Key West Snorkeling: Private Sandbar Charter

Wade, swim, and snorkel shallow sandbars at your own pace.

A private sandbar charter in Key West lets your group choose how to spend the afternoon (swimming, wading, floating, or snorkeling in shallow water), while the captain selects the sandbar based on that day's tides, weather, and conditions. You bring your own food and music, set the pace, and skip the fixed group-tour schedule. The boat holds small groups, and snorkeling happens in shallow areas when conditions allow.

The experience

You arrive at the dock with your group and board a private boat that operates on your terms, not a published itinerary. The captain reads the day's conditions (tides, wind, water depth, marine traffic), and takes you to whichever sandbar or shallow-water area will give you the clearest water and the best chance at wildlife. That flexibility is the whole point: instead of hoping the fixed destination works out, you get the spot that actually works that day.

Once you're there, the pace is yours. Wade into the shallows, float on the large Lilypad, swim, or stay aboard and relax. When conditions permit, snorkel the shallow areas. Bring your own food and drinks (the boat provides ice, a cooler, cups, plates, and utensils), and play your own music. The captain handles navigation and all safety calls, but you're not watching from a seat. You're in the water or on the boat doing what suits you.

The charter runs four hours. Bottled water and snacks are included, along with a stand-up paddle board if you want it. As a bonus, your group gets complimentary access to the Perry Hotel pool and gym for the day (normally $35 per adult, $15 per child). The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the arrangement works for families with infants, small children, and people of any fitness level.

What’s included

• Bottled water and snacks.
• stand-up paddle board.
• ice and cooler.
• cups, plates, and utensils.
• complimentary Perry Hotel pool and gym access for the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:30

Book up to3h before

GroupPrivate

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Six Fins Charter

Is this one for you?A private charter means you set the pace and the captain picks the sandbar based on that day's conditions, so you're not locked into a fixed destination or a group schedule. Book this if you want flexibility and the best water conditions available, not a guaranteed spot.

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Top questions

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.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. The captain takes you to shallow areas where snorkeling is possible when conditions allow, so you're not in deep water. Bring your own mask and fins or rent them separately if you don't have gear. The charter does not provide snorkeling equipment.

What if the weather is bad on the day of my charter?

The captain makes the final call on safety and will select a sandbar or shallow area suitable for that day's conditions. If conditions are unsafe for boating, the operator will reschedule or refund you. Check the cancellation policy when you book.

Can I bring food and drinks aboard?

Yes. Bring your preferred food, drinks, and music in accordance with onboard rules. The boat provides ice, a cooler, cups, plates, and utensils, plus bottled water and snacks.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The charter is private for your group, which keeps it small and flexible. The exact capacity depends on your group size. Confirm the number of passengers when you book.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a rash guard or wetsuit if you prefer one. The charter does not provide towels. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it, or arrange a rental in advance. Sunglasses with a strap, a hat, and water shoes are useful for the shallow sandbars.