About This Experience
The Appledore Star leaves from the Historic Seaport with its sails raised and heads for Key West’s backcountry. The listing gives a morning departure at 10:30 and a total trip time of 5 hours.
The day centers on the uninhabited mangrove islands of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. When the schooner anchors, you split time between a guided kayak tour and a guided snorkel. The listing describes the shallow water as warm, calm and sheltered by mangroves. The captain points out dolphins if he sees any, and the refuge is listed as home to dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays, none of which are promised. Afterward there is a fresh-water rinse, and complimentary cold drinks including beer, wine, homemade sangria, soda and filtered water.
It suits travelers who like sailing and a quiet mangrove setting more than a coral-reef snorkel. The listing asks for at least a moderate level of fitness, because you re-board by climbing a ladder from a platform just below the waterline. It is not recommended for pregnant travelers. Prices start from $119 per person (checked November 2026).
Honest caveats: time at each location depends on weather, refuge conditions and the captain’s discretion. No reef is named, and the snorkeling is in shallow backcountry water. The listing carries Viator’s standard free-cancellation flag; check the cutoff time on the booking page before you pay.
Highlights
- Sail on the Appledore Star schooner from the Historic Seaport
- Single morning departure at 10:30
- Guided kayak tour and guided snorkel at the mangrove islands
- Key West National Wildlife Refuge, uninhabited mangrove islands
- Fresh-water rinse on deck afterward
- About 5 hours total, set by weather and the captain
What's Included
- ✓ Premium snorkeling equipment
- ✓ Professional guide
- ✓ Lunch and snacks
- ✓ Beer, wine and homemade sangria
- ✓ Carbonated beverages and filtered water
- ✓ Fresh-water rinse after the tours
Not Included
- Gratuity
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (guests meet at the start point)
- Anything beyond the lunch, snacks and drinks listed
What to Bring
- Swimsuit and a towel
- Sun protection and a hat
Good to Know & Caveats
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
- Re-boarding after snorkeling and kayaking means climbing a ladder from a platform just below the waterline.
- Infants must sit on an adult's lap.
- Total trip time is 5 hours; time at each location depends on weather, refuge conditions and the captain.
- Free cancellation applies under the standard policy shown at booking.
Not Suitable For
- Pregnant travelers (not recommended)
- Anyone who cannot climb a ladder to re-board the schooner
Meeting Point
Check-in is at the far end of William Street at the Historic Seaport, just to the right of the Western Union sign. From Elizabeth Street keep the water on your left and follow Lazy Way Lane past the shops, with The Marker Resort on your right and Schooner Wharf Bar on your left; the booth is on your left. This is the Old Town waterfront, a short walk from Duval Street.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.9/5 by 114 verified Viator travelers.
We had the absolute best day sailing with Captain Joe and Vitale! We kayaked, snorkeled, and sailed (with the sails up)! The sailboat (a true double masted schooner) was in tip-top shape and even had a head onboard. She is a beauty! The kayaks and snorkel equipment were pristine. After snorkeling, we we
— Ina R, Jul 2026
We went out with luana and vitaly it was overall a great way to spend the day out on the water, not far from the coast, water was a little murky this day lunch included and drinks too which was nice, kayaking fun too, didn’t see coral reef an
— Abby K, Jul 2026
First mate and guide Vitaly was excellent guiding our kayaks to and through a "hurricane hole" (passageway) in the mangroves. We really enjoyed seeing numerous nurses sharks on our path. Lunch was remarkably good too. We would happily rebook with them next time.
— Jeffrey A, Mar 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Key West Schooners trip leave from?
From the Historic Seaport at the far end of William Street, just right of the Western Union sign. Check in at the booth along Lazy Way Lane.
What do you do on the trip?
You sail to the mangrove islands of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, then split the time between a guided kayak tour and a guided snorkel. Lunch and drinks are on board.
Is there a ladder to climb?
Yes. To re-board after snorkeling and kayaking you climb onto a platform just below the waterline and then a ladder up to the schooner. The listing asks for at least a moderate level of fitness.
Will we see dolphins or turtles?
The listing says the captain knows where dolphins are frequently seen and will tell you if he spots any, and that turtles and rays live in the refuge. Sightings are never guaranteed.
How long is it?
About 5 hours in total. The listing says time at each stop depends on weather, refuge conditions and the captain’s discretion.
