This archipelago of more than 1,700 islands presents an idyllic and varied playground for paddlers of all stripes.
A constellation of islands located at the junction of two mighty bodies of water (the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico), the Florida Keys present an idyllic and varied playground for paddlers of all stripes.
Related article: Top five day trips from Miami
Situated at the southernmost tip of the continental United States, this archipelago of more than 1,700 islands traces an elegant arc from just outside of Miami all the way to Key West, and the short distances between the individual keys make them ideal for day trips and back-country tours.
Which route to choose
The paddling terrain of the keys is remarkably varied – some routes take paddlers through dense overhanging mangrove tunnels reminiscent of a scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark. The appeal of other keys, meanwhile, lies in their sparse beauty: many are little more than a lone sandy outpost in gin-blue water.
For more experienced paddlers, Curry Hammock State Park to Molasses Key is popular. The 15-mile (23km) journey offers several places to rest, like lazy Sombrero Beach in Marathon and the labyrinth of mangrove tunnels of Boot Key.
Multi-day trips are also catered to through a network of waterfront hotels, campgrounds and shuttle services offered by kayak rental firms. The route from John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West takes in 111 miles (178kms) of meandering coastline populated by manatees over an easy 10-day paddle.
The favourite route of Bill Keogh, a guide with outfitter Big Pine Kayak Adventures (www.keyskayaktours.com) and author of the Florida Keys Paddling Guide, is a day trip from Seven Mile Bridge in a kayak fitted with a sail. “We visit historic bridges and remote sandy islands,” he says, “stop at Bahia Honda State Park for lunch…then a three-mile paddle to the take-out at the historic Old Wooden Bridge fishing camp”. While Keogh favours a sailing kayak for the ease and serenity of an easy downwind passage, kayaks rigged for fishing add an element of adventure. Hooking a local tarpon or barracuda can certainly add an unexpectedly powerful element of propulsion.
Which kayak to choose
Open kayaks (without an enclosed deck) are the best option for beginners as they are easily righted if overturned. They are fun, not fast and best suited to mangroves and sheltered waters, as the height makes them more susceptible to being blown off-course. More experienced kayakers, and those seeking longer routes, favour ocean-going kayaks with sleek, fast hulls and watertight bulkheads for food and camping gear.
When to go
The best time to go is winter (October to March) when the weather is warm and the bugs – which may be maddening but are vitally important for the ecosystem – are fewer in number. Summers can be stifling and bring the possibility of hurricanes. While the waterways may feel isolated, peak season can pack out campsites and waterfront hotels, so it pays to book a couple of months in advance (http://www.keyskayaktours.com/), especially if you are embarking on a multiday itinerary.
To be safe, paddlers are best advised to get off the water by early afternoon… unless of course they are keen to embark on a Trans-Atlantic crossing – which is one kayaking adventure we do not endorse.
Handy resources
www.kayakthekeys.com www.geigerkeymarina.com www.keyskayaking.com www.keyskayaktours.com www.floridakeyskayaktours.com
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article stated that the Florida Keys are situated at the southernmost tip of the United States. South Point, on the island of Hawaii, is located farther south. It also misplaced the Loxahatchee River, which is near Jupiter, Florida.
The article ‘Kayaking the Florida Keys: A how-to guide’ was published in partnership with Lonely Planet.
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