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Looe Key Reef

Private Florida Keys Sandbar Tours

Looking for a true Florida Keys sandbar day—clear, shallow water, island hopping, and a private boat just for your group?
Saltwater Seafari offers guided private sandbar trips near Big Pine Key and Marathon, customized to your vibe:
relax and float, explore multiple sandbars, or add an easy snorkel stop when conditions allow.

Choose your sandbar trip:

Best Florida Keys Sandbar Tours

Want the classic Florida Keys sandbar day—shallow, clear water, island scenery, and a private boat for your group?
Saltwater Seafari runs guided sandbar tours near Big Pine Key and Marathon, customized to your pace: relax, swim, float, take photos, and explore multiple sandbar stops depending on conditions.

We’ll choose the best locations for the day based on tide, wind, and visibility so you get the safest, clearest experience possible.
Bring your towels, sunscreen, and favorite snacks—there’s an iced cooler onboard and bottled water for your group.

Photo of couple sitting in a swing at Snipes Point Sandbar. Both are smiling and she is holding his arm.

Visit Sunny Sandbars with Saltwater Seafari

Whether you want a laid-back float-and-relax day or a bigger island-hopping adventure, our private sandbar trips are built around your group.
We’ll tailor the route to the day’s conditions—tide, wind, and visibility—so you get the best experience possible.

Choose from multiple trip lengths, sandbar-focused charters, and options that can include a simple snorkel stop when conditions allow.
Your captain will also point out local wildlife and share a bit of the Florida Keys’ rich history along the way.

Photo of woman's hand holding a giant starfish.
Photo of woman on paddle board relaxing in the Florida Keys
Photo of driftwood and life trees on a sandbar island
Photo of Captain Matt and his guests on a Florida Keys sandbar tour.
Choose from Four Florida Keys Sandbar Tour Options

Private Sandbar Charter + Looe Key Snorkel

This private Looe Key Reef snorkeling trip is a great choice for beginners who want to experience one of the best reefs in the Florida Keys. Your captain will guide the trip, help your group get comfortable, and choose the best approach based on the day’s wind, waves, current, and visibility.

Looe Key is an offshore reef known for clear water, coral structure, tropical fish, and a true Florida Keys snorkeling experience. All snorkel gear is provided, including masks, snorkels, and fins. We’ll also have a cooler on the boat with ice and complimentary bottled water. The private trip reserves the boat for just your group and the captain.

Note: Max of 6 passengers per boat, including infants and toddlers. Offshore reef conditions can vary, so the captain may adjust the plan for safety and comfort.

Starting at: $325

Private 5-Hour Shallow Water Gulfside Sandbar & Snorkel Charter
5 HOURS

This 5-hour private charter is built for a full Gulfside sandbar day in the Lower Florida Keys. You’ll make multiple sandbar and beach stops, mixing popular spots with quieter local areas depending on the day’s conditions. Snorkel equipment is included, and you can enjoy your choice of music as we cruise between stops.

Note: Max of 6 passengers per boat, including infants and toddlers.

Starting at: $899

Island Sandbar Tours take place in the shallow Gulf waters of the Lower Florida Keys. We provide the snorkeling equipment you need to explore the clear water and enjoy the scenery between stops. Cruise in comfort on a private boat, swim and relax at multiple sandbar locations, and enjoy your favorite music as you take in those classic Keys, Caribbean-like views.

Keys Ultimate Private 6-Hour Sandbar, Snorkeling & Lobster Charter

This is our ultimate private 6-hour Keys charter—built for groups who want the full backcountry experience. Plan on about
3 hours enjoying sandbars and snorkeling, 2 hours of lobster hunting (in-season), and roughly 1 hour of travel into the backcountry.

Your trip is fully customizable. Your captain will choose the best sandbars and snorkel areas for the day based on wind, tides, and visibility so you get maximum fun and the clearest conditions possible.
During lobster off-season, we’ll swap the lobster portion for more sandbar time, snorkeling, and additional island stops—still the same private 6-hour adventure.

Pricing is per boat. Maximum of 6 passengers per boat.

