Captain Your Boat to Hidden Sandbars & Mangroves
Captain a two-person boat to secluded sandbars and mangrove islands.
From$178
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Discover what we've curated for you
Captain a two-person boat to secluded sandbars and mangrove islands.
Discover what we've curated for you
2.5 hours
Guided tour, snorkel gear, boat
Pilot your own two-person pistol boat through Key West’s backcountry to snorkel clear waters and relax on remote sandbars. Follow an experienced guide across 25 miles of mangrove islands for an eco-adventure accessible only by water.
Drivers born after January 1, 1988 must present a passed Florida boaters safety test. Boats seat two adults; a third rider is allowed only if under 40 lbs.
Q: Where can I take the required Florida boater safety test?
A: Anyone born after January 1 1988 must pass the test, and only the driver needs to be certified; proof must be shown before departure, and the test can be taken online .
Q: How many people can ride in each boat?
A: The boats hold two people, with the option for a third if they are under 40 lbs.
Q: Do I drive my own boat?
A: Yes. Each guest captains their own small boat while following the guide.
Q: Is snorkel gear provided?
A: Yes. Snorkel gear is included.
Q: Where does the tour go?
A: The route travels through mangroves, past Bird Key, into the Mud Keys, and stops at Snipes Point sandbar.
Q: Is there free parking?
A: Yes. Free parking is available at the Cow Key Marina facility.
Full refund with 24-hour notice of cancellation. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. No-shows are charged in full.
5001 5th Ave, Stock Island, FL 33040
Sunset Watersports offers a solid range of activities from parasailing and jet skiing to snorkeling trips and dinner cruises, with most visitors leaving genuinely impressed. The parasailing consistently gets rave reviews, with guests like Wyatt and various captains earning specific shoutouts for making the experience memorable and capturing great photos. The dinner cruises seem to be another winner, with Captain Kristen, Captain Logan, and others praised for their knowledge and service. People love the combination of sunset views, live music, cocktails, and the overall atmosphere. The snorkeling excursions also get strong marks, particularly when captains like Kristen find calm spots on the reef and crews like Kevin, Maggie, Helen, and McKenzie take time to explain everything thoroughly. That said, there are some hiccups worth noting. One detailed review painted a concerning picture of the water adventure park experience, citing inattentive staff more focused on their phones than guest safety, mediocre food (boiled hot dogs and chicken nuggets), and a snorkeling setup that felt underwhelming. Another guest had a truly disappointing sunset sail where the crew couldn't even get the sail up, leading to an hour spent circling near the dock with static-filled music and subpar food and drinks. While these negative experiences seem to be outliers given the overwhelmingly positive feedback, they suggest consistency can vary depending on which activity you book and which crew you get. The jet skiing and parasailing appear to be the safest bets if you're trying to decide what to book.
Fabulous evening on the Sandie Cat with friends! Captain and crew were attentive and very friendly. It looked like there was rain all around us, but our wonderful captain steered us between the storms. The boat was not overcrowded at all, and there were plenty of places to stand or sit to enjoy the view. Live music was provided and a wonderful, complete dinner buffet was included too. A nice touch as we boarded the boat – rum punch was premade and ready to grab while we listened to the captains instructions on safety.Would 100% recommend and hope to go again next time we are in Key West.
Sally Bartlett
October 10, 2025
Fabulous evening on the Sandie Cat with friends! Captain and crew were attentive and very friendly. It looked like there was rain all around us, but our wonderful captain steered us between the storms. The boat was not overcrowded at all, and there were plenty of places to stand or sit to enjoy the view. Live music was provided and a wonderful, complete dinner buffet was included too. A nice touch as we boarded the boat – rum punch was premade and ready to grab while we listened to the captains instructions on safety.Would 100% recommend and hope to go again next time we are in Key West.
Sally Bartlett
October 10, 2025