We had a wonderful morning kayaking through the mangroves in Key West Florida on a kayaking eco-tour with Lazy Dog Adventures through the backcountry. The backcountry is the mangrove areas in the shallow water around the Key’s Islands. We saw many aquatic animals such as fish, crabs, sea stars, jellyfish, sponges, and nurse sharks.
Heather T was our guide and we enjoyed talking with her as she guided us along and through the mangroves on the east side of Key West. We enjoyed the fact that this tour was in shallow water. This allowed us to see the wildlife on the bottom and also did not require wearing the provided lifejackets. Additionally, paddling in the calm waters was much easier than kayaking in other locations.
Lazy Dog Adventures describes this tour as “Along with your experienced guide you will paddle at a relaxing pace and explore the shallow, calm, blue-green waters of the back country of Key West. You will glide through the winding mangrove creeks and paddle through inches of water, where you can easily view and learn about the geological structure of the Keys”.
This is approximately a two-hour adventure and was only strenuous for about 5 minutes of paddling on the trip. It would be easily accessible for all ages. Upon arrival, we were separated into groups of approximately 12. We were given a choice of double or single kayaks. We were then given a quick lesson on kayaking, which was enough for even the participants who never kayaked before to be successful.
Location of Kayaking Tour In Key West
Located on the East Side of Key West over the bridge on Stock Island. It is about 4 miles from the busy tourist sections of town.
Cost of Kayaking Tour in Key West
Find current costs here.
Wildlife Seen on Kayaking Tour in Key West
Just some of the wildlife we saw on the tour.
Sponges Sea Star Clams Jelly Fish Nurse Shark
Other Adventures Offered
Lazy Dog adventures also offers such as Guided Kayak/Snorkel Tour, Eco-Boat Adventure, and Stand-Up Paddle Board Tours.
Pets
Dogs welcome on many of the kayak or paddleboard rentals and tours.
What to Bring on the Kayaking Tour
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Hat
What We Loved Most About Lazy Dog Kayaking Adenture
- Calm shallow waters which did not require wearing the provided life jacket
- Relaxing pace
- The mangroves
- Seeing the ecosystem
- Friendly knowledgeable guide who stopped to show the wildlife
- Choice of double or single kayaks
