boat tours near duck key fl

THE 10 BEST Duck Key Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in duck key.

• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Boat Rentals
• Water Sports
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Swim with Dolphins
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Budget-friendly
• Adventurous
• Good for Big Groups
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Dolphin Connection

2. Solé Watersports

3. Fish 'n Fun Boat Rentals

4. Tarpon Time Fishing Charters

5. L & L First Love Charters

6. Always Enough Sport Fishing

7. Duck Key Fishing Charters

8. I'm Hooked Fishing Charters

9. Snapshot Charters

10. Tailwalker Sportfishing-Day Adventures

11. Duck Key Marina

12. Sole Watersports

What travelers are saying

• Dolphin Connection
• Sole Watersports
• Fish 'n Fun Boat Rentals
• Tarpon Time Fishing Charters
• Always Enough Sport Fishing
• L & L First Love Charters

• [email protected]
• 61 Hawks Cay Boulevard, Duck Key, Marathon, Florida

WATERSPORTS ACTIVITIES

Discover watersports activities and rentals in the beautiful florida keys.

Solé Watersports offers a range of activities perfect for solo travelers and large families. Book your tour with us now!

Private trips are for up to 6 guests, group trips are for more than 6 guests. Ask about combining two private trips or Renting Neptune privately to accommodate your group of 7-20!

Choose Group or Private Then Filter by Activity Type

Famous Snorkel and Sandbar

Twice the fun.

Experience our two bestselling excursions in one trip aboard Helios, our 45’ power catamaran.

Tropical Sunset Cruise

Celebrate sunset with us.

The finale to a day in paradise with a Marathon Sunset Cruise! Watch the tropical sunset as it sinks toward the horizon on our Tropical Sunset Cruise.

Guided Mangrove Kayak/Sandbar/Eco-Snorkel Expedition

Our premium private family adventure.

All-inclusive premium private trip for up to 12 guests aboard Neptune, our most luxurious family catamaran. Featuring kayaking through the famous Curry Hammock mangrove tunnel!

Sandbar and Sunset Celebration

Evening sun & fun.

Tired of hanging out at an overcrowded pool? Get your friends and family together and come out and enjoy a frosty cold one at The Valhalla sandbar.

Neptune Adventure

Every kids favorite solé trip.

Something for every member of the family: Snorkeling, Sandbar Experience AND Eco-Tour!

Private 2 Hour Excursion

Come adventure with us.

Island Sight-Seeing Cruise

Grab your family for a fun island excursion.

One-hour private island cruise highlighting the beautiful villas of Duck Key and the neighboring Tom’s Harbor eco-area.

Proud to be the 2023 winner of "Best Watersports" in the Best of Marathon awards!

• 61 Hawks Cay Blvd. Duck Key, Marathon, Florida 33050
• Happiness Hours: 9am - 5pm Daily

HELPFUL LINKS

• Cancellation Policy

PINEAPPLE FORECAST

Sunsets and sandbars, life is a beach. 🙂

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Guided Sandbar Trips & Tours

Enjoy a sunny, fun-filled day out on the water with our guided sandbar tours. Saltwater Seafari offers a range of options to best enjoy the Florida Keys and natural wildlife.

Best Florida Keys Sandbar Tours

Looking for a unique way to explore the Florida Keys without getting your feet wet? At Saltwater Seafari, we offer adventurous sandbar tours for visitors of all ages. Dip your toes in – or not – to enjoy a sunny day on the beach watching sea life and more!

On our Florida Keys sandbar tours we will explore several hidden and popular islands surrounded by crystal clear water. You’ll have memories and photos to take away from your trip, with loads of fun shared with friends or family.

Visit Sunny Sandbars with Saltwater Seafari!

Whether you’re looking for a low-key trip or a thrilling adventure, our sandbar trips have a lot to offer. Not only are they a great way to see the islands, but you’ll learn tons along the way.

Choose from any of our multi-hour options, private charters, snorkeling trips, and more. Our trusted guides are here to ensure you have a great time, as well as teach you about the robost history of the Florida Keys.

Standard Private Sandbar Charter

Private sandbar charter + snorkeling.

This short trip is a great introduction to snorkeling for beginners. The water is shallow, calm, and crystal-clear. Snorkel around an uninhabited island and shallow patch reefs where very few tourists dare to wander.

