Kayak through Mangrove Forests in the Florida Keys
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience the magic of the Florida Keys on an exhilarating natural ocean and mangrove eco-tour. Aboard your kayak, you will embark on a truly awe-inspiring journey through one of the planet’s most unique and diverse ecosystems: Florida’s mangrove forests. After navigating through the forest’s serene tunnels and narrow waterways, you will discover a shallow and secluded saltwater lagoon.
During your three-hour tour, you will encounter a variety of fascinating wildlife that find refuge here. Crystal-clear waters ensure you’ll easily observe the vibrant biodiversity of the sea floor. Keep your eyes peeled for grazing manatees, sunbathing green iguanas, or the elusive mangrove tree crabs.
Your guide has a deep love for the ocean and is passionately dedicated to preserving the delicate ecosystem of the Florida Keys. His extensive knowledge will enrich the experience for every nature enthusiast.
Grab your paddle and get ready for an adventure that promises to create lasting memories!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Upon arrival at Tavernier Creek Kayak Tours, you will receive some safety instructions prior to boarding your kayak. Following your guide, you will paddle out of the canal towards the open ocean.
As you leave the canal, you will spot Kalteux Key and the Atlantic Ocean to your right (to the south). Here you will turn left to head north into Tavernier Creek.
What‘s Included
Tour Guide (we keep our group sizes small)
Use of tandem, sit-on-top kayak
Lunch
Gratuities
Private transportation
Options
Kayak through Mangrove Forests in the Florida Keys
Reviews
37 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent tour!
Cassandra B,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, Lilly, was great! Very personable and fun and the tour was beautiful! We saw a manatee, dolphin, crabs, lots of different birds, many fish and jelly fish. The mangrove tunnels were so peaceful. Highly recommend this tour!
A highlight of our trip to Key Largo
Lowcountryfan,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was just my wife and me kayaking through the mangrove swamp, so there were only 3 of us and Jade was a great guide. It was a memorable afternoon and neither of us had ever experienced anything quite like it. I suggest you be in pretty good shape to take this tour as 3 full hours of paddling would be a little much for some people, and Jade had mentioned some of his customers struggle. That said, I enthusiastically recommend this tour.
Perfect 3-hour kayak tour through the mangrove forests of Tavernier Creek!
timohS7189WL,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00100% recommendation for this kayak tour from the guide Jade! We booked the tour at short notice one day before for 10 am via Tripadvisor. The booking was straightforward and contained all the information needed, including the location of the meeting point in the Tavernier Marina (double-storey green building). Less than an hour before the start of the tour Jade contacted us via Whatsapp and let us know that the tour is going on as planned at 10 am and if we still have questions. A big plus for this too! At the meeting point, we were greeted extraordinarily friendly and directly briefed, the waiting time for the other group members was bridged with very friendly conversations. Directly at the meeting point there are toilets that you can use before the start! We got a waterproof bag for rent for the ride for free. After a short signing of a safety declaration and a short safety briefing, we were able to board the kayaks directly. You could choose from very nice, high-quality kayaks with one or two comfortable seats, suitable for any body size. It started with a short drive through the canal of the marina, then straight out onto the open waters in the Bay of Tavernier. It was then driven along under a bridge, always along the mangroves in the low water, so you could always see what plants and animals were in the water. After a short drive in the bay we turned into a narrower tunnel into the mangrove forests with crystal clear water, from there you could see a lot more animals and plants, the water was crystal clear and it was absolutely silent. The tunnel became narrower and narrower, so instead of using the paddles you had to use your hands to pull yourself along, absolute fun factor! Throughout the tour Jade took some time to explain and show everything in peace. He talks to each participant of the group and takes time for all questions. He has a lot of knowledge about the animal and nature. He has always paid attention to whether someone in the group falls behind, has difficulty with the kayak or is exhausted. The tour lasted a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes, the time here depends of course on how fast the whole group goes with the kayaks, but you will not be pushed here in any case but everyone can complete the tour at his pace! The distance that had to be paddled was about 5 km. We could see iguanas, different bird species, lots of fish, lots of crabs, jellyfish and even a dolphin on the tour! As a conclusion, we can absolutely recommend the tour to everyone!!! The fun and experience factor is 100% and you feel safe and comfortable all the time!
We recommend 💯
Ruth K,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a wonderful experience and we learned a lot from Jade! We would highly recommend taking this kayak trip with him. It was so much more having a guide than going on our own!
Excellent Guided Tour with Jade
Maria P,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jade was amazing! The directions and meeting point were clear and easy to follow. He was very knowledgeable about the wildlife and marine life we encountered during our kayaking adventure. Such a down to earth guy! I’d recommend this experience to everyone!
The Perfect Kayak Tour
Nicole R,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the best time kayaking with Jade. He has this down to a fine art. So relaxing and enjoyable with the occasional current to row against but nothing we 58 year olds couldn’t handle. lol His sister, Lily, was along as a trainee and she is going to make an awesome guide as well. She is so fun and adventurous! Thank you, Jade and Lily, for an amazing few hours!🌴❤️🌴
Great value great trip
travisk660,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good time with Jade and Lilly. We saw other groups that didn’t go as far in as we did to see larger lagoons. Good conversation and value. Would be great for kids or any age
Beautiful Scenery and Amazing Guide!
511bestb,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best time kayaking with Jade! He was very friendly, knowledgeable, and made everyone feel comfortable. Even those of us who were new to kayaking. The scenery was beautiful! Jade shared great stories about the area and wildlife along the way. He has such a great energy which really made the tour special. It was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Highly recommend booking with Jade. You won’t regret it!
Awesome mangrove kayaking experience
normamG4251TO,,Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our group of 6 did a kayaking mangrove adventure and absolutely loved it. Jade was extremely personable and friendly. The 3 hrs went by quickly Jade made sure to give us safety tips throughout the trip. He was very knowledgeable of the area, fauna and flora. He was attentive to our younger ones and helped them navigate through the more challenging areas. This was my favorite experience as a family during our Florida Keys vacation. Would highly recommend and would definitely go back again.
Family excursion
269pjn,,Jul 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing excursion, the guide was very nice and had lots tell about animals and nature, an exclusive trip out into the mangroves silence. Can warmly recommend!!
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Operated by Tavernier Creek Kayak Tours