Photo: Patrick Nichols Sea kayak and Snorkel in the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas Highlights:
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Trip Number: 08226A Price: $1,845 Deposit: $200 Capacity: 6 Leader:
The Trip  Photo: Patrick Nichols Off the south coast of Florida, nestled comfortably between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, lie hundreds of keys. Hemingway made these keys his home for the same reasons we visit them: their serenity and isolation. These islands are filled with tropical forests and white-sand beaches, crystalline waters, adventure, tropical wildlife, excellent local cuisine, and colorful sunsets. Each evening, Key West shuts down for half-an-hour and everyone gathers on the docks -- for no other reason than to toast the night's arrival. Nowhere else in America will you walk through forests where even the names of the trees seem so magical: Gumbo-limbo, strangler fig, poisonwood, and mastic.
 Photo: Patrick Nichols Day 1: The leader will meet all participants at our nicely appointed house on the water in Marathon. If you're flying into Miami or Key West, we encourage you to take advantage of the Keys shuttle. If you wish to drive, we'll send you directions. Plan to arrive by 3 p.m. The first meal of the trip is dinner. Before dinner we will have a mini “introduction to kayaking workshop” and then toast the sunset. Day 2: After a Southern style breakfast, we jump in the transport van and head for Curry Hammock State Park. Curry Hammock is famous for the birds of prey that frequent this newest Keys State Park This is a great place to get your feet wet. There is a magnificent beach with fossilized coquina rock a we will be paddling a mangrove tunnel. We will have lunch at the beach!  Photo: Patrick Nichols Day 3: We make our way in to Key West. This is the day of the famous Fantasy Fest (Key West 's version of Halloween). Everyone on the island gets dressed in his or her most outrageous costume and body paint. Be sure to bring your camera, it has been compared to the New Orleans Mardi gras celebrations. This is a wild day in Key West! Day 4: We cruise out to the Looe Key Marine Sanctuary and snorkel with this protected reefs inhabitants. Brilliantly colored parrotfish and other reef residents glide by to greet us. The snorkel express leaves from Bahia Honda. The beach here is consistently rated in the top 10 in Florida. Day 5: We leave bright and early for Key West and catch our ferry to the Dry Tortugas. Our three-hour cruise will transport us to the least visited National Park in the U.S. Snorkel and explore the incredible Garden key. We will have lunch here and enjoy the whole day. Departing late afternoon we will arrive back in Key West near sunset.  Photo: Patrick Nichols Day 6: We will paddle to the near shore island called Lignum Vitae and then off to Indian Key for a picnic lunch, snorkeling, and exploration of the Indian Key State Historic Site. In the evening, we will take a sunset paddle through a mangrove labyrinth. At the end of the trip, you will have a greater understanding of delicate nature of the living reef, as well as the meaning of the layback Keys attitude “Keyed up and Conch out.” Getting There Miami international is the best choice for participants flying in. You can pick up the Keys shuttle from the airport or car pool with others on the trip. Directions will be provided to all participants.
Our nicely appointed house is on the water near the Atlantic and Gulf. It is a very comfortable, large house and comes with a pool and hot tub. Our small group (just 10 participants) will enjoy separate shared rooms. The house has a huge living area with plenty of room for everyone to relax and enjoy. All meals will be prepared by the leaders and we ask that everyone assists with clean up. Vegetarians can be accommodated, but please make sure the leaders are aware of your special needs before the trip.
This is a great trip for a beginner. Seasoned kayakers and novices will find it great fun. Your leaders are kayak instructors and instruction will be available through out the trip. Expect to paddle 1 to 2 hours at a time. On a paddle day our time on the water will be a maximum of 3 to 4 hours. This leaves time for snorkeling, beach combing, swimming and exploring all the wonders of the Florida Keys. If you are looking for more paddle time, our house is on the water. If you don’t feel like paddling, take the day off,and enjoy a little fishing from the dock.
A list of recommended items to bring will be sent to all participants. Don’t forget the smile.
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy. The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
Patrick Nichols, an outdoor specialist by trade, is trained by the Red Cross and American Canoe Association in canoeing and coastal kayaking. He has taught kayaking, canoeing, and backpacking for 25 years and is a wilderness first responder.
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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