ShoreTrips says...

Enjoy the many facets of Key West's abundant beauty while maintaining a low carbon footprint. With a solar-powered electric catamaran as your transportation, you can feel good about your low-impact exploration of Key West's waters.

You know you're in for a great day when your tour begins with a boat ride along Key West's scenic coastline. Your solar-powered catamaran provides plenty of room to spread out on comfortable seating, in either in sun or shade, as your captain steers the boat toward the incomparable Key West National Wildlife Refuge, the site of your kayak adventure. Upon arrival at this remarkable place, one of the experienced crew members will provide the basics of kayaking for any novices in the group.

You'll find paddling a breeze in these stable, tandem kayaks. With calm, crystal clear water and a little time, nature's wonders begin to reveal themselves. The protection provided by the mangroves is the perfect home and breeding grounds for many types of fish, reptiles, and invertebrates. You might find pelicans, cormorants, herons or one of the other 250 bird species that live here, searching for a meal. Your biologist guide will provide a wealth of information about the area and its inhabitants.

After kayaking, you'll re-board the boat and move to an ideal snorkel location for a closer look at what's happening right beneath the boat. Your captain will choose a location based on the day's wind and weather conditions to ensure a great experience. With top quality snorkel equipment, an easy access swim platform and your first mate accompanying you in the water to explain this unique ecosystem, get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Whether you're exploring a reef or a sponge garden, you're likely to mingle with (or at least see) eels, turtles, crabs, lobsters, stingrays, snappers, angelfish, sponges, and coral. As an added bonus, the first mate will capture some great pics of you at your snorkeling best and will email them to you to share with family and friends.

From active pursuits, you'll move to more the more relaxing, yet still exciting, search for the pod of dolphins who call these waters home. Observe them as they hunt, play court, communicate, and teach their young.

Back on board, enjoy a delicious organic lunch which typically includes (menu may vary) fresh fruits, vegetables, hummus, salads, chips and your choice of an egg salad or vegan wrap as you make your way back to the dock.

The focus of this company is on education and conservation. The groups are kept small to ensure a quality experience and to minimize the impact on the environment.