Kayaking & Paddleboarding

shared by Coby Orgeron

Kayaking & Paddleboarding One of the easiest & most economical way to explore the islands shoreline and mangroves is by kayaking or paddleboarding. Both of these craft are quick and easy to master and provide excellent manuvering around the structures that harbour the most dense population of sealife. You can elect to go it on your own or take an organized tour. Both single seat kayaks and tandem models for 2 are typically available. Most tours run between 2-3 hours and start at around $50. Do it yourself rentals are typically offered as either 1/2 or full day and start at about $25. If you decide to take a tour you might want to consider one of the night-time tours offering "glass bottom" kayaks with led lights a totally unique and different experience than a daytime trip.

Paddleboards are a little more tricky to master than Kayaks if you plan to stand but can be riden kneeling or sitting. These are also easier to mount and dismount from if you are planning on snorkeling. Paddleboards are priced similar to kayaks for both rentals and tours.

Since these tend to be cost comparative you might want to let your planned activity dictate your choice. Personally, I usually kayak if I am planning to photograph, fish, carry gear or explore and on windy days. If I plan to get in and out of the water say for snorkeling I usually paddleboard.

Boat Rentals

There are typically three basic styles of power boats for rent in Key West each design is optimized for a different main purpose. One is the center console, most appropriate for fishing, which has controls located in the center of the boat and a walk around deck offering unobstructed water access for casting and landing fish. Another is the deck boat which has a cockpit located to one side and most often some type of top to offer protection from sun and weather. The deck boat also usually offers upgraded seating and a small deck area for lounging. The third type is the pontoon boat this style usually uses two floatation cylinders spanned by a large flat deck.

Flats Boat

Functional design for fishing the shallows of the back country. Typically has a polling platform to ease polling the boat in waters too shallow to use the outboard and as a high vantage when sight fishing.

Center Console

Center Consoles are primarily designed for both inshore and offshore fishing with an unobstructed walk around deck many have a canopy over the console for shade. These are pimarily designed for fishing not pleasure cruising and may be difficult to board for snorkeling or swimming.

Deck Boat

Deck Boats are designed for pleasure boating with typically plush seating and a retractable canopy. Some have boarding ladders for easy water access.

Pontoon Boat

Pontoon boats provide a very stable platform and more deckspace for groups. Sometimes called the "RV of the Ocean" they are not as nimble or quick as most single hull designs. They almost always feature a boarding ladder making them a great stable platform for snorkeling or swimming.

Boat Charters

Practically every day rental specifically prohibit trips to the Marquesas Keys, the Dry Tortugas and the reef for environmental, regulartory and safety reasons leaving a charter, ferry or seaplane as your only option to these three popular destinations. Fishing in the keys while world renowned is significanty enhanced by some knowledge of the local waters, species and methods so ensuring the best chances for your trip either requires a lot of research or the experience of a qualified charter or guide.

There are 3 primary components to any successful fishing trip namely when, where and how. Many of the species found in the keys are transitory so the time of year will certainly dictate your choices and along with defined seasons there tends to be specific windows that are most productive. The unique topography of our waters also serves to both guide and concentrate species into specific areas or around existing structures like reefs, wrecks, holes and currents. The large variety of ecosystems coupled with the various feeding patterns of the large number of species makes a number of factors critical in how to fish. Live bait or artificial, surface or bottom, troll or anchor are some of them.

Balancing all the factors for the best chance of a successful trip can be difficult and confusing and quite frankly more planning intensive then most will do unless your visit is a dedicated fishing trip. The answer is simple though, outsource them all to an experienced charter captain or guide. Charters are most commonly offered as full or half day trips. Prices vary but half days usually fall around $450 and full days tend to range between $600-$800 for an exclusive charter. This cost can be mitigated by finding what is called a "split" where several fisherman share the cost of the trip. Captians often keep running list of people who are interested in joining a split so if you choose this option be sure to check with the individual boats to see if one is available for your dates.

Sailing

shared by All about the Florida Keys

Hobie Cat off Smathers Beach Sailing always seems to inspire a more serene "communing with nature" feeling than the motor noise and blazing speeds of a powerboat. While watching an experienced sailor seem to effortlessly glide through the water it is very easy to underestimate the skill required to make it look easy. Unfortunately, lessons take longer than the time most spend on the island.

So what is one to do if the cut of their jib leaves them yearning for the crack of a sail and the feel of the wind at their back? Well their are a couple of options. A sail on one of the many sloops that make daily cruises is one option. Chartering a sailboat with a crew is another. But if you dream of doing it yourself you can also rent a Hobie Cat, a small single sail vessal, easy enough to pilot with minimal istruction and explore the calm shallow waters surrounding the island.

Yachts

Sailing always seems to inspire a more serene "communing with nature" feeling than the motor noise and blazing speeds of a powerboat. While watching an experienced sailor seem to effortlessly glide through the water it is very easy to underestimate the skill required to make it look easy.