Location: The check-in booth is located at the very end of William Street, just to the right of the Western Union sign.
From Elizabeth Street: Keep the water on your left and follow Lazy Way Lane past the shops on your right. Continue walking, and you’ll see The Marker Resort on your right and the Schooner Wharf Bar on your left. Once you pass the bar, glance to your left to find the Appledore check-in booth.
Paid parking is available at the Key West Bight Parking Lot (at the corner of William and Caroline Streets) and Old Town Garage (at the corner of Caroline and Grinnell Streets). Street parking is limited, and we recommend not spending time searching for it.
The Florida Keys and the living reef are full of wildlife and it is common to see fish and marine animals, however, that can’t be guaranteed. In addition, there are many beautiful birds such as bald eagles, frigates, herons, and ospreys that call the Florida Keys home. Our Bugeye Backcountry Eco Tour is a great way to learn about the Florida Keys ecosystem and the best chance to see a variety of fish and birds all in one trip.
We try to use the ship described in each tour but there are times where the Schooner Appledore II or Schooner Appledore Star are substituted for the other vessel.
Sebago wants everyone to have a fun and safe day on the water. All guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. Some activities and the consumption of alcoholic beverages require that we verify your age.
Schooner Appledore is safety conscious and enforces the following rules on passengers drinking alcohol on the tours: On the Bugeye Backcountry Eco Tour, you must be finished snorkeling before enjoying any alcoholic beverages.
If your tour is canceled due to the Captain’s discretion and/or weather then you will receive a full refund or option to re-book your tour on another date based on availability. Guests canceling their tour reservations 48 hours or more prior to departure are eligible to receive a full refund or can elect to re-book the tour on another date based on availability. Guests canceling their tour reservations less than 48 hours before departure are not eligible for a refund and will forfeit 100% of their payment.
We are also pleased to now offer Trip Protection! For a small fee, Trip Protection can be added to any booking, allowing cancellation up to just 2 hours prior to departure! Trip Protection can be purchased at check-out.
Guests not purchasing Trip Protection and canceling their tour reservations less than 48 hours before departure are not eligible for a refund and will forfeit 100% of their payment unless our cancellation insurance was purchased at the time of booking.
We do not have lockers or storage facilities in our office. Parties are welcome to bring a beach bag or backpack with personal belongings on our boats. However, if you have large luggage or suitcases these would be best stored at your hotel or vehicle.
Schooner Appledore in Key West prepares all food fresh for each tour in our own catering kitchen. Upon advance request, we will gladly provide vegetarian options.
No, in Key West your tour is all-inclusive. Each tour is different, look at your tour description to see what is included in yours. Food on the Bugeye Backcountry Eco Tour is served buffet style – so come hungry! Drinks again differ by tour, look to see what is included with yours.
On our Bugeye Backcountry Eco Tour, we provide you with all snorkel equipment, including sanitized snorkel, mask, fins, and buoyancy compensator vest. If you already own snorkel equipment, you are welcome to bring it along and use it on the tour.
On the Bugeye Backcountry Eco Tour, it is easier to wear your suit to the tour. There aren’t any changing facilities at our office. However, if you do need to change after boarding, there is a very small changing area in the head.
Yes, each Schooner Appledore ship is equipped to maximize your comfort with a head (that’s nautical for ‘bathroom’). In addition, Schooner Appledore Star has a freshwater rinse.
While there are no bathrooms at our office, there are public bathrooms conveniently located nearby the marina. Out of our office, turn right and continue past Schooner Wharf. The bathrooms are on the right-hand side before you reach Turtle Kraals.
For daytime sails, bring along your sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and camera. For the Bugeye Backcountry Eco Tour, grab your towel and wear a swimsuit. For sunset sails, bring along your hat, sunglasses, and camera. If you want to drink alcoholic beverages on your tour, remember your photo I.D. to show you are at least 21 years old.
It is customary to tip your crew and always appreciated. Similar to a restaurant, a 15-20% tip is appropriate.
