Sombrero Reef Snorkeling: 3-Hour Pontoon Adventure

Parrotfish feed on living coral while groupers hunt in the crags, and you're in the water with them.

A 3-hour snorkeling activity in Marathon Key takes you by pontoon to Sombrero Reef, one of the world's largest barrier reefs, where you enter the water with snorkeling equipment to see tropical fish, living coral and the offshore Sombrero Key Lighthouse. The reef is protected and teeming with wildlife: large schools of grunts and snappers, groupers hiding in crevices, and occasionally dolphins. A live English-speaking guide leads the outing, and children from age 1 are welcome.

The experience

Three hours on a pontoon gets you to Sombrero Reef, a protected barrier reef offshore of Marathon Key where the underwater landscape shifts constantly. Parrotfish graze on living coral while trumpetfish camouflage themselves among the branches. Large groupers hide in the reef's crags, and schools of grunts and snappers move through the water in formation. The reef itself is the draw, not a single stop but the whole ecosystem you enter when you put on the snorkeling equipment.

You'll see the Sombrero Key Lighthouse standing on the mostly submerged reef, a landmark visible from the water and part of the route. The guide navigates the day and stays in the water with the group, speaking English throughout. Dolphins sometimes appear, though they're not guaranteed. Bring your own food and drinks if you want them during the outing: no glass containers allowed.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you don't need to bring your own. The activity suits all fitness levels, and the pontoon format means you're not swimming to the reef. The boat takes you there. Children from age 1 can join, though comfort in the water and ability to use a mask will shape what each person gets from the time in the water.

What’s included

• Use of snorkeling equipment.
• live English-speaking guide.
• access to Sombrero Reef and the offshore lighthouse.

Options for this experience

2 options

A 3-hour snorkeling trip on a pontoon boat at Sombrero Reef in Marathon KeyGuide in English · 09:00 and 13:00

Sunset Cruise SnorkelingGuide in English · 17:00Enjoy a champagne toast on this 2-hour sunset cruise

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 13:00 and 17:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (1 to 9 years)

GroupUp to 49 · max 6 per booking

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.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Attractions4us LLC

Is this one for you?The pontoon format means the boat does the traveling, so you spend the full three hours in or near the water rather than commuting. Book this if you want to maximize time on the reef itself without a long boat ride eating into the day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 9 years).

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 fish and coral will I see at Sombrero Reef?

Sombrero Reef hosts parrotfish feeding on living coral, trumpetfish camouflaged among coral branches, large groupers hiding in reef crags, and schools of grunts and snappers. The reef is protected and teeming with tropical fish and colorful living coral. Dolphins occasionally appear in the area.

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

Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the activity. You don't need to bring your own gear.

What is the Sombrero Key Lighthouse, and will I see it?

Sombrero Key Lighthouse stands on a mostly submerged reef offshore of Marathon Key. You'll see it from the water during the outing as part of the pontoon route to and around Sombrero Reef.

Can I bring food and drinks on the snorkeling trip?

Yes, you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks. Glass containers are not permitted.