Eco-Tours

The Florida Keys is like nowhere else on earth.

There is something magical, if not mysterious about this island chain peeking just above sea level. We invite you to join us on what we call an "eco-tour" to learn more about how our island chain came to exist and to learn more about what lies beneath the glitter and glisten of our local waters.

This excursion also offers great photo opportunities. Bring along your camera to capture the immense great white heron in flight, a snowy egret peering out from its mangrove roost, or maybe we will find a yellow-crowned night heron catching dinner in ankle-deep water.

Photographers claim that the light in the Keys has a life of its own as it dances off the ever-changing hues of the bay and ocean waters. For a fascinating light display consider an excursion at sunrise or sunset. Every morning and evening offers an unbelievable palette of vibrant colors–in the reflection of cloud formation you will find exquisite patterns of light and color.

So you’re not a professional photographer? With the diversity of wildlife, flora, and fauna, even the amateur will get great results. As we cruise through mangrove channels consider a shot of the perplexing tangle of roots that allow these trees to thrive, or get a close-up shot of the odd bean-like fruit that grows from the mangrove branches. The roseate spoonbill, with its flash of fuschia coloring is a great subject. Or find a collection of the dainty white ibis with its comical coral beak for a delightful snapshot.

We have many destination options to offer on our eco-tour. We can cruise to nearby Indian Key State Park, one of Islamorada's first settlements.  Here history comes alive as we rediscover this primitive island that was once home to the infamous wrecker Jacob Housman and the first Dade County government seat.

As we retrace the village streets you can let your imagination run as you hear this modern day pirate and Indian story. This island is a great example of what the Florida Keys might be like if they had never been populated. Indian Key sports a jungle of native and invasive species that combine to create an intriguing perspective of our local area. Make sure to bring your camera to the top of the observation tower which has a magnificent view of the ocean. From the tower’s elevation you will discern the ribbons of browns, greens, and blues that define the seagrass beds, the coral patches, and the sandy areas of the ocean. The view is breathtaking.

Consider an all day tour, deep into the backcountry, to Cape Sable or Flamingo. As we cruise to the Everglades get ready to find a more diverse wildlife population. Alligators and crocodiles really do live here! These silent, moody, prehistoric creatures are just waiting to be photographed.  We might also find white pelicans, roeate spoonbills or bald eagles here.

As we wind through the shallow narrow channels that cut through the seagrass beds of the Everglades you will begin to realize just how shallow the Florida Bay is but you will also begin to realize the significance of these precious beds. These beds of grass are home to many breeding and feeding species. They also "clean" our water by trapping suspended solids on the surface of their blades.

We can also snorkel on this eco-tour!  Don’t leave the Keys without visiting our magical underwater world!  The reef is enchanting! And the tropical fish are truly dazzling! You will find the feisty sergeant major peeking out from under his ledge, the graceful angelfish will happily ignore your presence, and the schools of silverfish will simply surround you in their formation. The color, the life, and the activity will astound you. Here again, there is so much to learn about the growth and development of our coral reef. You will be surprised to know our island chain was once a living coral reef. So add this destination to your list of "musts" during your day on the water.

We invite you to share the day with us- seeing and learning about the beauty and diversity of our island chain. You'll have a great day on the water!

See the real beauty of the Keys.