Private Peanut Island Boat & Snorkel Tour

The Peanut Island snorkeling lagoon is a remarkably biodiverse spot for its shallow depth. Guests regularly spot parrotfish, angelfish, sergeant majors, rainbowfish, spotted moray eels, stingrays, starfish, sea urchins, crabs, lobsters, sponges, and coral growth on the artificial reef structures. Seahorses are sometimes seen clinging to the mangrove roots along the island's edges. Manatees are a highlight during the winter months — the warm, protected lagoon is one of their favorite gathering spots. Spotted eagle rays and the occasional octopus have also been reported. Your in-water guide will help you find the hidden creatures most guests swim right past.

Like the Blue Heron Bridge, Peanut Island snorkeling is tide-dependent. The best conditions are around high tide, when clear Atlantic Ocean water flushes into the lagoon and visibility is at its peak. We plan all tours with tidal conditions in mind!

Yes — this is a boat snorkel. Guests depart by boat and snorkel the Peanut Island lagoon from the water. The boat transports you to the island and remains anchored nearby throughout the snorkel session. This is not a shore snorkel.

Absolutely. The Peanut Island snorkeling lagoon is one of the most beginner-friendly snorkel environments in South Florida. The water is calm, shallow (4–12 ft / 1.2–3.6 m), and fully protected from ocean currents and waves. Your in-water guide will be with you throughout the snorkel, making it an excellent experience for first-timers, young children, and anyone who may be nervous in the water.

Yes — the boat is reserved exclusively for your group. No other guests will be added to your booking. You'll have the captain, the first mate/snorkel guide, and the entire boat to yourselves for the duration of the tour.

The boat accommodates up to 6 guests per charter.

Yes! Peanut Island has a scenic walking path that circles the island, offering views of the Palm Beach skyline, the Lake Worth Inlet, and the surrounding lagoon. Your guides will share the island's fascinating history, including the WWII-era Coast Guard station and the Cold War-era nuclear bunker built for President Kennedy in 1961. Note that the Kennedy Bunker and Coast Guard station are currently closed to the public while Palm Beach County seeks funding for renovation.

Yes! Our guides are skilled underwater photographers. A photo and video package is available to add at checkout for an extra fee.

Your captain holds a U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain certification. Co-founder Farrell Tiller, who frequently captains these tours, is also a PADI Advanced Freediving Instructor.

You can snorkel with a beard or mustache, but facial hair can prevent a tight seal between the mask and your face, which may cause water to leak in. It is often recommended to shave at least your mustache before snorkeling. If you'd prefer not to shave, bring petroleum jelly or chapstick — coating your mustache may help create a seal and reduce leaking.

You can't wear glasses with a snorkel mask, but contacts are totally fine and often the best option for seeing clearly underwater. If you have a prescription mask, feel free to bring it — rental shops typically don't carry them. Fun fact: everything appears about 25% larger and closer underwater, which helps visibility a bit even without correction.

Common sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs — the particles are small enough to be absorbed by corals, causing toxicity and coral bleaching. Reef-friendly sunscreens are formulated without these harmful chemicals. Reef-SAFE sunscreens go a step further by using non-nano particles, which are too large for corals to ingest. Please avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Consider wearing a long-sleeve rash guard as an alternative. If you choose a mineral-based sunscreen, ensure it is labeled 'non-nano.'