"Kayaking in The Florida Keys with Potomac Paddlesports was spectacular! Now every time I see an Island I want to paddle to it."
-Bruce Hollenbaugh, Sterling VA

Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
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Tuesday - Arrival and Orientation

Plan your flight arrangements to arrive at Miami International Airport no later than 1:45PM

Your guides will pick you up at the Airport and shuttle you to the world class Banana Bay Resort in Marathon (Key Vaca). Once in the Keys, you'll find yourself adjusting to the mid 80's temperatures and the island environment. We'll enjoy a delicious meal at the Banana Cabana restaurant and lounge at the pool as we discuss our plans for the week. Accommodations for all days: Banana Bay Resort in Marathon (Key Vaca)

Wednesday - Kayak Orientation and Instruction, Mangrove Trails

After a carbohydrate rich breakfast we'll stroll to a beach on the Gulf side of the resort for a comprehensive beginner kayak lesson. We use flat water kayaks which are comfortable, stable, and easy to get in and out of. After lunch we'll travel to Boot Key for a spectacular half-day of paddling kayaks through dense mangrove tunnels and a network of creeks. Our expert naturalist guide will offer insight into this unique habitat as we come face to face with Great White Herons, Osprey, Silver Crowned Night Herons, Double Crested Cormorants, Egrets, Mangrove Tree Crabs, sea cucumbers and more! Be sure to bring your binoculars and a camera!!! The evening will end with a fabulous dining experience at Marathon's finest restaurant.

Thursday - Natural History Tour and Reef Exploration

After another great breakfast by the pool we'll travel to Crane Point Hammock for a self-guided stroll through a living natural history museum and learn more about the history of the Florida Keys. After lunch at our resort we'll head to the local dive shop to get outfitted for our dive/snorkel excursion out onto the reef. We'll charter a boat to Looe Key for the most spectacular diving and snorkeling in all of the Florida Keys.

Expect a dizzying array of reef residents to line up and look you over. They will swim right up to your mask and curiously peer back at you as you kick your way through the coral canyons of the reef.

Friday - Big Pine Trek and Backcountry Flats Kayak Excursion

We'll spend the first half of our fourth day in the Keys trekking though the habitat of the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key. On this trek we'll learn more about this unique ecosystem as we seek a rare glimpse of the elusive and tiny Key deer. After another fantastic lunch we'll travel to Summerland Key for a spectacular half day paddle on the backcountry flats on the Gulf side of the Keys. Expect to see Nurse Sharks, Barracuda, Rays and a fantastic sunset!

Saturday - Surf Kayaking and Key West

After breakfast we'll head to Key West! Choose a self guided tour of the city, including the Hemmingway house and other popular attractions, or select the ferry to the incredible Dry Tortugas! Our party will then regroup to check out the street performers and toast the sunset at Mallory Square. we'll enjoy a fabulous meal at Key West's most eclectic restaurant and cap off the evening with a few Margaritas.

Sunday - Goodbyes and Departures

Your last day in the Keys will be spent exchanging addresses with your new friends, taking photographs, and wondering if anyone back home will really miss you if you stayed. The most common phrase we hear the last day is, "But I don't want to leave!"

Plan your flight arrangements to depart from Miami International Airport after 4:00PM

Florida Keys Trip Information
2006 Dates: January 24-29
Location: Marathon (Key Vaca), Florida
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $1185

Note: The schedule and accommodations in this itinerary are correct at time of printing. They are however, subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control.

For additional information click here. For registration information click here.
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