About This Experience
This is a half-day sail on an authentic schooner out of Key West and into the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, a backcountry area the listing describes as reachable only by boat. The water there is described as calm and protected. Danger Charters limits the group to 20 guests, so the deck stays fairly open. Departures are listed at 09:00 and 09:30 in the morning and 14:00 and 15:30 in the afternoon.
On the way out the crew sails the boat and talks about the history, wildlife and ecology of the Keys. At the stop you get a snorkel with the supplied gear, and a kayak session. The listing does not name a reef or promise one, and the snorkeling is in backcountry water rather than on an offshore coral reef. Wetsuits are provided for the winter months. Snacks, fresh fruit, water, soft drinks, beer and wine are on board, and the afternoon trip ends with a sail back timed to the sunset.
The trip suits first-timers, couples and mixed groups who want a slower sailing day more than a fast boat to a reef. The listing calls it suitable for all fitness levels and says the crew helps guests of any experience level. You need to be 21 to drink. Bring your own towel and sun protection; neither is supplied. Prices start from $125 per person (checked November 2026), and the Viator listing shows a second option at a higher rate on some dates.
Honest caveats: this is a sail first, so time in the water is shared with kayaking and sailing, and the listing gives no snorkel minutes. Marine life is not guaranteed, and the exact stops depend on conditions on the day. The listing carries Viator’s standard free-cancellation flag; check the cutoff time on the booking page before you pay.
Highlights
- Schooner sail into the Key West National Wildlife Refuge
- Group limited to 20 guests
- Four departures listed: 09:00, 09:30, 14:00 and 15:30
- Snorkel and kayak stops in calm backcountry water
- Afternoon option sails back at sunset
- About 4.5 hours, leaving from Opal Key Resort & Marina
What's Included
- ✓ Use of snorkeling equipment
- ✓ Wetsuits for the winter months
- ✓ Professional guide
- ✓ Fresh fruit, healthy snacks, water and soft drinks
- ✓ Unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks
- ✓ Sunset sail back on the afternoon option
Not Included
- Gratuities
- Towels
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What to Bring
- Your own towel
- Sun protection
- Swimsuit and a hat
Good to Know & Caveats
- Minimum drinking age is 21.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels, per the listing.
- Groups are limited to 20 guests.
- Check in 30 minutes before departure.
- Availability runs from 2026-11-01 with no end date listed, so the trip runs through the winter; cold fronts can move or cancel some trips.
- Free cancellation applies under the standard policy shown at booking.
Not Suitable For
- Travelers who want an offshore coral-reef snorkel; this trip snorkels backcountry water
Meeting Point
Danger Charters is at the base of the Opal Key Resort & Marina on Front Street in Old Town, near Mallory Square. Walk up the brick walkway between the resort and the Art Museum; at the top of the ramp it is the second shop on the left. The listing asks you to check in 30 minutes before departure. Everyone meets at this point and the trip includes no hotel pickup.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.9/5 by 1,832 verified Viator travelers.
Had a great time. Staff was professional, insightful, always making sure we were safe and having fun. Being on a sail boat was a nice change than a motorized boat. Though it was a smaller group than other tours, I enjoyed the personal attenti
— K M, Aug 2026
The crew was amazing, Captain Tom, Connor and Laura Love. They took good care of everyone and made you feel welcomed and comfortable. It was my wife's, who loves being in the ocean, birthday and she couldn't have had a better time. Thank you guys so much. If you are looking for a great time look no further.
— Doreen N, Aug 2026
This was a great because it is on a smaller sailboat and has a twenty limit on passengers. We only had nine so a very personal experience. Good combo of snorkeling and kayaking! Snacks and drinks were plentiful!
— Wayne K, Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Danger Charters half-day trip snorkel?
The listing sails to calm, protected waters of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge in the backcountry. It does not name a reef or promise a specific site, and the crew chooses the stop on the day.
How many people are on the boat?
The listing limits the group to 20 guests on the schooner. That keeps it smaller than the big catamarans, though the deck is still shared with kayakers and snorkelers.
What is the difference between the morning and afternoon departures?
Morning trips leave at 09:00 or 09:30, and afternoon trips at 14:00 or 15:30. Only the afternoon option includes the sunset sail back to Key West.
Do I need to bring snorkel gear?
No, snorkeling equipment is included, and the listing adds wetsuits for the winter months. Bring your own towel and sun protection, because towels are not provided.
Can I cancel for free?
The listing carries the standard free-cancellation flag. Check the cutoff time on the booking page, since the exact window is not in the listing text.
