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- All levels Level All levels
- 2 hours Duration 2 hours
Paddle at a relaxing pace and explore the shallow, blue-green waters of the Key West backcountry from the comfort of your kayak!
Quick Details
Explore the more remote regions of the backcountry
Established in 1988, our original tour is for serious nature lovers and intermediate kayakers.
This tour explores some of the more remote regions of the backcountry.
Join your guide on a winding journey through the mangroves and learn about the ecological history of the Keys.
This in-depth look at the Florida Keys marine ecosystem includes an opportunity for backcountry snorkeling. Here you will snorkel over sponge beds and amongst the mangrove roots, enjoying the juvenile sea life that makes up this unique part of the eco system.
Tour meets Monday and Friday at Lazy Dog, Hurricane Hole Marina (MM4) at 9:15. We then transport you (about 20 mins) to our launch site at MM17. You’ll be off of the water approximately 1:15. Approximately 3.5 hours on water plus travel and launch time has this adventure at approximately 4.5 hours.
Complimentary transportation is available for all of our tours with 24 hours notice. Once you book, confirmation will have details on how to arrange.
This trip was featured on the Discovery Network!
CANCELLATION POLICY: 12 HOURS NOTICE FOR FULL REFUND
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Check in is at Lazy Dog at Hurricane Hole Marina Stock Island. Staying up by Sugarloaf Key? Let us know and you can meet at Sugarloaf Marina
We travel by van (or follow us in your own car) approx 20 mins up to Sugarloaf Key. After a pre trip briefing, you’ll launch with your guide and explore the mangrove habitat in the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge.
You’ll spend about 3 hours kayaking and about 30 mins snorkeling in the back country.
NOTE: time spent on activities depends on conditions
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The backcountry is hundreds of mangrove islands separated by shallow water. The shallow water zone is, for descriptive purposes, divided into hard bottom and soft bottom biological communities. Expect to see sponges, fish, birds, sea stars and the occasional shark, turtle or ray. This tour is a nice contrast to a reef snorkel.
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This tour is much more strenuous than our 2 hour tour and not for beginners. This tour is for intermediate to advanced kayakers.
It is recommended that you are in good physical condition and ok being in the sun for extended period of time.
You must know how to swim to participate in this and any water activity.
Weight limit is 250 lbs for a single and 500 lbs for a double (we can always turn a double into a single if needed!) We have both singles and doubles available (prices are per person not per kayak). Please heed guide recommendations for singles or doubles as conditions vary greatly depending on tides and wind.
This tour largely uses sit on top kayaks
Children, 12 years or older, who are accompanied by a parent or guardian, who have experience kayaking and who are interested in natural history are welcome. Please don’t inquire for younger children. This tour is a long time in the sun and can be strenuous paddling. Our 2 hour eco tour or our eco boat adventure are for all ages!
Dogs welcome on any kayak or paddleboard rental or tour EXCEPT this tour as it’s too long in the sun
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We provide all gear, snack, water and a dry bag for anything you’d like to bring
If you bring your own snorkel gear, leave the fins at home as they just churn up the mud making visibility cloudy
Wear your bathing suit, bring a towel! Hat, sunglasses, rash guard/sleeves recommended as there is little shade
Reef safe sunscreen is best for any snorkeling in the Florida Keys