Sandbar Excursion and Kayak Tour with Lunch Key West

The backcountry waters and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

The waters around Key West are part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, a protected area of shallow flats, seagrass beds, mangrove islands and coral that shelters a huge variety of fish, birds and sea turtles. A day trip into the backcountry shows a quieter side of the Keys that visitors on the main streets of town rarely see.

The boat ride out lasts a short while and gives you a first chance to spot dolphins, turtles and rays in the clear water. The crew keep an eye out, slow down for sightings and explain how the sanctuary protects the reefs and the seagrass.

The mangrove islands and your guided kayak tour

Mangroves are the nursery of the Keys, a tangle of roots in the shallows where young fish, crabs and birds find shelter. A guided kayak tour through the mangrove islands lets you glide quietly between the trees, close enough to see small fish darting under the roots and herons waiting at the water's edge. People often ask whether Key West kayaking is suitable for beginners; with calm shallow water and a guide beside you, it is.

The guide leads the group, explains the ecology and checks the wind and the tide so the paddling stays easy. Expect a relaxed pace rather than a workout, with time to stop, look and take photos. Sunscreen, a hat and water are all worth bringing.

The sandbar

The sandbar is the highlight of the day: a strip of pale sand just under or just above the surface, surrounded by warm, shallow, turquoise water. You can wade, swim, float, take out a paddleboard or kayak, or simply sit in the shallows. Because the tide moves the sand, the exact setting changes by the hour, and the crew choose the best spot for the conditions.

Guests who enjoy a Key West sandbar trip often rate the shallow clear water as the best part, and it is also a calm place for children to splash. Snorkelling equipment is included, so you can look for small fish and shells around the edge of the bank.

Lunch and time on the water

Lunch is served on this tour, along with soft drinks, and the crew set it out so you can eat at your own pace between activities. Food is generally simple and fresh, with a choice of sandwiches, wraps and light platters; please tell us about dietary needs at booking so we can pass them on.

The day lasts five hours from the 11:00 departure, so it fills the middle of the day with sun, water and rest. The best time to visit the sandbar is when the weather is calm and the water is clear, which is most often in the drier months from late autumn to spring, though the water is warm and inviting through the summer too.