Snorkeling in Key West: 54' Sailing Yacht, Small Groups

Sail out, jump in, see what's under the surface

Snorkeling in Key West takes you to the only living coral reef in North America aboard a 54-foot sailing yacht with a small group, instruction on equipment, and drinks included. The boat leaves the dock for a one-hour sail to the reef, you spend an hour in the water exploring, then sail back, three hours total. A live English-speaking guide provides instruction on the mask, snorkel, fins and flotation vest before you enter the water.

The experience

What makes this different from a crowded tour boat is the size: Floridays takes a limited number of guests so the reef doesn't feel packed. You board a 54-foot sailing yacht, and the sail out to the reef is part of the experience: sun, wind, and a drink in hand while the boat moves under canvas. The reef itself is about an hour away, which gives you time to settle in and get instruction on the gear before you're in the water.

Once you're at the reef, you have an hour to snorkel. The water is clear enough to see tropical fish, eels, turtles, dolphins, anemones and urchins up close. The guide stays with the group and points out what's around you. You're swimming over the only living coral reef in North America, which means the marine life is real and varied, not a tank, not a simulation. The boat provides a mask, snorkel, fins and a flotation vest, all sanitized. If you're not a confident swimmer, the vest keeps you afloat, and the guide's instruction covers how to use everything before you get in.

After the hour in the water, you sail back to the dock. There's a fresh water hose on board to rinse off the salt. The drinks (water, soda, craft beer, white wine, margaritas, champagne) are complimentary throughout the three hours, so you're not managing a cooler or a tab. The whole trip, from dock to dock, takes three hours.

What’s included

• Snorkeling instruction and guidance from a live English-speaking guide.
• use of sanitized mask, snorkel, fins and flotation vest.
• complimentary drinks including water, soda, craft beer, white wine, margaritas and champagne.
• fresh water rinse after snorkeling.
• restroom on board.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 09:00 and 13:00, from US$ 79 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (under 13)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Floridays

Is this one for you?You're snorkeling in the water yourself, not watching from a boat, so you need to be comfortable swimming in water over your head. The flotation vest keeps you afloat, but you're the one moving through the reef. Small groups mean you're not jostling for space or waiting in line to get in. The boat holds fewer people so the reef stays uncrowded and the guide can actually see what you're doing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of marine life will I actually see snorkeling at the Key West reef?

The reef is home to tropical fish, eels, turtles, dolphins, anemones and urchins. The guide points out what's around you as you snorkel, and sightings vary by season and time of day, but the reef is active and the water is clear enough to see detail.

Do I need to be an experienced snorkeler to do this?

No. The guide provides instruction on how to use the mask, snorkel, fins and flotation vest before you enter the water. You should be comfortable in water over your head and able to swim, but the vest keeps you afloat if you need it.

How long is the boat ride out to the reef?

The sail out takes about an hour. You spend an hour snorkeling at the reef, then sail back for another hour, so the total time from dock to dock is three hours.

What's included in the price?

Snorkeling instruction, all equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, flotation vest), complimentary drinks including water, soda, craft beer, white wine, margaritas and champagne, and a fresh water rinse after snorkeling. A restroom is available on board.

Why is this reef special?

It's the only living coral reef in North America. The reef is active and home to a variety of marine life, and snorkeling here means you're exploring a genuine ecosystem, not an artificial site.

How many people go on the boat?

Floridays keeps group sizes small so the experience doesn't feel crowded and the reef stays enjoyable. The exact number varies, but the operator limits capacity to provide better service and access.