The Florida Keys are the perfect place to drop off the map for a week or two.
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The island chain is made up of over 30 islands that you can access by car—but the total number of islands is over 1,700. Around 800 of those have official names. Usually, visitors jump around to the most popular spots to snorkel, shop, and sunbathe.
Still, despite the Keys’ focus on slow living and sunshine, the sheer number of explorable coves, islands, and cays calls to many travelers. They’re a prime way to discover some of the country’s most tropical (and untouched) corridors.
If you want to really explore the Keys, you need to venture out even further. The best way to do so is on adventurous tours that take you out on the water. Here’s where to find them.
Start with these five popular picks:
- The relaxed fit: Wave Cat Rental in Wai Kai Lagoon [check price]
- The full-on thrill: Shark and Wildlife Encounter [check price]
- The eco-friendly tour: Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour [check price]
- The boozy pick: Morning Reef Snorkeling with Breakfast & Mimosas [check price]
- The unexpected: Two-Stop Snorkeling Tour [check price]
Adventure tours in the Florida Keys from Key West
- Florida Keys Nature & History Tour: Who says you can’t learn a thing or two on an adventure tour? This four-hour tour showcases can’t-miss Keys spots like Bahia Honda State Park and the Blue Hole. Along the way, you’ll learn about the Keys’ history as it intersects with its natural wonders, state parks, and even bridges. You might even spot an endangered Key Deer, if you’re lucky.
- Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour: Take to the vibrant mangroves along Key West on this casual kayaking tour. As you cruise through the channels, you’ll learn about mangroves and what makes them ecologically important. This is a beginner-friendly tour, as well, meaning first-time kayakers are welcome.
- Safari Eco Sandbar Tour with Snorkeling: Board a small-group self-guided trip atop a mini speedboat. You’ll head almost 30 miles out to check out the crystal-clear waters of Mud Key. There, you can snorkel, swim, and otherwise lounge in the sun. You can choose from morning or afternoon tours.
- Morning Reef Snorkeling with Breakfast & Mimosas: Get ready to snorkel some of Key West’s most colorful, healthy reefs. Before you do, you’ll be treated to a breakfast and mimosas (or beer, if you prefer). All equipment and food/drinks are provided, making this an easy, hands-off chance to snorkel.
- Shark and Wildlife Encounter: Head to the open waters on a Tiger Cat catamaran to see sharks, dolphins, stingrays, and other wildlife. Your captain will also use bait to help lure in sharks, in case you’re hoping to get up close and personal with the apex predators.
- Wave Cat Rental in Wai Kai Lagoon: Drift through Key West’s famous Wai Kai Lagoon on a Wave Cat. A Wave Cat is a small vessel that uses wind power. To help you get a hang of things, your group will set out with a guide who will teach you how to sail across the water all by yourself.
- Ultimate Parasailing: For the truly adventurous, this parasailing experience will get your adrenaline pumping. The boat will take out multiple groups who will parasail, meaning that, between your sky-high parasailing experience, you’ll get to enjoy a calming boat ride.
- Glass Bottom Reef Tour: This tour is great for little ones and anyone with mobility issues. It lets you check out Key West’s stunning reefs without getting in the water. Just make sure you get a good view of the vessel’s glass bottom—it only covers one part of the boat.
- Sunset Cruise with Bar, Food, & Music: Sunset cruises aren’t adventure tours—I know. But I’m adding this one here just in case. Not only is it a sunset cruise, but it also comes with live music and an open bar… for a DIY adventure.
Adventure tours in the Florida Keys from Marathon & Key Largo
- Sandbar Adventure Cruise (Marathon): Take a trip to a nearby sandbar on a 52’ catamaran. As you cruise, you can enjoy snacks and drinks. When you arrive, it’s time to jump into the water and drink in the atmosphere. You can lounge on floaties between snorkeling sessions.
- Two-Stop Snorkeling Tour (Key Largo): Learn about the Florida Keys Reef, the country’s only living reef, before heading into the water. All equipment is included, along with pointers for those who want to spot marine life near the reefs. You’ll visit two locations, including the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Pennekamp State Park.
- Half-Day Scuba Diving (Key Largo): Explore reefs in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Pennekamp State Park, home to some of the world’s largest living reefs. This tour is open to certified SCUBA divers and includes the chance to customize your itinerary.
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