Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak
4.5
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Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak
By Schooner Appledore
Recommended by 92% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
Travel into the Gulf of Mexico aboard a two-mast wooden schooner with this eco-tour out into the waters. You'll get the chance to try out steering the vessel if you so choose, or you can sit back and relax as you head through crystalline waters. You'll eventually stop at mangrove islands for a day of sea kayaking and snorkeling, with a buffet lunch on board, before returning to Key West.
from per adult
$129.95
from per adult
$129.95
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 16 per group
Duration: 5h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Highlights
- Travel aboard a wooden schooner and get the chance to try your hand at the wheel
- A professional guide will escort you out to sea
- Buffet lunch is included
- Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks are served on board, free of charge
- Professional guide
- All equipment
- Full buffet lunch and afternoon snacks
- Unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks
What's not included- Gratuities
- Departure details
- 205 Elizabeth St, Key West, FL 33040, USA Located along the Harbor Walk at the end of Elizabeth Street, between Schooner Wharf Bar and the Conch Republic Seafood Company on the byway colloquially known as Lazy Way Lane.
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3800P12- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Vegetarian option is available. Must notify operator 72 hours prior ro departure.
- Please advise of any specific dietary requirements 72 hours prior to departure.
- In order to expedite the check-in process, please provide lead traveler's e-mail address in the 'special requirement' section during check-out.
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- A note from Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak
- We will operate with reduced capacity on all vessels to ensure proper social distancing with a streamlined check-in process. We will operate with single use items for food service and enhanced sanitation protocols and best practices before, between and after trips.
What you can expect during your visit- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Face masks provided for travelers
Community- Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
- How much is Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak?
- Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak price starts from $129.95. Discover and book Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak on Tripadvisor
- What is the Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak cancellation policy?
- Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak?
- Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak is hosted by Schooner Appledore. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Schooner Appledore on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak on Tripadvisor
- How much time do I need for Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak?
- On average, this experience will take approximately 5h. Discover and book Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour: Sail, Snorkel & Kayak on Tripadvisor
- 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: 3800P12
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
BalannMcK
00Appledore, the Darlin of the Conch Republic
Our first order of expeditions is to book the Appledore, after anticipating revisiting her from 10 years ago, after…
Jane S
00Sunset on a scanner
Such a wonderful experience sailing, a schooner built in the 1930s. The crew was very helpful and friendly and the …
blisshome
00Sunset Sail Superlative
If you're looking for small group sunset sail on a real ship, this is the one! Great drink, great food, great views…
T1050RXpeggyk
00Best Sunset Sail
Sailing on this boat is our favorite. The sail was great and the setting sun was magnificent! We got lucky and …
G8977PNryanm
00Great mid-day sail
Really enjoyed the mid-day sail on the Appledore II. The crew were great to talk with and I felt safe at all times…
Datanaman
00Beautiful sunset cruise
We had an excellent sunset cruise to celebrate our 30th anniversary. Brad, Katie and captain Mario were incredible …
carolfinger56
00Perfect evening
Extremely friendly and professional staff. Katie, Mario, and Jamie were outstanding. They were very knowledgeable a…
Waidesworld
00Top notch service and customer support
It's all about the staff here, and they were fantastic. Of course I don't remember their names, but it was Matthew…
harleys831
00Good sailing
The Appledore is an authentic wood schooner. The crew was very friendly and informative. We had a good sail and a…
Nomad396745
00A fabulous sail, incredible kayaking and fun snorkeling. The most fun day in Key West was on the Appledore II Schooner!
Captain Katie, mates Wade and Bradley were so much fun, sailing on this schooner can’t be beat. The frigate birds w…
V1567RWjohnh
00Grant
Sunset very relaxing and enjoying. Nice to see Key West from ocean. The crew was fun to talk to, and explain everyt…
JaneOT
00Sailing on a Schooner
Was originally scheduled for a day cruise but it was cancelled due to low number of clients. We were immediately co…
Elaine K
00Great experience
Crew was excellent. Enjoyed the historical experience. Captain told us what to expect with the conditions. We appr…
KaneCountyCritic
00Sea and sky oh my
Not everyone visiting Key West wants to be surrounded by noisy drunks. The sunset cruise offered a wonderful oppor…
mike f
00Do not hesitate. Don't miss it!
