Key West: Double Dip Snorkel Tour with Two Reef Stops

Summary

Two reef snorkel stops in key west plus drinks on fast catamaran

You’ll jump straight into Key West’s living coral reef at two different spots—no waiting around—with all your gear sorted by friendly guides. There’s time to relax with drinks after swimming among curious fish and textured corals. It’s easygoing even if things don’t go perfectly—and those underwater colors will stick with you long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the boat—literally. My mask strap snapped as I was checking in at the dock, and for a second I thought I’d be stuck watching everyone else head out to the reef. But one of the crew, I think her name was Jamie, just grinned and handed me a spare. “Happens all the time,” she said. That little moment kind of set the tone for the whole Key West double dip snorkel tour: easygoing, no big deal if things go sideways.

The ride out on the Reef Express was way faster than I expected—wind in my face, salt spray tangling my hair. Our guide (Mike? Mark? Sorry, names blur together when you’re half-awake) started pointing out random bits of island history as we sped past. He had this habit of pausing mid-sentence to check if anyone was listening. The sun was already sharp but not too hot yet; someone next to me was slathering on that reef-safe sunscreen they hand out, which smells faintly like coconut and something else I can’t place.

I didn’t expect to feel so clumsy getting into the water at our first stop—there’s always that awkward moment when you try to fit fins while balancing on a moving boat. But once I got my face in the water, all the nerves dropped away. The coral here isn’t just “colorful”—it’s weirdly textured, almost fuzzy in places, and these tiny blue fish darted right up to my mask like they were curious about me. At the second spot (they call it a “double dip” for a reason), it felt quieter somehow—just us and this slow swaying field of sea fans. Someone behind me kept laughing through their snorkel every time they spotted something new.

Back onboard, everyone looked sun-pink and kind of dazed in that good way you get after swimming forever. They passed around cold beer and wine (after we’d finished snorkeling—rules are rules), and people started swapping stories about what they’d seen—somebody swore they saw a turtle but who knows. The ride back felt slower, or maybe that was just me not wanting it to end yet. I still think about those flashes of light under the water when I close my eyes sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Double snorkeling tour and relaxation

• Board fast catamaran Reef Express
• Receive snorkel gear and tips
• Snorkel at first reef location
• Snorkel at second reef location
• Relax with complimentary beer and wine
• Cruise back to Key West

Top questions

How many snorkeling stops are included on this tour?

This tour includes two separate snorkeling stops on North America’s only living coral reef.

Is equipment provided for snorkeling?

Yes, top-of-the-line snorkel gear is included for all guests.

Are drinks included after snorkeling?

Complimentary beer and wine are served after you finish snorkeling during the return cruise.

How long does the Key West double dip snorkel tour last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours from start to finish.

Do I need prior experience to join?

No previous snorkeling experience is required; guides provide instruction for beginners.

Is there a restroom available on board?

Yes, there is a nautical restroom available on the boat during your trip.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, but guests 17 and younger must have an adult chaperone present at check-in to sign waivers.

Can I drink alcohol before snorkeling?

No alcohol can be consumed before or during snorkeling; drinks are served only after activities end.

What’s included

Your day includes fast catamaran rides out to two unique reef locations near Key West with all snorkel gear provided (and backup if you need it), reef-safe sunscreen, access to restrooms both at check-in and onboard, plus complimentary beer and wine once you’ve finished swimming before heading back toward shore.