Miami · SNORKELING
Good snorkeling trips fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 13 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Spend about 3.5 hours sailing Biscayne Bay with captains such as David or JP on a motor-free Hobie catamaran. Expect sandbars, snorkeling, mangroves, wildlife, Miami views, fresh fruit, and a relaxed group of no more than 10 people.
“We had a wonderful day. It was such a pleasant experience on the small catamaran. Our 14 and 12 year old loved it too. Thank you so much!!”
Ride from Miami to Key West, explore independently, then board a catamaran for three hours of reef snorkeling, music, and drinks. Guides such as Lily, Marbelis, Tamara, and Pepe have earned praise for helpful service. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and patience for the long bus ride.
“Waves we're choppy for snorkeling but the boat ride was perfect! The crew was very accommodating and encouraging”
Paddle mangrove channels with a guide such as Alejandra, Francis, Ashley, or Tosh, then ride by boat to Sandspur Island, also called Raccoon Island. You can snorkel in shallow water, look for wildlife, and meet the island’s raccoons. Equipment, water, fruit, and some drinks are included.
“This experience was AMAZING it was a first for us and we absolutely loved it booking was easy Jezel was the best my husband got scared and she helped him all the way through will Definitely try this again whenever I return!!!!”
Learn to paddle a kayak or SUP, follow mangrove-lined water toward Sandspur Island, then snorkel shallow Biscayne Bay with a safety vest. Guides such as Tony, Miguel, Sydney, and Celia keep beginners comfortable while you watch for raccoons, iguanas, crabs, fish, and rays.
“We enjoyed our time! We loved getting to see the wildlife (iguanas, puffer fish, raccoons, crabs), and our guide was great (Caleb, I believe!) and he kept our drinks coming! It was the perfect experience for our last day in Miami. Kelsi & Kaitlin will be back! Thank you guys. Bring bug spray & sunscreen!”
Cruise Biscayne Bay with a licensed captain, passing Millionaire’s Bunker and Miami landmarks before stopping for swimming or snorkeling near Haulover. Bring food, drinks, and your own music. Captains including Jack, Cece, Monica, and Daniel have earned strong praise, but confirm the full cost and tour length before booking.
“It stormed during our entire 2 hour ride. Not sporadic showers but pouring rain the entire time. The captain was the only person with shelter. My friends and I were forced to endure a miserable 2 hours being pelted by rain. Instead Of canceling the trip the captain essentially forced us to endure the ride. I could not cancel because they would not refund me. The captain watched us sit miserably and instead of canceling she continued just to keep the money. The company and viator refused to issue even a partial refund. I wouldn't recommend this to my enemy”
Leave Miami Beach at 6:30 AM for a long but scenic day in Key West. You get round-trip transport, free time, and an optional three-hour boat trip with snorkeling, safety gear, marina fees, and open bar. Guides speak English and Spanish. Tamara has earned special praise for her help.
“Tamara the tour guide was so sweet and genuinely nice and informative.. She actually took us directly to the meet up spot for the snorkeling. This snorkeling trip was worth every penny.”
Cruise Biscayne Bay from Bayside Marketplace to a secluded island and sandbar for shallow-water snorkeling, swimming, and sun time. You get basic gear, life jackets, English or Spanish guidance, skyline views, and a friendly crew, but not a formal snorkeling lesson.
“Very friendly welcome. We were treated to a trip just for us. Very clear advice and safety instructions. Refreshing outing. The site appeared less polluted than expected given its location in the middle of the bay. I recommend it!”
Ride from Miami Beach to Key West in a comfortable coach, then spend about six hours exploring on your own or join a dolphin and snorkeling trip, glass-bottom boat tour, or Jet Ski outing. English and Spanish service is available.
“Took 5.5 hours to get there and then boat trips were cancelled due to wind so had 6 hours to wonder around and eat then 4.5 hours drive back got picked up at 6.30 am so a long day”
You’ll ride from downtown Miami to Key West, passing Biscayne Bay islands before enjoying about six hours in Key West. Choose the snorkeling and Hard Rock Cafe meal option at checkout. The package includes drinks, food, and a return trip to Miami.
“The tour guide was very informative, and the driver was very cautious. I would recommend everyone to at least take the Key West tour it was beautiful there!!”
Spend three days seeing Miami by bus and boat, riding an airboat through the Everglades, and crossing the Florida Keys to Key West. The snorkeling option adds reef equipment, a catamaran, music, and an open bar. Hotel pickup is available for the Key West day only.
“Para los futuros viajeros a Miami: No cojan tours. He hecho uno de medio día y éste de tres días. Los dos tours hechos en Miami ciudad no cumplen para nada las expectativas. Solo te llevan a Winwood con una parada de 10 minutos, no te pasan por el barrio de diseño que está al lado, tampoco te llevan a Coconut Grove ni a Brickell. Te hacen una parada en la calle 8 (Little Havna) donde tienen la comisión de la comida y no te dan explicaciones de que ver ni nada. Tienes que llevar tu preparado un poco el mapa de la calle para saber donde está el Dominó…”
Take a 2-hour private yacht trip from Jones Boat Yard through Biscayne Bay with a licensed captain. Cruise past Star Island and celebrity homes, then swim or snorkel at a sandbar with provided gear, floating mats, water toys, music, ice, and bottled water. BYOB is welcome.
“I scheduled for snorkeling with my friend at 10 am. I was texted to say we had to go at 2 pm or we would have to go to the snorkeling and sand bar for $45 more dollars. We chose the 2 pm snorkeling only. When we arrived, he said the watRead more”
Leave Miami Beach at 6:30 am for a full-day coach trip to Key West, with an informative guide, ocean views, and optional dolphin watching, snorkeling, or water activities. Expect a 12 to 16-hour day, a group of up to 99 people, and a return to the same meeting point.
“The best part of taking a coach bus to Key West is someone else taking care of the driving. The disappointment is the return trip departs Key West at 5:30 or 6pm ET, which even in winter is before the famous Key West sunset. Nevertheless, the cool Key West vibe is a true bucket list experience, and I enjoy it every time.”
Cruise Biscayne Bay by yacht from Miami, stopping near a private island and sandbar for beginner snorkeling, swimming, and sun. Snorkeling equipment is included, food and drinks are not. The boat carries up to 12 people and returns to Jones Boat Yard after about two hours.
“Nice boat ride to see beautiful scenery of the bay. But the place where we stopped for snorkeling was somewhere in the middle of the bay which was too deep to see any fish. Plus the water was murky and almost nothing was visible below. So in other words, nice tour guide and boat captain and boat ride, but no real snorkeling.”
Pick a shoreline, a neighbourhood or a boat.
