Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco Tour Sail Snorkel and Kayak
Back at the ship by about 1:36 pm, 1 h 54 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 54 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 pierThis tour meets at the pier
- 8:28 amEarliest tour startTour runs 5 h. Latest sensible start: 9:22 am.
- 1:28 pmTour ends8 min back to the pier
- 1:36 pmBack at the gangway1 h 54 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 5 h; ashore by 8:20 am, you can start by 8:28 am and be back at the gangway around 1:36 pm — 54 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 2:36 pm or later. Even a short 7:00 am–2:00 pm call works.
The meeting point is at the cruise pier or a short walk from it — the operator's own directions are written from Pier B (Truman Annex / Opal Key Resort). We allow 8 min to walk off and find them; usually no taxi and no transfer eating into your day.
Among the 350 Key West shore excursions we track, this is one of the longer 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
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.
Max 20 per group English
What's included
- Unlimited beer and wine, for guests >21 years of age
- Filtered Water
- Soda/Pop
- Snacks
- Premium snorkeling equipment
- Professional Guide
- Gourmet lunch made by our own in-house catering team
Not included
- Gratuity
Itinerary
- 1Drive-byThe 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.
- 2Key West Historic SeaportThe 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.
Meeting point and getting there
Start point
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.
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.
From the cruise pier
Meets at the pier
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.
- 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.
Traveler reviews
Operated by Key West Schooners. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.
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