What to pack
Two backpacks, packed light- you’ll be carrying them with you in your kayak. Bring trash bags to cover bags; they will get wet.
Backpack #1: Tent, sleeping bag and Ziploc bags filled with food, heat-able pans, and utensils.
Backpack #2: Clothes
-Long-sleeved shirts (2)
-Sweatpants (2)
-Shorts (2)
-T-shirts (2)
-Bathing suit (1)
-Towel (1)
-Hat (1)
-Rain jacket (1)
-Water shoes and flip flops
-Sunscreen
-Sunglasses
-Lighter (for campfire/to cook)
if you go…
Where to stay
Tarpon Belly Island
Private beach campsite
Free to stay
KOA Campsite, Sugarloaf Island
Public campsite with showers and a restaurant, free 10 minute shuttle ride to Key West
$70 a night
What to do
Marvin’s Keys
Private islands with miles of beaches and tropical wildlife
Free to stay, accessible only by kayak
Ernest Hemingway’s Home
Home of the famous author showing historical views as well as 45 pet cats
$6 to enter with student ID
Duval Street
Main street in downtown Key West Bars, restaurants and shops
Free to roam, prices range depending on facility
Where to Drink
Fat Tuesday’s Bar
Frozen drink bar with over 15 frozen concoctions
$10 a drink with souvenir glass
Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville
Live music and 20+ margarita flavors
$8- $20 per drink, some including souvenir glasses.
CheapOair.com offers roundtrip flights from Boston to Key West for $200-$300 a person. Depending on how much you budget for food and island activities, a week camping stay is easily affordable for $500 or less per person. Instead of drinking away a spring break that leaves you with nothing but an empty wallet, a blurred memory, and a headache, a kayaking trip offers lifelong memories, an amazing workout, and money left over in your bank account. What have you got to lose?