Florida Keys Backcountry · Mud Keys
A cluster of small mangrove islands with quiet sandbars at the edges and shallow channels running between them. Off the standard tour circuit. Perfect for a slow backcountry day, paddleboard exploration, and birding.
Why Mud Keys is worth the run
"Mud Keys" sounds bad. The reality is white-sand bars, clear water, and some of the quietest mangrove channels in the Lower Keys.
Wading birds, ospreys, frigate birds overhead, herons stalking the shallows. The mangrove islands are protected habitat -- bring binoculars or a long lens.
Between the keys are narrow channels you can paddleboard or kayak through (we can rent SUP through our excursion partner network with notice). Roots overhead, water glass-clear underneath.
Rather than one big bar, Mud Keys has several small bars at the keys' edges. Pick one for the day, anchor in the lee, swim and lounge. The discovery angle is built in.
A slow backcountry day
Most Lower Keys sandbars are about one thing — the sandbar. Mud Keys is about exploration. The cluster of mangrove islands creates channels and pockets you can poke into. Captain Dustin knows the islands well enough to pick a different anchorage each visit.
Most groups do some combination of: anchor at one of the small sandbars and swim, take the SUP into a mangrove channel, sit at anchor with a cooler and watch birds. Some bring a fly rod for backcountry permit or bonefish (no guarantees, but the flats hold them).
Mud Keys is closer to a half-day than a full-day destination on its own. Most guests pair it with Jewfish Basin or Snipes Keys on a full-day charter — Mud Keys for the morning, Jewfish for the open bar afternoon, or reversed. The Secret Local Sandbar Escape boat charter rotates through these based on tide and wind.
Mud Keys is for guests who like slow days. If your group wants a party-bar vibe with lots of other boats, this isn't it — pick Jewfish Basin. If you want a quiet half-day with birds, paddleboard exploration, and zero other boats most of the time, Mud Keys delivers.
How Six Fins gets you to Mud Keys
All Mud Keys trips are private-charter only -- too small and quiet for mixed group tours. Both options launch from our Perry Hotel & Marina dock on Stock Island.
Your group only, half-day, focused on Mud Keys. From $1,195. Up to 6 guests standard, 8 by arrangement.
See private charter →Captain picks the day's best two of three: Mud Keys, Jewfish Basin, Snipes Keys. Rotates by tide. Half-day from $1,195.
See sandbar escape →Mud Keys FAQ
Mud Keys are a cluster of small mangrove islands in the Florida Keys backcountry, between Jewfish Basin and Snipes Keys.
They are about 8–10 miles by boat from Six Fins' Perry Hotel & Marina dock. The destination is private, quiet, shallow, and more exploratory than a single big sandbar.
Some channels around Mud Keys have soft mud bottom, which is where the name comes from. But the sandbars at the island edges are clean white sand, and that is where the captain anchors for guests.
Six Fins does not anchor the day around a muddy channel. The captain chooses the best sand, depth, and protection for the conditions.
Mud Keys are about exploration: mangrove channels, small pocket sandbars, birding, paddleboard-style exploring, and quiet shallow water.
Jewfish is bigger and better for groups that want open space. Snipes has a longer sand crescent. Mud Keys is best for guests who like slow backcountry days and privacy.
Yes, especially older kids who like exploring, birds, shallow water, and mangrove channels. Younger kids may prefer Jewfish Basin or Snipes Keys because those sandbars are simpler and more open.
Tell Six Fins the kids' ages and swim comfort when booking so the captain can steer toward the right backcountry stop.
Yes, they can be present. Like most mangrove areas, mosquitoes and no-see-ums may appear at dusk, in summer, and on calm windless days.
Bring repellent. Wind usually helps, and the captain can adjust the anchorage if one pocket is buggy or uncomfortable.
Guests may see herons, egrets, ospreys, frigate birds, rays, nurse sharks, stingrays, dolphins in nearby channels, and flats fish such as permit, bonefish, or tarpon when conditions cooperate.
No wildlife is guaranteed. The best way to enjoy Mud Keys is to treat wildlife as part of a quiet backcountry day, not a scheduled show.
Yes. Mud Keys pairs naturally with Jewfish Basin and Snipes Keys. On a longer Custom Combo Charter, the captain may build a backcountry triangle day using the best two or three stops.
If your group wants multiple backcountry destinations, choose the 6- or 8-hour Custom Combo Charter instead of forcing multiple stops into a 4-hour trip.
Mud Keys can be part of the 4-hour Secret Local Sandbar Escape for $1,195. For a longer multi-stop day, the Custom Combo Charter is $1,395 for 6 hours or $1,795 for 8 hours.
Pricing is per boat, not per person. Up to 6 guests is standard, with 8 by arrangement where the charter setup allows.
Tell us your date and group size. We'll match it to tide and wind, and pick the right keys.
Or email info@sixfinscharter.com with your date and group size.