If you have had the pleasure of visiting the island then you would know that boat charters are everywhere. Almost all are overpriced, crowded, and underperforming. I am happy to report that the Java Cat Eco Tours was anything but. Our first trip we opted for a half day kayak and snorkeling tour a small mangrove island about 4 miles off of Key west. Our guide Capt. George took the four of us out. What a great experience! He was incredibly knowledgeable of the local area and wildlife. We had the good fortune of snorkeling with Sea Turtles!! Very Rare! Our group was so impressed that were kicking ourselves for not doing it sooner. So we re-booked for a full day charter on our last day of vacation. I wish I could remember the second Captains name who took us out but he was equally impressive and welcoming. They are reasonable in price and flexible. They truly want you to have a memorable experience. The previous year we chartered another catamaran and spent the same amount for a half day with them compared to a day and half with Eco Tours.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for something more than an average experience. Eco Tours is exactly that. You will learn more in one day out on the water with them than month on-shore. We are already planning our next trip and will be heading straight back to the Java Cat! Thank you again guys, great job!

Just returned from the all-in-one tour of sailing/snorkling/kayaking–what a great time! Our captain/guide, Johnny, was fantastic and very knowledgable about the incredible array of wildlife and the unique ecosystem of the keys and mangrove islands. We had a thoroughly enjoyable morning and would highly recommend this trip–the lunch on board ship was terrific, too!

Reviewed March 11, 2012

Reviewed February 23, 2012

I went on the morning sail/kayak/snorkle trip. The captain/guide took us out to a mangrove island and expertly pointed out nurse sharkes, various birds (including bald eagles), and other wildlife. Kayaking around the island was my favorite part, it was a little windy going back to the boat so I felt like I had a good little workout, but it was not too difficult. While the guests were snorkeling the captain prepared a light lunch (curry chicken salad, bread, fruit and veggie). It was very windy and cold after getting out of the water, so bring a jacket. He put the sail up for the ride back to key west. The boat is small, in addition to me there were only four other adults on the trip- it makes for a very personal experience.