Florida Keys Mangrove Kayaking with PADDLE! the Florida Keys - Miami

Florida Keys Mangrove Kayaking with PADDLE! the Florida Keys

Miamieasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1 hour to full day options

Fitness Level

Suitable for beginners in average physical shape; paddling experience not required for guided tours or rentals.

Overview

PADDLE! the Florida Keys in Tavernier offers exciting mangrove kayaking tours and flexible gear rentals. Perfect for paddlers eager to spot manatees and experience Florida's wild coastal waterways firsthand.

Details

Located in Tavernier, Florida, PADDLE! the Florida Keys offers an immersive gateway into the coastal landscapes that few other places can match. This business specializes in guided eco-tours, including the standout Mangroves & Manatees Guided Eco-Tour, alongside a versatile menu of kayak, paddleboard, and bike rentals available for anything from a single day to multi-week adventures. Situated in the heart of the Upper Keys, this area is defined by its intricate mangrove channels, crystal-clear bays, and the occasional slow-moving manatee brushing beneath the surface.

What sets PADDLE! apart is its authentic connection to the local environment combined with accessible adventure. Their guided tours get you up close with the region’s unique wetlands, providing not just a paddle but an education on the fragile ecosystems here. Mangroves—vital coastal buffers—form labyrinthine waterways perfect for both novices and seasoned paddlers. Alongside these tours, gear rentals let visitors customize their experience on water or land, whether it’s a short 1-day paddleboard trip or a 3-week bike rental to see the Keys at your own pace.

Day trips and extended rentals alike invite travelers to engage with the Florida Keys’ signature species—manatees, juvenile fish, and coastal birds—while soaking in the sun-dappled beauty of this subtropical haven. PADDLE!’s expert staff ensures safety and education, making this a hub for outdoor enthusaists who want direct access to the Keys’ natural wonders, away from crowded tourist spots.

For anyone visiting Tavernier or staying nearby, this outfitter is a must-know resource for authentic, low-impact adventures on one of Florida’s most distinctive waterways.

Adventure Tips

Watch the tides

Tidal changes significantly affect paddling conditions in mangrove areas; plan trips around high tide for easier access.

Wear eco-friendly sunscreen

Protect your skin and the fragile aquatic environment by choosing reef-safe sunscreen products.

Secure belongings

Pack essentials in waterproof bags since splashes and sudden rains are common on the water.

Bring reusable water

Hydration is crucial; carry enough water on your kayak or paddleboard to stay refreshed throughout your journey.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Little Palm Island kayak loop—quiet, scenic mangrove channels
  • Hidden groves near Tavernier Creek with abundant bird life

Wildlife

  • Florida manatees
  • Great blue herons

History

Tavernier and surrounding Keys were historically fishing and boat-building communities, with mangroves playing an essential role in protecting shorelines.

Conservation

PADDLE! promotes responsible paddling practices and educating visitors to minimize impacts on fragile mangrove ecosystems and local wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Early morning
Golden hour
Late afternoon

Best Viewpoints

  • From the deck of a kayak in mangrove channels
  • Tavernier Creek shoreline
  • Open water edges where manatees surface

What to Photograph

Mangrove tunnel reflections
Manatees surfacing
Coastal birds in flight

Recommended Gear

Personal flotation device (PFD)

Essential

Provides safety on water for all paddlers.

Reef-safe sunscreen

Essential

Protects skin while avoiding harm to marine ecosystems.

summer specific

Waterproof dry bags

Essential

Keeps gear and electronics dry during paddling.

Lightweight breathable clothing

Essential

Comfortable for warm weather and quick drying after paddling.

spring|summer|fall specific