Mangroves and Manatees - Guided Kayak Eco Tour
Recommended by 96% of travellers
Badge of Excellence
Key Largo, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Paddle through the mangrove ecosystem of Tavernier Creek in the Florida Keys on a single or double kayak on this guided tour. Ideal for first-time paddlers, glide in shallow, clear water over sponges, grass beds, and sandy patches. Marine life like turtles, stingrays, dolphins, and manatees can sometimes be spotted nearby.
- Kayak in the mangroves of Tavernier Creek
- Local guide provides instruction and leads the way
- Family friendly activity for all skill levels
- Enjoy a more personal experience with a small group
What's Included
- Local guide
- Kayak - Single or double your choice
- safety gear
- land based instruction
- on water coaching
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 90773 Old Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070, USA
You 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 point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- 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
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveller Photos
Featured review
Tyler_S
Jack did a fantastic job. Very friendly and knowledgeable. We had a great time. I’d recommend taking this excursion.
Reviews
4.8
based on 1,334 reviews
Melanie_L, May 2026
This was a lot of fun but also very peaceful going through the mangrove. We did not see a manatee but I would absolutely do this again
James_S, May 2026
This was a fun and relaxing adventure. Saw some birds and fish but, unfortunately not a manatee. Our guide was great and she was very knowledgeable. Great for all levels of experience.
Response from Host, May 2026
Sounds like a solid day on the water!
Even without a manatee, birds and fish are always a nice bonus, and we're glad your guide made it a great experience!
That easygoing vibe is exactly what we're going for out there!
Hope to see you back again some day!
Ovidiu_F, May 2026
You might not see any animals, we didn't. We didn't see any manatees, dolphins, sharks, alligators, crocodiles.
We saw some fish and 2 birds (one cormoran and an egret), but we could have seen those frome the shore as well.
Response from Host, May 2026
I do want to clear up a few points here...
There are no alligators in this area, and while crocodiles exist in the Florida Keys, sightings are extremely rare and not something we advertise or expect to see.
Wildlife like manatees, dolphins, or sharks is never guaranteed, these are wild animals, not an attraction. Wind, tides, and water clarity all play a role in what you may or may not see.
That said, you did mention seeing fish and birds, so it wasn’t “nothing” as stated. Our tours are centered around exploring the mangroves and the experience itself, with wildlife sightings being a bonus.
We do our best to set clear expectations, but at the end of the day, you just can’t please everyone, and we’re okay with that!
Christine_G, May 2026
It was such a great experience with a great guide Ryan! Truly a must do in the keys! Great way to see the islands!
Response from Host, May 2026
Love to hear it!
Ryan will appreciate that!
Glad you got to enjoy the islands the right way Hope to see you out there again soon!
Lauren_M, Apr 2026
Our guide was very informative!! We learned so much about the mangroves!! Highly recommend this excursion!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for visiting and leaving a review! We're so glad you learned so much about the mangroves. They're some of the coolest ecosystems in Florida, but we may be biased! We hope to see you again soon for another adventure.
Barbara_B, Apr 2026
You should have some experience kayaking. Mangroves were interesting to see. The kayak guide was a fun guy. We didn’t see any Manatees but that cannot be guaranteed. We were able to navigate the waterway as a group All in all it was a great trip.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks for coming out with us!
Glad you enjoyed the mangroves and had a fun guide. While it can help to have some experience, we cater to beginners as well and make sure everyone is comfortable out there.
It’s also been a bit windy lately, which can make the water more turbulent and reduce visibility for wildlife. We appreciate you understanding that sightings aren’t guaranteed.
Happy to hear it was a great trip overalland hope to see you back out again!
Dana_M, Apr 2026
Finding the place is a little tricky, but once you do, it’s welcoming! Our tour guide Matt was knowledgeable and engaged with our crowd of 40-50 something’s. We were unable to see any manatees ( can’t control nature) but the experience was relaxing and worth it!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks for the review!
We’re glad you found us and had a great time out on the water with Matt. He does an awesome job keeping things fun and informative!
And you said it perfectly, manatees are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed. Some days they’re everywhere, other days they’re a little more elusive. We always try to be as upfront as possible about that, and we appreciate you understanding.
Happy to hear the trip was still relaxing and worth it! We hope to have you back out again soon!
Ashley_B, Apr 2026
We had a great time on our Mangroves and Manatees kayak tour! Jack was an awesome guide and made the experience enjoyable and easy for all. We didn't see any manatee but we loved kayaking through the mangroves! It was beautiful and Jack taught us a lot.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks so much for the review!
We’re glad you had such a fun time out on the water and that Jack made the experience easy and enjoyable. He does a great job keeping things both informative and relaxed.
While the manatees didn’t show up this time, we appreciate you understanding they’re wild animals and not always on schedule. The mangrove tunnels are always a highlight, and we’re happy you got to enjoy how beautiful that part of the Keys is.
Hope to have you back out again soon! Maybe next time the manatees will make an appearance!
