Key Largo to Key West

KL2KW: Key Largo to Key West

120 miles, 9 paddling days plus a meet-up day in Key Largo.
Email us your paddling experience to be considered for the Feb. 2025 trip. Limited to 6-8 experienced paddlers.

Since 2010, Burnham Guides has been the ONLY outfitter guiding this trip in its entirety, from the pages of our “Florida Keys Paddling Atlas.” Our signature KL2KW is the bucket-list trip of a lifetime, paddling the 120-mile coral island chain to the southernmost city in the Continental U.S.

We paddle along Henry Flagler's impressive railroad bridges, stopping on islands to lunch, rest and swim. Each night we'll set up camp in time for a delicious dinner, sometimes with some fresh Florida seafood, and watch the sunset before we fall into our tents. Every kayak will carry its own camping gear, plus group gear, food and water.

Note that the itinerary changes every year due to campsite/lodging availability, and as guides we reserve the right to change the route on the fly due to weather conditions and the ability/condition of the group members. In cases of severe weather, we have land support to transport boats and people. Safety is our number one concern.

Difficulty

This is a very strenuous trip, for experienced paddlers able to kayak 15-20 miles per day in potentially rough seas and high winds. You must be able to do a wet-exit and assisted re-entry.

camping/lodging

Accommodations range from completely primitive islands, state parks, commercial campgrounds with pools and tiki bars, to one night in a beautiful vacation home.

Pre and post-trip Lodging

Arrive in Key Largo the afternoon of day one for dinner and camping (included in cost). You are responsible for making a hotel reservation at the end in Key West. Ask about the option to camp with us the last night rather than a hotel for an additional fee.

Transportation

Ideally, fly into Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, and take the keysshuttle.com to Key Largo. At the end, fly out of Key West or take the shuttle to MIA or FLL (allow at least 3 hours drive). If you are bringing your own vehicle, we can help arrange shuttle and parking of your vehicle in Marathon for an additional charge.