Well, it is officially winter in about 6 days, and the water temp is hovering around 75 degrees. Now, some of you northlanders might think this is spa temperature, but we islanders are already donning wetsuits and making hot cocoa. So what to do? Here at Namaste’ Sailing we are all about a comfortable experience for our guests and, most definitely, us. So how do we maintain our good charter karma and still keep warm and cozy when the water temp is not cooperating? Well with the help of some pro paddlers we have come up with the perfect solution: The Ultimate Key West Kayaking Adventure.
To call something “ultimate” it has to have a lot going for it. It needs to remote though accessible. There must be plenty of unspoiled wilderness. Most of all it must be inspiring. We found our jewel right under our noses. The *Marquesa keys are a collection of islets located about 23 miles west of Key West. These islands are a Mecca for waterfowl, shallow water reef creatures, and all sorts of mangrove-loving critters, truly a paddler’s dream. Most recently, the *Marquesas have been in the news in conjunction with the lost Spanish treasure galleon, Atocha.
Mel Fisher discovered the mother lode of the Atocha about five miles west-southwest of the *Marquesas. Since that time, the rumors have been rampant about lost treasure buried somewhere in the Marquesas.
Our ultimate Key West Kayak Adventure is limited to four guests and is better suited for experienced wilderness paddler or serious adventure travelers. This is not a catered charter. We won’t be pouring champagne from ice buckets and serving hot tapas. We will give you an authentic wilderness experience from the decks of a really nice bluewater sailboat. Participants need to be in good physical shape and capable of paddling up to 25 miles.
Everything is included, so all you have to bring is yourself and a strong sense of adventure. The trip runs three days, so it is a perfect weekend getaway. We use a high end outfitter who provides the equipment and Namaste’ Sailing is your host, providing great accommodations, healthy meals (team effort) and our best in adventure safety. The cost is a deal at $1199/guest. By the time you figure three days in Key West, with two nights at a B&B, meals, and a private 3 day adventure, I challenge any one to find a better price or a better adventure in the Florida Keys. This one should definitely be on your bucket list.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at the boat by 10:00 A.M. Crew orientation and safety briefing. Sails are set by 11:00, and were off on a three to four hour sail to the *Marquesas. On the way, we will have lunch and a powerful eco-presentation by your guide. Namaste’ Sailing has developed quite a reputation for high quality and engaging eco-education, and you will not be disappointed. We will arrive at our protected anchorage by late afternoon, just in time for a beautiful sunset paddle. After the sunset, we will reconvene at the boat for some great grub and boat drinks (if that is your preference), followed by our very own “cosmic concert” under the absolutely perfect star field.
Day 2: Up at sunrise, and with the help of some Cuban coffee, we will get us all fed with a hearty breakfast. On the water by 9:00 and begin the day paddling into the Marquesa bay known as “Mooney” harbor. Our guide will be pointing out creatures ranging from Roseate Spoonbills to juvenile blacktip sharks. We will explore mangrove tunnels that have escaped the onset of overdevelopment caused by a shortsighted tourist industry. You can expect to see waterfowl only found in the most secluded areas of the Everglades. We will have lunch on one of the many pristine coral sand beaches. The afternoon will find us exploring Red and Black Mangrove habitats not often seen by humans. By time the sun starts to fade, we will be paddling back to the mother ship, eagerly anticipating a great dinner and another beautiful night on the hook.
Day 3: This day is full of choices. We are open to more paddling, snorkeling, or sailing. It is totally up to the crew (That’s you). There are plenty of near shore reefs to explore, and since we are only 3 hours away from Key West, there is plenty of time to see it all. We should arrive back in Key West by 4:00 or 5:00, and after that you are free to explore Key West.
Whats Included:
- Meals including day 1 lunch and dinner, day 2 breakfast lunch and dinner, day 3 breakfast and lunch
- 3 days, 2 nights accomodations either interior single and double berths or hammocks if choose to sleep on deck. Sorry no private cabins.
- kayaks, paddles, safety equipment.
- extra night (on the boat) in Key West $159/guest
What to Bring:
- Sun block, towels, light jackets, fowl weather gear, **adult beverages, fishing equipment, smiles, sleeping pads ( if you choose to sleep on deck) and a strong sense of adventure.
Cost: $1199.00/guest (limit 4 guests per trip)
cancellation policy: we will refund entire deposits for cancellations resulting from a named tropical storm watch or warning directly affecting the the area of Key West. All other cancellations require a thirty day notice prior to scheduled charter.
*Marquesas trips are weather dependent. Should we experience extreme conditions for the trip we will alter our itinerary to a destination more suitable for the wind and sea conditions; just as remote but calmer anchorages. This is totally the captain’s decision.
** consumption of alcohol during physical activities ( i.e. kayaking, sailing, or snorkeling ) is prohibited.
