ITINERARY
PATCH REEF SNORKEL
The two patch reef zones at Newfound Harbor Key Sanctuary Preservation is a good alternative to Looe Key when the conditions are not as favorable. This half-mile square inshore patch reef is just off Little Palm Island Resort and within the Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve. This snorkel tour is two hours as opposed to three, so more affordable. You will see a good variety of tropical fish, perhaps smaller than out at the reef / Looe Key but still impressive. The fish that you might encounter at the patch reef include: hogfish, grouper, parrotfish, grunt, angelfish, damselfish, wrasses, snappers, barracuda, and more. The coral here is not colorful per se, but people still enjoy it. Add an hour and hit Picnic Island to paddle board some afterward.
The depth of the patch reef is approximately 9 feet rather than the 7′ to 30′ range at the reef. This tour is great experience, and for many, the best snorkel experience you might ever have. Add and hour and we can head over to Picnic Island for a swim or paddle board session.
MANGROVE SNORKEL
If the weather and wind conditions are not agreeable for the patch reef snorkel, a mangrove snorkel in the Backcountry is a great option B. This is very special eco system and well worth seeing. We will go to the leeside of an mangrove island to explore. While you will not see coral, mangroves serve as nurseries to many fish. Their root systems protect fish from larger predators. Expect to see baby barracuda, nurse sharks, mangrove snappers and maybe a lobster or two nestled in the mangrove roots or ledges below. Also mangroves are roosts for birds - pelicans, ibises, heron, frigate birds.
RATES
Sale Price $300 / 4 PEOPLE
| Base Rate | $375 | 1-4 people for 3 hours |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Person | +$50 | Per person (6 people max) |
| Extra Time | +$75 | Per hour |
| Wetsuit Rental | +$10 | Per person |
* We can take up to 6 people on 1 boat or up to 10 people on 2 boats.
For groups larger than 6: Please call us for rates.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- Snorkel Gear - mask, snorkel, fins
- Water & Gatorade
- Swimming Noodles
- Life Jackets
THINGS TO BRING ALONG
Snorkel gear if you have it. Sunscreen (reef safe), bathing suit, towel, rash guard shirt, long sleeve sun shirt, hat, neck gaiter, sunglasses, wind breaker, bandana, camera, personal water bottle and snacks / lunch.
NOTES
- A signed Release Waiver is required prior to boarding.
- We accept Cash, Credit Card, Venmo, or Zelle as payment. Payment is due the day of the tour. Credit card payment is subject to 7.5 % sales tax and a 2.6% service charge fee.
- We may ask for a credit card number or a $50 Venmo / Zelle deposit to reserve the date of the tour.
- Health: if you have any cold, flu or other worrisome symptoms, we ask that you please skip the outing. And please inform us of any medical conditions that you might have: diabetes, epilepsy, allergies, etc. We respect your privacy, but we need to know.
- Please let us know about your swimming ability / you must know how to swim in order to snorkel. We can provide snorkel vests and swimming noodles. We will need all shoe sizes for fins (US or EU). Snorkelers must wear fins due to changing tide currents.
- If you snorkel or swim, you must be able to climb up a 4-step ladder to get back into the boat. Otherwise, we advise that you do not go in.
- If prone to seasickness, we recommend that you take Dramamine (or other) as directed.
- We want you to drink plenty of water, have something to eat, and use sunscreen liberally
- It is our goal to be a highlight of your visit. If such is the case, thanks very much for your gratuity. 20% is customary but give what you feel right.
- We have a 48-hour cancellation policy, and the Captain reserves the right to cancel any trip due to weather and/or any other circumstances.
- If weather is an issue we will ask about your availability for another day or time.
CONTACT US
BLUESTAR
Blue Star is a program established by Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary recognizing tour operators who are committed to promoting responsible and sustainable diving, snorkeling, and fishing practices to reduce the impact of these activities on ecosystems in the Florida Keys. Blue Star operators take the extra step to educate you to be better environmental stewards and to interact responsibly with natural resources in the Keys.