Key West Safari Eco Sandbar Tour Adventure with Snorkeling
Badge of Excellence
Key West, USA
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Immerse yourself in nature in Key West on this small-group guided safari snorkeling adventure. Captain your own mini speedboat through 28 miles (45 kilometers) of Florida backcountry waters of the Florida Keys. Swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters of Mud Key, and keep your eyes for wildlife such as dolphins, turtles, and ospreys.
- Go on a safari snorkel trip to Mud Key from Key West
- Captain your own mini speedboat and follow your guide
- Snorkel, swim and sunbathe in crystal-clear waters
- Choose from morning or afternoon departure times
What's Included
- Unique Eco Adventure – Embark on a one-of-a-kind guided tour to the Mud Keys In Key West
- Mini Pistol Boat Experience – Navigate your own custom mini boat
- Expert instruction on how to use the boats
- Snorkel at Mud Key Sandbar – Discover vibrant marine life while snorkeling around secluded mangroves
- Wildlife Encounters – Keep an eye out for wildlife, including: Ospreys, Dolphins and Sea Turtles
- Explore scenic island trails and experience the untouched beauty of Mud Key.
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 5001 5th Ave, Key West, FL 33040, USA
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Make your own way to the departure point on Stock Island in Key West.
After some quick boating instruction, head out to Florida’s backcountry waters on a self-captained mini speedboat, following an expert guide across 28 miles (45 kilometers) of scenic mangroves to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
After docking the boat, at Mud Key Sandbar assemble the snorkeling gear and listen to a quick safety briefing with some basic instruction from the experts, if desired. Then hop into the warm, tropical water for swimming and snorkeling.
The cruise concludes with a return trip to the starting point.
Required – Florida Boaters Safety: Florida Law requires everyone born after Jan 1, 1988 to take a boaters safety test to drive a boat. Each driver must present a passed boaters safety test prior to departure.
After some quick boating instruction, head out to Florida’s backcountry waters on a self-captained mini speedboat, following an expert guide across 28 miles (45 kilometers) of scenic mangroves to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
After docking the boat, at Mud Key Sandbar assemble the snorkeling gear and listen to a quick safety briefing with some basic instruction from the experts, if desired. Then hop into the warm, tropical water for swimming and snorkeling.
The cruise concludes with a return trip to the starting point.
Required – Florida Boaters Safety: Florida Law requires everyone born after Jan 1, 1988 to take a boaters safety test to drive a boat. Each driver must present a passed boaters safety test prior to departure.
1
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
2
Mud Keys
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
3
Key West
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Florida Keys
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- You Must Arrive 1 hour prior to departure time
- There is a maximum of 2 adults per boat
- Not wheelchair accessible
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Required – Florida Boaters Safety: Florida Law requires everyone born after Jan 1, 1988 to take a boaters safety test to drive a boat. Each driver must present a passed boaters safety test prior to departure.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
alan_s
Great experience. Wonderful staff. Dorian was the best guide. Highly recommend this excursion. Boats are fun and fast. Mangrove Beach was beautiful. Thanks Dorian and entire shore crew. Yall were great!
Reviews
4.5
based on 225 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Peter_F, Jul 2026
Had a fabulous time on the water with the cutest 2 person boat. 45 min boat ride out to Mud Key. Our guide Sparky was amazing. Took us through a mangrove sanctuary and then on to the best sand bar. We relaxed for another 45 minutes. Very private and the calmest waters. Absolutely beautiful. Thanks Sunset Watersports. Very professional. I will book through you guys in the future!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled you had such a fabulous day exploring Mud Key, the mangrove sanctuary, and the beautiful sandbar. We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to Sparky—he'll be happy to hear he made your trip so memorable! We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure on the water with us.
Tracy_C, May 2026
A lovely afternoon out on the water. Boat is so much fun. Don’t miss out. Our guide was helpful and friendly.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for the kind review! We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed your afternoon out on the water and had fun aboard the boat. It’s great to know your guide helped make the experience even more enjoyable with friendly and helpful service. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another Key West adventure soon!
Frankie_M, May 2026
Very fun experience. Got to drive a fun little boat, enjoy the local scenery, drive through the mangroves/sandbars, and hang out at the sandbar. We went to mud keys and my wife wasn’t a fan so my only suggestions would be to go to snipe keys instead for a better experience. Overall still great. I would have liked to explore another sandbar or more area on the boat if the trip was longer.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re glad you had fun driving the boat, exploring the mangroves and sandbars, and enjoying your time on the water. We appreciate your feedback as well regarding the route and duration, and we’ll be sure to pass it along to our team as we continue improving the experience. Hope to see you again for another adventure soon!
Tiffany_H, May 2026
If u want to drive a boat it’s great. If ur looking for adventure… skip…. If ur looking for a party …. Skip……. If ur looking for snorkeling skip. You get the drive a boat…….
