Navigating the Best Kayaking Routes in Key West’s Mangroves

Are you an avid kayaker who’s looking for the skinny on the best places to kayak in the Keys? We’ve got you covered! Read on for our top nine mangrove kayaking spots in Key West, including why they are excellent for kayaking, some of the wildlife you might see along the way, and the skill level required to enjoy them. We’ll also share some essential tips for navigating mangrove forests. Let’s go!

Key West Mangroves

Where are there mangroves in Key West? All over the northern and eastern sides of the island! You can see plenty of mangrove islands in the shallow waters between Big Pine Key and Key West as you head down the Overseas Highway from the mainland. 

You may also see some mangroves on the Atlantic Ocean side of Key West, but they are much more common on the Gulf side where conditions are better suited for their growth. Mangroves typically thrive in calmer, shallower, nutrient-rich waters where they can establish strong root systems. 

Best Kayaking in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are home to some of the most stunning mangrove kayaking locations in the world. These spots offer calm, clear waters, abundant wildlife and underwater marine life, and an immersive experience in one of the most important coastal ecosystems. In no particular order, here are our top nine mangrove kayaking spots in the Florida Keys:

1. Key West National Wildlife Refuge

The Key West National Wildlife Refuge – also known as the Backcountry – is a vast, remote wilderness that offers mangrove tunnels, seagrass beds, and sandbars. It’s one of the best places for a secluded and pristine kayaking experience. No coincidence, then, that this is where Danger Charters goes for our Sail, Snorkel, and Kayak excursions! Accessible only by kayak or boat.

Wildlife: Manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, small sharks, variety of wading birds.

Skill Level: Beginner to advanced (depending on the route taken)

2. Indian Key Historic State Park 

Accessible only by kayak or boat from Islamorada, Indian Key Historic State Park is home to the fascinating remnants of a 19th-century wrecking settlement. The mangroves surrounding the island provide a maze-like experience, providing an opportunity to step back in time while enjoying a scenic coastal paddle.

Wildlife: Sea turtles, manatees, nurse sharks, stingrays, tropical fish, ospreys

Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate

3. Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park 

Kayaking at Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park offers a serene and immersive experience in one of the most pristine natural areas of the Florida Keys. Surrounded by dense mangrove forests and shallow, crystal-clear waters, the island provides a peaceful escape for paddlers looking to explore its untouched beauty. You can also explore the tropical hardwood hammock on the island itself. Accessible only by kayak or boat from Islamorada.

Wildlife: Great white herons, stingrays, juvenile fish, small sharks

Skill Level: Intermediate (some open water paddling required)

4. Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge

Spanning a vast network of mangrove islands, shallow flats, and winding tidal creeks, the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge provides kayakers with a peaceful escape and a front-row seat to sightings of the rare great white heron. The calm, clear waters make for easy paddling, while the intricate mangrove trails create a sense of adventure and exploration. It’s a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers!

Wildlife: Great white herons, egrets, pelicans, stingrays, manatees, sea turtles, juvenile sea life

Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate

5. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Kayaking at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo offers a perfect mix of mangrove exploration and coastal beauty in Florida’s first undersea park. Leisurely paddlers can wind through shaded mangrove tunnels, while those looking for a more open-water experience can enjoy the park’s seagrass beds and nearshore coral formations. A great spot for snorkeling too!

Wildlife: Barracudas, juvenile fish, crabs, cormorants, wading birds, manatees

Skill Level: Beginner to advanced (depending on the route taken)

6. No Name Key

Known for its unspoiled natural beauty and minimal development, No Name Key is a must-see for wildlife lovers, especially if you want a chance to spot the endangered Key deer along the shoreline. The calm, crystal-clear waters make for an easy and relaxing paddle, while the winding mangrove tunnels add a sense of adventure.

Wildlife: Key deer, manatees, small sharks, stingrays, horseshoe crabs, wading birds, ospreys 

Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate

7. Cow Key Channel 

Kayaking at Cow Key Channel, located between Key West and Stock Island, offers a fun, winding mangrove maze teeming with marine life. The calm, shallow waters make it perfect for beginners, while the narrow mangrove tunnels provide an adventurous feel for more experienced paddlers. A great option for those short on time.

Wildlife: Manatees, upside-down jellyfish, small sharks, tropical fish, wading birds, iguanas 

Skill Level: Beginner

8. Geiger Key

Located just a short drive from Key West, Geiger Key is ideal for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience that balances open water and mangrove exploration. With winding mangrove tunnels, shallow flats, and calm, clear waters, it’s an ideal spot for both relaxation and wildlife spotting. 

Wildlife: Manatees, stingrays, small sharks, wading birds

Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate

9. Stock Island’s Salt Ponds

Stock Island is just north of Key West and has several kayak-friendly salt ponds surrounded by mangroves. It’s a secluded area that offers a peaceful experience – ideal for those who want to take their time exploring. The ponds are calm, but some sections of the mangroves can be narrow and require careful maneuvering. 

Wildlife: Spoonbills, egrets, herons, juvenile fish, crabs, and occasionally manatees

Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate

Navigation Tips for Kayaking the Mangrove Forests of Key West

Whether you choose to explore independently or go with a guide, keep these navigation tips in mind for a peaceful and rewarding experience kayaking in Key West.

• Know the Tides
  Tides significantly impact kayaking in the mangroves. High tide allows easier passage through tunnels, while low tide may expose sandbars and make navigation more difficult. Checking a tide chart before heading out is essential.

• Use a Map or GPS
  Many mangrove areas can feel like a maze, and it’s easy to get disoriented. Carrying a waterproof map, using a GPS device, or having a mobile phone in a dry bag can help with navigation. If you’re heading out solo, be sure to share your whereabouts and your plan with someone before you start paddling.

• Stay in Marked Channels
  Some mangrove routes have designated paths. Staying within these helps protect the ecosystem while ensuring an easier paddling experience.

• Be Aware of Wildlife
  Keep a respectful distance from wildlife – it’s important for both your safety and the animals’ well-being.

• Paddle Quietly for the Best Experience
  The mangroves are a prime area for birdwatching and spotting marine creatures. Moving slowly and quietly will increase your chances of observing wildlife in its natural habitat.

• Bring the Right Gear
  Wear sun protection – the Florida sun can be intense, even in shaded mangrove areas. A hat, sunglasses, a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, and reef-safe sunscreen are all recommended. Carry plenty of water, as the heat and humidity can cause dehydration. 

• Respect the Environment
  Mangroves are fragile ecosystems that play a crucial role in protecting shorelines and providing habitat for marine life. Avoid disturbing roots, do not litter, and always follow Leave No Trace principles.

Let the knowledgeable and passionate Danger Charters crew guide you through the Backcountry and share our area’s incredible flora, fauna, and wildlife. We’ll kit you out with everything you need for a great experience on the water, show you the ropes if you’re new to kayaking, and welcome you back to the boat with refreshments! 

We offer four-and-a-half hour morning and afternoon Sail, Snorkel & Kayak tours, and six-and-a-half hour premium tours that also include lunch. Join us – we can’t wait to welcome you aboard! Fair winds and following seas!