Private Florida Keys Sandbar Tours
Explore the Lower Florida Keys on a private sandbar tour departing from Big Pine Key. Swim, relax in shallow water, and enjoy island stops with a captain and a boat reserved for your group.
Up to 6 passengers per boat • Snorkel equipment, ice and bottled water included. Staying in Marathon or Duck Key? Join us in Big Pine Key for your day on the water.
Compare sandbar trips and check availability
Need help choosing? Contact us or call (305) 900-8160.
Private Sandbar Tours from Big Pine Key
Spend your boat day swimming, taking photos and relaxing at sandbar and island stops in the Lower Florida Keys. Your captain plans the route around your group, the available time and the day’s conditions.
- Private boat: up to six passengers, including children and infants.
- Included: captain, masks, snorkels, fins, life jackets, and a cooler with ice and bottled water.
- Bring: towels, sun protection, snacks and your favorite drinks.
- Booking: select a trip below for current per-boat pricing and available dates.
Staying in Marathon or Duck Key?
Join our sandbar tours from Big Pine Key, south of Marathon. If you are staying in Marathon or Duck Key, plan your drive to the departure area before choosing a start time. Your confirmation text provides the meeting location, parking details and arrival instructions.
Choose the shorter snorkel-and-sandbar trip for a quick outing, or allow more time on a 5- or 6-hour charter for backcountry exploring. If you have a particular island in mind, contact us before booking so we can match your plans to the trip length.
Choose Your Private Sandbar Tour
Private 2.5-Hour Snorkel & Sandbar Stop
Private 2.5-hour snorkel and sandbar trip for up to six passengers per boat. Explore waters where dolphins and sea turtles may be seen, then enjoy a shallow sandbar stop. The captain chooses stops based on conditions; a Looe Key Reef visit is not guaranteed.
Masks, snorkels, fins, life jackets, and a cooler with ice and bottled water are included. See checkout for the current per-boat price and availability.
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.
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.
Florida Keys Ultimate: Private 6-Hour Sandbar & Snorkeling Charter
Make this private 6-hour Florida Keys charter your own. We can customize the day however your group likes, within reason, with your choice of sandbar hopping, Atlantic and/or Gulf snorkeling, light fishing, and lobster hunting when in season. Mix several activities or spend more time doing your favorite. There is no fixed activity schedule.
Tell us what you have in mind, and we will help plan a trip that fits your interests, travel time and the day’s wind, tides and water conditions. Your captain will work with you to choose suitable stops and a realistic combination of activities.
When lobster season is closed, we can substitute another activity. The regular closed season is April 1 through August 5, except for the two-day July mini-season. Add more sandbar time, Atlantic or Gulf snorkeling, or some casual fishing instead.
Light fishing is a relaxed add-on to your boat day. We are not professional fishing guides. This option focuses on targeting small mangrove and yellowtail snapper, with no guarantee of a catch.
Pricing is per boat. Maximum of 6 passengers per boat.
Lower Florida Keys Sandbars & Island Stops
Our private sandbar tours depart from Big Pine Key and explore the Lower Keys. The route depends on your trip length, tide, wind and water conditions. Tell us which stops interest you before booking so we can help you choose a suitable charter.
Picnic Island
Picnic Island is one of the island stops we may include for swimming, relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Ask whether it fits your selected trip and the conditions on your date.
Marvin Key Sandbar
Interested in a Marvin Key sandbar trip? Ask us about a longer backcountry charter. More time on the water allows greater flexibility for travel and island stops, but a specific destination is never guaranteed.
Tarpon Belly Key, Snipe Point & Sawyer Key
These are other areas we may explore on a longer Lower Keys trip. Your captain selects suitable stops for the day rather than following a fixed island-hopping route.
Looe Key Reef is a reef snorkeling destination, not a sandbar. If reef snorkeling is your priority, see our Looe Key Reef snorkeling trips and discuss any combination trip with us before booking.
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.
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
Can I choose a specific sandbar?
Let us know which sandbar or island you would like to visit before booking. Your captain will consider the trip length, tides, wind and water conditions when planning the route. A particular stop cannot be guaranteed.
Does a sandbar trip include reef snorkeling?
A sandbar stop and a reef snorkel are different experiences. Some trips combine sandbar time with snorkeling, but a Looe Key Reef visit is not included in every itinerary. Check your selected trip details and contact us if reef snorkeling is your priority.
Find answers about what to bring, group sizes and departure instructions below.
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?
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 look forward to cruising with you! Your participation is key in ensuring the best experience possible.
Lobster Charters