3.5 Hour Private Snorkel Tour Key Largo

Private Snorkel Tour at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — Key Largo, FL

Skip the crowds and experience Key Largo's underwater world the way it was meant to be seen — on your own private boat, at your own pace, with a guide who knows every reef worth exploring. This 3.5-hour private snorkel tour ventures 4–6 miles (6.4–9.7 km) offshore into the Atlantic, visiting two separate snorkel locations inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, giving you up to an hour of in-water time at each site.

The waters here are home to some of the most biodiverse coral reef ecosystems in the continental United States. Depending on conditions, your guide may take you over vibrant staghorn and brain coral formations, past schools of parrotfish, angelfish, and sergeant majors, and — if conditions allow — to the iconic Christ of the Abyss, the famous underwater bronze statue submerged at Key Largo Dry Rocks. Other frequent stops include Grecian Rocks, another beloved shallow-water reef teeming with marine life. Along the way you may spot Florida lobster, nurse sharks, eels, stingrays, barracuda, and sea turtles — all in their natural habitat.

Your vessel is a 27 ft (8.2 m) World Cat dual-hull powerboat, chosen specifically for its stability in open water. It features Bimini-top shade coverage fore and aft, cushioned seating for up to six guests, a large extended boarding ladder for easy water entry and exit, a freshwater rinse station, onboard marine head (restroom), cup holders, and a great sound system. Snorkeling instruction is provided on every trip — whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned snorkeler, your guide will tailor the experience to your group's comfort and ability level.

This tour is recommended for confident swimmers with some previous snorkel experience. The tour takes place in open ocean conditions, where waves, currents, and depth can vary — if you or a member of your group is not yet a strong swimmer, the 2.5-hour single-location tour may be a better fit.

Duration

• 3.5 hours total (9:00 AM–12:30 PM or 1:30–5:00 PM)
  
• Approximately 1 hour of snorkel time at each of two reef locations
  
• Arrive at the marina 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time
  

Location / Where to Meet

1. Located at Key Largo Resort Marina, in a slip between Holiday Inn and Skippers Dockside, Key Largo, FL. 527 Caribbean Dr, Key Largo, FL 33037, United States
   

• Parking: Free parking is available in the back of the Holiday Inn or Skippers Dockside. From the lot, it is a short walk down to the marina slip.
  
• Restrooms: The boat is equipped with a marine head (onboard restroom). Additional restrooms are available at the marina.
  
• Check-in: Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. Complete the boat waiver in advance if possible to save time at check-in.
  

Ages & Requirements

1. Minimum age: 5 years old
   
2. All guests must be able to swim comfortably — this tour takes place 4–6 miles (6.4–9.7 km) offshore in the Atlantic Ocean, where ocean variables such as waves and currents are present. If you cannot comfortably swim in a pool, the open ocean is not recommended.
   
3. Previous snorkel experience is recommended for this 3.5-hour, two-location tour.
   
4. Maximum 6 paying guests (U.S. Coast Guard limit), regardless of age.
   
5. Children under 5 or non-swimmers may stay on the boat accompanied by an adult, but will not be permitted to snorkel.
   
6. All guests must speak English or bring someone who can interpret for them. Guests must be able to understand the safety briefing for the boat and for snorkeling on the reef.
   
7. Guests must not consume alcohol before entering the water. Any guest who arrives intoxicated or has been drinking will not be permitted to snorkel, and your guide reserves the right to cancel the trip without a refund.
   
8. No smoking or vaping is permitted on the boat at any time.
   

What's Included

1. Private use of the 27 ft (8.2 m) World Cat boat and captain for 3.5 hours
   
2. Two reef snorkel locations within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
   
3. Snorkeling instruction included on every trip
   
4. High-quality snorkel equipment: mask, snorkel, and fins
   
5. Prescription (nearsighted) mask available: -2.0 to -6.0 diopter
   
6. Short wetsuits included when needed
   
7. Use of an underwater camera (GoPro-style) — photos and videos shared with guests after the tour at no extra charge. Micro SD card not included; bring your own or purchase a 32GB card onboard for a fee
   
8. Coral-safe sunscreen provided onboard
   
9. Drinks onboard: water, sports drinks, and soft drinks
   
10. Snacks onboard: chips included; large cooler with ice for your personal drinks and snacks
    
11. Freshwater rinse-off station onboard
    

Not Included

1. Gratuity — never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider tipping 10–25% for your guide and captain
   
2. Micro SD card for the underwater camera — bring your own or purchase a 32GB card onboard for an extra fee
   
3. Personal snacks and additional beverages beyond what is provided — guests are welcome to bring their own (no glass, Styrofoam, or plastic bags)
   
4. Trip protection — can be added at checkout for an extra fee
   

What to Bring / Wear

1. Swimsuit & towel
   
2. Sunglasses
   
3. Flip-flops or sandals — shoes and socks will get wet and are not recommended
   
4. Reef-safe sunscreen (coral-safe sunscreen is provided onboard, but you're welcome to bring your own)
   
5. Personal snacks and drinks (no glass, Styrofoam, or plastic bags on the boat)
   
6. Micro SD card (32GB) if you want to save footage from the underwater camera, or purchase one onboard
   
7. Your own snorkel mask if you prefer — rental equipment is available and cleaned thoroughly between trips; prescription masks (-2.0 to -6.0) are also available
   
8. Seasickness medication — if you are prone to motion sickness, take an over-the-counter remedy the night before and again at least one hour before departure
   
9. Waterproof camera or GoPro (optional) — an underwater camera is provided for use, but you're welcome to bring your own in a waterproof housing. The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost personal items.
   
10. Required paperwork — complete the boat waiver prior to arrival if possible.