The entire destination of The Florida Keys offers a very diverse environment for eco-tourism. Experience the unique and spectacular ecology of the Florida Keys. You will view the extraordinary Bird species that inhabit the tropical islands and fish the local waters. Get up close while kayaking through the crystal clear waters that allow up to 60ft of visibility most days. You can see the ocean floor and all of the inhabitants around the only living coral reef in North America. Spend a few hours or the entire day and you will be amazed by the natural beauty of the Florida Keys. Your adventure is about to begin!
For Eco-Tour Adventures, please select an island location:
Key Largo
Islamorada
Marathon
Key West
Key Largo
The waters around Key Largo are an ecologically fascinating place where freshwater from the Everglades mixes with the saltwater of Florida Bay. Everglades National Park abuts the near-shore waters of Key Largo to the west providing a home for an array of wildlife including bottle-nosed dolphin, crocodiles, sea turtles, alligators, and manatees.
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DIVE IN Watersports Tours
Our guided waverunner tours are the "Best on the Island". Our TWO HOUR tours include a thorough orientation, open ocean riding, viewing the awesome reefs, free riding time, zipping through the mangrove trails of John Pennekamp State Park, Dolphin watching and so much more. We will take you where you want to go, to see what you want at a pace that is right for you. We typically see tropical fish, amazing corals, Rays, Turtles and Dolphins.
Location: Mariner's Resort Villas & Marina
Times Offered:Offered: 8am - 3pm
Cost: $170
Duration: 2 Hour Guided Tours
Activity Level: High
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Islamorada
Near Islamorada at Long Key State Recreation Area await nature trails for wildlife discovery, while Windley Key Quarry Fossil Reef State Geologic Site houses acres of fossilized coral and an environmental center.
Marathon
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Pigeon Key Historic Site
History comes alive on this 5-acre island. Tour the place that Henry Flagler called home during the building of his historical railroad. Located midway along the famous Seven Mile Bridge, Pigeon Key originally served as the base camp to more than 400 workers during the bridge's construction during the early 1900s. Climb aboard Pigeon Key's resident trolley "Henry" and venture out to the original 2.2 mile segment of the old Seven Mile Bridge and onto the island where the day can be spent snorkeling the coastline, exploring historic buildings or browsing through the museum.
Location: mile marker 48, 2 miles west of Marathon
Cost: Adults - $11.00, Children 5-13 - $8.50, Monroe County Residents - $8.50, Children 4 & under - Free
Times Offered: Daily tours: 10 AM, 11:30 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM. (The last train departs the island at 4:00PM).
Duration: 1 hour
Activity Level: Easy
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Turtle Hospital
The only state-certified veterinary hospital in the world for turtles, visitors can view the healing hands that rehabilitate. Price of admission includes a 45-minute educational guide of the hospital with a presentation and a 45-minute guide through the sea turtle rehabilitation area. The Turtle Hospital is a non-profit, charitable corporation in the Middle Keys that rehabilitates injured sea turtles and returns them to the wild, educates the public through outreach programs to local schools, conducts and assists with research that aids the sea turtles and works toward environmental legislation which makes the beaches and water safe and clean for sea turtles.
Location: Marathon, mile marker 48.5 bayside
Admission Cost: Adults - $15.00; Children 4-12 - $7.50; Children under 3 - Free
Times Offered: Daily 10 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Restrictions: Limited handicap availability
Activity Level: Easy
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Cancellation Policy:
Please note this is a working hospital therefore the guided educational experience is subject to cancellation due to turtle emergencies and/or weather. |
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Crane Pointe Hammock & Natural History Museum
History and nature come together at Crane Pointe - here nature trails that are home to butterflies, tree snails, sea turtles, Key deer and tropical fish meet Spanish explorers historical Keys' homes. The Keys' colorful inhabitants are also just a touch away at the Wild Bird Center and the newly installed Creature Feature and Marine Touch Tanks, home to various species of Keys fish and invertebrates.
Location: mile marker 50.5, bayside
Admission Cost: Adults - $8.00, Children 6-18 $5.00, Under 6 - Free
Times Offered: Mon - Sat. 9 AM - 5 PM; Sun. 12 - 5 PM
Activity Level: Easy
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Marathon Kayak
See Marathon from water level with the adventures of kayaking excursions. From oceanic expeditions to backcountry outings, discover the aquatic wildlife that call the Florida Keys home. Whether a beginner or seasoned paddler, Marathon Kayak offers guided and independent adventures for everyone. All rentals include kayak, lifejacket, paddles, basic instruction and a map of the surrounding waters. Free beach delivery and quick and easy car top carriers available.
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Kayak Rentals
Enjoy the Marathon waters on your own, using the provided map and printed guide, paddle to Sombrero Beach, explore the mangroves surrounding Whiskey Creek, snorkel at Sister Rock or wander the flats. All rentals include kayak, lifejacket, paddles, basic instruction and a map of the surrounding waters.
