Key West

Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak

Badge of ExcellenceKey West, USA

5 hours
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Explore the patch reefs, mangrove islands, and waterways of Key West on a 6-hour cruise and snorkeling tour aboard a wooden sailing schooner. Take a hand at the wheel on your way across the Gulf of Mexico, kayak through the mangroves, then snorkel through patch reefs and sponge gardens. This 6-hour tour includes lunch and access to an open bar on the return sail to Key West.

Kayak through mangrove islands
Snorkel at a patch reef
See native wildlife in a natural environment
Buffet lunch, and drinks included

What's Included

Professional guide
All equipment
Full buffet lunch and afternoon snacks
Unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

205 Elizabeth St, Key West, FL 33040, USA
Located along the Harbor Walk at the end of Elizabeth Street, between Schooner Wharf Bar and the Conch Republic Seafood Company on the byway colloquially known as Lazy Way Lane.

Start time

10:30 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Make your way to Key West’s Historic Seaport for a 10am departure on the Appledore Star, a 72-foot (22-meter), two-masted wooden schooner. Join the crew to unfurl the sails, take a turn at the wheel, or just relax on deck as you sail across the Gulf water. Watch for dolphins and sea turtles during the morning sail.

When the Appledore Star reaches Key West’s mangrove islands, the captain will drop the anchor for the first stop of the day. Step into a stable, easy-to-paddle sea kayak, and follow a guide through the calm water, exploring the mangrove ecosystem and wildlife. Following the sea kayaking tour, return to the boat for a buffet lunch of deli meat, cheeses, fresh bread, fried chicken, and Key West’s “pink peel” shrimp.

Spend the afternoon at a nearby patch reef, where you can snorkel above the reef’s nursery systems and sponge gardens. Climb back on deck after your snorkel, wash off the salt using Appledore Star’s fresh water rinse, and grab a beer, wine, sangria, or soda from the open bar for the return trip to Key West.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Infants must sit on laps
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Children must be accompanied by an adult

Vegetarian option is available. Must notify operator 72 hours prior ro departure.
Please advise of any specific dietary requirements 72 hours prior to departure.
In order to expedite the check-in process, please provide lead traveler's e-mail address in the 'special requirement' section during check-out.
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.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Filter by:

Q:Is there a restroom onboard for the Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour?

A:Yes, each of our ships is equipped with a restroom to maximize your comfort. In addition, each of the catamarans has a freshwater rinse.

Feb 2021

Q:What do I need to bring with me for the Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour?

A:Bring along your towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, bathing suit, and camera. If you want to drink alcoholic beverages on your tour, remember your photo I.D. to show you are at least 21 years old.

Feb 2021

Q:Should I wear my swimsuit or change on the boat for the Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour?

A:It is easier to wear your suit to the tour. There aren’t any changing facilities at our office. However, if you do need to change after boarding, there is a very small changing area in the restroom on board.

Feb 2021

Q:Is there parking at the terminal for the Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak?

A:There is no parking at our office but you may unload passengers in front of our office. The most convenient city parking lot is at Margaret and Caroline Street with pay machines in the center of the lot.

Mar 2021

Q:Will I see wildlife during the Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak?

A:The Florida Keys and the living reef are full of wildlife and it is common to see birds, fish, and marine animals, however, that can’t be guaranteed.

Mar 2021

Q:Is there a place to store my belongings while on the Key West Sunset Sail with Full Bar, Live Music & Hors D'oeuvres?

A:We do not have lockers or storage facilities in our office. Parties are welcome to bring a beach bag or backpack with personal belongings on our boats. However, if you have luggage or suitcases these would be best stored at your hotel or vehicle.

Mar 2021

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Paras_Z

Highly recommended trip in key west. We travel to tropical places a lot and take a lot of tours and this tour was a highlight for myself and the kids. We showed up at 10:33 for a 10:30 departure and they were nice enough to let us on, I wouldn’t recommend it though. Get there early and avoid a trip to Dunkin’ Donuts before your adventure in Florida! Took 30 mins for coffee and one sandwich!! The tour was great, snorkeling was good. Not a lot of sea life but the first time for the kids so was gentle waves and a good learning experience. The kayaking was heaven. Saw so many birds and the wonderful tour guy, who kayaked with us, explained the history and nature around us. Was great with the kids as well. Ages 6,9,10, and 8. Highly recommend your and I would do it again. The kids are still talking about it!!

Reviews

4.5

225 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 225 reviews

Relaxing, beautiful nature trip

Gaby_D, Apr 2024

Sailing was great. The crew, Brad and Joe, were excellent at taking care of passengers. The drinks kept coming and the views were fantastic.

Excellent trip! Best Crew! Sign up!

Gina_T, Mar 2024

The best excursion ever. The crew -captain Jared, Mario, Renee are top notch, super friendly and safety focused. The small 20 passenger size was perfect, relaxing. My 15 yo son loved it, had a chance to learn how to steer the ship, learned so much about mariner credentials, and life. It was the first time seeing him genuinely excited smiling this entire trip. Thank you all so much. Sign up for this. You will be grateful you did! Thanks for the tunes Mario! I want that sangria recipe :)

Great Fun

Rosemary_O, Mar 2024

The captain and first mate were very accommodating. We enjoyed snorkeling, kayaking and a lovely sail. Altogether a really great day!

Must do !!!

Jill_A, Mar 2024

Bradley and Joe were great! Great day on the water and highly recommend this crew and boat! Kayaking was my favorite, the mangroves were amazing and Bradley was great explaining the ecosystem. Amazing day! Good food and plenty of drinks.

