The tandem kayaks Cool Destinations used on Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour comfortably hold two paddlers and are extremely stable, much more than solo kayaks. It’s actually quite difficult to tip a tandem kayak over. Capsizes happen to fewer than 1 out of 100 participants. Nearly all capsizes are a result of water fights and other sorts of goofing around.

If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

There are no legal age limits for snorkeling. We have found that age 5 or 6 is a good age to learn the basics of snorkeling, however, it’s entirely up to individuals to make the best choice for their family.

First-time snorkelers can be assured of one-on-one instruction and assistance. We find introducing folks to our world very rewarding!

No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.

The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.

Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.

The snorkel gear we use on Cool Destinations tours is high quality and for your protection, the equipment is sanitized after each use. However, if you feel more comfortable using your own snorkeling equipment, feel free to bring it on the tour. Please note, there is no discount for providing your own equipment and we can’t be responsible for any lost or damaged items.

Yes, this is possible, as long as you are comfortable going into the water. All Cool Destinations snorkeling tours adhere to strict safety regulations and have been designed to be enjoyed by all.

Your safety is our #1 priority, which is why:

1. You will be wearing a flotation device at all times.
2. On many tours, there is a stairway from the boat into the water so you won’t have to “jump” in!
3. There are trained staff in the water and watching from the boat at all times.

For these reasons, we believe that even non-swimmers can have a wonderful time on our snorkeling trips, however, the final judgment call is yours to make. Please note we do not give refunds if you decide not to snorkel on the trip.

The maximum capacity for kayaking on Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour is 340 lbs.

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

If required, parking instructions for the Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour will be included in your confirmation email.

If the Key West Schooner Backcountry Eco-Tour must be canceled due to bad weather, and you cannot go on another day or time, you will be issued a refund by Cool Destinations.