Paddle the Florida Keys: Tavernier's Premier Kayak and Paddleboard Outfitter
Every Monday I shine a light on the local businesses that make the Florida Keys special. This week I am featuring a Tavernier gem that has been getting people out on the water for over a decade: the oldest paddle sport operator in the Upper Keys.
Paddle the Florida Keys
Tavernier sits at the center of the Upper Keys, and Paddle the Florida Keys sits right on Tavernier Creek, making it the perfect launch point for exploring the calm, mangrove-lined waterways that make this area so special. Located at 90773 Old Highway at Mile Marker 91 on the oceanside, this family-owned outfitter has earned a phenomenal 4.9-star rating from nearly 1,500 reviews, making it one of the highest-rated paddle sport operations in the entire island chain.
Founded in 2012, Paddle the Florida Keys is the oldest paddle sport operator in the Upper Keys and has been voted the number one eco-attraction in the Upper Keys multiple years running. They offer a wide range of services including single and double kayak rentals, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals, and even bicycle rentals for those who want to explore the Overseas Highway at their own pace. Their guided eco-tours are the standout experience, led by knowledgeable local guides who help you spot manatees, sea turtles, stingrays, nurse sharks, and dolphins in their natural habitat.
What sets Paddle the Florida Keys apart is their commitment to convenience and service. They offer free gear delivery from Key Largo all the way to Islamorada, meaning you can have kayaks or paddleboards delivered directly to your vacation rental, hotel, or favorite launch spot. Multi-day, weekly, and monthly rental rates make it affordable for longer stays, whether you are a snowbird spending the season in the Keys or a local looking for a regular paddle partner. They also offer lessons for beginners and retail sales of paddleboards, skateboards, longboards, apparel, and accessories.
The waters around Tavernier Creek are ideal for paddling. The protected mangrove channels offer calm conditions even when the ocean is choppy, making it a great choice for families with children or first-time paddlers. The area is rich with birdlife: herons, egrets, ospreys, and the occasional roseate spoonbill. On the guided tours, the guides share their knowledge of the local ecosystem, pointing out the subtle signs of marine life below the surface and explaining the critical role mangroves play in the Keys marine environment.
What I appreciate most about Paddle the Florida Keys is how they combine outdoor recreation with environmental stewardship. They sponsor local paddle sport races and charitable events, and they actively promote responsible water recreation that protects the sensitive marine habitats we all treasure. In a community like Tavernier where the water is not just a backdrop but a way of life, businesses that help people connect with the natural environment make the Keys a better place to live and visit.
Why Compass Conley Sales Group stands out in Florida Keys
I am Steve Conley, Principal of the Conley Sales Group at COMPASS. With over 30 years of experience in the Florida Keys and more than $1.4 billion in career sales, I bring a level of local knowledge and market expertise that few agents can match. What truly sets me apart is my rare combination of three professional licenses: a Florida Real Estate Sales Associate license, a Florida State Certified Contractor license, and a Florida Home Inspector license. This means I evaluate properties from every angle, spotting issues and opportunities that other agents miss entirely. Whether you are buying a waterfront home in Tavernier or selling a canal property in Key Largo, you get an agent who understands not just the market, but the structure itself.
License #3232648 · Sales Associate / Contractor / Home Inspector · Florida Keys Board of Realtors
Explore More of Tavernier and the Florida Keys
Want to learn more about life in Tavernier? Visit my Tavernier neighborhood guide for an in-depth look at the real estate market, lifestyle, and what makes this Upper Keys hub so special.
If you love paddling, check out my complete guide to paddleboarding and kayaking in the Florida Keys, which covers the best spots and rental options from Key Largo to Marathon. You can also explore my guide to the best waterfront dining for great places to refuel after a day on the water.
Have questions about the Florida Keys real estate market? Get in touch with me and let me help you find your slice of paradise.
Is Your Business the Next Spotlight?
I am always looking to feature the best local businesses in the Florida Keys. If you own or manage a business that deserves recognition, let me know.
Request to Be FeaturedOther Local Businesses in the Florida Keys
Check back next Monday for a new Community Spotlight featuring another outstanding local business across the Florida Keys. Each week I showcase a different category, from waterfront dining and marine services to local artisans, dive shops, and family-owned attractions.
As a lifelong Florida Keys resident and real estate professional, I take pride in showcasing the businesses that make our community thrive. Each Monday I highlight a local favorite so residents and visitors alike can discover the best of the Keys.
Discover More of the Florida Keys with Steve Conley
Whether you're relocating, buying a waterfront home, selling your property, or simply exploring everything the Florida Keys has to offer, I'm here to help. As a local Compass REALTOR, I provide expert guidance, neighborhood insights, and local market expertise throughout the Florida Keys.