Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West
Description
This is the only shark tour in the USA and to our knowledge the only tour where guests do not get in the water to view the sharks. Delight in close-up views of sharks and a variety of other marine life. In this eco-friendly catamaran, travel through shallow waters to a location a few miles from shore, observing dolphins, stingrays, barracudas and native birds along the way. Bait is used to attract lemon, nurse and other types of sharks to the side of the boat. Learn all about Key West wildlife and enjoy complimentary soda, juice and chips throughout this family-friendly tour.
Tour Options
Itinerary
After check-in, the Tiger Cat will cruise through Key West harbor on the way to the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. Here guests will see numerous sharks and a variety of wildlife including dolphin.
Travel through shallow water close to mangrove islands as you make your way about 4 miles (6.4 km) away from shore to the shark viewing site. Along the way, keep your eyes open for dolphin, sea turtles, stingrays, barracudas, tarpon and an array of native birds. Listen to your experienced pilot discuss the delicate ecosystem of this area and its abundance of wildlife. Enjoy complimentary water, soda, juice — as well as the use of polarized sunglasses — during your trip. When you arrive at the shark destination, get ready for an unforgettable experience! Your pilot will use bait to draw a host of sharks that swim right up to the boat so you and your family can observe them in safety and comfort. See numerous lemon and nurse sharks, and watch out for bull, black tip and hammerhead sharks during nearly one hour of shark viewing. Capture dramatic photos you can't wait to share with family and friends.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately
- No alcoholic drinks permitted
- Guests may bring their own lunches and beverages
- Important Note: must call to confirm departure time or your tour may not be guaranteed
Reviews(3,368)
Great experience, GUARANTEED shark viewing in their natural habitat, knowledgeable guides! Highly recommended
Had a great day on the water with Tanner and Matt. They were very knowledgeable about EVERYTHING (sharks, dolphins, the waters, etc.). They were very patient with the guests' needs: answering questions, allowing the children to feed the sharks, and giving recommendations for local eateries, etc. I would HIGHLY recommend this tour!
Thank you so much for all your kind words about captain Tanner and I. We love sharing our knowledge while showing off some great marine life. We hope to see you back again in the future!
We had an absolutely amazing, once in a lifetime experience on this trip! Both crew members were very knowledgeable and friendly, the boat was in a great condition and we were amazed by the number of lemon sharks that came and fed. We were also impressed with how determined they were to find the dolphins afterwards and we were lucky enough to spot three, they even swam past our boat! We were also highly impressed with how respectful they were towards both the sharks and dolphins-which you definitely don't always get on wildlife spotting trips. The biggest highlight though was that our three boys were given the amazing opportunity to feed the sharks! Fantastic memories to treasure forever! We would 100% recommend this trip to anyone!
We agree with your take that our shark adventure is a unique opportunity to see a shark feeding frenzy up close. It is rewarding to know that the adventure made such an impression on your boys! Thank you so much for all the kind words and we hope to see you again in the future.
Excellent tour! I love sharks and was excited to see so many lemon sharks in the wild. The crew, Captain Tanner and Matt, were funny and very knowledgeable about the sharks and the waters around Key West. The catamaran was big enough for everyone to have a seat and also to stand and see the sharks when we were moored. Smooth ride out and back with a great breeze to cool off in the August heat. We saw a few bottlenose dolphins on our way back, too! Although the tour info says they chum for sharks, I was happy to see that “chumming” was just holding a bonito above the water for the sharks to snap at. No fish guts or blood or anything like that was dumped into the water. The sharks know where to meet the boat because of the sound the engines make. Super cool! I’d do it again and again!
We agree with your take that all shark lovers should take our tour! Watching our lemon sharks feed on the bonita baits is one impressive sight to take in. Our boat was custom made just right for the adventure and usually accommodates around 32 passengers each tour. Thank you so much for this five star feedback!
It was a great experience, the guys were very nice! Gave off a lot of information and answered our questions even if it wasn’t about the tour. 10/10 would definitely do it again
It is nice hearing that you had a great time with us on the adventure. We love sharing our knowledge so thank you for that mention.
Absolutely incredible experience again! We came to Key West 2 years ago for the first time and did this tour, we loved it. We came back and did it again and it was as good if not better than the first time. The captains are super knowledgeable, funny and will answer any questions you have.
Thank you for your five star feedback and continued participation! We hope to share more adventures with you in the future.
Highly recommend! Saw lemon sharks and dolphins was amazing. The hosts were so informative and funny too, kids got to feed sharks, lots of free soft drinks
Thank you for the feedback and sharing the shark adventure with us!
Excellent experience! Nice boat with covering for shade. Guides very knowledgeable. Very friendly and funny. Have drinks on board for hydration. Absolutely would do again and highly recommend!
It is nice to hear that you enjoyed the adventure and found our boats comforts to your liking. Thank you for the five star feedback!
I would highly recommend this excursion. The captain was knowledgeable and a lot of fun! We saw sharks and dolphins.
It was our pleasure to host you for our shark adventure!
Tour was only 2 hours instead of 3 hours. We saw only citron sharks, he feeded the citron sharks with 3 fish. No fluorescent glasses. Tour guide was not interesstet to look for dolphins. To expansive for only 2 hours.
We hate to hear you were disappointed. Know that our tour is not a three hour one but is only advertised as two hours in length. The sharks that you saw were lemon sharks, we can show you them as they live in the area year round, others are rare to see. Perhaps part of your disappointment was due to a false expectation.
