Hop in a kayak and see the third largest ecosystem in the world: the mangrove islands.  (The rainforest and coral reef are numbers One and Two.)  The mangrove islands provide superb protection, so even on a windy day the water is calm and clear.  The daily tidal changes that flush water from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean and back have created extensive channels through the mangrove islands.  A paddle through this fascinating environment will bring you face-to-face with the extraordinary marine and bird life.  You can paddle around Man Key, Woman Key, Archer or Cottrell Keys, by day or night.  Or on a longer trip, you can explore the interior waters of the Marquesas.  I have seen rays with 5’ wingspans flying through these shallows.  I often see bottle-nose dolphin, spotted eagle ray and sea turtles on my way in and out.

On a three-day charter in April 2002, I went for midnight paddle under a full moon near Man Key.  During the tour, a 12’ long manatee floated past the boats in very shallow water.  It was an amazing sight – a huge, bulky mammal as long as the kayak silently, gracefully skimming beneath the glassy water.  Under the mangrove canopy, moonlight twinkled through the tree branches and reflected off the serene water.  It was almost impossible to tell where the water ended and the sky began.

I am delighted to show you these places and share the serendipitous experiences of such special surroundings.  Have a relaxing paddle with me, an expert guide who loves the backcountry!