Photo: Patrick Nichols Adventuring the Dry Tortugas and Florida Keys, Florida Highlights:
Includes:
Trip Number: 09093A Price: $1445 Deposit: $200 Capacity: 10 Leader:
The Trip  Photo: Patrick Nichols
The Florida Keys is famous for attracting visitors with a passion for island life. These islands have been home to pirates, sportsmen, scoundrels, and smugglers. Now they attract people searching for paradise. This place teems with life from Key deer to Dolphin. Expect to see magnificent coral formations, fish of every color of the rainbow, and birds not seen together anywhere else in the world. The Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson are a snorkeling dream and a photographer's paradise. Breathless sunsets and secret strolls make this place unforgettable. The first few days will be spent at Long Key State Park. Our campsite is on the beach! Kayak instruction will be offered daily and we can snorkel and swim whenever time allows. This is a great place to get oriented to the Keys way of life. We will take a snorkeling trip by boat to Looe Key Marine Sanctuary, kayak to historic islands, and visit Key West.
 Photo: Patrick Nichols Day 1: We'll meet at Long Key State Park at 3 p.m. Now is a good time to lose the watch--the rest of the day is for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Drivers will be provided directions. If you are flying into Miami, you may wish to take the Keys Shuttle, which will drop you off right at the park. The first meal of the trip will be dinner. Day 3: Following our morning swim, snorkel, and spectacular sunrise, we'll take the kayaks and paddle to Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key. Then we'll visit a near by attraction (a local favorite) to encounter enormous tarpon. Day 4: We'll break camp early and head for Key West and the Dry Tortugas. We board our cruiser, a well-appointed 100-foot ship, for a three-and-a-half-hour trip. Amenities on the boat include an air-conditioned cabin, large sundeck, and breakfast. Once our tents are set up we will be free to snorkel, stroll on the walkway encompassing the entire island, or tour the passages and rooms of Fort Jefferson. The dramatic light at sunrise and sunset is a photographer's dream.  Photo: Patrick Nichols Day 5: The morning silence is broken only by the sound of nesting birds on nearby Bush Key. This is a great time to grab your camera and capture island stillness in the early light. Spend the day relaxing under the coconut palms or roaming the fort listening for haunting whispers of the past.  Photo: Patrick Nichols Day 7: We have one more spectacular sunrise and a few hours to play, before we have to say goodbye to our adventure in paradise. Our boat leaves for the mainland and upon arrival in Key West our trip ends. We can expect to arrive in Key West between 5-6 p.m. Getting There If you are flying into Miami, a shared rental car (a trip roster will be provided to assist in sharing the ride) or the Keys Shuttle is your best bet. Map and directions will be provided.
Our space on our transport boat is limited and we will have to carry all of our own gear. We will be camping on Garden Key so you will need a small backpacking style tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Be sure to bring eating utensils, plate and cup and/or mug for our shared meals. A more complete list will be sent, as we get closer to departure. All meals will be provided and help with kitchen duties and clean up is expected.
This trip is for anyone with a sense of adventure and a laid -back attitude. The level of kayaking available will be from beginner to intermediate. Participants should be in good physical condition and at least 18 years old. A course for “Introduction to Kayaking” is included. Rolling will not be necessary, but swimming and having fun will be!
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.
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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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.