Grab a kayak at MM 77 and be on the water within minutes: paddle twenty minutes to the historic Indian Key or slip into mangrove tunnels alive with manatees and shorebirds. Short rentals and full-day options make this an easy, wildlife-rich Keys outing.
Grab a kayak at MM 77 and be on the water within minutes: paddle twenty minutes to the historic Indian Key or slip into mangrove tunnels alive with manatees and shorebirds. Short rentals and full-day options make this an easy, wildlife-rich Keys outing.
Book with Florida Keys Kayak & Ski
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Florida Keys Kayak & Ski · Islamorada, Florida
Islamorada’s channel-side light changes quickly—sunblast on black mangrove roots, silver of a passing tarpon—and there’s no better way to read it than from a kayak. Kayak Rentals runs out of MM 77, 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, where you can grab a single or double sit-on-top and be on the water within minutes. Choose a full-day rental ($50 single, $60 double) or a short paddle (one hour: $30 single, $45 double); pick-up is 9:30am–3:00pm and all rentals are due back by 4:30pm.
Two routes define the local experience. A 20-minute paddle east lands you on Indian Key Historical State Park, a low sandy island ringed by coral and seagrass where rusting foundations and pilings mark a 19th-century wrecking colony destroyed by a surprise Indian attack. Beach your kayak and follow the self-guided walking tour; snorkelers will find shallow patches of reef and scattered relics nearshore. For a quieter, wildlife-rich option, slip into the mangrove canopy system just minutes from the shop. Narrow tunnels and braided flats feel like a small-boat cathedral: look for manatees rolling in the shallows, nurse sharks and stingrays cruising the flats, and bald eagles or snowy egrets perched above.
This operation stands out because of its access—both routes are genuine short paddles from the launch, making the water feel immediate and forgiving for families and first-timers. The equipment is straightforward (kayak, paddle, USCG lifejacket included), and local staff know tide windows and the best times to avoid boat traffic and catch wildlife activity. The mix of human history at Indian Key and the living mangrove ecology nearby gives visitors two very different Keys stories in one day.
Practical notes: bring reef-safe sunscreen, secure footwear for rocky shorelines at Indian Key, and a dry bag for phones. If you plan to land on Indian Key, aim for morning; the last call for the island is 2pm. Respect marked no-landing zones, keep distance from wildlife, and carry out any trash.
For travelers staying in Islamorada, this rental is a compact, flexible way to turn a morning or afternoon into an active marine outing without a charter. It’s ideal for snorkelers who want to pair a beach exploration with paddling, birders seeking close-up mangrove views, and anyone who wants fast access to classic Keys wildlife and history. Whether you’re watching a manatee surface in a mangrove cove or tracing the ghost of a wrecking era foundation on Indian Key, these rentals make the Florida Keys’ shallow water world easy to reach.
Tips for timing: early mornings offer glassy water and cooler temperatures; late afternoon brings softer light and fewer day boats. Reserve ahead during high season, bring cashless payment if possible, and ask staff about current tide and wind conditions before you launch. daily.
Yes—Indian Key Historical State Park is a permitted landing; plan to arrive before the island’s last-call time of 2pm and follow posted rules.
Kayak, paddle, and USCG-approved lifejacket are included with every rental.
Pick-up is available between 9:30am and 3:00pm; all rentals must be returned by 4:30pm.
Policies on ages and supervision vary—contact the operator directly at the meeting point for current guidance before booking.
Snorkel gear is recommended for Indian Key but not included; bring your own for the best fit and hygiene.
Monitor wind and rain forecasts; staff can advise on safe launch windows and local tide conditions before you go.
Florida Keys Kayak & Ski is a water-sports outfitter based in Islamorada, Florida, offering guided kayak tours, eco excursions, private group outings, and kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals with delivery. The business operates a range of trips including the Sunset Tour, Mangrove Canopy Eco Tour, Kayak & SUP Rentals with free delivery within designated areas, Kayak Rentals to Indian Key State Park, and private versions of the sunset and mangrove tours for groups of 12 or more. Trips guide guests through saltwater flats, mangrove tunnels, and coastal channels where wildlife such as manatees, sharks, and other Florida Keys species may be observed. The Sunset Tour emphasizes evening light and the potential to spot the Green Flash. Kayak Rentals provide access to snorkeling and historic wreckage near Indian Key State Park. Private tours use double kayaks and are organized for larger groups seeking a focused experience. The Private Mangrove Canopy Eco Tour is described as a lively two-hour adventure suitable for close encounters with local flora and fauna. Kayak and SUP rentals include flexible pick-up options and free delivery within designated service areas. As a local Islamorada outfitter, Florida Keys Kayak & Ski focuses on on-water experiences that combine nature viewing, snorkeling access, and adaptable rental logistics. Schedules, pricing, and reservation details are available through the business's published materials and booking channels. Guests should confirm specific logistics before arrival for each trip.
Book with Florida Keys Kayak & Ski