Mangrove and Manatees Eco Tour – Sugarloaf Key, Fl

Skill Level: Beginner

Length: 2 Hours

Location: Sugarloaf Key Marina, 17015 Overseas Hwy, Sugarloaf Shores, FL 33042

The Sugarloaf Key Mangrove Eco Tour is hands down the best mangrove eco tour in the entire Florida Keys, from Key West all the way to Key Largo. There is no comparison.

Compared to the over-crowded Marathon, Florida Mangrove Eco Tour, the difference is immediate.

The mangrove tours in Marathon have become overcrowded and heavily trafficked, with multiple outfitters sending groups through the same narrow tunnels. That means stopping, waiting, and constantly passing other groups instead of enjoying the environment. Over time, that kind of pressure has decimated the wildlife on the Marathon Mangrove tour.

At Sugarloaf Key, it is the exact opposite.

You will hardly see anybody else. Instead of lines and congestion, you get a quiet, secluded system of mangrove tunnels where it feels like you have the entire ecosystem to yourself. These are the best mangrove trails you can access by kayak anywhere in the Florida Keys without needing to travel miles offshore by boat.

The wildlife here is abundant and active, including:

Herons

Sea Horse

Manta Rays

Octopus

Manatees

Sponges

Starfish

Crabs

Fish and bird life throughout the entire route

This is what a healthy Florida Keys mangrove ecosystem is supposed to look like.

The tour launches from Sugarloaf Key Marina and explores a network of mangrove tunnels and shallow saltwater flats in a peaceful, protected environment just outside of Key West. The water is clear, the paddling is easy, and the setting is completely natural and undisturbed.

We keep groups small to preserve that experience. Tours are capped at 12 people, and private groups are available. Groups of 6 or more receive 10% off using code Sugarloaf6 at checkout.