Coral Keys Adventures

Sandbar, Snorkeling, Sightseeing, Ecotours and Sunset Trips

Home » About Us » FAQs

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Coral Keys Adventures

Book Now
Towels, sunscreen, camera/phones anything you would like to eat or drink. If you have your own snorkel gear, you may bring it. If you don’t, we can supply the gear.
Coral Keys Adventures is located at Whale Harbor Marina, MM 83.4 Oceanside, address: 83413 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036. We are the boat closest to the ocean near the big chair and the cannons. You are welcome to arrive up to 10 minutes early for larger groups (5-6 people) with a lot of drinks and food for the cooler, or just a few minutes earlier than your booking time for smaller groups.

Gratuity is not required, but tipping your captain is customary in the United States and always greatly appreciated. ⚓💙 We know tipping customs vary around the world, so if you’re visiting from another country, you may not be familiar with tipping practices for private boat charters.

For great service, a typical gratuity is 15–20% of the charter price, similar to what is customary for restaurant service in the United States. The amount is entirely up to you and can reflect how accommodating, knowledgeable, personable, and helpful you felt your captain was throughout your experience.

Your captain does much more than simply drive the boat! Before you ever step aboard, there is preparation involved in getting the boat, equipment, cooler, ice, snorkel gear, and other items ready for your trip. During your charter, your captain is focused on your safety and comfort, helping with snorkeling, looking for wildlife, choosing the best locations, monitoring weather and water conditions, and customizing the day around your group’s interests.

If you choose to leave a gratuity, you can tip with cash, Venmo, or Zelle. If you paid for your charter by credit card, you can also ask Capt. Rebekah to add the gratuity to your card. Please keep in mind that the applicable credit-card processing fee will also apply to the gratuity amount.

Most importantly, gratuity is always your choice. It’s a wonderful way to let your captain know you had a great day, but it is never required. 🌴🌊⚓

It depends on a few factors, including size of your group (larger groups generally take longer to snorkel and relax/play at the sandbar), weather/wind (the boat can move faster in calmer waters and more slowly in choppy waters for guest comfort), and how long you would like to spend at each place.

A sunset cruise is generally two hours – an hour of snorkeling OR sandbar, then an hour of sightseeing/ecotour/sunset, but guests can book any amount of time and end with a gorgeous Florida Keys sunset. If no one is interested in snorkeling or the sandbar, we would have two hours of sightseeing/ecotour ending with a sunset. (Consult your captain for departure time if you would like to end with a sunset.)

Other 2-hour cruises generally consist of TWO of the following:
– Snorkeling (one location)
– Islamorada Sandbar (20-45 min. generally)
– Canal homes tour
– Netflix’s Bloodline tour
– Ecotour/searching for wildlife
– A short stop at a close bar/restaurant on the water
OR one of the following:
– A snorkel trip to Alligator Lighthouse, weather/wind permitting
– Sightseeing/Ecotour
– Islamorada Sandbar (an hour and a half)

With a 3-hour tour, guests can expect two or three of the following:
– Snorkeling (one or two locations, wind/weather permitting)
– A snorkel trip to Alligator Lighthouse, weather/wind permitting
– Islamorada Sandbar (up to 1.5 hours)
– Canal homes tour
– Netflix’s Bloodline tour
– Ecotour/searching for wildlife
– A short stop at a close bar/restaurant on the water
OR one or two of the following:
– A snorkel trip to Alligator Lighthouse, weather/wind permitting
– Snorkeling (wind/weather permitting)
– Sightseeing/Ecotour
– A short stop at a close bar/restaurant on the water
– Islamorada Sandbar (up to 2.5 hours)

With a 4-hour tour, guests can expect three or more of the following, depending on how long is spent at each:
– Snorkeling (up to 3 locations, including Alligator Lighthouse, weather/wind permitting)
– Islamorada Sandbar (up to 3 hours)
– Canal homes tour
– Netflix’s Bloodline tour
– Ecotour/searching for wildlife
– A stop at a close bar/restaurant on the water for either a drink or lunch
OR one or two of the following:
– Islamorada Sandbar (3.5 hours)