Michael_C, Apr 2026
Great trip. Cole was a great guide!! We got caught out in a rain storm and he made sure it was clear before he lead us back!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for the great review! We’re so glad you had a fun trip, even with a little unexpected rain. Cole will be happy to hear your kind words he always goes the extra mile to keep everyone safe and make sure the experience stays enjoyable. We appreciate you coming out with us and hope to see you again soon!
Michele_E, Mar 2026
We booked a the 1:00 Key West Safari Eco Sandbar Tour Adventure with Snorkeling. There were only four guests, so we were a small group. My husband LOVED driving the 2-person pistol speed boat. We cruised thru the mangroves on our way to the mud flats. A thrilling ride. Didn’t see much wildlife - a few birds and a crab. But being in the mangroves was fun. We didn’t snorkel, but the other guests did. It was nice that they provide the equipment. Kyle was a great guide. He was attentive and informative. We would definitely recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the 1:00 PM Safari Eco Tour and that the small group made the experience feel personal and relaxed.
It’s awesome to hear your husband loved driving the 2-person speed boat — cruising through the mangroves is definitely a highlight for many of our guests! While wildlife sightings can vary from day to day, we’re glad you still had a fun and unique time exploring the mangrove trails and mud flats.
We’re especially happy to hear Kyle made such a positive impression. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words — he’ll really appreciate it!
Thank you again for recommending us. We hope to see you both back in Key West for another adventure soon! 🌴🚤
Jeff_S, Mar 2026
Freedom on the open waters !!! Great guides, superb trip to the sand bar. Sunshine and wind in your face ! Book it
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for the awesome review! 🌊☀️
We love hearing that you felt the freedom of the open water — that’s exactly what the Key West Safari Eco Sandbar Tour Adventure with Snorkeling is all about! It’s fantastic to know our guides helped make the trip to the sandbar such a superb experience.
Sunshine, wind in your face, and crystal-clear water… it doesn’t get much better than that! Thank you for the enthusiastic recommendation — we truly appreciate it.
We hope to see you back out on the water again soon! 🚤🌴
Virginia_O, Jan 2026
We had a great time! Because the weather was colder than we would have liked we thought we were going to freeze but the water was warm and the guide was informative. Just a great time!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your great review! We’re glad the warm water and informative guide helped make the experience enjoyable despite the cooler weather. It’s wonderful to hear you still had a great time, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon! 🌊☀️
danielle_h, Jan 2026
Amazing time!!! Wow what a great experience!! Driving a boat and enjoying the nice waves and sandbar/island we were brought to, definitely do this on your trip!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for the amazing review!!! We’re thrilled you had such a great time out on the water and enjoyed the waves and sandbar 🏝️🚤. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you again on your next trip! 😊🌊
Noel_M, Jan 2026
Wear shoes you can hike in muddy key and not sandy shore. The hike on the key was very fun we saw a hammock and a swing built on the key. Driving these comfortable boats was a blast. Fun group activity. Don’t be afraid to go full throttle. Only flaw was the guide recommended a 50-100% tip per person of the overall cost. Exorbitant and rude lout of touch comment.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Hi there Noel thank you for sharing your experience, we appreciate your five-star review.
John_B, Jan 2026
20 minute trip on a sporty runabout arriving at mangroves where slowly explore followed by a shallow anchor to swim and explore the mangrove on foot.
Andrea_C, Dec 2025
This eco-boat safari was one of the coolest things we did in Key West. Driving your own little boat through the mangroves makes it way more fun than a typical tour where you just sit and watch. The boats are easy to handle, even if you’ve never driven one before, and the guides explain everything clearly.
The ride itself is beautiful with calm water, tons of wildlife, and amazing views you don’t get from the main tourist areas. We saw birds, fish, and just enjoyed cruising through the backcountry. The snorkeling stop was a great bonus and a nice break to cool off.
Everything felt well-organized and relaxed, not rushed or crowded. It’s perfect if you want something adventurous but still easygoing. I’d totally recommend this to couples, families, or anyone who wants to do something a little different while in Key West. Would 100% do it again!
Shannon_F, Dec 2025
Very fun excursion! Weather was perfect and tour guide Kyle was respectful and super attentive! Highly recommend
Kris_R, Sep 2025
Kyle was a great tour guide. The boats are easy and fun to drive. Snorkeling is loosely used. Went out to a "mud" island. Not much to really see but was refreshing to be in the water. We had fun.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! We’re glad to hear you had fun on the tour and enjoyed driving the boats, and that Kyle helped make the trip enjoyable. We appreciate your honest feedback about the snorkeling stop and will take it into consideration as we continue improving our tours. We’re happy you still found it refreshing and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
Emily_W, Aug 2025
We had an amazing time. The little boats ride nice and smooth. Our instructor was very kind. The island was amazing with swings and hammocks.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for the 5 star review! So happy that you had a great time with us.
Debbie_W, Aug 2025
Wonderful afternoon! Highly recommend! Our tour guide was very nice and knowledgeable! We felt very safe! Would go again !
