Explore the Key West backcountry on a two-hour kayak eco-tour. Paddle the mangrove tunnels and seek out tropical fish, sea stars, and manatees.
About the Lazy Dog kayak eco-tour: History and context
This guided adventure focuses on the delicate ecosystem of the Key West backcountry. The tours launch from Hurricane Hole Marina. They traverse the sea grass beds and mangrove creeks near Stock Island. The experience is designed to be both relaxing and informative. Guides provide details on the Keys’ geology and its numerous inhabitants. This tour is suitable for all levels of paddlers. Lazy Dog Adventures is a respected local operator.
- To skip the explanation and book your Key West kayaking tour tickets, head this way.
The tour experience: Kayaking the Key West mangroves
Visitors paddle through calm, shallow waters. These blue-green waters offer high visibility. Guests easily view marine life from their kayak. The route winds through natural mangrove tunnels and creeks. This environment serves as a crucial nursery for sea creatures.
What to expect to see:
- Tropical fish and various sponges may be visible.
- Look for crabs, sea cucumbers, and sea stars.
- Aquatic birds are frequent sightings in the area.
- Occasional encounters include dolphins, sharks, and rays.
- Manatees are also sometimes spotted by the guides.
The pace is intentionally relaxed. This allows for deep immersion into the unique habitat.
Planning your visit: Practical information for the Lazy Dog tour
This section provides key details for booking and participating in the Key West Kayak Eco-Tour.
Duration and schedule: Tour times and frequency
The tour lasts for two hours. Tours run daily throughout the year.
| Time | Check-in Requirement |
| 10:00 a.m. | Check in 30 minutes prior. |
| 2:00 p.m. | Check in 30 minutes prior. |
Location: Starting point and parking
All tours depart from and return to Lazy Dog Adventures. This location is within Hurricane Hole Marina.
- Address: 5114 Overseas Hwy, Key West, FL 33040.
- Parking: On-site parking is free but very limited. A taxi, Uber, or Lyft ride is highly recommended, especially during busy seasons.
5 great Key West experiences to book
- 🛶 Look for wildlife in the mangroves on a guided kayaking tour.
- 👻 Go on a ghosts and mysteries tour and discover Key West’s dark side at night.
- 🐬 Combine dolphin-watching and snorkelling on a half day adventure.
- 🍴 Take a cultural food tour and learn about Keys heritage as you eat and drink.
- 🍹 Explore lesser-known bars on a craft cocktail crawl.
What to bring: Essential items for kayaking
Guests should wear clothing they do not mind getting wet, such as a bathing suit.
- Sunscreen is necessary; reef-safe options are sold on site.
- A hat and long sleeves are suggested for sun protection.
- Bring a reusable water bottle. Filtered water is available free of charge.
- Storage space is available on the kayak, though items are likely to get wet. The company sells phone pouches.
Kayak details and restrictions: Weight limits and accessibility
The tour is offered in single or double kayaks. Both sit-inside and a few sit-on-top models are available.
- Skill Level: The tour welcomes both beginners and experienced paddlers. A short lesson is provided for novices.
- Weight Limit: Singles have a limit of 250 lbs. Doubles have a combined limit of 500 lbs.
- Health: Not recommended for individuals with knee, shoulder, or back issues.
- Safety: Participants must know how to swim.
- Age: Children under six years of age are not recommended due to duration and required attention span.
- Pets: Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the tour.
Cancellation policy: Refunds and weather
A 12-hour notice is required for a full refund. The tour operates in rain. Cancellations only occur if conditions involve dangerous winds or lightning.
Pricing and booking: Lazy Dog Kayak Eco-Tour rates
Prices are listed per person and vary based on age and residency status. Advance booking is essential.
| Category | Age Requirement | Price (USD) | Notes |
| Adult | Ages 12+ | $70.00 | Standard adult rate. |
| Child | Under 12 | $50.00 | Reduced rate for younger participants. |
| Resident | Lower Keys Resident | $50.00 | Must provide valid ID at check-in. |
| Military/First Responder | Military, Police, Fire, EMS | $65.00 | Must provide valid ID at check-in. |
Other things to do in Key West
Key West is compact and easy to explore, with a mix of historic homes, small museums and outdoor experiences spread across the island. These options are straightforward to combine with time in Old Town.
Harry S. Truman Little White House
This waterfront residence served as President Truman’s winter White House during the late 1940s. The preserved rooms and guided visits give a clear insight into post war American politics and life in Key West at the time.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Located a short walk away, this former home of Ernest Hemingway is one of Key West’s best known attractions. Visitors can explore the house and gardens where he lived and wrote, along with exhibits on his life on the island.
Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum
Set near Mallory Square, this museum focuses on the island’s 19th century wrecking industry. Interactive displays and recovered artefacts explain how salvaging ships shaped Key West’s early economy.
Mallory Square
At the western end of Old Town, Mallory Square is best known for its evening sunset gathering, with street performers, harbour views and a lively atmosphere that draws visitors most evenings.
Tours and experiences around Key West
A wide range of guided options depart from the island, including full day excursions to the Dry Tortugas National Park, and rum tasting experiences at the Key West Legal Rum distillery.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs): Key West kayak tour
| Question | Answer |
| Do I need to know how to swim? | Yes, you must know how to swim to participate in this water activity. |
| Is the tour suitable for beginners? | Yes, the tour is great for beginners. A lesson is provided before launching. |
| What happens if the weather is bad? | The tour goes out rain or shine. It is only canceled for lightning or dangerous winds, in which case a full refund is given. |
| Can I see manatees or dolphins? | Sightings of manatees, dolphins, sharks, and rays are possible, but they are occasional and not guaranteed. |
More Florida travel
Other Florida travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Rum-tasting in Key West.
- A tour of Harry Truman’s Little White House in Key West.
- See the six-toed cats at the Hemingway Home and Museum, Key West.
- The weird tribute of Coral Castle in Homestead, Florida.
- What’s so special about Dry Tortugas National Park?