Our advice. Dont hesitate! Set sail with this schooner and its excellent captain and crew. They hosted our party o…
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
113 reviews
Excellent
99
Very good
5
Average
4
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Lynn B
1 contribution
Mar 2022 • Family
The most relaxing 5 hours of our time in the Keys! Captain Russ, along with his crew Davin and Brad were engaging, informative, and attentive to all on board. I tend to be nervous in and on water but I felt safe during all of the activities. It was apparent they love what they do and the boat itself is a work of art. Looking forward to booking this trip again on our next trip to the area.
Written March 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul N
2 contributions
Apr 2022
We did both a sunset cruise and the Eco-Tour on the Schooner Appledore. We chose the smaller Schooner because we didn't want a party boat and deal with a larger group and be crowded. The boat had just 22 guests. Both trips were exceptional and I'd chose them again. Marcus and Bradley did a great a job of keeping us supplied with refreshments, answering questions and helping us with the snorkeling and kayaking adventures. The sunset cruise was wonderful on a beautiful evening and we got some great pictures. On the Eco-Tour we were seated near the back and close to the captain (whose name I can't remember ;-( ). We had a wonderful conversation and learned lots about the boat, his experience the Keys and it really made the trip enjoyable. Marcus and Bradly did a great job and were very engaging and helpful. Marcus led the kayaking trip and shared his knowledge of the area and the Mangrove "islands" we visited. Plenty of food and drink. I always say you gotta get out on the water and we were glad we selected the Schooner Appledore!
Written April 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lori T
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Couples
We had a top notch time on the Appledore Schooner with the best crew (Russell, Mario & Bradley). They were extremely friendly, and engaging; always busy checking with the passengers to provide unlimited beer, soft drinks etc.. and overall making sure we had a good time. It was a fun time out on the water with a bit of snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and lunch. Great crew! Great time!
Written April 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christina Y
6 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
Absolutely perfect day!! We snorkeled and kayaked and sailed. Russ and Ray catered to everyone’s needs and we’re so informative and fun. It was seriously an all around perfect experience.
Couldn’t have imagined it better!!
While kayaking through the mangroves Ray pointed out the Cassiopeia upside down jellyfish (our absolutely favorite!!) all the fish, birds and mangrove crabs and taught us so much.
Captain Russ knew his business with the ship and we were able to enjoy the choppy seas (choppy for the keys I guess- I thought it was pretty calm) with an amazing sailing experience.
Will be booking with them again for sure AND requesting them by name! Russ and Ray you rock.
Couldn’t have imagined it better!!
While kayaking through the mangroves Ray pointed out the Cassiopeia upside down jellyfish (our absolutely favorite!!) all the fish, birds and mangrove crabs and taught us so much.
Captain Russ knew his business with the ship and we were able to enjoy the choppy seas (choppy for the keys I guess- I thought it was pretty calm) with an amazing sailing experience.
Will be booking with them again for sure AND requesting them by name! Russ and Ray you rock.
Written October 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RSGEE
Richwood, TX4 contributions
Jun 2022
The crew on the schooner was exceptional. Care was taken to make sure that all activities (snorkeling, kayaking) were safe for everyone. Lunch was provided and was good, along with the adult beverages. I highly recommend this adventure.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve A
4 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Captain Russ, Maddy and Isaac were amazing!! We had such a memorable time! Maddy took us through the amazing Mangroves for the first half of our trip. Isaac aided in the snorkeling and Captain Russ kept conversations moving while sailing! The food and cocktails were amazing. Very hospitable crew! Couldn’t have asked for better! We will do this trip again and have already made plans with friends to do it next year! Keep up the good work fellas!! U were the best and we look forward to seeing u all next year! All aboard!!!
Written April 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emma P
6 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
This trip is great! Isaac and Maddie were awesome staff and the captain was very friendly. They were very attentive, always asking if there was anything you need. The vibes were great, service was great, and people were great. The sea sponge snorkel spot was kind of lame, but we did see a sting ray and lots of lobsters. Other than that the experience was fantastic! They clearly know how to pick out great staff. We did a trip with Fury the day before and it was pretty awful so this definitely made up for it. Perfect Amount of people on the boat, great drinks and food! would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good time in the keys.
