Islamorada: Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Sandbar

Explore Islamorada on a Private 4-Hour Boat Adventure

This private boat tour in Islamorada offers a personalized way to experience the stunning Florida Keys. For $950 per group of up to 6, you get a 4-hour journey led by a USCG-licensed captain. The tour departs from Robbie’s Marina and provides a flexible, intimate experience perfect for families, friends, or small groups seeking a combination of wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and relaxation.

The tour focuses on discovering wildlife like dolphins, manatees, crocodiles, and nesting birds, with the chance to snorkel at Alligator Lighthouse Reef or Cheeca Rocks. Gear is included, and the boat is equipped with comfortable seating and sturdy ladders for water entries. Its intimate size and customizable itinerary make it ideal for those wanting a relaxed, private outing in the Keys.

While the tour emphasizes wildlife and scenic beauty, it does not include food or drinks, so bringing snacks and beverages is recommended. The experience suits those comfortable with water activities and looking for a flexible, guided adventure that highlights the natural charm of Islamorada.

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Key Points

• Private tour for up to 6 guests at $950 total, lasting 4 hours
• Includes snorkeling gear and personalized guidance from a USCG-licensed captain
• Wildlife sightings include dolphins, manatees, crocodiles, and nesting birds
• Snorkeling at Alligator Lighthouse Reef or Cheeca Rocks is a key highlight
• Relaxing at a local sandbar offers sunbathing and floating opportunities
• Meeting point is Robbie’s Marina, near the beach bar and filet table

Starting Point at Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada

The tour begins at Robbie’s Marina, located at 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL. When arriving, look for the tour’s sign on the dock, near the beach bar and filet table. The meeting location is easily accessible, and the marina provides a lively, welcoming atmosphere to start your Keys adventure.

This departure point is central to the area’s best water-based experiences, making it convenient for visitors staying nearby. The marina’s surroundings include other popular attractions, making it an ideal spot to kick off your private boat exploration.

What the 4-Hour Private Boat Tour Covers

This tour offers a comprehensive, yet relaxed exploration of Islamorada’s waterways in a half-day format. The USCG-licensed captain guides guests through the mangrove islands and channels surrounding the key, emphasizing wildlife spotting opportunities along the way.

Expect to see species such as dolphins, which are often seen swimming alongside the boat, manatees lumbering through the water, and crocodiles basking in the sun. The captain also points out nesting birds and iguanas, providing insights into the local ecosystem and history of the Florida Keys, dating back to the late 1700s.

The focus remains on personalized sightseeing and wildlife observation, with the option to snorkel at Alligator Lighthouse Reef or Cheeca Rocks. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the boat’s large, sturdy ladders facilitate easy water entries and exits.

Snorkeling at Alligator Lighthouse Reef or Cheeca Rocks

A key experience of this tour is the chance to snorkel at Alligator Lighthouse Reef or Cheeca Rocks. Both sites are accessible from the boat and offer vibrant underwater scenery filled with fish, coral, and other marine life.

Snorkeling gear is included in the price, making it convenient for those eager to explore beneath the surface. The guided aspect ensures safety and local knowledge, helping you make the most of your underwater adventure. Being in the water for snorkeling adds an exciting dimension to the tour, especially for those who enjoy marine life.

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Relaxation at a Local Sandbar in the Florida Keys

One of the tour’s highlights involves soaking up the sun and relaxing at a local sandbar. This spot provides a peaceful environment for sunbathing, swimming, or simply floating while enjoying the warm Florida weather.

Guests can bring along snacks and drinks, as the boat has a cooler with ice, and there’s water available. The sandbar offers a break from the boat, giving everyone a chance to unwind and take in the natural surroundings. This laid-back stop complements the wildlife and snorkeling activities, rounding out the experience with pure relaxation.

The Boat and Comfort Features

The 21-foot deck boat used for this tour is designed for comfort and safety. It features couch-like seating for relaxed lounging and large sturdy ladders for water access. The boat’s size allows for an intimate experience, with a flexible, customizable itinerary tailored to your group’s interests.

Water and floatation aids like pool noodles are provided to enhance safety and fun. The boat is well-equipped to handle water activity transitions smoothly, making it suitable for guests of different ages and water skill levels, provided they are comfortable in the water.

Practicalities: What to Bring and What’s Not Included

To fully enjoy the tour, guests should bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, a camera, snacks, and water. Since food and drinks are not included, packing refreshments is recommended, especially for the relaxing sandbar stop.

The tour does not allow fishing, so do not plan to fish during the trip. Plus, the tour has a 48-hour cancellation policy, allowing full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Weather-related cancellations are at the discretion of the captain, ensuring safety remains a priority.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This private boat adventure is best suited for families, small groups of friends, or couples seeking a relaxed, customizable experience. It’s ideal for those who love wildlife watching, snorkeling, and sunbathing in a scenic setting. Guests should be comfortable in the water and prepared to bring their own snacks and drinks, as these are not provided.

The tour emphasizes personalized attention and flexible stops, making it a memorable and intimate way to explore the natural beauty of Islamorada. People with back problems might want to consider physical comfort, as the boat offers a relaxed, seated experience but involves water activity.

Comparing Similar Experiences in the Area

This tour stands out for its private, personalized approach and snorkeling at popular reef sites. For those interested in eco-tours or smaller group adventures, options such as kayak eco-tours or full-day charters are available in the area, but none match the intimacy and flexibility of this private boat experience.

Other guided options include mangrove and manatee tours or longer snorkeling excursions, but this 4-hour private trip balances wildlife sightings, snorkeling, and relaxation in a compact, manageable package.

Final Thoughts on the Islamorada Private Boat Tour

This 4-hour private boat tour offers a well-rounded experience emphasizing wildlife sightings, snorkeling, and relaxing at a sandbar. The fully personalized service, led by a knowledgeable captain, ensures a tailored adventure that highlights the natural beauty of the Florida Keys.

While it doesn’t include food or drinks, the gear, cooler, and water provided add to the convenience, and the small-group setting guarantees comfort and flexibility. It’s a great choice for those wanting a private, scenic exploration of Islamorada’s waterways without the crowds.

This tour particularly appeals to nature lovers and water enthusiasts seeking an authentic, hands-on experience in a stunning tropical environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price for the private boat tour in Islamorada?
The tour costs $950 per group of up to 6 people.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for 4 hours, typically available in the morning or afternoon.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Robbie’s Marina at 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada.

What activities are included?
Guests can look for wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, crocodiles, and nesting birds, snorkel at Alligator Lighthouse Reef or Cheeca Rocks, and relax at a local sandbar.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included in the tour price.

Are food and drinks included?
No, guests need to bring their own snacks and beverages; there is a cooler with ice onboard.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, provided they are comfortable in the water. People with back problems should consider their physical comfort.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Weather cancellations are at the captain’s discretion.

What should I bring with me?
Bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, a camera, snacks, and water.

Are fishing activities allowed?
No, fishing is not permitted during this tour.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby