Mangroves and Manatees - Guided Kayak Eco Tour
4.8
Mangroves and Manatees - Guided Kayak Eco Tour
By PADDLE! The Florida Keys
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
Immerse yourself in the Florida Keys’ beautiful mangrove forests, and enjoy an active way to explore, when you book this kayaking tour of Tavernier Creek. Pick between morning and afternoon tour times, and make your own way to the departure point in the Upper Keys. Following an introduction, grab your gear and head out on the water. With your guide’s coaching, receive a first-hand passport to the spectacular scenery.
Free cancellation • Full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
Reserve now & pay later • Secure your spot while staying flexible.
Lowest price guarantee • Find a lower price online? Get the difference refunded!
Ages 0-80, max of 12 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Get up close and personal with the Florida Keys’ mangrove forests
- Choose to explore on a single or double kayak, per your preferences
- All training and equipment are included during this seamless experience
- Admire the wild scenery of Tavernier Creek from the water’s edge
- Local guide
- Kayak - Single or double your choice
- safety gear
- land based instruction
- on water coaching
What's not included- Gratuities
- Start:
- 90773 Old Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070, USAYou meet us at our shop and we launch directly from there! Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to tour start. This will give you time to get prepared for your tour. We make every effort to start on time.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 41677P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travellers can participate
- Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your start time.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 41677P1
From
₹5,709.70
per adult
Select date and travellers
Similar experiences
Buy it with
Top rated
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Road2912410 contributionsGreat Place for Paddle and Bike RentalsMy wife and I rented a two-person paddle boat one day and paddled on Tavernier Creek. We saw a manatee and paddled through the mangroves. The sights were beautiful. The staff was very helpful, and the boat was just fine. On the same vacation, I rented a bike from Paddle on 5 or 6 days. The bikes were single speed, so not great for long, serious riding, but they were pretty new and in great shape, and just fine for what I wanted--an hour or two of bike riding to see sights and get exercise. The staff were friendly and helpful. I definitely recommend Paddle.Written 12 February 2025
- 734supa0 contributionsExceptional Paddleboard and Kayak ExperienceMet up with the staff at Paddle the Florida Keys and rented a couple of SIC paddleboards. The awesome staff recommended a few places to check out and suffice to say the day was amazing. Thank you PTFK for your professionalism and local knowledge. Deven and his team are the BEST!Written 4 December 2024
- duke1670 contributionsVery unique experience, good and bad things about our experienceThe day we did the paddle - right after hurricane Rafael - Sunny day, ocean was clam - wind is still relatively strong on our way back from the mangrove to the dock Understood it's not the perfect condition for kayaking, we still gave it a shot. what is good: - staff is very helpful, they set accurate expectation before we get on the kayak - one mantee was at the dock right behind the shop - we met some dolphins in the first few minute of our kayaking - it's a unique experience to paddle inside the mangrove not so good: - we didn't see any interesting wildlife after the first few minutes, pretty much small fishes and jellyfishes - visibility to the seabed is not that good, it's like cloudy and we can barely see the bottom inside the mangrove - tons of tiny bugs inside the mangrove, they are like a tiny black dots and they bite - is it worth to go? it's probably not worth to go in a bad weather day, but that's very unique experience which I recommend people to try. Bring a insect repellent, and probably go with a guide, you will get more value from that.Written 10 November 2024
- 249rossd0 contributionsPaddling the mangoesAbsolutely awesome experience saw sharks lots of different fish and raccoons staff were fantastic and equipment was first classWritten 22 October 2024
- Mezhead20140 contributionsOther worldlyHoly moly this was incredible I went with 9 people some experienced some not and we all had a blast. You literally have to Tarzan at certain points because the mangroves are so thick. We did self guided tour and it was easy to navigate.Written 16 March 2024
- Edward E0 contributionsManatees and beautiful waterFrom walking in the front door to returning the equipment the staff was friendly and polite. Equipment was in good condition and the areas where we kayaked were beautiful! Enough other people to make it safe but not too many. I liked the mangroves and my family preferred the open water to the island. Would do again!Written 14 March 2024
- cathyl5180 contributionsFun day !!Such a fun day meandering through the mangroves! Lots of birds, secret lagoon offered a few sightings. Enjoyed every minute!Written 5 March 2024
- thersak20210 contributionsMonkeying Around in The MangrovesPick up was very easy through booking with TripAdvisor, was told since we had our reservations through this site we could have our choice of two singles or one double. Highly recommend a double if your with your spouse or partner for those channels to explore were extremely narrow with low low branches. The paddles they provide are much too long...this place needs to switch them to the paddles that can be taken apart into a two section piece. We had to use the Mangrove branches to monkey bar our way through the narrow maze. It was definitely an adventure but not for the unfit. Would not recommend to folks who have back issues, neck, shoulder, or over weight. We had to twist our bodies in various ways as the branches quickly become obstacles. Did not see a Manatee until we came back and there was one nursing on a fresh water running hose that one of the docked boat captains had on for the local ManateesWritten 10 February 2024
- T1590GCisabellel0 contributionsHelpful teamThese guys are so helpful. I was there on my own, geared and all when my paddle started leaking, I asked them for help and although they couldn’t fix my board, they were really helpful renting me a board so my paddle vacation wasn’t spoiled. Thanks guys!!!!Written 31 January 2024
- Lee C0 contributionsEasygoing tourGreat knowledge of environment from our guide Susanne. Unfortunately didn’t see any manatees but can’t control nature! The kayak through mangroves was very enjoyable. Also nice that we had photos taken of us and sent to us after tour.Written 23 January 2024
- jdm17770 contributionsDid not use but overall experience was very positiveI accidentally rented kayaks from here on the day we were in Key West. I gave them a call and they canceled and fully refunded me with no issues. Thank you! Their online reservations is super easy to use, I just apparently didn't see they weren't in the same location as others I was looking at. On our last day in the Keys (we were staying in Marathon) we called around to see if we could rent kayaks for a little bit. Most places were either sold out, you had to transport, or were hard to deal with. We thought maybe we could drive up and do a quick kayak trip on our way out. Again, they had availability, launched right from their back door, were super helpful and positive attitudes.Written 5 January 2024
- 735marymargaretk0 contributionsWonderful paddle experienceGreat customer service, extremely stable and easy to paddle stand up paddle boards and a fabulous location. We rented in November and saw manatees (including a baby manatee), small nurse sharks and iguanas. 2 Great paddle routes- one to the mangroves and one to an island off the coast. We were able to do them both. Very reasonable dialy flat rate which is much more relaxing than renting by the hour and trying to time everything. The shop is really nice too with lots of sun shirts.Written 20 November 2023
- smolinskimdphd0 contributionsGreat paddling through the mangrove tunnel!It was fun paddling through the mangrove tunnel. No dolphins, manatees, or turtles today, but great weather. Had opportunity to dive into the water. Appreciated that fresh water shower! Steven toom good care of us.Written 20 October 2023
- 205kirstyv0 contributionsA great way to experience the amazing mangroves and get close to nature!Myself, my husband, 17 yr old son and his girlfriend did a 2 hr kayaking trip. Suzanne was our guide. We went right into the mangroves. So deep that we had to drag ourselves along by the branches at some points. It was fantastic!! We saw tree crabs, iguanas, beautiful birds, and right at the end a manatee which made our day! We got up close to some stunning houses on the water and got to jump in the beautiful water for a dip. It was a bit tricky getting back on the kayaks but we all managed fine. Suzanne was so knowledgeable about the mangroves and it’s wildlife. She was calm and patient with us and made sure we were all safe in the areas with boats and jet skis. It was a really interesting trip and a lot of fun! A must do if you are in the area!Written 16 October 2023
- Donna S0 contributionsNot to be missed!Stephen is an amazing guide. Everyone was super friendly and the fact they love what they do shows. I can’t recommend this tour enough. We will definitely book it again on our next visit.Written 7 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.8
615 reviews
Excellent
536
Very good
61
Average
6
Poor
6
Terrible
6
Laura H
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Family
We had a great time! Our guide was great, very knowledgeable about the area, the mangroves and the wildlife we saw. My husband tried the paddle board and I did the kayak - great work out on both and out guide was very helpful in getting the best out of both experiences. I would highly recommend this tour for outdoor enthusiasts of all fitness levels!
Written 12 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the recommendation, ,that means the world to us! We try really hard to make sure all of our guests leave with a memorable experience, so it is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed it! Thanks again and we hope to see you again in the future for another paddling adventure!
Written 18 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fletcher W
6 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Suzanne was an INCREDIBLE tour guide and made the experience for us. She was knowledgeable about the different crabs, fish, and other animals we saw on our kayak tour, patient and kind to all the curious kiddos, and overall just a very awesome human.
Our family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kiddos, age 8 and 5) all enjoyed this tour. Our 5 year old loved seeing all the animals, swimming, then hanging onto the back of the kayak while I paddled us back to the the launch site. Our 8 year old liked swimming, paddling, seeing fish, petting the jelly fish, and the kind tour guide. The grownups loved the atmosphere that Suzanne created (when the kids are having fun, we’re all having fun), seeing a sea turtle, tunneling throw the mangroves, and seeing the massive tarpon fish.
Advice:
(1) if you plan on bringing a phone for pictures, buy a waterproof cover in advance or be prepared to buy one for around $20 at the gift shop.
(2) buy polarized lenses for everyone, either before or at the gift shop (kids glasses are around $15).
(3) request Suzanne if you have kids. I can’t recommend her enough.
(4) there’s parking in the very back , so keep driving until you reach the larger lot.
(5) Eat at “what the fish” afterwards. So good.
Our family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kiddos, age 8 and 5) all enjoyed this tour. Our 5 year old loved seeing all the animals, swimming, then hanging onto the back of the kayak while I paddled us back to the the launch site. Our 8 year old liked swimming, paddling, seeing fish, petting the jelly fish, and the kind tour guide. The grownups loved the atmosphere that Suzanne created (when the kids are having fun, we’re all having fun), seeing a sea turtle, tunneling throw the mangroves, and seeing the massive tarpon fish.
Advice:
(1) if you plan on bringing a phone for pictures, buy a waterproof cover in advance or be prepared to buy one for around $20 at the gift shop.
(2) buy polarized lenses for everyone, either before or at the gift shop (kids glasses are around $15).
(3) request Suzanne if you have kids. I can’t recommend her enough.
(4) there’s parking in the very back , so keep driving until you reach the larger lot.
(5) Eat at “what the fish” afterwards. So good.
Written 12 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aleksandra P
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Family
My family of four had an amazing time in two tandem kayak. We thought the entire experience was well thought of end to end - smooth check in with lots of safety precautions and instructions for how to kayak for first timers. Our guide Suzanne was extremely attentive - she spotted a manatee first and made sure everyone saw it and she took pictures for us. Going through a mangrove tunnel was also incredible. I highly recommend this trip and would do it again!
Written 30 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your thoughtful review! We're so glad to hear your family had an amazing time and that you found the entire experience smooth and enjoyable, especially for first timers. Susanne is fantastic at ensuring everyone has a memorable experience, and it sounds like she delivered with the manatee spotting. The mangrove tunnels truly are magical, and we’re thrilled you got to experience them. We appreciate your recommendation and can’t wait to welcome you back for another adventure!
Written 1 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul S
5 contributions
Very last minute scramble to find something to do on Islamorada when our dive trip got rescheduled due to the winds. Luckily, we took a chance on this outfitter and booked a last minute excursion. Our guide, Jack, was fantastic! Very knowledgeable and did a great job pointing out some interesting wildlife and making sure we actually made it out of the mangrove tunnels without being impaled by any mangroves or being eaten by any tree crabs!
Fun trip, something different and easy! Oh ya, we also got to see some manatees swimming beneath us!
Fun trip, something different and easy! Oh ya, we also got to see some manatees swimming beneath us!
Written 26 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul, thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled your last minute adventure turned out so well. Jack is fantastic at making our tours safe and fun. Seeing manatees is always a treat! We hope to see you again soon.
Written 29 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NC_traveler1998
Raleigh, NC75 contributions
We had a fun time kayaking with Keith as our guide. The reservation and check-in process was smooth, and the shop had reasonably priced extras available for sale - straps for glasses and rash guards / etc.
The tour itself was a lot of fun, and Keith did an excellent job keeping us together, explaining the mangroves and ecosystem and generally being an excellent guide.
The tour itself was a lot of fun, and Keith did an excellent job keeping us together, explaining the mangroves and ecosystem and generally being an excellent guide.
Written 6 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience. We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your guide Keith, we are lucky to have him! We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again in the future!
