Key West: Sailing & Snorkeling Tour with Craft Drinks

Summary

Key West reef sailing with snorkeling, small group drinks included

You’ll sail from Key West on a small-group yacht toward North America’s only living coral reef, guided by locals who know every current and color change. Expect instruction if you need it, time to snorkel among bright fish (and maybe turtles), plus drinks like craft beer or margaritas after your swim. It’s relaxed but vivid—the kind of trip you’ll remember when you catch yourself daydreaming weeks later.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to hold onto your hat,” Captain Mike grinned as we pulled away from the dock in Key West. He wasn’t kidding—the wind caught us right away, salty and warm, and suddenly I could barely hear anything but the sails flapping overhead. There’s something about seeing Key West from the water that makes it feel like you’re sneaking a peek at its real side—colorful houses shrinking behind us, pelicans gliding low. I kept thinking how different it all looked from out here.

The hour out to the reef went by fast—maybe because our guide, Sara, kept pointing out little things I’d never have noticed (she spotted a sea turtle before anyone else did). The sun was high but not harsh; it smelled like sunscreen and ocean and someone’s citrusy drink. When we finally anchored, Sara gave us a quick rundown on the snorkeling gear—she made it sound easy, even for me (I’m not exactly an expert swimmer). I hesitated at first stepping off the boat—there’s always that cold shock—but then the water was clear and soft and suddenly I was face-to-face with these wild flashes of blue and yellow fish. At one point I swear something brushed my leg—probably just seaweed but my heart jumped anyway.

I heard someone laugh through their snorkel (which is a weird sound) when I tried to ask what kind of fish that was—it came out as bubbles. The hour in the water felt both long and too short. Back on deck, everyone rinsed off with fresh water hoses while Captain Mike handed out cold craft beers and poured white wine for anyone who wanted it. There were margaritas too—I stuck with soda because I was still buzzing from swimming. We all sat around wrapped in towels, hair dripping, swapping stories about what we saw under there. The sun started dipping lower but nobody seemed in a hurry to get back.

I keep thinking about that moment floating above the reef—quiet except for my own breathing—and how small everything felt in a good way. If you’re looking for a Key West snorkeling tour that doesn’t feel crowded or rushed, this one’s got something different about it. Maybe it’s just Captain Mike’s jokes or maybe it’s being out there with people who really know these waters. Either way… yeah, I’d do it again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail and snorkel at Key West reef

• Board 54’ sailing yacht Floridays
• Sail one hour to coral reef
• Receive snorkeling gear and instruction
• Snorkel for one hour at reef
• Observe marine life and reef scenery
• Enjoy complimentary beverages onboard
• Sail one hour back to dock
• Rinse off with fresh water hose

Top questions

How long does the Key West sailing & snorkeling tour last?

The full tour lasts about three hours: one hour sailing out to the reef, one hour snorkeling at the reef, and one hour returning to the dock.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, sanitized masks, snorkels, fins, and flotation vests are included for all guests.

Are drinks included on this Key West snorkeling tour?

Yes, complimentary beverages are provided: water, soda, white wine, craft beers, margaritas, and champagne.

Do I need prior experience to join this snorkeling trip?

No prior experience is needed; guides provide instruction but you should be comfortable swimming in deep water.

How many people are on each sailing & snorkeling trip?

The yacht takes only small groups so tours are never crowded; exact numbers may vary by day.

Is there restroom access on board during the tour?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board for guest use throughout the trip.

Are service animals allowed on this Key West boat tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted during this activity.

Is transportation provided to the departure dock?

No hotel pickup is included but public transportation options are nearby in Key West.

What’s included

Your day includes all sanitized snorkeling equipment—mask, fins, snorkel and flotation vest—with guidance from local crew if you need help getting started. Drinks flow after your swim: choose from water or soda or try their selection of craft beer, white wine or even margaritas and champagne while drying off on deck. Freshwater hoses let you rinse off before heading back toward Key West harbor together.