This tour is fully guided, with captains finding sea life for you to see up close. All snorkel gear is provided, including masks, snorkels, and fins. Plus, we’ll have a cooler on the boat with ice and complimentary bottled water. The private trip reserves the boat for just your group and the captain.

Note: Max of 6 passengers, including infants and toddlers.

Island Sandbar Tours (below) take place on the waters of the Gulf of Mexico along the lower Florida Keys. We bring along all of the snorkeling equipment you need to explore the waters below, as well as a paddle board to paddle along the mangroves and shallow areas near shore. Expect to enjoy the day listening to your favorite music on your private boat cruising along the Caribbean like waters!

3-Island Sandbar Tour / Private Charter

Carpe Diem! Seize the Keys with our favorite sandbar excursion.

We will spend 6 hours exploring what is known to locals as the “back-country”. Our route for this excursion includes many of the popular sandbars and islands in the Florida Keys. Each stop has a perfect photo opportunity to capture a memory to treasure for a lifetime

Sandbar Tour Locations

Our sandbar trips take you to various island locations near Marathon, FL and across the Florida Keys. We take you to our favorite spots so you can see the keys through the eyes of a local!

Book Now to plan your trip to any of these exciting Florida Keys destinations!

• Marathon, FL
• Big Pine Key
• Looe Key Reef
• Picnic Island
• Tarpon Belly Key
• Snipe Point
• Newfound Harbor Preservation

Testimonials

“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.

Check Out the Looe Key Reef Trips

Try a snorkeling tour or fishing trip.

Saltwater Seafari offers snorkeling tours, boat tours, fishing trips, and more all across the Florida Keys. If you are looking for individual tours, group tours, or something fun for the whole family, book with us today!

Frequently Asked Questions – Sandbar Tours

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

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Snorkeling trips and private charters exploring the beautiful reefs of Marathon

Marathon Snorkeling

CHOOSE YOUR TIME

9 a.m. to 12 noon $49.00 +tax (other tour fees may apply)

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. $49.00 +tax (other tour fees may apply)

Sunset tours (seasonal) $59.00 +tax (other fees may apply)

*snorkel equipment included *prices subject to change without notice

Marathon Snorkeling Tours

Would you like to enjoy a day snorkeling on the most famous part of the third largest barrier reef in the world? Join the fun and friendly crew at Starfish Marathon Snorkeling Tours for a day trip to magnificent Sombrero Reef, where you can enjoy a leisurely swim among the many fish and corals in a protected underwater paradise.

We will make your Marathon snorkeling adventure comfortable, exciting, and unforgettable aboard our shaded catamaran, outfitted with a freshwater shower and concessions. We offer a family-friendly environment suitable for all ages, and we even include your snorkeling gear. Join one of our snorkel tours in Marathon and discover one of Florida’s most hidden natural jewels.

Marathon Snorkeling Tours On Board ‘The Starfish’

• Sombrero Reef National Marine Sanctuary and Lighthouse is the #1 rated spot to snorkel in the Florida Keys
• We offer a safe and spacious boat environment for our snorkel tours in Marathon
• The Sombrero Reef is a spectacular 30 acre garden of colorful living boulder and branching corals
• Our Marathon snorkel crew will go out of their way to make your excursion unforgettable
• Family friendly – riders welcome – snorkeling gear included – Join us when you visit Marathon
• U.S. Coast Guard certified and inspected vessel with the capacity to carry 49 passengers

The planet’s great barrier reefs are world renowned for their colorful corals and teeming underwater wildlife. Sombrero reef is alive with activity – a submerged tropical paradise where angelfish glide among the living branches of pristine staghorn coral. Because the entire area is protected, large grouper and snapper thrive in the deep, while stingrays take wing overhead as though flying through the current.

At Starfish Marathon Snorkeling Tours we place you front-and-center in the action while ensuring that your ride on our custom catamaran is safe and comfortable. We don’t allow coolers or scuba gear on our Marathon snorkel tours because we want our guests to be able to move freely on deck without worrying about falling over obstructions or stubbing their toes. Our vessel is entirely covered so everyone on board is protected from the unforgiving Florida sun.

Bring your entire family on one of our fun-filled Marathon snorkel tours. See one of the planet’s most magnificent barrier reefs with your own eyes, and enjoy a wonderland of sights and sounds.

Marathon Snorkeling Tours at World-Famous Sombrero Reef

People travel from all over the world to snorkel in the Florida Keys. No snorkeling destination in the region is more famous than Marathon’s own Sombrero Reef, and with good reason. The 30 acre reef is thriving, and filled with incredible coral formations and massive schools of neon-colored tropical fish.

