This intimate nature tour is limited to only 16 passengers, providing you with ample seating and room to spread out for your relaxing day on the tropical water. Departing from Key West’s Historic Seaport at 10:00 a.m., the Appledore Star’s sails are unfurled for an authentic sailing experience on the way to Key West’s National Wildlife Refuge. If you always wanted to sail a tall mast wooden ship, this is your chance to help raise the sails and take a turn at the wheel. We encourage passenger participation!
From there, you will glide through crystalline Gulf waters toward the first of several destinations on your eco excursion.
Keep your eyes at sea in search of dolphins and sea turtles at play while the crew serves up a continental breakfast.
From our very own Sebago kitchen will be a variety of different quiches, fresh seasonal fruits, and pastries to indulge in.
Upon reaching the mangrove islands, the schooner anchors up and our exploration begins.
Your day is divided between guided kayaking tours and guided snorkeling tours. For kayaking, your crew will help you into your stable sea kayak, providing instructions as well as a narrated tour as you paddle through calm waters laced with mangroves and rich in wildlife. For the snorkeling portion of your tour, our experienced crew members provide professional instructions on our equipment and its use, along with information on the patch reef nursery systems and sponge gardens found within the protected marine sanctuary.
Between destinations, a plentiful buffet lunch is served.
Deli meats and cheeses, sliced ciabatta, sandwich accouterments, fried chicken, and Key West’s famous pink peel and eat shrimp are just a few of the selections we serve daily.
After your tours, come back aboard and wash off with our fresh water rinse. Find a comfortable spot to relax on deck. Choose from plenty of complimentary cold drinks - frosty cold beer, wine, Sebago’s homemade sangria, chilled sodas and filtered water. This is the best of laid-back island living!
Points of Interest
- 205 Elizabeth St
- Professional guide
- Full buffet lunch and afternoon snacks
- All necessary equipment provided
- Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
- Gratuities
Embark on our traditionally designed schooner from the Historic Seaport of Key West for a day full of sailing and unearthing the untouched waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Witness intricate ecosystems and thriving aquatic life as you snorkel through the alone-standing patch reef of the backcountry and kayak across age-old, deserted islands made of mangroves. Savour our plentiful and varied buffet lunch, accompanied by snacks and drinks for the length of your journey. Adults can partake in unlimited beer and wine as we leisurely sail back to the port.
- 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.
- To re-board the schooner after snorkeling and kayaking, you are required to climb aboard a platform secured to the boat just below the waterline, from there you climb a ladder back aboard the schooner.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