Starting at: $1350

Sandbar Tour Locations

Our sandbar trips explore shallow-water islands and sandbars near Marathon, FL and Big Pine Key, with routes chosen for the day’s tide, wind, and visibility.
We’ll take you to our favorite spots—plus a few hidden gems—so you experience the Florida Keys like a local.

Book Now to choose your trip length and lock in your date.

Common sandbar and island areas we may visit (conditions-dependent):

  • Marathon, FL
  • Big Pine Key
  • Looe Key Reef
  • Picnic Island
  • Tarpon Belly Key
  • Marvin Key
  • Snipe Point
  • Sawyer Key
  • Newfound Harbor Preservation Area

Exact stops vary by tide, wind, visibility, and your group’s preferences.

Photo of two girls doing handstands on the sandbar trip in the Florida Keys
Photo of a teen girl in shallow water. She's on the ocean floor with her head and feet outside of the water, and she's wearing swimming fins. She's smiling as she faces the camera.
Photo of a couple on a swing made of a fishnet. it's handing from a tree of driftwood on Picnic Island.
Photo of two young ladies walking through a sandbar to get back into the deeper water where the Saltwater Seafari is anchored.
Two young men on the beach during a Florida Keys sandbar tour.

Testimonials

While our words don’t do the sandbars justice, our customers might! Read testimonials from Saltwater Seafari customers to learn more about their experiences!

“Such a fun and awesome trip!! Matt and Jennifer were great and helpful along the way! Jennifer never missed a chance to get a great photo for our family! Would highly recommend them to anyone that wants to explore the waters in the keys!” – Hanna B.

“I first saw Matt as the featured guest angler on one of the saltwater fishing shows and was thrilled to book him for a fishing trip. We had a terrific day, he got us on the fish and he truly cared about everyone having a great time. He runs a great operation, provides all the equipment, and you’re guaranteed a fun day with fun people.” – Bob A.

See more Google Reviews
5 Gold stars with a google icon below them.

Want to Add a Reef Snorkel?

If your group wants a true reef snorkel as part of your sandbar day, you’ll want to book our
Ultimate Private 6-Hour Charter. That’s the trip built for sandbars plus snorkeling, with the flexibility to reach the best water for the day.

Learn more about the reef experience here:
Looe Key Reef snorkeling trips.
Reef snorkeling is always weather- and visibility-dependent.

Note: Snorkeling is weather- and visibility-dependent. If conditions aren’t safe, we’ll recommend the best alternative for the day.

Snorkeling Tours, Sandbar Trips & Private Charters

Saltwater Seafari offers private snorkeling tours, sandbar trips, and custom boat charters across the Florida Keys.
Whether you’re planning a family day on the water, a couples trip, or a small group adventure, we’ll help you choose the right trip for your vibe.
Want something custom—like a bachelorette party, birthday, or special occasion? Reach out to us and we’ll help plan it.

Frequently Asked Questions – Sandbar Tours

Saltwater Seafari offers snorkeling tours, boat tours, fishing trips, and more all across the Florida Keys. If you are looking for individual tours, group tours, or something fun for the whole family, book with us today!

What should I expect on the day of my tour?

You will receive a confirmation text from us in the hours prior to your trip. This will include details specific to our location, parking, and meet up instructions. If we have inclement weather, we will be in contact with you to discuss other options. After a brief overview of the boat and safety information we will embark on your journey.

What should I bring to my sandbar boat tour?

Pack a bag for the trip to include; towels, sunscreen, cameras, sunglasses, and any snacks or drinks you would like for the duration of your trip. The boat is equipped with a large cooler that will be iced down and stocked with bottled water. You may bring any snacks or drinks that you would like to add to the cooler.

How does pricing work?

Our pricing is for a private boat. This allows us to stray away from a typical itinerary and explore areas that may be best suitable for your group. The private boat price covers a maximum of 6 passengers.

How many people can go on the tour?

We can take 12 total split between our 2 boats, We can accommodate 6 passengers maximum per boat, including infants and children.

Are there any age restrictions on the sandbar trips?

We are happy to accommodate all ages on our sandbar tours.
Photo of woman on fishnet swing at Picnic Island in the Florida Keys. She's on a sandbar trip with Saltwater Seafari

We look forward to cruising with you! Your participation is key in ensuring the best experience possible.

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