About This Experience
This is a private boat for your group only, run by Stock Island Charters through the mangrove backcountry around Key West. The listing gives two start times, 09:00 and 14:00, and a length of 3 hours. The price is per group, for up to 6 people, not per person.
The route is built around sandbars. You stop at various sandbars to paddleboard, snorkel or simply hang out, and watch for dolphins, sea turtles, fish and birds along the way. A cooler with ice and bottled water is provided, and the listing says to feel free to bring any food or alcoholic drinks you want. Snorkel gear and a paddleboard are included.
It suits families and friends who want to set the pace and stay in shallow water. The listing says it is suitable for all fitness levels and that service animals are allowed. Pricing starts from $500 per group (checked November 2026), so the cost per head drops as you fill the six seats. The listing also points to the operator’s own website for other availability and prices.
Honest caveats: the listing names no reef and no specific stops, and it does not describe a guide’s talk or a fixed itinerary. Wildlife is something to watch for, not a promise. The listing carries Viator’s standard free-cancellation flag; check the cutoff time on the booking page before you pay.
Highlights
- Private boat for your group only, up to 6 people
- Priced per group, not per person
- Starts at 09:00 or 14:00 and runs about 3 hours
- Stops at several backcountry sandbars
- Paddleboard and snorkel gear on board
- Cooler with ice and bottled water, and you may bring your own food and drinks
What's Included
- ✓ Use of snorkeling equipment
- ✓ Paddleboard
- ✓ Bottled water in a cooler with ice
- ✓ Private boat for your group, up to 6 people
- ✓ Sandbar stops in the mangrove backcountry
Not Included
- Food (bring your own)
- Alcohol (you may bring your own)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (guests meet at the sea wall)
What to Bring
- Food and any drinks you want
- Swimsuit, towel and sun protection
Good to Know & Caveats
- Maximum of 6 guests; the price is for the whole group.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels.
- Service animals are allowed.
- The operator's own website is named for alternate availability and pricing.
- Free cancellation applies under the standard policy shown at booking.
Not Suitable For
- Groups of more than 6
Meeting Point
The listing says guests are picked up on the sea wall next to the gas dock. It gives no street address, and the operator's name points to Stock Island, which is outside Old Town, so confirm the exact pier in your booking confirmation before you travel. Everyone meets at the start point, with no hotel pickup.
What Travelers Say
Rated 5.0/5 by 52 verified Viator travelers.
We booked a sandbar tour on Sunday, August 17th with Captain Donny and it was absolutely incredible. From start to finish, he made the day perfect. The boat was spotless and so comfortable, and he was extremely informative, sharing details about the area while also letting us relax and enjoy. He took us thro
— Corey E, Aug 2026
Our private sandbar trip with Captain Don from Stock Island Charters was absolutely incredible and one of the best experiences we’ve ever had in the Keys. From the very beginning, communication was excellent and everything was expl
— Sean F, May 2026
I booked this experience for my birthday and it was incredible!! Very private which I liked. Perfect amount of time and an amazing and knowledgeable captain who shared lots of information about the wildlife. The sandbar with the swing was
— Renee H, Mar 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the $500 per person or per group?
Per group. The listing prices the whole boat, for up to 6 people, so the cost per head falls as you fill the seats.
How long is the trip and when does it leave?
About 3 hours. The listing gives start times of 09:00 and 14:00.
Where do we meet the boat?
At the sea wall next to the gas dock. The listing gives no street address and the operator’s name points to Stock Island, outside Old Town, so confirm the exact location after booking.
Is food provided?
No. A cooler with ice and bottled water is provided, and you may bring your own food and alcohol.
Do we get snorkel gear?
Yes, snorkeling equipment and a paddleboard are included. The listing does not name a reef; the stops are sandbars.
