Why the name Mud Keys?

Old Keys nautical name -- the bottom in some channels around the islands is soft mud rather than sand. The sandbar areas at the keys' edges are clean white sand; the name is misleading.

Is it good for snorkeling?

Limited at the sandbars themselves. But Mud Keys is excellent for paddleboard exploration through the mangrove channels and for birding -- wading birds, ospreys, and occasionally rare backcountry species.

How does it compare to Jewfish Basin?

Mud Keys is more intimate -- multiple small bars rather than one large basin. Better for groups that want a quieter, more 'discovery' feel. Pairs well with Jewfish on a full-day charter.

Private charter to Mud Keys is $1,195 half-day, $1,795 full-day on our 30' Jeanneau. Up to 6 guests standard. Includes captain, fuel, gear.

Mud Keys Sandbar Key West | Mangrove Backcountry

Q: Where are Mud Keys?

Mud Keys are a cluster of small mangrove islands in the Florida Keys backcountry, between Jewfish Basin (south) and Snipes Keys (east). About 8-10 miles by boat from our Perry dock on Stock Island. Accessible only by boat.

Three reasons the name is misleading.

"Mud Keys" sounds bad. The reality is white-sand bars, clear water, and some of the quietest mangrove channels in the Lower Keys.

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Birding paradise

Wading birds, ospreys, frigate birds overhead, herons stalking the shallows. The mangrove islands are protected habitat -- bring binoculars or a long lens.

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Mangrove channels to explore

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.

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Multiple small sandbars

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

What Mud Keys is really about.

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.

What guests do here.

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).

Pairs with Jewfish or Snipes.

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.

The right guests.

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.

Two ways to spend the day.

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.

Single-destination

Private Boat Charter

Your group only, half-day, focused on Mud Keys. From $1,195. Up to 6 guests standard, 8 by arrangement.

See private charter →

Backcountry triangle

Secret Local Sandbar Escape

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 →

The questions guests ask first.

Where exactly are Mud Keys?

A cluster of small mangrove islands in the Florida Keys backcountry, sitting between Jewfish Basin (south) and Snipes Keys (east). About 8-10 miles by boat from our dock at the Perry on Stock Island.

Is the bottom muddy or sandy?

Both -- depending where you anchor. The channels between the keys can have soft mud bottom (hence the old name). The sandbars at the edges of the islands are clean white sand. We anchor at the sand.

Are there bugs?

Like any mangrove area, yes -- mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be present at dusk and on calm windless days, especially in summer. Bring repellent. We carry some aboard. On windy days they're not an issue.

Can you do this with kids?

Yes -- older kids especially love the exploration. Younger kids may prefer the larger, simpler Jewfish Basin. Captain Dustin will steer to the right destination for your group.

What about wildlife?

Wading birds (herons, egrets), ospreys, occasional bottlenose dolphins in the channels, and on the flats -- permit, bonefish, sometimes a tarpon at the right tide. Plus the usual nurse shark or stingray sighting on the bars.

What does it cost?

Private charter to Mud Keys is $1,195 half-day, $1,795 full-day on our 30' Jeanneau. Up to 6 standard. Includes captain, fuel, gear.

Ready for the slow backcountry?

Tell us your date and group size. We'll match it to tide and wind, and pick the right keys.

Pick the sandbars you’d like to visit.

Your captain matches destinations to the wind, tide, and conditions of your booked day. Selections become a request the captain will confirm before your trip.

Pick at least one sandbar to see your recommended charter.

Or call (305) 906-2880 to plan with the team

Or email info@sixfinscharter.com with your date and group size.

Mud Keys — the mangrove triangle between Jewfish and Snipes.