Erin_P, Apr 2026
This was such a fun way to get out on the water. Our family of 5 enjoyed the paddle through the mangrove tunnels and learning about the ecology of the Keys. Our teens did great in their single kayaks. Our 10 year old rode in a tandem kayak as it would have been too much for him to do solo. Jack was knowledgeable and made sure everyone was safe & having fun. No manatees but saw a nurse shark along with some cool birds/fish.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks so much for the awesome review!
We’re glad your whole family had a great time out on the water! Sounds like the perfect setup with the singles and tandem. The mangrove tunnels are always a hit, and it’s great to hear Jack kept everyone safe while still making it fun and informative.
And while the manatees didn’t make an appearance this time, a nurse shark sighting is a pretty cool trade-off! We appreciate you understanding that wildlife is never guaranteed, and we’re glad you still got to experience some of what makes the area special.
Hope to have you all back out again soon!
Tyler_S, Apr 2026
Jack did a fantastic job. Very friendly and knowledgeable. We had a great time. I’d recommend taking this excursion.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for leaving the stellar review and recommending us to others. Jack is a wonderful guide and always gives his 110%. We hope to see you again soon!
Grace_W, Apr 2026
Be prepared to get a little wet and to paddle through the mangroves. Once into the mangroves, jump off a small swimming hole. We were fortunate to see a manatee in the canals. Otherwise, our guide was friendly and knowledgeable.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! The swimming hole is one of our favorite stops on the tour, fun for everyone and great to cool off in. Glad to hear you enjoyed the time with your guide, visit us again soon!
Jay_K, Apr 2026
Matt was an excellent guide and the trip through the mangroves was wonderful. Wildlife and sunshine galore.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! We're so glad you enjoyed your tour with Matt and paddling through the mangroves. Visit us again soon for some more sunshine!
Karen_C, Apr 2026
Great time!! Our tour guide Matt was amazing! Even though we did not see Manatee it was an amazing time would do it again!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for leaving a wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed your time with Matt, he's a stellar guide. Visit us again soon!
Edward_M, Apr 2026
Staff is personable. Equipment is in good shape. The paddle trail was great. Only issue is we needed warmer water for Manatees. Saw plenty of fish.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks for the kind words about our staff, equipment, and the trail. We’re glad you enjoyed those parts of the experience.
We do want to clarify that manatees live here year round, and our water stays plenty warm for them even in the winter.
Their movements are completely up to them, so while we always do our best to find them, sightings are never something anyone can guarantee.
It sounds like you still had a great paddle and saw plenty of other wildlife, which is really what the experience is all about. We appreciate you coming out with us and hope to see you again for another 5 star experience.
Lori_V, Apr 2026
Jack was amazing! He shared a lot of knowledge regarding the species of the area, the history, and fun facts! He also did a great job instructing the group to ensure an easy and safe as possible trip! Would book again!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for visiting and for leaving a wonderful review! Our guides love to share their knowledge and love of the area with others. They also always make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe. Glad you enjoyed your time with Jack, come visit again soon!
Abigail_D, Apr 2026
tour guide matt was lovely but only saw bird in the mangroves, more a trip for the mangroves and kayak lovers as manatees not guaranteed
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks for the review.
We’re glad you enjoyed Matt he’s a great guide and always works hard to make sure everyone has a fun, safe experience out there. It sounds like you got to enjoy the mangroves and some bird life, which is a big part of what makes this tour special.
As for manatees, you’re absolutely right, they’re never guaranteed. We’re in the wild, not an aquarium, so sightings can vary day to day. Some tours see multiple, some don’t, but every trip still includes the mangrove tunnels, scenic paddling, and the overall experience on the water.
We always aim to set that expectation clearly so guests can enjoy the full experience, not just one specific animal sighting.
Hope you’ll join us again. Next time the manatees might just show up!
Brooke_C, Mar 2026
We had a great time with Matt as our guide. It was a beautiful day, and although we didn’t see any manatee from the kayaks we enjoyed the tour.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for the great review! Our guides always make the tour as fun as possible, while keeping safety in mind. Visit us again soon!
Heather_S, Mar 2026
Couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Matt our guide was amazing and such a beautiful place to paddle. We had a great time.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much! We really appreciate the kind words.
Matt does an awesome job out there, and we’re glad he helped make it such a great experience for you. It really is a beautiful place to paddle, so we’re happy you got to enjoy it.
Hope to see you back out on the water with us again soon!
ChristopherJ_B, Mar 2026
My wife and I recently took the "Mangroves and Manatees" tour offered by PADDLE! Florida Keys and had a great time. Our group was kept to a manageable size and our guide, Brittany, kept us all engaged and moving. There was a brisk wind that morning but under her guidance we were able to avoid the worst of it. During our 2 hour kayaking session we saw plenty of local wildlife - pelicans, egrets, nurse sharks - even a manatee towards the end of our tour. It was a relaxing day on the water with some good exercise to go along with it.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for the great review! We’re really glad you and your wife had such a fun time out on the water.
