Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Best Kayaking Places in the Florida Keys and Key West

Best Kayaking Experience in the Florida Keys

Kayaking in Key West is a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty of the Florida Keys, including mangrove tunnels, serene, clear blue waters, and coastal shorelines. It offers diverse kayaking experiences for all ages and skill levels.

Honest Eco specializes in year-round, small, curated, and educational kayaking experiences within the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Key West National Wildlife Refuge aboard our 42-foot sailing catamaran.

Our guided kayaking tour is a 4.5 hour experience that allows guests to snorkel some of the reefs in the Florida Keys, and explore the unique mangrove habitats with our knowledgeable guides.

Each shared trip is capped at 16 guests, but the excursions are also available as a Key West catamaran charter for groups and families.

Best Places to Kayak in Key West

Depending on conditions, our guests explore a variety of mangrove habitats with our guides – all of whom have formal backgrounds in biology and nature. Their expertise and passion for the environment ensure an enriching and confidence-inspiring experience, generally at three different locations. 

Those may include Mule, Archer, and Cottrell keys located west of Key West. 

In these unique, diverse nearshore habitats, our guests can get up close and personal with more than 250 species of resident and migratory birds, providing some of the most spectacular bird-watching opportunities in the world. 

Common species to add to your list include endangered and threatened species like the white-crowned pigeon and wood stork, wading birds like the blue heron and white ibis, and a wide variety of seabirds, including brown pelicans, white pelicans (during the winter months), magnificent frigatebirds, and sooty, noddy, and least terns.

Our guests also enjoy viewing a variety of fish while kayaking the mangroves, which act as a critical habitat for spawning and a nursery for more than 600 species of fish.

They may also enjoy up-close interactions with tarpon, permit, and mangrove snapper, as well as several different species of sharks and barracuda, all in a safe, educational environment. 

COTTRELL KEY

Cottrell Key, located about nine miles west of The Southernmost City, was named after Capt. Jeremiah Cottrell, who operated a lightship off the coast of Key West. He was also a wrecker and one of the founding fathers of the Island City. 

Wrecking was the practice of salvaging cargo from ships that had run aground on the treacherous reefs around Key West. 

In the wrecking industry, salvors relocated navigational markers to confuse mariners, causing them to ground their ships. Then, the race was on for the wreckers to get to the ships first to lay salvage claims on the goods and merchandise. 

 It was a significant industry in Key West during the 1800s, as the wreckers and reefs made it one of the busiest wrecking ports in the world.

MULE KEY 

Cottrell also played a role in the naming of Mule Key. 

Local legend has it that the captain had a herd of mules that wore lanterns and would walk around the shallow flats of Mule Key at night, which mariners would confuse with a rotating beacon or lighthouse.

ARCHER KEY 

One of our favorite kayaking locations is Archer Key, named after Capt. John A. Archer, another prominent wrecker.

Archer was involved in numerous salvage operations, and his contributions to the local economy and community were significant. Naming the island after him was likely a way to honor his impact on the region.

In addition to providing world-class kayaking, Archer Key’s surrounding sponge gardens is also home to some of the best windy weather snorkeling due to the diversity of its numerous sponge gardens, making it a prime destination for snorkeling Key West.

Let Honest Eco Make the Plan

Our captains and guides, with decades of experience in the waters surrounding Key West, lead some of the best excursions in Key West while always prioritizing safety. They develop a plan for our excursions based on wind, weather, and tides to provide the most enjoyable and safe kayaking experience possible. Our guided eco tours are more than just a paddle — they’re a day cruise from Key West with kayaking through mangroves, snorkeling the reefs, and sailing aboard our catamaran.

You need only bring sunscreen, a towel, and an interest in learning about our unique backwaters off Key West. 

Our trips provide eco-friendly refillable water bottles, as hydration is vital while kayaking and exerting yourself in the sun. 

We also provide all organic snacks and lunch from local grocery store Date and Thyme, including vegan options. There is something for everyone.

Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or planning your first trip to Key West, Honest Eco offers a warm welcome and something for everyone. Our inclusive approach ensures that all guests feel comfortable and catered to. 

Honest Eco is the only eco tour operation in Key West owned by a biologist. It specializes in limited, curated, and educational tours in our unique Key West environment. For more information or to book a trip, visit honesteco.org or email [email protected].

Best Mangrove Kayaking in the Florida Keys

Are you traveling with your own kayaks and want to go solo?

The Lower Florida Keys offer several great spots where you can launch a kayak on your own and easily access the mangroves. Mangrove kayaking in Key West has become increasingly popular and well-known for its serene beauty and abundant wildlife. Here are some recommended places to enjoy mangrove kayaking in the Florida Keys:

1. Sugarloaf Key

• Launch Site: The Sugarloaf Lodge has a small boat ramp and is a popular spot for launching kayaks. From here, you can paddle through the mangrove tunnels of the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge.
• Highlights: The area is known for its clear waters, abundant wildlife, and scenic mangrove tunnels. It’s a great spot for birdwatching and exploring the intricate waterways.

2. Big Pine Key

• Launch Site: Long Beach on Big Pine Key is a good spot to launch your kayak. You can paddle out to the No Name Key area or explore the mangroves around Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve.
• Highlights: This area is known for its serene environment and excellent opportunities to see Key deer, sea turtles, and a variety of bird species.

3. Summerland Key

• Launch Site: The kayak launch at the end of West Shore Drive is a great spot to access the mangroves. There’s a public ramp that leads to waters ideal for paddling.
• Highlights: You’ll find quiet mangrove trails and clear waters, perfect for a peaceful day on the water. The area is also good for fishing.

4. Bahia Honda State Park

• Launch Site: The park has a boat ramp on the bay side where you can launch your kayak. While not directly next to mangroves, a short paddle will bring you to some mangrove areas.
• Highlights: Bahia Honda is famous for its stunning views and clear waters. Paddle around the park, and you’ll find mangrove channels and plenty of wildlife.

5. Little Torch Key

• Launch Site: A good spot is at the end of Pirates Road, where there is a small, informal launch site. From here, you can paddle around the nearby mangroves.
• Highlights: This area is less crowded and offers a quiet, natural setting with the chance to see various fish species, birds, and possibly even rays or small sharks.

6. Cudjoe Key

• Launch Site: The end of Blimp Road has a kayak launch area that provides access to the surrounding waters and mangroves.
• Highlights: The area offers a mix of open water paddling and exploration of mangrove islands, with plenty of opportunities to see marine life and birds.

7. Lower Sugarloaf Key

• Launch Site: At the end of South Point Drive, there’s a small, sandy area to launch your kayak. From here, you can paddle into the mangroves nearby.
• Highlights: This is a quieter, lesser-known spot where you can enjoy a peaceful paddle among the mangroves, with chances to see a variety of wildlife.

These locations are also good options to the mangroves of the Lower Florida Keys. Always check the tides and weather before heading out, and make sure to bring required safety gear, plenty of water, sun protection, and a map or GPS to help navigate the intricate mangrove channels.