Patch Reef / Mangrove Snorkel
Let Capt Brian show you lots of tropical fish. Snorkel gear is provided. Feel free to pack a lunch. Need a wetsuit? Add $10. Having fun? Add an hour +$75. The patch reef is a great back-up snorkel spot when the barrier reef is too choppy.
The Patch Reef at Newfound Harbor
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 partially within the Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve. This snorkel tour is two hours as opposed to three, so more affordable. But, not nearly as colorful as Looe Key. You will see a good variety of tropical fish, perhaps smaller than out at the reef but still impressive. The fish that you might encounter at the patch reef include: hogfish, grouper, parrotfish, grunt, 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 2′ to 30′ range at the reef. This tour is great experience, and for many, the best snorkel experience you might ever have. Here too, the captain will guide your snorkel session.
Rates
| Price | ||
|---|---|---|
| Base Rate | $350 | Price for 1-4 people for 2 hours |
| Extra Person | +$50 | Per person (6 people max) |
| Extra Time | +$75 | Per hour |
| Wetsuit Rental | +$10 | Per person |
Itinerary
- Snorkeling the Patch Reef
- Captain B will take you to the patch reefs off Newfound Harbor. You will see tropical fish: sergeant majors, blue tang, damselfish, angelfish, parrotfish, grunts, snappers and maybe a barracuda or shark. Coral you will see are brain coral, fire coral, fans, sea rods, soft corals and finger Sponge. Snorkel gear is provided, but we recommend you bring your own if you have it.
- Snorkeling the Mangroves
- If the conditions are better for the Backcountry, and too rough on the oceanside, Captain Brian will take you to a mangrove island to snorkel around the mangrove roots and the fascinating ecosystem. See how the mangroves root and the fish and marine life that lives within them. See lobster, mangrove snappers, barracudas and rays.
Included
- Snorkel Gear - mask, snorkel, fins
- Water & Gatorade
- Swimming Noodles
- Life Jacket
Not Included
- Lunch or snacks
- Wetsuit or rashguard (shorty rentals available $10 per)
Things you might want 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.
Notes
- A signed release waiver, and cash or credit card payment is required prior to boarding.
- 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). You must wear fins while snorkeling.
- 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
- 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.
Blue Star Operator
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. Click here to learn more about the Blue Star program and to watch a short video about the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary.
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