Brittany does an awesome job reading the conditions and keeping the group comfortable, even on those breezier days, so we’re glad that made a difference for you. Sounds like you got a great mix of wildlife too which is always a bonus, especially getting that manatee at the end!
We appreciate you pointing out the smaller group size as well! That’s something we take pride in to keep the experience more personal and enjoyable.
Thanks again for coming out with us, and we hope to see you both back again soon!
Jorge_C, Mar 2026
Jack was excellent! He pointed out an injured 🐬and guided us through a cool mangrove tunnel. Moderate activity. Bring sunscreen and a dry bag.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Wow! Sounds like y'all had an amazing trip! Spotting an injured dolphins is something very rare to see indeed! Were gald you got to experience the beauty of the mangroves! Great tip on the sunscreen and dry bag. Those definitely come in handy! We hope to see you back again someday!
Jesse_J, Mar 2026
What a fun excursion to do for a few hours. Beautiful scenery & so relaxing.. a must do! The staff were all wonderful-very helpful and full of knowledge of the area on during your trip.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks so much for the awesome review! We're so happy to hear you had a fun experience and got to experience the beauty of the area. Its most definitely a very relaxing scenic area to paddle though. Thanks for also mentioning how friendly and helpful the staff were. We always try to provide the best experience possible! We hope to see you back in the future for another adventure!
Stacy_M, Mar 2026
Easy to book, easy to check in, and get equipment for SUP and kayaks! Matt did a great job leading us and sharing info about the keys, animals, and plants. We saw a manatee at the check in, a stingray while paddling, birds, crabs, some big fish! Would recommend!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks so much for your review! Were so glad it was great experience from the point of booking though the point t untold you got on the water! We always strive for that! Its great to hear you had an amazing time with Matt and we're able to see lots of fun and interesting wildlife! We hope to see you back again for another fun adventure!
Dawn_I, Mar 2026
Our paddle trip was good! We got to see a mama manatee and her baby and a tarpon before we even embarked! There are single and 2-person kayaks, even a 2-person style for those who need a bit more stability. The mangroves were cool to check out, and our guide was chill and informative. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! We've got kayaks to accommodate everyone in your party. That's so exciting you got to see manatees before even jumping on a kayak. We hope to see you again soon!
Dia_B, Mar 2026
Ryan was a fun, informative guide! Great even on a windy day. Fun for all ages and abilities. Mangroves beautiful.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for the great review! Ryan is a stellar guide, and we're glad you enjoyed your time with him. We agree kayaking fun is for all ages, visit us again soon!
Candice_R, Mar 2026
This was such a great experience. They have everything that you need available for purchase- dry bags, cell phone pouches, etc. The kayaks are great and the places we go are beautiful. We didn’t see any manatees but we saw some herons and an iguana. Just the kayaking and mangrove trees made it worth the trip.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! We agree, the mangroves alone make the trip so worth it. And try to make it as easy as possible with everything available in the shop to purchase so you have the best time ever. We hope to see you again soon!
Coleen_T, Mar 2026
Our guide was knowledgeable and nice. I did the morning paddle and everyone was at the same paddle pace which was extra enjoyable. We did not see manatees but the mangrove forest was still worth it.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! Our tours are paced for paddlers of all abilities to enjoy their time on the water. The mangroves tunnels are such a unique experience and we're glad you enjoyed them. Visit again soon for another paddling adventure!
Lindsey_M, Mar 2026
This tour was great- the 2 hours went so fast. Britney was our guide and got lots of pictures for us since we don’t bring our phones for fear of getting wet! She was knowledgeable and fun and made my daughter super comfortable. The kids can swim and climb on the mangrove roots. She even sat on the front of the kayak when we were in the mangroves for the best view! I would rebook this trip if I were back in the area, that is how much we enjoyed. Definitely worth it!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to leave a review! Britney is a fantastic guide and we're glad that you enjoyed your time with her. The mangroves are such a special place, can't wait to see you again soon!
TRACY_B, Mar 2026
Went with my daughter on March 5th, we struggled a lot going against the current but our guide was very patient and he helped us many times. He was definitely an AWESOME guide, we were his 215th tour! He took photos and sent us many great recommendations. We even saw a MANATEE! Fun and memorable experience.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! So glad you enjoyed your time on the water and got to see a manatee. Our guides love to share their slice of paradise with all their guests. We hope to see you again soon!
Anna_P, Mar 2026
We had a wonderful time, even though we didn’t see any wildlife. Our guide was relaxed, so we could follow along at our own pace while still feeling he was attentive. We felt safe but not overly watched. It was a good amount of time to enjoy without getting too tired.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for the kind review! We're glad you enjoyed your time with your guide, their top goal is always safety. Hope to see you again for another adventure!
Wendy_B, Mar 2026
Was a wonderful experience! As a person not confident with kayaking, Matt was a good guide. Learned some interesting things and, the best part was a manatee swimming under us.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! Our guided tours are great for those looking to grow their paddling confidence! Manatees are such a treat to see. We hope you visit again soon!
From US$69.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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