Private Islamorada Sandbar Charter: 4-hour boat tour

Swim and float on the Islamorada Sandbar in crystal-clear shallows

A private 4-hour boat charter from Islamorada takes you by captain-led cruise through Whale Harbor Channel to the famous sandbar, where you swim and float in shallow water before returning past the Shell Keys and historic Lignumvitae Key. The boat includes a licensed captain, life jackets for all, a large floating platform, fresh water, and onboard bathroom. Infants and wheelchairs are accommodated with advance notice.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cruise to Islamorada Sandbar

• Depart from Angler House Marina
• Cruise through Whale Harbor Channel
• Watch for dolphins and marine life
• Anchor at Islamorada Sandbar
• Swim, float, and relax on sandbar
• Cruise past Shell Keys
• View historic Lignumvitae Key
• Return to marina

The experience

You have a free afternoon in Islamorada and want to get out on the water without renting your own boat. The charter departs from Angler House Marina on the Gulf side and heads into Whale Harbor Channel for a scenic 30-minute cruise where dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and coastal birds often appear. The captain anchors at the sandbar in a spot shallow and clear enough to wade, swim, or float for as long as you want: no reef, no current, just sun and water.

The boat carries a large floating platform (called a Lily Pad), fresh ice and water, noodles and frisbees for in-water play, and a Bluetooth speaker so you can set the mood. An onboard bathroom means you don't have to plan around facilities on shore. On the return, you'll pass the Shell Keys and get views of Lignumvitae Key, the highest natural point in the Florida Keys, where you can spot classic lobster traps along the way.

A licensed captain runs the boat and provides live commentary in English throughout the 4 hours. Life jackets are provided for everyone, and the operator confirms in advance that wheelchairs up to 25 inches wide can board. Infants sit on an adult's lap. The charter is private, so the pace and stops are yours to shape.

What’s included

• Licensed captain providing live English commentary.
• life jackets for all passengers.
• large floating platform.
• fresh water and ice.
• noodles and frisbees for water play.
• Bluetooth sound bar.
• onboard bathroom.
• wheelchair accessibility with advance notice for wheelchairs up to 25 inches wide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 09:00 and 13:00

Book up to2h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by NAUTICAL TIKI CRUISES UPPER KEYS

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary and wildlife spotting without translation. Infants and wheelchairs are accommodated with a call ahead to confirm measurements, making the charter accessible for families and travelers with mobility needs.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

3 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

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.

What kind of wildlife might I see on the cruise through Whale Harbor Channel?

Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, tropical fish, and coastal birds are common sightings along the channel, though wildlife presence varies by season and time of day.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the sandbar charter?

The boat includes fresh water and ice. You're welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages. The cooler is stocked and ready for what you bring.

How deep is the water at the sandbar, and is it safe for non-swimmers?

The sandbar sits in shallow, clear water where you can wade and float comfortably. Life jackets are provided for everyone, and the large floating platform gives you another option if you prefer to stay out of the water.

Is the boat accessible for someone in a wheelchair?

Yes, with advance notice. Wheelchairs up to 25 inches wide can be accommodated. Call Captain Merv ahead of time to confirm the exact measurements of your wheelchair so the crew can ensure safe passage through the gate and boarding areas.

What's included in the 4-hour charter price?

The licensed captain, life jackets, the floating platform, fresh water and ice, noodles and frisbees, the Bluetooth speaker, and onboard bathroom are all included. The 30-minute cruise to the sandbar and the return route past the Shell Keys and Lignumvitae Key are part of the itinerary.