We rented kayaks for a two hour tour of the Key’s inner ecosystem. Kayaks were top quality recreational models (The Pungo!), paddles were graphite handles, PFDs with whistles (minimum required safety equipment) were issued. The boats displayed the Vessel Safety Check sticker of either the Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron. Safety is built in to their system.
The paddling, itself, was awesome. We saw sharks and manatee in the harbor - and a dozen or more other species of fish when we paddled the mangrove passages and backwaters. We were never crowded or pestered and we were able to take our time looking for critters.