Shark and Wildlife Viewing Catamaran Tour Key West

The flats and mangroves of the Key West backcountry

The shallow flats around Key West are a rich nursery where sunlit water, seagrass and mangrove roots shelter a surprising number of animals. Because the water is often only a metre or two deep and very clear, you can see what is swimming beneath the boat, which makes it one of the best places in the Keys for a wildlife trip.

The catamaran moves slowly through the channels so you can look over the side, and the captain explains what you see and why each animal lives here. This is a quiet, observation-style tour, so a Key West eco tour like this one is easy to enjoy for people of all ages.

Seeing sharks in the wild

Many people book a Key West shark tour because they want to see sharks safely, from the deck. In the flats you can often spot nurse sharks resting in the sand, and on some days lemon sharks and blacktip sharks cruising along the edge of the channels. They are generally calm animals here, and watching them from a boat is a safe, memorable way to learn about their place in the sea.

Sightings depend on the day, the tide and the water temperature, so nothing can be guaranteed. The captain knows the best spots and times, and tells you what to look for. There is no swimming on this trip, which makes it a good choice for guests who do not want to get in the water.

Turtles, rays, birds and other wildlife

Along with sharks, the flats shelter sea turtles grazing on seagrass, stingrays gliding over the sand, and schools of small fish. Overhead, pelicans, herons, egrets and ospreys use the mangroves as perches and nesting areas. Dolphins sometimes pass through the channels, which can add a thrill to the trip.

Bring a camera with a zoom lens, polarised sunglasses to cut the glare on the water, and binoculars if you have them. The best light for photographs is usually in the morning, though the early afternoon departure often has the clearest water.

Your shaded catamaran tour

The catamaran is stable and shaded, which is a real advantage in the Key West sun. It is not a speedboat, and it does not rock much, so most passengers find it comfortable. The tour lasts two hours, long enough to explore the flats at an easy pace and short enough to fit around other plans in the day.

Two departures run daily, at 10:00 and 13:00. Food is not included, so bring water and a snack if you would like one. The best time to visit Key West for clear water is late autumn to spring, although summer trips are hot, bright and also full of wildlife.