Was afraid kayaking would be too difficult

[exBFF]

I just got off of the Ryndam this morning. Our first stop was Key West. Prior to the trip, I (of course) read this board for any tips/hints...particularly about kayaking (which my 16-year-old really wanted to do).

 

I read a lot of conflicting info - and was, frankly, a bit scared of what I was getting into when I booked the excursion (through Holland America). I'd read that there's a 200 pound weight limit. I'm 240. My football player son is 230-ish. So I was scared we'd get there and be turned away...which would have been humiliating.

 

But we booked anyway, hoping that if there were weight limits, the cruise line would disclose them up front. We went with Lazy Dog of Key West...and they were seriously awesome.

 

One of the best excursions we've been on. My son and I both fit (just fine) in a single kayak with no problems. I'm also a desk jockey, so I was a bit concerned about the physical exertion of kayaking in the magroves.

 

Not one problem. It's a bit of physical effort (particulary if there's wind), but you're shielded by the mangroves...and it was such a relaxing, intriquing, enjoyable day. I'm SO glad we did it.

[Jade13]

I just got off of the Ryndam this morning. Our first stop was Key West. Prior to the trip, I (of course) read this board for any tips/hints...particularly about kayaking (which my 16-year-old really wanted to do).

 

I read a lot of conflicting info - and was, frankly, a bit scared of what I was getting into when I booked the excursion (through Holland America). I'd read that there's a 200 pound weight limit. I'm 240. My football player son is 230-ish. So I was scared we'd get there and be turned away...which would have been humiliating.

 

But we booked anyway, hoping that if there were weight limits, the cruise line would disclose them up front. We went with Lazy Dog of Key West...and they were seriously awesome.

 

One of the best excursions we've been on. My son and I both fit (just fine) in a single kayak with no problems. I'm also a desk jockey, so I was a bit concerned about the physical exertion of kayaking in the magroves.

 

Not one problem. It's a bit of physical effort (particulary if there's wind), but you're shielded by the mangroves...and it was such a relaxing, intriquing, enjoyable day. I'm SO glad we did it.

 

I am so excited. We are doing the Kayak and Nature Tour through Celebrity (with Lazy Dog). I had tried to book direct months ago but they have an exclusive with the cruise Line as does the one other kayaking company in Key West. They can not sell to any cruise passengers while the ship is in port. Luckily the cost is only $10.00 more per person than they advertise for on-line and includes transportation.

 

Was this the 2 hour guided kayak tour?

 

It is $45.00pp (vs $35.00pp direct) through Celebrity.

[exBFF]

there were two guides with us...one in the front, one in the back. They would switch off positions and pointing out different things.

 

I hope you enjoy it. I was absolutely dreading it...but ended up having a blast!

 

PS...$45 is a great price. We paid $20 per person more than that through Holland America (but it was so worth it). You will be asked to tip the guides. They recommend $10 per person (not per guide).

[Jade13]

there were two guides with us...one in the front, one in the back. They would switch off positions and pointing out different things.

 

I hope you enjoy it. I was absolutely dreading it...but ended up having a blast!

 

PS...$45 is a great price. We paid $20 per person more than that through Holland America (but it was so worth it). You will be asked to tip the guides. They recommend $10 per person (not per guide).

 

 

We love HAL but their excursions have always been more expensive than RCCL/Celebrity.

 

This was the 2 hour Nature Kayak, correct? Approx how many people?

 

Did most people tip?

 

We went with Celebrity 2 years ago on their Stingray ShoreEx in Grand Cayman and it was unbelievable that we were only one of a few people that left money in their tip jar. Sure, people may give tips you did not see, but I doubt it and there were a lot of people, maybe close to 40.

 

Btw, if you are in Key West on your own the Kayak company charges $35.00pp for the escorted Kayak tour.

[Aquahound]

The Lazy Dog kayaking is done out of a marina that is in a channel between two islands. The water is shallow and protected from the weather.

 

I see this excursion running daily while I'm meandering around town. I think the most kayaks I've ever seen at once was about 10.