One of the reasons so many people join us on our snorkel adventures in Marathon is because Sombrero Reef is only 2 to 30 feet deep, so it can be thoroughly enjoyed without any fancy diving gear. Located in the Atlantic Ocean only six miles from Marathon’s shores, it’s easy to access and makes for an enjoyable ride where dolphins, turtles, and stingrays are often spotted en route.

Marathon Snorkel Tours

We urge all of our snorkeling guests to be aware of the rules that govern the reef, so that this treasure can be enjoyed by future generations. Coral is a living animal, and the clicking sounds you hear while snorkeling is the multitude of wildlife feeding in, around, and on the coral itself. Enjoy your snorkel adventure, but remember these basic rules:

• NEVER stand on the coral while snorkeling
• Use the buddy system – snorkel with a partner
• Swimming is a prerequisite for this activity – if you can not swim, ride along passengers are welcome
• Do not touch or take coral – it is against the law
• Weight restrictions apply: Maximum 275 pounds per USCG Title-46 Code of Federal Regulations 178.330
• Other restrictions: No coolers please and no spray sun lotion onboard
• There are no age restrictions. Please purchase tickets for all passengers, including riders

Information About Our Marathon Snorkeling Vessel – The Starfish

We keep our boat obstruction-free so all of our passengers, both large and small, can fully enjoy their Marathon snorkel adventure. We operate three snorkeling trips throughout the season, so that you can choose a time of day that best suits your lifestyle.

The Starfish is a spacious, fully covered, luxuriously powered catamaran with a freshwater shower and a shaded lounging area. Your snorkeling gear is provided, but we also offer the following extras for your comfort and enjoyment:

• Underwater cameras
• Prescription mask rental (nearsighted only)
• Wetsuit Rental
• New mouthpieces
• Motion sickness tablets
• Refreshments

We do not allow spray-on lotions of any kind on our Marathon snorkeling tours. The reason is because the overspray from these aerosols cause the deck to get slippery, and we don’t want an injury to ruin anyone’s snorkeling trip. This is also why we do not allow coolers or scuba gear onboard, because we want plenty of room for adults and kids to be able to fully utilize the deck.

Would You Like to Inquire about Our Specialty Cruises?

We proudly make The Starfish available for private Marathon charters, so that you and your friends, family, or business associates can enjoy the Sunshine Coast on your own terms. We’ve handled private marathon charters for:

• Corporate events
• Special occasions

While snorkeling is definitely our passion, your charter can focus on dolphin watching, a sunset cruise, or even a memorable picnic on an uninhabited island. If you have any questions about private Marathon charters, contact us to find out more information.

A Few Other Words about Our Marathon Snorkel Tours

Sometimes the weather makes it impossible to get to Sombrero Reef. When this happens, we take you to one of our other prime Marathon snorkeling destinations away from rough seas. We leave these decisions in the Captain’s competent hands.

We should also mention:

• No refund if canceled within 24 hours of your tour. Alternate locations are utilized based on real-time conditions, a 24-hour cancellation policy applies to all trips regardless of destination.
• Weight restrictions apply:  Maximum 275 pounds per USCG Title-46 Code of Federal Regulations 178.330
• Other restrictions:  No coolers please and no spray sun lotion onboard.
• There are no age restrictions. Please purchase tickets for all passengers, including riders.
• We reserve the right to cancel the snorkeling trip for any reason, in this case, you will be provided a full refund.
• Check in AT LEAST 30 minutes prior to your snorkeling trip or reservation will be forfeited
• Check in cut off times are 8:30am and 12:30am

We run three snorkeling trips daily from Marathon during full season – 9am to 12pm – 1pm to 4pm – Sunset Tours (when in season). We are open year round. Located just north of the famous 7-Mile Bridge in Marathon, in the Sea Dog Charters Marina, we are eager to show you the unrivaled beauty of the reef. Alternate locations include Pirates Cove or East Sisters Rock. These are both nice, shallow snorkeling locations.

OUR ACTIVITIES

Snorkel tour.

