours

Jet Skis

Swim with dolphins

City cards

Explore more things to do in Key West

Nature & adventure

Sightseeing

Food & drinks

Culture & history

Nightlife & bars

Music activities

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Explore more things to do in Key West

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Explore more things to do in Key West

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The perfect itinerary for 3 days in Key West

Key West: Full Day Tour of Key West National Wildlife Refuge

4.5405407 out of 5 stars
4.5
4.5405407 out of 5 stars
37 reviews
Activity provider:Schooner Appledore
Key West: Full Day Tour of Key West National Wildlife Refuge
4.5405407 out of 5 stars
4.5
4.5405407 out of 5 stars
37 reviews
Likely to sell out

Discover the diverse ecosystem of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge in an all-day tour. Enjoy sailing, a guided kayak tour of the mangrove islands, and a snorkel tour of backcountry reefs.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

L
Lynn – United States

Lunch and drinks Snorkeling not much to see. Would like to have been closer to the island in Kayak to see wildlife

L
Laura – United States

Captain Mario, Jamie and Jordan were so much fun! The kayaking was amazing! This was truly the best excursion we have ever been on! Thank you!

Select participants and date

Participants

Highlights

  • Sail a tall ship on the way to Key West’s backcountry
  • Explore the uninhabited mangrove islands in Key West's National Wildlife Refuge
  • Lookout for dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays and many other wildlife
  • Take a guided kayaking tour or a guided snorkeling tour
  • Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet served directly on the boat

Full description

Get the most out of Key West and combine 3 adventures into one full-day adventure tour. Board a schooner sailboat and sail the ocean waves, enjoy a guided kayak tour of the mangrove islands, and snorkel in the backcountry reefs. Drink as you please onboard and partake in an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Set sail from Key West's Historic Seaport and sail toward the uninhabited mangrove islands in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. Keep an eye open for dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and many other species that call the refuge home.
Once you reach the islands, allow the crew to help you get into a stable sea kayak and provide some tips on paddling. Feel the ease of gliding through the warm, shallow water, sheltered by the mangroves.
As you kayak in the calm waters, learn about the mangroves and their important role as nurseries to the sea. Discover how they survive in saltwater and the various marine life that inhabits the mangrove ecosystem.
Try to spot the local bird species, such as ospreys, frigates, blue herons, bald eagles, and even roseate spoonbills. Search the waters for tropical fish, stingrays, and sea turtles.
If Kayaking isn't for you, opt for the guided snorkeling tour. Don't worry if you've never done it before, the guides are happy to provide instruction and assistance to get the best out of your experience.
Swim through the shallow waters and witness the sponge gardens. Admire the colorful fish swimming over the sponges and surround yourself with marine wildlife. If you prefer to float on the surface, grab a noodle, bask in the sun, and watch the clouds drift by.
Afterward, climb back aboard and clean up or relax on the deck. Choose from a wide selection of cold drinks such as beer, wine, homemade sangria, and chilled soda. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet feast, including fried chicken, shrimp, deli meats and cheese, and assortments of bread.

At last, raise anchor and leave the islands behind. Enjoy an afternoon snack of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies or chips and dip, and feel the breeze as you sail back to the seaport.

Includes

  • Sail on a tall ship
  • Guided snorkeling of Patch Reefs or a Mangrove Island kayak your with equipment
  • Full Buffet Lunch and Afternoon Snack
  • Soft drinks and filtered water
  • Homemade Sangria, Premium Bee,r and Wine after snorkeling
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting point

Please check-in 30 minutes prior to departure. Every member of your team must check-in to sign a waiver and receive a boarding pass. Check-in for all Schooner Appledore tours in Key West is at the check-in booth located at the very 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 on your right. Continue walking and you'll see The Marker Resort on your right and the Schooner Wharf Bar on your left. Once you pass the bar, glance to your left to find the Appledore check-in booth.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Swimwear
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags
  • Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

  • The Florida Keys and the living reef are full of wildlife and it is common to see fish and marine animals, however, that can’t be guaranteed.
  • All guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Likely to sell out

From $120 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 37 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    5/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5
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L
Lynn – United StatesMarch 10, 2025 – Verified booking
Lunch and drinks Snorkeling not much to see. Would like to have been closer to the island in Kayak to see wildlife
L
Laura – United StatesMay 20, 2023 – Verified booking
Captain Mario, Jamie and Jordan were so much fun! The kayaking was amazing! This was truly the best excursion we have ever been on! Thank you!
K
Kayla – United StatesAugust 1, 2022 – Verified booking
Captain Russ, Mario and Bradley did a fantastic job! They were very knowledgeable and personable! We highly recommend this awesome adventure!

Product ID: 414285

Activity provider:Schooner Appledore
  • United States
  • Florida
  • Things to do in Key West
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Top Attractions in Key West

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  • 2Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
  • 3Bagatelle Key West
  • 4Mallory Square
  • 5Key West Aquarium
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  • 7Duval Street
  • 8Key West International Airport
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