The Florida Keys may be the most beautiful classroom you ever see. While you're learning the science of sailing and the art of forming a finely-tuned crew, you'll be immersed in a living marine life exhibition. Sail the warm waters and steady breezes of the Florida Keys. The shallow blue-green waters present endless wildlife-watching opportunities and technical sailing and navigational challenges. Explore saltwater flats and snorkel on pristine coral reefs teeming with tropical fish of every color imaginable. Emphasis is placed on technical skills training, leadership skills, teamwork, and environmental awareness.

 

 

Your course begins and ends at our sailing base of operations in Key Largo, Florida. The course area is predominantly a wildlife refuge, home to numerous birds, abundant marine life and the tiny white tail key deer. The waters are shallow and clear, providing an exciting cruising area for our open sprit-rigged ketches.

Sailing courses cruise in three general areas. The backcountry offers challenging shoal draft navigation and the opportunity to explore mangrove keys, tidal flats and coral patch reefs. The Atlantic side offers excellent snorkeling at the outer reefs and open water sailing. The Everglades has beautiful sand beaches and a maze of rivers and bays to explore. Throughout the region, the turquoise waters, warm temperatures and prevailing easterly winds provide exceptional sailing, both day and night! Actual itineraries are based on weather, currents and length of course.

The Keys and Everglades were home to the Calusa and Seminole Indians and eventually pioneers looking to make their fortunes. The natural history of the keys is abundant everywhere-under the water's surface, on the mangrove keys and in the air. Marine life ranges from the smallest of the colorful reef fish to the bottlenose dolphin, the rare key deer, and an unparalleled variety of birds.

 

Outward Bound is a non-profit educational organization that serves people of all ages and backgrounds through active learning expeditions that inspire character development, self-discovery and service.