Florida Keys Backcountry Eco Tour from Big Pine Key

Key West , United States

Florida Keys Backcountry Eco Tour from Big Pine Key

Active

(18 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This 2 hour Eco Tour will take you by boat to explore the Backcountry of the Florida Keys. We will cruise through the mangrove islands that make up the Backcountry and Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. We will slow down and look for marine life and birdlife. Maybe see a turtle or dolphin. We will take you through "Skinny Water" and look for starfish, rays and sharks. It's a fun adventure not to be missed when visiting the Keys.

Available options

Florida Keys Backcountry Eco Tour from Big Pine Key

What's included

Private transportation

Detailed itinerary

Explore mangroves of the backcountry gulf side of the Keys by private boat. We will look for marine life and birdlife. We will go slow and look for a turtle or a ray, dolphin or shark.

We will cruise past No Name key and explore smaller mangrove islands like Crawl Key, Little Pine Key and the Water Keys

Explore the mangrove islands of the Great White Heron Wildlife Refuge, the nest ground for many birds including Ibis, Great White Heron, Egret and Pelican

We will show you the famous Bahia Honda Bridge - a great photo opp, and tell the story of Flagler's Railway.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

18 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Keys Boat Tours is located at the Big Pine RV Resort. Please check in at the store for a parking pass and they will tell you where to park. Our boat is next to the boat ramp and filet station.

About Key West

Key West is a vibrant island city known for its tropical climate, rich history, and laid-back atmosphere. As the southernmost city in the continental U.S., it offers a unique blend of Caribbean and American cultures, stunning beaches, and a thriving arts scene.

Top Attractions

Duval Street

The heart of Key West's nightlife and shopping, Duval Street stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, offering a mix of bars, restaurants, shops, and galleries.

Entertainment Half day to full day Free to explore, costs vary for attractions and dining

Dry Tortugas National Park

A remote and pristine national park accessible only by boat or seaplane, featuring Fort Jefferson and stunning coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.

Nature Full day trip Ferry: $185-$220, Seaplane: $300-$350, Park entry: $15 per person

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

A lush tropical garden filled with free-flying butterflies, birds, and other wildlife, offering a serene and educational experience.

Nature 1-2 hours $22 for adults, $12 for children (6-17)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Key Lime Pie

A tangy and sweet pie made with key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk, topped with whipped cream or meringue.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs, can be made gluten-free

Conch Fritters

Deep-fried fritters made with conch meat, vegetables, and spices, served with a dipping sauce.

Appetizer Contains seafood, can be made gluten-free

Grouper Sandwich

A sandwich featuring fresh local grouper, often blackened or fried, served on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and tangy sauce.

Lunch Contains seafood, can be made gluten-free

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Kayaking Paddleboarding Fishing Beach lounging Spa treatments Sunset cruises

Best Time to Visit

November to April

This is the most popular time to visit Key West, with pleasant weather and lower humidity. It's ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.

21-28°C 70-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

U.S. Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) (UTC-5:00, UTC-4:00 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Key West is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, can occur in tourist areas. Exercise caution and common sense to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use ATMs located inside banks or reputable establishments
• Be cautious when using public transportation or taxis, and always use licensed services

Getting there

By air

Key West International Airport • 4 miles from downtown

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and convenient, with multiple routes serving popular destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town

Day trips

Dry Tortugas National Park

70 miles by ferry or 30 minutes by seaplane • Full day

A remote and pristine national park featuring Fort Jefferson and stunning coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.

Big Pine Key

30 miles north of Key West • Half day to full day

A scenic island known for its pine rocklands, wildlife, and the famous Key deer.

Looe Key Reef

5 miles west of Big Pine Key • Half day to full day

A popular snorkeling and diving spot featuring a vibrant coral reef and diverse marine life.

Festivals

Fantasy Fest • Late October Key West Food and Wine Festival • Early November Key West Highlight Film Festival • Early November

Pro tips

Visit Mallory Square for the famous sunset celebrations, which feature street performers, local vendors, and stunning views of the sunset.
Explore the island by bike or scooter, as it's a great way to get around and see the sights.
Try key lime pie, a local specialty made with fresh key limes and sweetened condensed milk.
Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, a lush tropical garden filled with free-flying butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.
Take a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote and pristine island featuring Fort Jefferson and stunning coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.