Written April 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ERIC E
1 contribution
Aug 2022
We had a fantastic time with Capt Russ, Mario and Bradley on the 5 hour eco tour. The time went by so quickly. Mario's kayak tour was excellent and informative. Bradley did a good job leading the snorkeling and pointing out different marine life. Both were super accommodating back on the boat and Capt Russ was fun to talk with. All three made this a trip we'll never forget.
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
carmen l
Blaine3 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
I'm an ocean water, snorkeling junky. So the kayaking and snorkeling excursion was a perfect way to get on the water in the Keys. The highlights were the warm weather, color of the water, and mangrove education during kayaking. Also, my 12 yr old son capsized in waves caused by high winds and Eric was great at remaining calm, keeping my son calm, and rescuing all.
What could have been better....snorkeling. We didn't because the water visibility was low. But, that definitely was what I was looking most forward to. Instead, we got 45 minutes of reef education from Captain Jeff. Good info...but not what I paid $$ for. It also seemed Jeff and Eric had not worked long together as they didn't seem to be partners.
Last, my mother-in-law chose to stay on the boat during the kayaking portion. It was just her and Jeff. However, Jeff didn't speak to her. He went below deck and when he did come back up, he sat facing away from her and spent time on his phone.
The day was enjoyable but not worth the money when we couldn't snorkel and the partnership of the staff seemed lacking.
Shout out to Eric...he made the conversation interesting and his customer service was great!
What could have been better....snorkeling. We didn't because the water visibility was low. But, that definitely was what I was looking most forward to. Instead, we got 45 minutes of reef education from Captain Jeff. Good info...but not what I paid $$ for. It also seemed Jeff and Eric had not worked long together as they didn't seem to be partners.
Last, my mother-in-law chose to stay on the boat during the kayaking portion. It was just her and Jeff. However, Jeff didn't speak to her. He went below deck and when he did come back up, he sat facing away from her and spent time on his phone.
The day was enjoyable but not worth the money when we couldn't snorkel and the partnership of the staff seemed lacking.
Shout out to Eric...he made the conversation interesting and his customer service was great!
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tina S
Florence, AL4 contributions
This was a lot of fun. All of the crew was friendly and entertaining. I really enjoyed kayaking in the mangroves. Some people in our group snorkels and said it was great, but it was a little too cold for us. The lunch was good for this kind of trip. It was chicken fingers, shrimp, macaroni salad. We left at 10:30 and got back at 3:30, so we felt it was a good value.
Written February 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
brighiroma
Rome, Italy30 contributions
how many persons can be on board ?
mgherrington
Amelia Island, FL25 contributions
16 max - our tour very comfortable with 12
This sound amazing. What if you've never went snorkeling, scuba or kayaking before, is this doable for the untrained?
DMD
6 contributions
Yes, I would say so. The snorkeling was in very clear, calm water and we wore life vests, staying close to the boat. The kayaks were very comfortable and stable. Although you did have a distance to paddle from the boat to get to the mangrove island. So you will want to be somewhat fit or at least have some arm strength. The boat had nice decking to get in and out of the kayaks.
I highly recommend:)
Erika
Orlando, FL
Hi, I am interested, but I am 6 months pregnant and it says it is not recommended for pregnant travelers. Can you please clarify that?
Hank H
Pulaski, VA107 contributions
(Hopefully someone with the company will chime in with an official answer, but until then ... )
Nothing on our day’s trip would pose any particular risk or difficulty to a pregnant woman. I suppose if the sailing were a lot rougher, then maybe. I suspect the warning is a legal (CYA) protection for the company. The real question is whether you could then go at your own risk upon signing a waiver.
Climbing up into the boat from snorkeling or kayaking are a bit strenuous. Of course, you wouldn’t be required to partake of those activities if you just wanted to sail and accompany others who do.
Colin M
St Martin / St Maarten
Can a four year old join the kayaking your somehow? Do u have double kayaks?
DMD
6 contributions
The kayaks were two seaters. And the paddle around the mangroves was very calm waters. But you have to kayak open water to and from the boat. I would ask the captain about letting the child go.
e b
Jacksonville, FL10 contributions
Can members of the same party book separately so they can use their own credit cards instead of putting it all on one?
