Key West Eco Tours Java Cat – the Best Wildlife Photography Boat Tour

I love when we get to go sailing AND kayaking AND snorkeling. There are a few options to do this sort of adventure in Key West, so if you’re looking for a catamaran that’ll get you out into the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, KW Eco Tours’ Java Cat is a great pick for a fun, informative, beautiful adventure on the water. Leaving from the Historic Seaport, aka Key West Bight Marina, you’ll be able to step onto the Java Cat and be heading into the beautiful wilds very easily.

I’ve got all the info you’ll need for planning an adventure on the Key West Eco Java Cat, including tips for enjoying wildlife photography when you’re out on the water. This is one of my favorite Key West wildlife tours, so read on and add it to your KW itinerary. If you have any questions about this tour or want to share your own experience, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more!

Highlights of the Java Cat Key West

Sailing on catamarans is always nice because they tend to be so stable. When you go out on the Java Cat with Key West Eco, you’re heading into the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, which is largely protected by a series of islands and sandbars, and typically the waves or swell is quite minimal. Level it out even more by going out on the Java Cat and it’s one of the best wildlife photography boats out of Key West.

As you’re exploring the shallows and islands, you’ll be able to see really cool birds, including magnificent frigate birds and all manner of herons. Key West Eco is a great company for getting on the water since they focus on nature and gently visiting these beautiful places. I like that the discussion onboard while you’re sailing on the Java Cat is all about nature, how the storms have shaped the ecosystems and the wildlife all around. I just love getting to learn AND have fun.

Talking about what we’re going to see and then being in the water observing creatures respectfully is just the coolest. Getting out in kayaks is an added bonus, especially for the people that aren’t avid snorkelers. There are great ways to experience the wildlife no matter what your interest or skill level.

Tips for a Great Key West Eco Java Cat Trip

Each time I write about being on the water in the Florida Keys I’m talking about sun protection. As much as we love being in the sunshine and on the water, the sun takes a toll on us, both in burning out skin and making us tired. Be sure that you apply reef-safe sunblock in advance of going out on the Java Cat. Key West Eco provides appropriate sunblock if you forget your own, but it’s best to do it in advance so you can enjoy the time on the boat and in the water more.

Speaking of water, drink lots of water both in advance and once you’re out on the Java Cat. Drinks are supplied during your tour, but I like to bring my own big water bottle full of ice to make everything just a bit more refreshing. Be smart about spending time in the sun, especially if you’re not from Florida. Don’t let a fun time on a cool sailing/kayaking/snorkeling trip zap you so you can’t enjoy the rest of your Florida Keys vacation.

Being Prepared for the Java Cat Wildlife Tour

I love going out on the Java Cat because it’s such a great wildlife photography boat. There is plenty of shade and you can easily protect your gear, so if ever there was a boat trip from Key West to bring nice camera gear on, this is it. You’ll get some wonderful photography opportunities from the Java Cat and when you’re kayaking. Speaking of kayaking and being on the water, bringing a broad brimmed hat for added sun protection is a great idea. Add to that some polarized sunglasses and you’re set up for success on the water!

For the snorkeling portion of Key West Eco’s Java Cat tour, they’ll provide the snorkeling gear to you, but if you have your own gear that you love and is just right for you, bring it along. I like to bring my own mask and then use the flippers that are provided. For snorkeling in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge there aren’t many opportunities for going deep or free-diving. Most snorkeling and underwater photography opportunities here will be within the top 6 feet of water, so most waterproof phone cases are made for this and should be fine.

A GoPro is a good idea if you’re planning to go down as far as you can, but even at high tide you likely won’t be going down more than 8 feet, especially in the beautiful sponge gardens. When you’re out with Key West Eco on the Java Cat, as for specific depths if you’re concerned about snorkeling and your gear.

Parking for Key West Eco Tours

Key West Eco’s Java Cat does their tours from the Historic Seaport, aka Key West Bight Marina. This is on the north side of Key West where you’ll also depart for tours with Sebago, Honest Eco or the Yankee Freedom out to Dry Tortugas National Park. There is a paid parking lot just off the Historic Seaport where you can pay for all day parking, or if you’re staying in Key West proper (anywhere on the island) you can easily walk to the departure point for the Java Cat. And there are plenty of taxi services in town too.