Local’s Choice Tips from Captain Bill Keogh
Naturalist, guidebook author and eco-guide Bill Keogh, a 43-year Big Pine Key resident, operates Big Pine Kayak Adventures offering daily mangrove tunnel kayak tours and private motorboat excursions to the Florida Keys’ backcountry wilderness.
Keogh discovered the Keys as an environmental science major at Unity College in Unity, Maine, when he participated in a photography internship at Seacamp.
Keogh especially enjoys showcasing “this skinny string of islands scattered among such endless oceans.”
His motto: “Remember, it’s not just the destination but it is the journey. And while we are on the journey, we must remember as well that we are One Human Family sharing one planet ocean.”
Where he dines: Five Brothers Two for café con leche. Morning Joint for Colombian coffee and the Fat Albert breakfast sandwich. Kiki’s Sandbar for tuna nachos. Sunset Grill for sunset dining. Hogfish Bar & Grill for fresh fish and shrimp.
Where he explores: The Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. “It’s dotted with pristine islands and vibrant shallow bay ecosystems. Two great bodies of water — the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico — meld together, providing rich habitats for an amazing diversity of tropical and temperate species.”
How he relaxes: After sunset, grabbing some freshly grilled tuna and a cold IPA beer. Stargazing west of Bahia Honda State Park. Searching the dark skies for a glimpse of the top two stars of the Southern Cross constellation.
Captain Bill Keogh enjoys sharing the quiet beauty of the backcountry waters and his knowledge of the wildlife and ecosystems in the Lower Keys with visitors.
Keogh operates Big Pine Key Kayak adventures offering daily mangrove tunnel kayak tours and private boat excursions to the Florida Keys backcountry wilderness.