Marathon Snorkeling Morning : $49.00 – Afternoon : $49.00 + tax (other tour fees may apply)

Large Party

Private Charter • Starting at $2,000.00 + tax (other tour fees may apply) Call Us

• All prices are in US dollars

• Prices subject to change without notice

Marathon FL Weather

• starfishsnorkeling.com
• (305) 481-0407
• [email protected]
• Starfish Marathon Snorkeling Tours Sea Dog Charters Marina, 1248 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050

Top 10 Things to Do by Boat Around Marathon Florida Keys

• By: Happy In The Keys
• July 1, 2020
• our favorites , things to do

Book Your Florida Keys Getaway

(note our homes are available for a 7-night stay with a Saturday check-in and check-out.)

1. Fish, Fish, and Fish Again !

The Florida Keys are famous for the excellent fishing that is basically guaranteed every single time you drop a line in the water. But fishing byline is not the only way to fish. You can also fish with a speargun while diving the reef. Lionfish and Hogfish are best caught by speargun. Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Mahi-Mahi (also known as Dorado or Dolphin Fish), Tuna, and Cobia are generally caught by line.

Load up a cooler with lunch, snacks, and our favorite beverages and head for a sandbar. There are several to choose from on the Atlantic side of the islands. Take some water toys and play baseball or kickball. Take your dog and throw a ball or bumper. Walk up and down the sandbar for some exercise. Take some chairs and sit back in the warm ocean water and watch the hermit crabs crawl around and the rays swim by. Our family loves the sandbar and have a blast every time we go.

3. Snorkeling

There are numerous known snorkel spots around the reefs. There are also some that are marine conservation areas protected from fishing and spear guns. Sombrero Lighthouse is one of those spots as is Coffin’s Patch. Snorkel gear can be rented from any of the local dive shops or you can buy your own at Captain Hook’s , West Marine , or Kmart .

Diving is always an option year-round. During the summer months, wet suits are unnecessary and so you can dive in a swimsuit – so much more comfortable. We almost always see turtles when we are out diving as well as our typical colorful reef fish. Moray eels, stingrays, and sharks are not uncommon. Schools of yellowtail, families of hogfish, and of course, the invasive lionfish are also swimming around. The reefs have lobster holes which means that a tickle stick can be a fun thing to add to your dive gear. Tanks can be rented from any of the local dive shops and so can any or all dive gear you might need.

5. Boating the Canals and Island Shores

Marathon and Key Colony Beach have interesting coastal and waterfront homes. Many are over the top gorgeous and others are downright shacks, with everything in between, but what they have in common is a love for and relationship with the ocean. This means that there are docks, coastal signs, tikis, backyard living and decor, boats (that are sometimes larger than the house) all waiting to be seen and experienced just slowly boating along the coastline. During the holidays, there are lights, ornaments, and decorations. It is really fun to see the different residences and homes with their individual coastal flair whether modest or flamboyant.

6. Look for Dolphin

Dolphin feed close to the coastline on both the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico sides of the islands. They can also be found in the swift currents of Vacation cut – coming or going from one side to the other. The dolphins are sometimes very friendly and curious, jumping boat wakes or simply swimming alongside a boat of lucky people.

7. Look for Manatee

Manatees are also permanent residents of the Marathon and Key Colony Beach ocean waters. They eat the sea grass along the ocean coastline but they mostly are in the canals visiting docks and cruising for some freshwater. It is important to keep a sharp lookout for manatee when boating around Marathon so that they are not injured by the rudder. They try to steer clear of moving boats but are not always quick enough. We love these gentle sea cows and love to encounter them, even if they simply swim by us. We consider a sighting to be good luck!

8. Go Shark Spotting

Shark is a bit harder to spot by boat, but it can be a fun challenge and a reason to boat around the island; however; lemon sharks have been known to swarm boats when night fishing is happening! Lemon sharks, hammerhead sharks, and white tip reef sharks are some of the more common sharks found in the waters of the Florida Keys.

9. Go Out to Eat

Instead of taking a vehicle, take a boat to any of the several local restaurants that have docks to tie up to. Burdine’s and Keys Fisheries are two of our favorites that we highly recommend. When you are at Burdines, get the French Fries – they are amazing. When you are at Keys Fisheries, get the coconut shrimp – also delicious.

10. Tour the Flowing Water Canals of Duck Key

Duck Key is a neighbor to the East of Marathon and a very short boat ride away. The canals are open at the ends of the ocean and are free-flowing. The sea life that swims through the canals is easily seen in the clear water. When the sun is just right, it looks like you are boating over an aquarium with so many fish, shark, barracuda, and turtles just doing their thing!