With a 6-hour tour, guests can expect three or more of the following, depending on how long is spent at each:
– Snorkeling (up to 4 locations, including Alligator Lighthouse, weather/wind permitting)
– Islamorada Sandbar (up to 4 hours)
– Canal homes tour
– Netflix’s Bloodline tour
– Ecotour/searching for wildlife
– A stop at a bar/restaurant on the water for either a drink or lunch
(*Guests are encouraged to eat lunch at one of our delicious restaurants on the water, but they’re also welcome to bring lunch and eat a picnic at the sandbar!)
OR, some guests would just like to play and relax at:
– Islamorada Sandbar (5.5 hours)

Coral Keys Adventures does take customers “family fun fishing” provided that they bring their own fishing gear! “Family fun fishing” isn’t for any particular species or size. Usually we will catch mangrove snappers, grunts, and maybe a barracuda or small shark, although fish aren’t always biting and catching isn’t guaranteed. We fish near the mangroves in the Florida Bay in calm waters to make it fun and enjoyable for all ages!

If you choose to add “family fun fishing” to your adventure, please stop at Tiny’s Bait & Gas gas station located at 82788 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036 (bayside), which is the closest bait shop to Whale Harbor Marina, and pick up the following:
– One to four bags of frozen shrimp (depending on how long you want to fish and how many anglers)
– A block of chum
– A mesh chum bag
OPTIONAL: Any other bait you prefer. (But make sure to get at least one bag of frozen shrimp.)

Gear you should bring:
– One to four fishing rods/reels, rigged and ready with small- or medium-sized hook (see graphic).


Leader line is optional if you’re going for sharks and barracudas.
– Hooks of various sizes for back-ups
– Split shot weights, medium-sized
– Needle nose or fishing pliers to remove hook or dehooker
– Fishing glove
OPTIONAL: Filet knife/glove if you plan to keep legal-size fish you catch.

You are welcome to keep fish that are legal size within the proper limits; however, we encourage catch, photograph, and release. You must filet your own fish, but you are welcome to use the filet table at the dock!

Capt. Rebekah loves fishing and always happy to give tips and tricks for catching bayside fish!

At Coral Keys Adventures, all of our tours are private charters, meaning the boat is reserved exclusively for you and your group. 🌴⚓

We’ve found that everyone has a different idea of the perfect day on the water. Some guests can’t wait to snorkel the reefs, while others would rather cruise the bay looking for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and other wildlife. Others may want to spend most of their time relaxing at the sandbar.

By keeping our charters private, you don’t have to compromise with another group’s plans. Your captain can tailor your adventure to your interests, weather and water conditions, and what your group is enjoying most that day.

Want to share the cost? You’re absolutely welcome to organize your own group! Couples and families sometimes meet other guests at their resort or during other adventures and decide to book a charter together. If you choose to do this, we just recommend talking beforehand to make sure everyone is on the same page about how they’d like to spend the day. That way, everyone knows they’re comfortable sharing both the charter and the experience.

Your boat. Your group. Your adventure. That’s the Coral Keys Adventures way! 🌊🐬☀️

Your safety and enjoyment always come first at Coral Keys Adventures! 🌊🤿 Because the reefs are located on the oceanside, wind and wave conditions play a big part in determining whether a reef snorkel is a good choice that day.

Generally, when waves are over about 2 feet, snorkeling can become more challenging. It’s not only harder to comfortably snorkel in the waves—it can also make getting back onto the boat and climbing the swim ladder more difficult.

Capt. Rebekah will evaluate the wind, waves, and weather conditions before your trip and determine whether heading to the reef is a good idea. If conditions are right on the edge, she’ll talk with your group about your snorkeling experience and comfort level and may give you the choice between snorkeling the reef or heading to a more protected location in Florida Bay.

