Key West is the southernmost city in USA, and an exotic paradise with palm trees, turquoise waters and sunny weather all year round. While there are a lot of things to do in Key West, the best stuff is out there on the water! The Key West is in the Gulf of Mexico and has crystal clear waters that are teeming with marine life. You can engage in a variety of water sports in Key West, from kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling to scuba diving, to explore its natural wealth and beauty. We have listed the top water sports and activities in Key West, that you must undertake for exciting memories with family and friends.
1. Full-day sailing and water sports adventure
A full day out on the sea is just what you need to enjoy the sunny weather and beautiful waters of Key West. On this day tour, you will ride out to sea on a catamaran in the Gulf of Mexico. Ideal for families and groups, you can indulge in a variety of activities including kayaking to a nearby mangrove, parasailing off the boat and snorkeling to view the incredible underwater life. You can take a break and indulge in a full breakfast, and buffet lunch is served right on board. Your safety is of utmost concern, and you will have all the safety equipment on board along with a professional guide.
2. Sail, snorkel and kayak adventure
An Island T’ing adventure is a fantastic way to explore the tropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico near Key West. This tour lasts for about six hours, and you will leave Key West, sailing for an hour away from the city skyscrapers. The scenery changes and by now you can start spotting marine life including dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and manatees. Get a quick breakfast on board before you head off for a kayaking adventure to explore the mangroves that are teeming with wildlife. The balmy sea temperatures are ideal to duck in with snorkel gear and admire the coral reef, one of the best in USA. You will have lunch on board with local delicacies like fried chicken and steamed shrimp!
3. Day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park
A day trip out to Dry Tortugas National Park is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the history and natural wealth of Key West. This tour of about 10 hours will take you 70 miles off the coast of Key West out to the Gulf of Mexico near the Fort Jefferson Island. Here you can choose to go on a guided tour and learn about its history and explore the island’s beaches and campgrounds. A naturalist on board will help you identify marine life and the ecological importance of the tropical waters of the Dry Tortugas National Park. You will have breakfast and lunch on board, and you can buy your drinks to relax and enjoy this day-long sea adventure.
4. Dolphin sail and snorkeling adventure
Are you dreaming of playing with dolphins? You can have your wish come true on this half-day tour of the Key West! This tour that lasts for around 4 hours takes you out to the sea on a large catamaran, the Echo. You will first stop at the dolphin sighting spot where you will see dolphins come out near the boat and jump in the water. It is an excellent opportunity to witness these smart creatures! Next, you will head to the snorkeling spot where you have the chance to sight more than 600 species of marine life on a coral reef, sponge garden or a shipwreck. A fresh tropical fruit tray and drinks are included on board to ensure a comfortable tour.
5. Parasailing in Key West
Soar like a bird over Key West and admire the picturesque views of the modern city against the azure blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico on this parasailing adventure. On this trip, you will be taken out on a parasailing boat and trussed up to soar above the coast of Key West. You can enjoy this adventure alone or in doubles or triples with family and friends. Capture your memories for a lifetime as you will also get a CD with your photographs and videos. You will be briefed and guided by adventure experts who provide quality safety gear.
Book Tours : Parasailing over the Historic Key West Seaport
6. Backcountry schooner eco-tour
Giddyup for an old-school adventure out on the sea! Get aboard a 72-feet (about 2 meters) wooden two-masted schooner, the Appledore Star, that will take you out on the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You can help the crew unfurl the masts, or you can just relax and watch the sails catch the wind and sail away into the ocean. The first anchor is at the mangrove forest where you can get into kayaks and explore the place. Up next is a stop at the coral reef where you can spot native marine life that is extremely rare and pretty. You will have breakfast and lunch on board, and there is also a fresh water rinse to wash off the sea salt after a snorkel.
7. Stand up paddleboard
Paddleboarding is an exciting way to maneuver in water and explore. On this two-hour activity, you will head to the shallow waters between Stock Island and Key West near the mangrove forests to discover their secrets. If you have done this before, then you can take the gear and head straight away, if you are a beginner then you can choose the one-hour lesson which will help get you ready to paddleboard on your own. The mangrove creeks and waters are home to a variety of wildlife including birds, small sharks, manatees, stingrays and more.
Book Tours : Key West Stand Up Paddleboard Rental
8. Kayak, snorkel and paddleboard near mangroves
A favorite amongst nature enthusiasts, this 3.5-hour adventure starts in the mangrove forest just off the shore of Key West. The location is popular amongst locals who come here to enjoy a relaxing day out in nature and sea. You will board a pontoon boat in a small group of a maximum of six people and head to the mangroves, where you can choose your activity. There is equipment for paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. You will find interesting native vegetation and quirky wildlife in the clear waters of the Florida Keys. There are snacks and drinks on board, to ensure a comfortable and relaxing trip.
Book Tours : Private Key West Sandbar and Paddle by Boat
9. Watersports partyboat
It’s a party, and it’s happening out on the sea! The ideal mix of adventure and fun, this tour takes you out to the sea where you can enjoy a host of water adventure sports. This tour lasts for about six hours and starts at 10 AM when you sail out to a shallow shipwreck, which is perfect for snorkeling. You can enjoy kayaking around the boat or go wild on wave runners. There are a lot of activities for kids too; you can enjoy the banana boats, inflatable slide, water-skis. You can also upgrade to parasailing when you book. Return to port after an exciting sea day and relax with a cold beer on deck!
Book Tours : Watersports Partyboat
10. Guided scuba diving tour
The coral reefs around Key West are one of the richest on Earth, and this guided scuba diving tour is the perfect way to experience it. Most scuba diving spots require certification, but on this tour, even beginners without certification can enjoy the reef. You will be guided by a certified expert diver who will first train you about the safety and diving technique. Once you get into the water, the guide will swim alongside you while you marvel at the coral reefs and its ecosystem with thousands of colorful fish. The tour includes one-tank of oxygen, and it lasts for about 1.5-2 hours and gives you enough time to explore the reef.
Book Tours : Scuba Diving Guided Tour from Big Pine Key
Seek adventurous water sports in Key West
Can’t wait to book these tours and enjoy the watersport activities? Whether it is the laid-back paddleboarding or high-adrenaline parasailing, there is something for everyone for water sports in Key West.
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