Guided Clear Kayak Eco-Tour Near Key West
Back at the ship by about 10:40 am, 4 h 50 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 3 h 50 min to spare.
Safety margin
- 8:00 amShip docks in Key West20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
- 8:20 amLeave the pierAbout 10 min to the start point
- 8:30 amEarliest tour startTour runs 2 h. Latest sensible start: 12:20 pm.
- 10:30 amTour ends10 min back to the pier
- 10:40 amBack at the gangway4 h 50 min before all aboard
- 3:30 pmAll aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours
Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.
Our verdict
This tour fits a typical Key West call (8:00 am–3:30 pm). It runs 2 h; ashore by 8:20 am, you can start by 8:30 am and be back at the gangway around 10:40 am — 3 h 50 min to spare on top of a 1 h safety margin.
Rule of thumb: it keeps the safety margin as long as all aboard is 11:40 am or later. Even a short 7:00 am–2:00 pm call works.
The operator lists a meeting point in town rather than at the pier, but Key West is small: anywhere in the centre is within about 10 min of the ships on foot or by a short taxi ride, so we count 10 min each way.
Among the 350 Key West shore excursions we track, this is one of the shorter ones (the median runs 3 h); 85% of them fit a typical call.
Computed from the tour's published duration, the distance from the cruise pier to its start point and the typical Key West call. Adjust your ship's times above to recheck.
About this tour
100% Clear Kayaks: Unlike traditional kayaks, ours are completely see-through. As you paddle, you'll have a front-row seat to the vibrant marine life beneath the blueish-green waters.
Eco-Tours with Marine Viewing: Our eco-tours immerse you in the rich ecosystem of the Florida Keys. Watch for starfish, nurse sharks, jellyfish, stingrays, and many other marine creatures as they go about their daily lives just inches beneath your kayak.
Journey through Mangroves: The tour takes you through the pristine mangroves of Sugarloaf Key, offering a scenic and serene experience that's both refreshing and educational. You'll get to witness the delicate balance of life in these important coastal habitats. If the tide is too low or too high, your guide may adjust the route to ensure the best experience.
Expert Guides: They're trained to prioritize safety while sharing interesting facts about the area's marine life and ecosystem.
Max 10 per group English
What's included
- Dry bags for your personal items
- 100% Clear Tandem Kayaks, Seats & Paddles
- A knowledgeable eco-tour guide
- Free Parking
- Safety equipment including life jackets & whistles
Not included
- Gratuities
- Bottled Water, Hats, Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Bug Spray
Itinerary
- 1Sugarloaf KeySugarloaf Key, nestled within the Lower Florida Keys, offers a serene escape where crystal clear water surrounds the natural beauty of the island. Sugarloaf Key is accessible from the Overseas Highway, one of Florida’s most scenic drives. Whether you’re drawn to Sugarloaf Key’s natural beauty, waterways, or laid-back lifestyle, the ecological richness is ready for you to explore. Most of the land across Sugarloaf Key is undeveloped, and some of the acreage is home to The Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a novice, Sugarloaf Key’s surrounding waters invite exploration. Glide through crystal-clear channels, surrounded by lush mangroves and abundant marine life, including corals, starfish, and tropical fish. The surrounding waters are a part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and are untouched backcountry, where you can escape from civilization and experience undeveloped, natural beauty.
- 2Florida Keys National Marine SanctuaryAdventure through the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Sugarloaf Key in your 100% clear kayak! Your 2-hour guided eco-tour tour departs from Sugarloaf Marina, located in the lower keys right along side the Overseas Highway! You'll paddle across a bay into the mangroves of Sugarloaf Key, where the clear waters reveal a vibrant underwater world. As you adventure into the backcountry, keep your eyes peeled for small sharks, stingrays, starfish, tropical fish, sea turtles, and more. It’s not every day you get to see these creatures up close and personal, so make sure you have your camera ready. Soak up the sights – and some knowledge! Learn unique facts along the paddle about the local waterways, wildlife, and more from our awesome local guides. The best part? You don’t have to travel far to experience this adventure. Get Up And Go Kayaking is located only 25 minutes from Key West and 45 minutes from Marathon, making it the perfect distance from any direction.
Meeting point and getting there
Start point
We launch near the boat ramp's right-hand side at Sugarloaf Marina. The boat ramp is located behind the retail storefronts. Look for the white enclosed trailer near the water (you should also see the clear kayaks there!) where you will meet your tour guide!
We launch near the boat ramp's right-hand side at Sugarloaf Marina. The boat ramp is located behind the retail storefronts. Look for the white enclosed trailer near the water (you should also see the clear kayaks there!) where you will meet your tour guide!
From the cruise pier
About 10 min by taxi
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point
Good to know
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you can rebook or get a full refund.
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- For your safety, we have a weight limit of 250 lbs per guest, and a combined limit of 425 lbs for two people in a tandem kayak.
Traveler reviews
Operated by Get Up And Go Kayaking - Florida Keys. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.
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