And don’t worry if the reef isn’t cooperating! We have a fantastic shallow, protected snorkeling spot on the bay that’s especially great for beginners. Guests typically see lots of fish and may spot mangrove snappers, grunts, parrotfish, grouper, angelfish, and other marine life. While you won’t have the colorful coral reef environment or quite the same variety of tropical reef fish, there is still plenty to see—and our guests have a great time exploring it.

The goal isn’t simply to get you to the reef—it’s to give you the safest, most enjoyable snorkeling experience the conditions allow that day. 🐠💙

We want your day with Coral Keys Adventures to be easy, comfortable, and FUN! 🌴⚓ Your private charter includes a cooler with ice, and if snorkeling is part of your adventure, we provide snorkel gear and pool noodles for extra flotation and comfort in the water.

Heading to the Islamorada Sandbar? We’ll bring the fun! Depending on how long you plan to spend at the sandbar, we can provide inflatable floats, a Frisbee, football, and Skipball. Because some of our larger floats take more time to inflate and set up, the number and size of floats we bring will depend on the length of your sandbar stop.

What should you bring? Just pack your favorite drinks, snacks or lunch, sunscreen, and towels. We’ll take care of the rest and help you create a day on the water that’s all about what your group wants to do.

🌊 Your boat. Your group. Your adventure!

Coral Keys Adventures can accommodate up to 6 guests on our private charters. 🌴⚓

Whether it’s just the two of you looking for a relaxing day on the water or a family or group of friends ready for an adventure, the boat is reserved exclusively for your group. There’s no need to share your charter with strangers, so you can spend your time doing what your group enjoys most.

For larger groups of more than 6 people, contact us before booking. We may be able to help coordinate with another local captain so everyone can enjoy the adventure together.

Anywhere from 1 to 6 guests—your boat, your group, your adventure! 🌊🐬☀️

You’re welcome to bring your favorite drinks, snacks, and lunch aboard. However, we strongly recommend choosing cans, plastic bottles, or other non-breakable containers instead of glass whenever possible.

Boats move, things occasionally get dropped, and guests are often barefoot while swimming, snorkeling, or enjoying the sandbar. Avoiding glass helps keep everyone—and those bare feet!—safe throughout the day. 🌴🦶🌊

We provide a cooler and plenty of ice, so just bring your favorite drinks and we’ll get them chilled for you! 🧊🥤

If your favorite beverage happens to come in glass, just take a little extra care with it while onboard.

Our boat does not have a restroom available for guest use, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! 🚤🌴

For a quick bathroom break, most of our guests simply “go where the fishes go!” 🐠🌊 Capt. Rebekah can always find an appropriate spot for a swim break when needed.

And if you have a #2 emergency 💩—no need to panic! We spend most of our charters within about 15 minutes of a waterfront restaurant or marina with a restroom, so Capt. Rebekah can usually get you to facilities fairly quickly.

We highly recommend using the restroom before your charter departs. At Whale Harbor Marina, you’ll find restrooms upstairs from the dock office, and there is another set of restrooms near the hanging plastic tiger shark. 🦈

A quick stop before you board means more time enjoying your adventure once we’re out on the water! 🌊☀️⚓

