This year, hubby and I wanted to do a sandbar trip, and the Kayak & Sandbar trip we did yesterday was AMAZING! We had previously avoided the "big boat trips" out of Key West, because crowds aren't our thing. I'm so glad we did this! Captain Chuck, Mel and Spin were fantastic! Great service. Fun and Knowledgeable.
If you're like us, book for the beginning of the week, they tend to be less crowded (though that would depend on the season). A PSA: SHOW UP 45 MIN BEFORE THE TRIP TIME. Don't be like the 6 people we encountered when we checked in... They rolled up at 10 am (departure time) with shopping bags of swimwear, etc. expecting to just board their excursion. They were supremely agitated that the trip boat would depart (on time) and they would need to be ferried out by small boat. There is paperwork, people!
We motored out to Channel Key, where we dropped anchor and after a short safety/how to talk, the kayaks were floated and we clambered in. Spin led us on a 20 minute paddle through one of the mangrove channels, then around the key back to the Miss Valyn, where lunch was served (and beer/wine).
The big lily pad floaty and several paddle boards were deployed and we all got in the water to bob about and relax. It was quite choppy out on the sandbar, and with the tide current it was tough for the average height folks to keep their heads and beers out of the water. Mel and Spin kept the beers and wine topped up and rescued/re-anchored wayward floaties.
The only thing I would have changed would have been the water conditions (but that's out of anyone'shands). We all had fun anyway, with lots of laughs. I definitely recommend this trip!