Ju L.
Yelp
While in Key West, we wanted to go kayaking. Lazy Dog Adventures rents kayaks and paddleboards and is dog friendly. So that was where we went.
When we arrived, a friendly staff member behind the counter greeted us. And two sweet doggos came around the corner and greeted us and our dog as well.
We signed the waivers while another staff member got us ready for some kayaking. Then, he showed us a map of where we can take the kayak. If we ever got lost, we can call the phone number on the map for help. Then the staff member pushed our kayak into the water and we were off!
As we kayaked toward the mangroves, we saw a LARGE monitor lizard, probably 4 - 5 ft long, just walking slowly on the shore. It was cool since we were not expecting to see one. We paddled on and saw a sign outside the mangroves about gators being federally protected. We didn't think much of it and paddled into the mangroves.
Inside the mangroves, the water was shallower, it was difficult to maneuver our paddles since any large movements would cause us to hit the mangroves. And if your paddle got caught in the mangroves, you could flip the kayak. So, we paddled very cautiously.
A log resembling a gator's head startled us. Thankfully, the water is clear enough to see what's swimming beneath, and there was no gator. We paddled on until we reached a dead end and turned back around exiting the mangroves where we entered.
As we paddled back the way we came, we saw the staff member who got us ready earlier and a couple kayaking and paddleboarding. They had dropped their phone in the water while taking pictures, and the staff member was super nice to come to their rescue. He went above and beyond, diving into the water, searching for this phone. After a few attempts, he found the phone! Thankfully there was no gator in the water!
My husband and I kayaked for a bit more with our dog before heading back on land. Some parts of the waters are definitely yuckier than others, but we were dressed for the occasion. I have to say it has been an eventful adventure.
Upon disembarking our kayak, we got to speak with the staff member who saved the couple's phone. We asked him about the gators section, and he said once in a while, you might see one, but they are rare. I was pretty relieved to hear that because I wouldn't know what we would do if we did see one.
Before we left Lazy Dog Adventures, we were given a 10% coupon to eat at Hurricane Hole, the restaurant next door. While we hadn't plan to eat there initially, we were now enticed to use this coupon!
Overall, the staff members were super nice and really took good care of their customers. If you ever feel like going kayaking in Key West, I'd highly recommend Lazy Dog Adventures.