We understand that plans—and Florida Keys weather—can change! 🌴🌊 Guests may cancel their charter at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund. Weather is a little different. Capt. Rebekah closely monitors the wind, waves, and overall weather conditions leading up to each charter. If she determines that conditions will not allow for a safe and enjoyable day on the water, she will work with you to cancel or make other arrangements, even if it is within the 48-hour cancellation period. Keep in mind that rough ocean conditions don’t necessarily mean a bad boating day! There are many times when the oceanside may be too rough for the reef, but the protected waters of Florida Bay are beautiful and comfortable for snorkeling, wildlife viewing, sightseeing, or simply enjoying a day on the water. If Capt. Rebekah determines that conditions are suitable for an enjoyable charter—even if the itinerary needs to be adjusted from the oceanside to the bayside—the standard 48-hour cancellation policy still applies. Our goal is always to give you a safe, fun, and memorable day on the water, while making the best decisions based on the conditions Mother Nature gives us! ☀️🐬⚓
If you just don’t want the fun to end, most tours can be extended for $150/hour. Ask the captain about availability if you feel you might want to extend. We can add the extra hour(s) to your card on file if you paid with a credit or debit card, or you can pay with cash, Zelle, or Venmo.
Coral Keys Adventures is absolutely pet-friendly!
When you book online with a credit card, you will pay 25% of the total amount due when you book in order to reserve your date and time for the tour with Coral Keys Adventures. After you arrive, you will be checked in at the start of the tour, and the balance will be charged to the same card on file. If you would like to pay the balance due with another payment method, please notify Capt. Rebekah before you arrive for the charter. If you are paying with another method of payment other than credit card, you will arrange a deposit with Capt. Rebekah in order to secure your date/time then pay the balance upon arrival.
Yes, if your hotel, condo, etc., is on the water with dockage and we don’t have back-to-back charters, Coral Keys Adventures can pick you up for a pick-up fee, as it does take time and gas to get there! Pick-up fees for nearby locations, such as Three Waters and Cheeca Lodge are generally $50 while further locations are more. Coordinate with Capt. Rebekah if you would like to be picked up!

Tour pricing
• 2-hour tours — $350
• 3-hour tours — $475
• 4-hour tours — $600
• 6-hour tours — $900

Please note
• If booked online with a credit/debit card, there are booking/credit card fees.
• Tip is not included in the price.
• If you would like to save booking/credit card fees, you can pay cash, Zelle, or Venmo. Call or text Capt. Rebekah at (305) 363-8286 to set up this arrangement.
• If you use a 3rd-party app like Boatsetter, Get My Boat, Trip Advisor, or BoatBooker, the prices may be higher than listed on this website due to their additional charges.

We want everyone to be comfortable while enjoying their day on the water. 🌴⚓ Smoking and nicotine vaping are not permitted while the boat is underway.

When the boat is stopped, cigarette smoking or nicotine vaping may be permitted at the back of the boat with Capt. Rebekah’s approval. We simply ask that guests be considerate of others onboard and keep smoke or vapor away from other passengers.

Please help us protect our beautiful Florida Keys waters—cigarette butts and other waste must never be thrown overboard and should always be disposed of properly.

Marijuana and other federally illegal drugs are not permitted aboard the boat, including medical marijuana. Because Coral Keys Adventures operates under federal maritime regulations, federal law applies, and marijuana remains illegal under federal law regardless of Florida medical-marijuana authorization.

If you need a cigarette or nicotine-vape break during your charter, just ask Capt. Rebekah, and she’ll let you know when and where it’s appropriate. 🌊☀️

That’s one of our favorite questions because no two days on the water are exactly the same! 🌴🐬 With Coral Keys Adventures, your private tour is customized around what your group would most like to see and do. Depending on your itinerary, you may explore the beautiful turquoise waters surrounding Islamorada, snorkel a colorful reef, visit the famous Islamorada Sandbar, cruise through quiet mangrove areas and canals, see iconic local landmarks, or simply enjoy sightseeing from the boat. And keep your eyes on the water! 👀 Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but you may encounter dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, stingrays, nurse sharks, tarpon, tropical fish, pelicans, ospreys, and other Florida Keys wildlife along the way. If snorkeling is part of your adventure, what you see will depend on the location and conditions that day. Reef snorkeling can offer colorful coral and tropical marine life, while our protected Florida Bay snorkeling location is shallow, beginner-friendly, and home to plenty of fish, including possible sightings of parrotfish, grouper, angelfish, and more. The best part of a private charter is that you help decide what kind of day you want! Tell Capt. Rebekah what interests you most—wildlife, snorkeling, the sandbar, sightseeing, exploring, or a little bit of everything—and she’ll help create an adventure your group will remember. 🌊☀️🐠

