Islamorada snorkeling tours take you out to the reefs, where you can swim above coral, watch tropical fish, and maybe spot a sea turtle. You don't need to know how to scuba dive. But you should be able to swim and feel comfortable in open water. If you've never snorkeled before, you probably have a few questions. How deep is the water? What if you've never worn a snorkel mask? And how much time do you actually spend in the water?
At Forever Young Charter Company, we take small groups out on private snorkeling charters in Islamorada. We provide the gear, a captain, and refreshments. You can also request an in-water guide for an extra charge. Here's what you should know before booking your trip.
Most of Islamorada's well-known snorkeling reefs aren't right off the beach. You'll need a boat to reach them. That's why so many visitors book a snorkeling charter instead of trying to find a spot along the shore.
The boat ride is part of the trip, too. You'll leave the docks behind and head toward the reef. How far you travel depends on where you're going and the water conditions that day. There are several reefs around Islamorada. Some are shallow, while others have deeper sections. You may have heard of a few already.
Can you choose where the boat goes? You can certainly ask. But the captain needs to check the wind, waves, and water conditions first. Some days, one reef may be too rough while another is fine. That's normal in the Keys. It's better to visit a suitable spot than spend your trip bouncing around in rough water.
When you first put your face in the water, you might not see much. Give your eyes a moment. Look around the coral and rocks. You'll often notice fish you missed at first. Some are small enough to hide in little gaps. Others swim right across the reef. You might see a parrotfish feeding near the coral or a few angelfish moving through the water.
Here's some of the marine life you may come across:
Of course, you can't plan which animals will show up. You might see a turtle one day and none the next. Even the number of fish can change. Don't worry about swimming after everything you see. But do stay for a bit and watch. Fish often move around the reef while you're floating above them.
One thing to remember: Don't touch coral or marine life. Even if something looks close enough to reach, it's best to leave it alone.
Traveling with family or friends? Having the boat to yourselves can make the trip more enjoyable. You won't have to share the space with strangers. And you can spend the day with people you know. That's one reason many visitors choose private snorkeling tours in Islamorada.
At Forever Young, our private charters take up to six guests. You can bring your partner, your kids, or a few friends. The captain takes care of the boat while you enjoy your time on the water.
A private trip may be a good fit if:
But is a private charter worth it? That depends on your group. If you're traveling with five or six people, you can split the cost. For couples, a shared tour may be cheaper. It really comes down to your budget and whether you'd prefer having the boat to yourselves.
You can explore the available trips on our Islamorada snorkeling charters page.
If you've never snorkeled before, you might wonder whether you need to buy a mask and fins. You don't. Forever Young provides the snorkeling equipment for your trip. You'll use a mask to see underwater, a snorkel to breathe at the surface, and fins to help you swim. Flotation vests are also provided.
The gear isn't hard to use, but it may feel a little strange at first. Especially the mask. If you've never breathed through a snorkel, take a moment to get used to it before swimming away from the boat.
Before getting in, check a few things:
Don't be shy about asking questions. If something doesn't fit, tell the crew. It's much easier to sort it out on the boat than once you're in the water. You should also know how to swim. You don't need years of snorkeling experience, but you do need to feel comfortable in open water. If someone in your group is new to snorkeling, we offer an in-water guide for an extra charge. Ask about this when you book.
You won't need much, but there are a few things you'll be glad you packed.
And bring something dry to wear on the way back. Even on a warm day, sitting in wet clothes with the boat moving can feel chilly.
How long is enough for a snorkeling trip? That depends on what you're hoping to do. A four-hour charter may be plenty if you want to see the reefs and still have the rest of the day free. If you're coming with a group and want more time on the water, a longer trip may suit you. Just remember that four hours doesn't mean four hours of snorkeling. The boat ride, getting ready, and returning to the dock all take time. At Forever Young, we offer three charter lengths.
| Charter | Duration | Listed price |
| Half-day | 4 hours | $1,200 |
| Three-quarter-day | 6 hours | $1,400 |
| Full-day | 8 hours | $1,600 |
These are private boat prices for up to six guests. The captain, snorkeling equipment, and refreshments are included. An in-water guide costs extra. You can call to confirm current pricing for the six- and eight-hour trips. If you're not sure which trip to choose, ask what can realistically fit into the time you've booked. There's no point paying for a longer charter if you only want a short swim. And do check the weather policy before paying. The Keys can have lovely weather on land while the water offshore is rough. Sometimes plans need to change.
You can spend your whole Florida Keys vacation looking out at the water. But a lot is going on beneath it, too. A snorkeling charter gives you the chance to get out to the reefs and see some of it for yourself. At Forever Young Charter Company, we offer private snorkeling trips for groups of up to six. We provide the equipment, captain, and refreshments, so you don't have to arrange everything yourself.
Take a look at our private snorkeling charters or call 305-680-8879 to ask about availability. After all, how often do you get the chance to swim above a Florida Keys reef?
Is snorkeling in Islamorada worth it?
Yes, especially if you enjoy seeing marine life. Islamorada has coral reefs where you may spot tropical fish, sea turtles, and even nurse sharks. Most popular reefs are offshore, so booking a boat tour makes them easier to reach.
Do you need to know how to swim to snorkel in Islamorada?
Yes, you should know how to swim and feel comfortable in open water. You don't need snorkeling experience, though. If it's your first trip, tell the crew before getting in. At Forever Young, we also offer an in-water guide for an extra fee.
How much does a snorkeling tour cost in Islamorada?
Prices depend on the boat and trip length. At Forever Young, a four-hour private snorkeling charter is listed at $1,200 for up to six guests. That's $200 each if six people split the cost. Longer trips are available, too. Check current rates before booking.
How long do snorkeling tours in Islamorada last?
Some shared snorkeling tours last around two to three hours. Private trips can be longer. Forever Young offers four, six, and eight-hour charters. Keep in mind that the boat ride and getting ready are part of the total trip time.
Can you see sea turtles while snorkeling in Islamorada?
Yes, you might spot a sea turtle swimming near one of Islamorada's reefs. But there's no guarantee you'll see one. Turtles move freely through the area. If you're lucky enough to spot one, enjoy the view from a distance and let it swim undisturbed.