Our five luxury vacation rental homes – Snapper House , Grouper House , Super Grouper House , Fish Camp , and Pirate Point House and Compound all are perfectly set up for boats and every single one of the activities listed here. With a large dock on each property, bait freezers, commercial ice machines, and fish cleaning stations, our houses are ready for boating adventures of any kind. Being on the friendly ocean waters of the Florida Keys is essential to a Florida Keys vacation. At least we think so!

Peace, Love, and Vacations,

Martie, Kim, and Layla, the hunting poodle

Read More Of Our Favorites

Best Fishing In The Florida Keys Calendar: Fall

Best Fishing In The Florida Keys Calendar: Summer

Best Fishing In The Florida Keys Calendar: Spring

Best Fishing In The Florida Keys Calendar: Winter

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Find your happy place in the florida keys.

• 305-916-8668
• [email protected]

Top Tours in Duck Key, FL

Duck key tours.

• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Water Sports
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Swim with Dolphins
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Budget-friendly
• Adventurous
• Good for Big Groups
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Dolphin Connection

2. Solé Watersports

3. Fish 'n Fun Boat Rentals

4. Tarpon Time Fishing Charters

5. L & L First Love Charters

6. Always Enough Sport Fishing

7. Duck Key Fishing Charters

8. I'm Hooked Fishing Charters

9. Snapshot Charters

10. Tailwalker Sportfishing-Day Adventures

11. Duck Key Marina

12. Sole Watersports

What travellers are saying

• Private Extreme Fun Filled Deep Sea Charter Fishing Activity in Marathon, FL.
• Florida Audio Tour Bundle - 3 Private Sightseeing Tours
• Overseas Highway & Florida Keys Audio Tour Guide
• Dolphin Connection
• Sole Watersports
• Fish 'n Fun Boat Rentals
• Tarpon Time Fishing Charters
• Always Enough Sport Fishing
• L & L First Love Charters

• Most Popular

Mangroves & Manatees Guided Eco Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours
• Clock Tour Times: Daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Encounter Wildlife & Learn About The Ecosystem

Choose a paddleboard or kayak (single & tandem available). Our professional guides will locate wildlife, educate about the marine ecosystems, teach beginners how to paddle, and share their local knowledge and individual humor to make your experience more memorable.  

What To Bring

• Sun Protection (SPF clothing, hat, reef-safe sunscreen)
• Polarized Sunglasses
• Towels & dry clothes (keep ashore to stay dry)
• Camera/Phone (we suggest having a floating waterproof case)
• Water Bottles

No worries if you come unprepared! we sell everything you’ll need or might want for your adventure.

What To Know:

• Tours Leave Promptly at stated time. Please arrive 30 minutes early to check in and prepare
• 2-hour Cancelation Policy

Related Tours And Rentals

• Hour Glass 7 hours

Onsite Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals

Choose from a kayak or paddle board, and launch right from our backdoor to explore mangrove tunnels, glide over seagrass meadows, or beach on a nearby island sandbar. Our flat rates mean you can paddle as long as you want, whether an hour or all day.

• Hour Glass 1-7 days

Kayak & Paddleboard Delivery

We deliver kayaks & paddleboards to any residence or resort from Key Largo to Islamorada, or you can use your own vehicle to take a kayak or SUP board anywhere you’d like to paddle. You can rent for 24 hours or multiple days, or even multiple weeks or months.

• News & Press

1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 Ph: (941) 388-4441 Hours: 10AM - 5PM A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Buy Tickets

• Sarasota Bay Explorers: Eco Boat Tours
• Experiences

Have an exciting, educational and fun experience on the water—guided by experts who can tell you what you're seeing.  Sarasota Bay Explorers , working with Mote Aquarium, offers interactive eco-adventures on the Sea Life Encounter Cruise and private charters aboard the Miss Explorer.

These tours are a fun and fascinating extension of any visit to Mote Aquarium. Our cruises visit Sarasota and Roberts bays and are operated by a U.S. Coast Guard-certified boat captain and narrated by a biologist. Guests have the potential to meet our native marine wildlife—dolphins, manatees, ospreys, eagles and other marine birds in their natural settings—as they learn more about Florida wildlife from the on board biologist.

Boat trip ticket prices:

• Non-members: $36 for adults and $32 for children (3-12)
• Members: $33 for adults and $29 for children (3-12) 

All schedules are subject to change.

Register on the Sarasota Bay Explorers website.

For more information, visit  Sarasota Bay Explorers  or call (941) 388-4200.