Nope

Emily_B, Mar 2024

The weather was bad and the company decided to cancel it. Never got my money back, the company said they would refund us. This was back in Dec- now March.

Give it a go

Michelle_M, Feb 2024

Kayak in the mangroves was amazing . Our guide Renee was super. The boat was great and lunch on the boat fun. The snorkeling was mediocre as we could not see many fish.

Captain Joe and Bradley...

Dana_D, Feb 2024

Captain Joe and Bradley were awesome hosts. The trip was an amazing experience. Water was a little choppy, but the experience was still fun! Both individuals were knowledgeable and helpful.

Third-party booking mistake!

Kier_C, Jan 2024

Booking this through a third-party was a huge mistake. They do not make it clear that you have to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early or else you will be left behind. Fix that! We were standing on the dock at the designated time and watched the boat pull away.

Grear Schooner snorkel & kayak

emaree, Nov 2023

Captain Joe and first hand, Bradley were great! They both made our experience on the Keys very enjoyable!!! Both very knowledgeable and passionate about their jobs. Was literally a breath of fresh air! Thank you both!!

Fabulous boat trip!

Dina_M, Oct 2023

We would highly recommend this boat trip. It was super fun, the crew amazing, funny and friendly but professional; we enjoyed it from beginning to end. Thank you guys for making this trip so great!!

Definitely worth it!

Elizabeth_B, Oct 2023

We had the best time! Our crew—Captain Mario, Bradley, and Renee were amazing. We had an amazing, relaxing day on the water. Very knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife. Absolutely fabulous time!

Perfect day

Debbie_B, Sep 2023

Perfect day! Dakota, Bradley and the captain (sorry forgot his name, but he had a full beard) we’re all the best! Took care of every need with patience and kindness! The mangrove tour was excellent with so much information and attention paid to everyone and the eco system! Lunch was tasteful, bbq sandwich, shrimp, slaw and pasta salad. Snorkeling was fun too! Captain and a passenger sang Irish Sea songs on the trip back to the docks. Crew also was kind and put the sails up when the passengers asked if it was possible. It was a wonderful experience and we would bight recommend!

We really enjoyed our...

Wanda_S, Aug 2023

We really enjoyed our trip. Capt Joe did a great job of getting us to the snorkeling and kayaking sites. Dakota was a great guide through the mangroves. He gave us lots of info on how the mangroves are able to get fresh water in order to grow. The sailing back to the dock was very enjoyable. We had a great time. Sam and Gene

Great Schooner/ snorkeling experience

Michelle_G, Jul 2023

Captain Joe and 1st mate Bradley were very knowledgeable and willing to share their knowledge. They served us wonderfully well. The lunch was tasty and better than anticipated and the beverages plentiful with a nice selection. Even though the visibly wasn't the best the snorkeling was memorable and we were not rushed to get outof the water. The tide was not on our side for a great kayaking experience so Cpt Joe shared the challenges and offered us the choice between hoisting the sails for a true sailing experience or taking the risk of kayaking with the potential to portage through sea grass. The sailing experience won and it was well worth it. Highly recommend this.

Great Memories!!

Amy_P, Jul 2023

We had a fun day! The crew was very attentive and helpful. We are beginners at snorkeling and kayaking and the crew was patient and helpful. Lunch was shrimp, pulled pork slider, coleslaw, and pasta salad and a cookie. It was delicious. I would definitely recommend. We made great memories celebrating my 50TH birthday.

Overall good

Sarina_M, Jul 2023

The staff was super nice. Captain M was great and helped me snorkel. Jade and Dakota were also very helpful. It was my first time to Kayak and Jade made sure I stayed safe. The lunch was ok. I do think the way they describe the excursion is pretty exaggerated. Their is no buffet, it’s a paper bowl with a mini sandwich and pasta salad. The kayaking is just kayaking around some brush, it’s not very long. What they call mangroves was kayaking under one tree. The snorkeling was fun but not clear water and we did not see anything. Overall it was a fun experience.

Great trip on Schooner Appledore

Cathleen_B, Jul 2023

2nd time riding with Captain Joe and Bradley. My husband and I had a fantastic time between snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing about. We hit a bit of engine trouble but it did not deter from the professionalism and experience of the tour, we actually got an additional hour out of the water. Bradley was quick with offering drinks of all sorts, making sure we felt comfortable getting ready to depart and during all parts of our excursion. We had a very small group (8 people total) which was much nicer than some of the larger cruises that we saw go out. A little more expensive than some of the others around but well worth the money when you add in lunch on board and beverages included. Highly recommend doing a day excursion or sunset cruise on the Schooner Appledore.

Crew was fantastic. They...

Nicholas_M, Jul 2023

Crew was fantastic. They brought us to some great kayaking spots. Shared lots of knowledge about the mangroves. Snorkeling was great, they helped us find the best stuff to see. Bradley, Mario, and Jamie were great to spend the day with completely recommend!!

Sebago canceled the morning of departure

whizdog, Jun 2023

I got a text that the trip was cancelled the morning we were scheduled for because there weren’t enough passengers. It would been more useful if they had let me know the night before where I could have made alternate plans easier. Still waiting for the refund from the cancellation.

staff was pleasant. tour...

Elisabeth_D, May 2023

staff was pleasant. tour was well organized, safe, comfortable. food was good. kayaking was fun. snorkeling was amazing and the water was warm! saw turtles and dolphins while traveling on the boat

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