Snorkeling in Islamorada: Alligator Reef & Sandbar

Rays and tropical fish swim past you at Alligator Reef, then you float on lily pads in turquoise shallows.

Snorkel Alligator Reef in Islamorada, Florida with an expert guide, then unwind at the Islamorada Sandbar in a single 4-hour outing. The activity pairs a guided reef dive where you swim above coral and tropical fish with a relaxation stop in shallow, warm water where personal floats and paddle boards let you choose how to spend your time. All snorkeling gear, floats, snacks and drinks are included. The ability to swim is required for the reef portion.

The experience

The boat takes you to Alligator Reef, where the water is clear enough to see the coral formations and the fish moving through them. You'll wear a wetsuit and mask provided by the crew, and they stay in the water with you the whole time: both to point out what's worth watching and to make sure everyone stays safe. Novice snorkelers and experienced ones go on the same trip. The guides adjust to what each person is comfortable with.

Once you've finished at the reef, the boat heads to the Islamorada Sandbar, where the water is only a few feet deep and warm enough that you can stay in as long as you want. The crew sets out personal floats and lily pad mats so you can drift or lounge without effort, and paddle boards if you'd rather move around. They bring light snacks and drinks so you're not hungry or thirsty while you're floating in the turquoise water.

What’s included

• All snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit).
• personal floats and lily pad mats at the Sandbar.
• paddle boards.
• light snacks and drinks throughout the 4 hours.
• expert guide support in the water at Alligator Reef.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and SundayDepartures at 09:30, 10:00 and 11:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 42

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 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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Morada Mermaid Charters

Is this one for you?The 4-hour window means you can fit this into a morning or an afternoon and still have time for other activities in the Keys. If you're planning a full day of exploring, book this early and you'll have the rest of the day free. If you prefer a slower pace, it leaves room to grab lunch before or after without rushing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

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's the water like at Alligator Reef when I'm snorkeling there?

Alligator Reef has clear water where you can see vibrant coral and tropical fish, including rays, swimming around you. The reef is a working underwater ecosystem, so what you see changes with the season and the time of day, but the guides know where the most active areas are and will position the group to give everyone a good view.

Do I need to know how to swim to do this?

Yes, the ability to swim is required for the snorkeling portion at Alligator Reef. The Sandbar portion is in very shallow water, so non-swimmers can wade and float there with the personal floats and lily pads the crew provides.

What happens at the Islamorada Sandbar after snorkeling?

The Sandbar is a shallow, warm-water area where you relax and swim without the gear. The crew provides personal floats, lily pad mats and paddle boards so you can lounge, drift or paddle around, and they bring snacks and drinks to keep you comfortable while you're in the water.

Is all the snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

All snorkeling gear is included: mask, fins, wetsuit and any other equipment you need. The crew handles the setup and makes sure everything fits properly before you enter the water.

How long is the whole activity, and what time does it start?

The full outing is 4 hours, split between the reef snorkel and the Sandbar relaxation. The operator will confirm your departure time when you book.