Written 11 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
battle10
Washington, DC7 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Could not recommend more highly! Our guide, Brittany, took lots of photos and videos for us and then airdropped them after the tour. Didn’t even have to bring a phone/camera. She knew all about the local fauna and flora. We saw FIVE manatees, a calf and four adults. There were also several species of water fowl and fish. The swimming hole was refreshing and fun. Brittany was amazing and enthusiastic. She engaged with everyone in the group. She also was good with our mix of experienced and novice kayakers. You’re in for a treat if you have Brittany as your guide!
Written 6 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the fantastic review! We're thrilled that you had such a memorable experience with Britney as your guide. It sounds like you got to see a lot of amazing wildlife. Britney's enthusiasm and knowledge truly make each tour special, and we're so happy you felt that. We can't wait to welcome you back for another adventure!
Written 10 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James Maneewan
Baltimore, MD4 contributions
Brittany was the best guide! She was patient with the group and did a great job explaining the many wonders of the mangroves. If you are ever nervous about the water or kayaking be afraid no more! Britanny does a great job advising and coaching new kayakers through the mangroves. Will recommend bringing cold water and sunscreen! The gift shop also has a large selection of marine friendly and manatee sponsored clothing. Photos will be provided by your guide during your tour! If you have weak cardio its best to use a tandem kayak! Thank you Britanny!
Written 15 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James- thank you for sharing your experience. I am so glad you hear you felt comfortable under the guide of Brittany. You are always in good hands with our guides. Thank you for choosing Paddle the Florida Keys!
Written 2 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tim H
7 contributions
Jack did a great job taking us through the mangroves. Was a really good time paddleing. He pulled up a cassiopia jellyfish, pointed out some other fish along the way and put us on a manatee on the way back. Great tour!
Written 1 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim, thank you for the great review! We are stoked to hear that Jack did a great job on your guided Mangrove and Manatee Tour. We will be sure to pass this along to him! Thanks again and we look forward to hopefully hosting you again in the future!
Written 3 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dave G
2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
This was a fantastic tour! Steven was an excellent guide who took great care of us making sure that all levels of kayakers were comfortable. He taught us a lot about nature and life in the keys which was excellent. We saw manatees and all kinds of other animals! The afternoon tour was a blast and we would recommend it to everyone. Thanks again Steven!!
Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so happy to hear you had such a great tour with our guide Stephen. He works really hard to make sure customers leave with a five star experience. We will be sure to pass these kind words on to him. Thank you for the review and we hope to welcome you again in the future for another adventure.
Written 28 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan V
Albany, NY6 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Brittany is an amazing local and knowledgeable guide! She was able to take us through the waters and mangroves to find five manatees and other wildlife in and out of the water. She was considerate of everyone’s abilities, and offered suggestions to improve kayaking skills.
Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind feedback! We're happy that you enjoyed Britney as your guide and that she was able to share her local knowledge of the Florida Keys with you! It's wonderful to know that she was considerate of everyone's abilities and even provided helpful suggestions to enhance your kayaking skills. If you are ever back in the area and want to embark on another adventure with us we would be happy to host you again!
Written 11 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have a bad shoulder from rotator cuff surgery. The other three people in our group are pretty dang fit. Is there a way I can ride with a guide in the kayak and pamper this shoulder so that the others can go on what sounds like a cool adventure? They most likely won't feel comfortable leaving me behind. Sorry to be a deadbeat but the shoulder just won't paddle. Please be honest about this. (It's okay if this is a 'no' answer.)
Sarah
Written 18 March 2022
Know the feeling as I have had both shoulders done for rotator cuff. Hope it heals up! As to your question, guides use a stand up board, so recruit someone for a two-person kayak. Also, earlier in the morning the better for a tour as in first tour of the day. More sea life and no kayaks from earlier tours on the route. Definitely a fun tour!
Written 19 March 2022
We are active seniors in our 80's and have not kayaked, would this be appropriate and safe for us. Do the kayaks tip easily?
Written 9 May 2021
I have my own kayaks, what is the cost
Written 28 September 2020
Im 72, not decrepit, but my knees won't bend enough to get into a small kayak hole. Do you have sit-on-top kayaks or those with very wide holes. I have kayaked before.
Written 14 September 2019
We rode in a double kayak and had plenty of room to stretch out, my husband is 6’4.
Written 15 September 2019
Can a kayak fit one adult and two children (ages 9 and 12)?
Written 26 December 2018
Sorry, we only did paddleboarding so I don't know about the kayaks.
Written 2 January 2019
Showing results 1-10 of 11
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.