Location: mile marker 50.5, oceanside
Cost: Half-day - single $35.00, double - $50.00; Full-day - single $50.00, double - $65.00
Times Offered: Reservations required
Duration: Half day - up to 4 hours; Full day - up to 8 hour
Activity Level: High
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Guided Tour
Kayaking is an exciting way to experience the beauty and wonder of the Florida Keys. Our new, top quality kayaks are stable, easy to use, and fun! Whether a beginner or seasoned paddler, everyone can enjoy a Marathon Kayak adventure.
Location: MM 50.5, Oceanside
Cost: Half-day - $45.00; Full-day $85.00
Times Offered: Reservations required
Duration: Half day - 3 hours; Full day - 6+ hours
Activity Level: High. Beginners welcomed.
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Red Mangrove Guided Eco Tour
Our most popular tour explores the many tidal channels and lagoons of Boot Key. Visit lagoons accessible only to paddlers. Learn from our experienced guides about the exotic mangrove forest and the vast diversity of the life above and below the water.
Location: MM 50.5, Oceanside
Cost: Half-day - $45.00; Full-day $85.00
Times Offered: Reservations required
Duration: Half day - 3 hours; Full day - 6+ hours
Activity Level: High. Beginners welcomed.
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Sunset Guided Tour
Sunset Tour-Guided- No experience necessary. Paddle Offshore and savor the romance and beauty of a famous Keys sunset. Swim, relax, then paddle back under moonlight.
Location: MM 50.5, Oceanside
Cost: Half-day - $45.00; Full-day $85.00
Times Offered: Reservations required
Duration: Half day - 3 hours; Full day - 6+ hours
Activity Level: High. Beginners welcomed.
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Full-Day Guided Tours - Beginners/Intermediate
Get out and explore! Paddle open ocean and island hop while keeping an eye out for manatee, dolphin and turtles. Swim and snorkel the crystalline waters, sun-bathe on white sandy beaches, or wander the "flats", discovering the near shore eco-system. Routes vary by paddling conditions. A true Keys adventure! Deli-style lunch included.
Location: MM 50.5, Oceanside
Cost: Half-day - $45.00; Full-day $85.00
Times Offered: Reservations required
Duration: Half day - 3 hours; Full day - 6+ hours
Activity Level: High. Beginners welcomed.
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Marathon Aqua Ranch and Symbiologies
An educational aquaculture facility that blends ecosystem and environmental awareness with family fun and entertainment. Aqua ranch photography courtesy of Leon Williams.
Some of the services offered:
- Feed the Snapper; $2
- Feed the Cobia; $5
Fish Encounter-feed from the floating dock
- Kids Fishing Workshop-allows children to learn the correct ways of fishing and including catch and release. Duration 1 hour; $15
- Snorkeling Feeding Frenzy-snorkel with cobia and snapper while they are being fed from the land; $45
- Fun Boat and Chaise Lounger Rentals-starting at $25 per half hour.
- Adoption Program & Photography available
Location: MM 59, Oceanside
Contact: 305.743.6135
Activity Level: High. Beginners welcomed.
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Key West
While most of the waters around Marathon are open to fishing, some areas have been set aside purely for eco-tourism and fish viewing by divers and snorkelers. Sombrero Reef, one of the most beautiful sections of North America's only living coral barrier reef, lies several miles offshore and is protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Marathon is also home to the Dolphin Research Center and the Turtle Hospital, operated in an effort to preserve two of Florida's most famous marine creatures.
In the Lower Keys, the National Key Deer Refuge – a large expanse of mostly undeveloped pinelands – protects the diminutive and sometimes elusive Key Deer.
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Guided Kayak Tour - Lazy Dog Charters
Relax and explore the shallow, calm, blue-green waters, exploring mangroves and
the wildlife of the Key's inhabitants. See tropical fish, crabs, sea stars,
jellyfish, sea cucumbers, sponges and various aquatic birds while being guided
in a kayak at a leisurely pace.
Location: Hurricane Hole Marina
Cost: $35 per person
Times Offered: Reservations required
Duration: 2 hours
Activity Level: High
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Kayak Tour - Lazy Dog Charters
Enjoy the waters of Key West on your own. Rentals include a map of the local
waters and places to explore. Private charters, customized trips welcomed.
Pickups available.
Location: Hurricane Hole Marina
Cost: $20 - half day; $30 - full day
Times Offered: Reservations required
Activity Level: High
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Glass Bottom Boat Reef Tour - Fury Water Sports
Explore dramatic underwater vistas generally reserved for scuba divers from a
glass bottom boat. A wide variety of fish and other sea creatures await you as
you gaze into the underwater world of Key West. Fury Catamaran Glass Bottom Boat
offers a seated sun deck and air-conditioned, enclosed viewing area as well as
restrooms and a snack bar.
Location: Zero Duval Street
Cost: $35 per person
Times Offered: 12PM & 2PM
Duration: 2 hours
Activity Level: Easy
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