Fort Lauderdale: Snorkel & Seabob Reef Tour Small Group

Summary

Seabob reef adventure in Fort Lauderdale with small group fun

You’ll ride a Seabob scooter over Fort Lauderdale’s reefs with a small group and local guide—no swimming skills needed. Learn how to use your gear on the beach, then glide above tropical fish and maybe spot sea turtles or conch shells below. Expect laughter, salt on your lips, and a new way of seeing Florida’s underwater world.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, you don’t have to swim—just hold on and let the seabob do its thing,” our guide Mike grinned as he handed me the harness. I’d never seen one of these machines before—sort of like a jet ski but for underwater, with bright colors and a low hum that made the sand vibrate under my feet. The beach was already busy with locals and families, but our little group felt tucked away, half nervous, half excited. I could smell sunscreen everywhere, mixed with that salty Florida air that sticks to your skin.

After a quick safety chat (and signing those waivers—I always get nervous about that part), we waded out until the water hit my waist. Mike showed us how to steer the seabob and gave this little demo where he zipped around like it was nothing. My first try? Not quite as smooth—I almost steered myself into someone’s legs and got a laugh from another guy in our group. But honestly, you pick it up fast. The machine pulls you along so you float right above the reef without much effort at all. It’s weirdly relaxing once you get over the newness.

We glided out together for maybe two miles—time gets fuzzy when you’re watching parrotfish dart by or trying to spot turtles under the surface. I remember seeing an Angelfish flash past, blue and yellow against all that greenish light, and thinking how quiet it felt down there except for my own breathing through the mask. Mike pointed out a conch shell buried in the sand; he said some people call them “sea trumpets.” I tried saying it in Spanish (caracola?), but probably butchered it—Mike just grinned again.

I didn’t expect to feel so weightless or to laugh as much as I did when someone in our group tried to do a loop underwater (not recommended). When we finally came back up near shore, my arms felt jelly-like but happy tired. There’s something about floating above a reef with strangers who suddenly feel like friends—I still think about that view sometimes when I close my eyes at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel and Seabob Reef Tour

• Meet instructor on the beach
• Receive safety briefing and gear
• Practice using the Seabob in water
• Begin guided reef tour on Seabob
• Observe marine life and swim with fish

Top questions

Do I need to know how to swim for this seabob tour?

No swimming skills are required—the seabob floats and you're attached by harness throughout the guided tour.

How long is the Fort Lauderdale snorkel & seabob tour?

The experience lasts up to 90 minutes from meeting your guide to returning to shore.

What marine life might I see during the reef tour?

You may see angelfish, parrotfish, sergeant major fish, hogfish, sea turtles, and conch shells along the reef.

Is there an age or weight requirement for this activity?

Participants must be at least 10 years old (with parental consent) and fit safely in the security harness; minimum 75 lbs.

Are wetsuits provided for this snorkel & seabob tour?

Masks are included; wetsuits are available optionally for an extra charge during winter months.

How many people are in each seabob tour group?

The activity runs in small groups of up to six people plus your instructor.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you'll meet your instructor directly on Fort Lauderdale beach.

Are photos or videos taken during the tour?

You can take photos or videos during your experience if you'd like—just ask your guide for tips!

What’s included

Your day includes use of a Seabob underwater scooter with safety harness, mask provided at no charge (optional wetsuit available for an extra fee), full safety briefing from your local instructor on Fort Lauderdale beach before heading out as part of a small group guided reef tour—expect about 90 minutes total exploring up to two miles of marine life before returning ashore together.