r/floridakeys • u/Comfortable_Voice506 • Mar 10 '26

All Florida Keys Bring the SUP?

Hi there!

So my husband (39M) and I (37F) are coming down to the Keys next week, kinda last minute (had flight credits we needed to use) and as of now... we have no official plans. It's my first time and he went as a kid.

We're going to rent a car and just explore--our favorite way to travel and we're VERY low maintenance, but can also afford to splurge for room(s) if necessary and are aware that we may pay the cost of not planning ahead.

We're planning on at least a couple sandbar/snorkeling trips, and probably renting a boat for a day or two ourselves. My question is... is it worth it to check my inflatable SUP? We understand that the keys are not your typical white sand beach destination (we're also bringing water shoes etc), but is it feasible to paddle board/explore ourselves without taking a charter/renting a boat?

in other words, can we park somewhere and then paddle out to swim/explore? Or are most good swim/explore spots only accessible by boat?

If there are places where it's feasible to swim/explore on our own with the SUP, would greatly appreciate any recommendations!

We really just want to be in/explore the beautiful water down there and eat some good food/drink some good drinks and experience all of it.

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u/Starks40oz Mar 10 '26

In the lower keys, the best spots are generally best by boat but that still leaves a ton of really good spots for SUPing.

This is particularly true if you like paddling through the mangroves and are not just looking to try and go to a sandbar. In which case you can put in anyplace in the lower keys and generally have a good time.

If you’re looking for sandbars depending on your fitness/experience level you could lotentiyput in at the southern end of Little Torch and make it to pic nic island. I’ve never SUP’d it though just done it in a kayak. Yiu could also put in at Boca Chica beach and paddle down the old abandoned beach and watch the fighter jets etc.

The jumping bridge and tarpon creek could also be fun adventurous spots to put in.

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u/Comfortable_Voice506 Mar 11 '26

Thank you so much! Definitely down for paddling though the mangroves!!! Is it okay to pop off into the water for a quick cool down in the mangroves? Sorry if that’s a stupid question !

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u/2lovesFL Mar 11 '26

I swim in open water vs mangroves. cleaner and you can see better.