Terri_B, Aug 2025
This was a great tour! The mini speed boats were fun and something a little different. There is something about being on the water that makes everything better! The team members were very friendly from the time we checked in and throughout the tour.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thanks for the great feedback! We're happy you enjoyed the mini speed boats and felt well taken care of by the team. Nothing beats a day on the water!
Lindsey_S, Jul 2025
Cool experience off the island. An opportunity to see a unique environment. I would do it again. Our guide was kind, helpful, and funny.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad you enjoyed the unique environment and had a great time off the island with us. It’s especially wonderful to hear that your guide made the trip even more enjoyable with their kindness, helpfulness, and sense of humor.
We truly appreciate your feedback and would love to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
alan_s, Jul 2025
Great experience. Wonderful staff. Dorian was the best guide. Highly recommend this excursion. Boats are fun and fast. Mangrove Beach was beautiful. Thanks Dorian and entire shore crew. Yall were great!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hey Alan thanks for sharing your experience, Dorian will be thrilled to know that you are happy with his great experience.
Catherine_N, Jul 2025
These little boats are fast and fun! The weather was gorgeous. We got lucky and saw a huge pod of dolphins right next to us. The sandbar was nice except for the mosquitos. The guide Dorian was informative and chill. Bonus the Stock Rock Grill before and after was also a cool vibe.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the fast and fun ride, the beautiful weather, and the incredible sighting of the dolphin pod. We appreciate your feedback about the sandbar and will keep that in mind. Dorian will be happy to hear you found him informative and chill! It’s great to hear you also enjoyed the vibe at Stock Rock Grill. We hope to see you again soon for another memorable adventure!
Rebecca_W, Jul 2025
We had a great tour guide, very informative of how to drive the boat when we hadn’t done before it was also very easy! We saw dolphins on the trip, nurse shark (friendly) and fish. Was a really great day and views!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you! We're happy you had such a fun and memorable day on the water. Glad the guide made it easy and enjoyable!
Mario_L, Jul 2025
We've used viator many times. By far, one of our best excursions. Boats were easy to use and fun to ride. Mud beach was amazing. Just sitting in the water And wandering thru the mangroves. Company did a great job! Would do it again!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you! We're honored to be one of your favorite excursions. Thrilled you enjoyed the experience hope to see you again soon!
Francis_c, Jun 2025
Ray was amazing. This was the best of our 4 day trip. Trip was exactly what we expected and very enjoyed.
J_G, May 2025
Amazing experience. Very fun driving the boat around the islands! Would recommend to anyone.
The guide was excellent and personable.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you! We're thrilled you had an amazing time. Glad you enjoyed the ride and your guide we appreciate the recommendation!
Marie_B, Apr 2025
Our guide was excellent. He was knowledgeable and safety conscious. We had so much fun snorkeling and riding the speed boats. It was a wonderful afternoon!
I would highly recommend this tour if you are in Key Wet.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for the great review! We’re so glad to hear you had a fantastic time snorkeling and riding the speedboats. Safety is always a top priority, and it’s great to know you felt well taken care of. We appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you again in Key West!
Janet_O, Mar 2025
Speed boating thru the clear water was a great experience & then stopping on a small
mangrove island for great photo shots.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
We are so grateful for your presence on our tour. We hope your time in Key West has been filled with excitement and discovery.
Susan_H, Jan 2025
Jim was great lots of fun very adaptable the weather did not cooperate but he made it fun highly recomend
Jay_F, Jan 2025
A lot of fun boating, not so much the snorkeling. Our guide was very knowledgeable and got us going in the two-person speedboats and we had a fun time heading out to the Mud Keys. Unfortunately, the water was very murky around the key and full of floating bits of wood and grass and such, so we didn't bother snorkeling.
Amy_M, Dec 2024
Terrible communication from the tour company they waited till 20 minutes before arrival time to cancel the tour due to bad weather conditions. Boating Advisories were posted all morning & radar indicated storms all around the island. We had already left to meet up & didnt get the “email” about cancellation/she had our phone number! (we did not want to lose our $ we paid for the tour we had to wait for them to cancel) I expect a speedy refund! Could not rebook they were completely booked out!
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Greetings Amy, we do apologize for bad weather but we sent out communications over an hour from the trips departure. Additionally, you booked with a 3rd party, which puts a 3rd person in charge of communicating with you. We do not have your email to communicate with you as they do not share that info. We called and sent out a text to the number on file, which again, might not be your direct number. Always book direct with companies to alleviate any communication gaps. Additionally, we did have other re-booking options but your group choose not to re-book to another time.
Jane_H, Sep 2024
We had a nice time taking this tour with Jeff. He’s a great guide and a really nice guy. It was a great day on the water! Highly recommend this tour!
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per group (up to 2)up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Key West Safari Eco Sandbar Tour Adventure with Snorkeling
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