Your adventure takes place aboard our 25-foot Sea Fox 248 Commander, a comfortable center-console boat that’s perfect for exploring the waters around Islamorada. ⚓🌴

Powered by a 300-horsepower Yamaha outboard, the boat offers plenty of room for your private group of up to six guests. It’s well suited for everything from cruising the calm waters of Florida Bay and looking for wildlife to visiting the Islamorada Sandbar and heading offshore for a snorkeling adventure.

The boat also has a swim ladder for getting in and out of the water, plenty of seating, storage for your belongings, and room for the gear we bring along for your adventure.

Most importantly, because every Coral Keys Adventures charter is private, the boat is yours for the duration of your tour—just your group and Capt. Rebekah!

🌊 Your boat. Your group. Your adventure!

Absolutely not! 😂 Bananas are the one snack Capt. Rebekah asks you to leave on shore.

Bananas have been considered bad luck on boats for centuries. One popular explanation dates back to the sailing and trading days, when ships carrying bananas sometimes had to travel quickly because the fruit spoiled so fast. Those voyages became associated with fewer successful fishing catches. Bananas could also hide spiders and other unwanted pests among the bunches, giving sailors even more reasons to blame them when things went wrong.

Over time, bananas became one of boating’s most famous superstitions—and many captains and fishermen still refuse to have them aboard today. Is it scientifically proven? Definitely not. Are we willing to test the theory? Also definitely not! 😂⚓

And Capt. Rebekah has her own banana stories! 🍌😳 On two separate charters, she discovered that guests had brought bananas aboard. Ask her what happened on those trips—she’ll be happy to tell you why she’s not interested in giving bananas a third chance! 😂

So bring your sandwiches, chips, other fruit, snacks, and drinks—but please leave the bananas behind.

After all, we’re hoping for good weather, calm seas, lots of fish and wildlife, and nothing but good luck on your Coral Keys Adventure! 🌊🐬🐠☀️

No bananas. No bad luck. No third chances! 🍌🚫⚓

Yes. For your safety, guests who plan to snorkel must know how to swim and be comfortable in open water. Conditions can include waves, currents, and varying depths. Life vests are provided for safety, but they are not a substitute for swimming ability and are not intended to enable non-swimmers to snorkel. We also have pool noodles available for snorkelers who would like a little extra flotation and comfort in the water. If you cannot swim or are not comfortable in open water, no worries! A medium- to low-tide sandbar and/or sightseeing or sunset trip will be a much better option for you. You can still enjoy an amazing day on the water, see the beautiful Florida Keys, look for wildlife, and relax in the shallow water at the sandbar.
Absolutely! In fact, that’s one of the best things about booking a private charter with Coral Keys Adventures. 🌴🤿⚓ Your trip can be customized so you can enjoy several different experiences in one adventure. You can snorkel, explore and sightsee, look for dolphins, manatees and other wildlife, and spend time swimming, floating and relaxing at the Islamorada Sandbar—all on the same trip. Exactly how much you can fit in depends on the length of your charter, weather and water conditions, and how long your group wants to spend at each stop. For guests who want to experience a little bit of everything, we generally recommend a 4-hour charter or longer. A shorter trip can still combine activities, but you’ll have less time at each location. With a longer charter, there’s more time to slow down and enjoy each part of the adventure instead of watching the clock. And remember—you don’t have to have your entire day planned before you arrive! Tell Capt. Rebekah what your group is most excited about, and she can help create an itinerary based on your interests and the conditions that day. 🌊 Snorkel a little. Sightsee a little. Sandbar a lot—or the other way around. It’s your adventure! See the FAQ question “How many hours should I book?” for more details!