Snorkeling in Miami:
Private Virginia Key Reef Charter
Slip into calm, six-foot water over Virginia Key’s artificial reef on a two-hour charter that is all yours. Your USCG-licensed captain sizes gear for adults and teens at the dock, and Kids 12 and under ride free when booked with at least 2 paying guests and bring their own gear.
Minimum 2 paying guests per booking (a child can be the second paying guest).
Miami Tours and Water Adventures
Why is Virginia Key different for a private Miami snorkel charter?
This is a 100% private, two-hour charter to Virginia Key’s artificial reef, about six feet deep in calm Biscayne Bay. Your USCG-licensed captain sizes snorkel gear for adults and teens at the dock, and kids 12 and under ride free when booked with at least 2 paying guests and bring their own properly fitted gear.
Who It’s For
Who is the Private Snorkel Charter for?
Families and first-time snorkelers who want a shallow, calm reef without a shared group boat. Your party boards alone, up to 33 guests.
- Families & beginners: Calm six-foot water, captain-led mask and fin sizing, and life jackets for every guest in the water.
- Private groups: The boat is yours alone, with per-person rates that drop as your group grows.
- Kids 12 and under: Ride free when booked with at least 2 paying guests and bring their own mask, snorkel, and fins. A child can be the second paying guest; do not include free children in the paid booking headcount.
- Not the right fit: Want jet skis, a full-day island combo, or a yacht day? See the Island Adventure Package or the Private Boat Tour.
The Experience
What does a private snorkel charter feel like?
Your gear is sized at the dock, the captain briefs your group, and you cross the bay to Virginia Key’s six-foot artificial reef. The water is calm and protected, perfect for beginners, and an instructor is in the water with you while you explore.
If conditions are not right for the reef, your captain redirects within the same private two-hour window, so the day still belongs to you.
Dock to reef in three steps
- Dock: Arrive 30 minutes early; if you’re running late, call or text (305) 772-9942. Adult and teen gear is sized, coolers are loaded, and the captain briefs surface entry and life-jacket rules.
- Reef: A short bay crossing to Virginia Key. In-water time is captain-managed based on the day’s conditions.
- Return: Climb back aboard when your group is ready, then cruise back to the dock to finish your two-hour charter.
On Board
Life on board the Private Snorkel Charter
Calm bay water, shallow reef time, and gear sizing at the dock from real charter days. Tap any photo to see it full screen, or browse the whole gallery below.
Your group
Biscayne Bay
Reef time
Shallow water
Reef view
Virginia Key
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What’s Included
What’s included in your snorkel charter?
Everything you need for the reef comes with the boat, with no hidden fees. Bring snacks and drinks if you like.
- USCG-Licensed Captain: A USCG-licensed captain who briefs your group and manages the anchorage, with an instructor in the water with you while you snorkel.
- Round-Trip Fuel: Fuel to the Virginia Key reef and back is in the per-person rate.
- Snorkel Gear for Adults & Teens: Mask, snorkel, and fins sized at the dock. Kids 12 and under bring their own properly fitted gear.
- In-Water Instruction: First-timers learn mask and fin use, breathing, and surface entry before anyone gets in.
- Coolers, Ice & Bottled Water: Stocked on board before you arrive.
- USCG-Rated Life Jackets: On board for every guest and required in the water for everyone, whatever your swimming ability.
Charter Rates
Private Snorkel Charter Rates
Priced per person, and the boat is 100% private at every group size. The more friends you bring, the less each person pays. Minimum 2 paying guests per booking (a child can be the second paying guest). Booking solo? Bring a friend or book for two.
- 2 Guests $180 per person
- 3 Guests $140 per person
- 4 Guests $120 per person
- 5 Guests $110 per person
- 6 Guests $100 per person
- 7 Guests $90 per person
- Best rate 8+ Guests $80 per person
To reserve your desired date and time, book now with a partial payment. The balance is due as your sailing date gets closer. Cancel in writing 7 or more days before departure for a full refund, or between 72 hours and 7 days before for a 50% refund. Cancellations within 72 hours are non-refundable, though we may allow a one-time reschedule. Your exact total is shown before you pay. See our Terms, Billing & Cancellation Policies.
Kids 12 and under ride free when booked with at least 2 paying guests and bring their own snorkel gear.
Gratuity is not included. We suggest 15–22% of the charter price for your captain, based on service, paid directly to your captain by card on file, cash, or any payment app.
Minimum 2 paying guests per booking (a child can be the second paying guest).
Reserve Your CharterWhere We Meet
Where do we meet for the snorkel charter?
We operate exclusively from licensed commercial marinas, including Miami Beach Marina, Venetian Marina & Yacht Club, and Rickenbacker Marina. Your exact marina, arrival time, and captain contact are emailed in your booking confirmation. Please arrive 30 minutes before departure so you have time to settle in, use the restroom, or grab anything you need from a nearby store. Bring photo ID and the card you booked with. Running late? Call or text us at (305) 772-9942 so we can stay in touch.
What to Wear
Swimwear, sun protection, and water shoes or sandals. No open-toed shoes are permitted on the vessel deck.
What to Bring
A towel, sunscreen, and any extra snacks or drinks.
Kids Policy
Kids 12 and under ride free when booked with at least 2 paying guests and bring their own properly fitted mask and fins.
Swimming Ability
Some guests even book the snorkel adventure without knowing how to swim. Everyone wears a life jacket, and an instructor is in the water with you to keep you safe, highlight the marine life and give you tips. If you’re not a strong swimmer, practice in a pool beforehand, or choose our Sandbar Adventure: the water is much shallower, so you can practice snorkeling and feel safer. There’s no coral there, but you may spot shellfish, and there’s a spot where stingrays like to hang out. It’s a great first step.
Weather & Cancellations
Only MTWA or your captain makes the weather call. If we cancel before departure for safety, you get a full refund or a new date. If weather interrupts your trip after departure, a pro-rated credit or voucher (valid 15 months) may be issued.
Safety & Standards
Who captains the Private Snorkel Charter?
A USCG-licensed captain commands every departure. Life jackets are on board for every guest and required in the water.
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USCG-Licensed Captains
Your captain is a USCG-licensed captain. Commercial passenger licenses are issued by the National Maritime Center (USCG).
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Life Jackets for Every Guest
Required in the water during the snorkel, without exception, in line with Florida FWC equipment rules.
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Weather-First Decisions
Only Miami Tours and Water Adventures makes weather calls, and safety always comes first. Reschedule, refund, and voucher details are in Where We Meet above.
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Our Team & Reviews
Meet our captains and crew on the about page, or read what guests say on our reviews page: 4.9 stars across 555 reviews.
What guests say on Google
Real guests, real days on Biscayne Bay. These reviews cover all of our yacht charters, snorkel trips, and water adventures.
FAQ
Private Snorkel Charter FAQ
How long does the snorkel charter take?
Two hours from departure to dock-in. Virginia Key is a short bay crossing, so most of your time is spent on the water and at the reef. The captain manages the in-water portion based on the day’s conditions.
How deep is the reef at Virginia Key?
About six feet. The artificial reef is built from limestone boulders and sits in calm, protected Biscayne Bay water, one of the most beginner-friendly snorkel depths around Miami.
Is this safe for non-swimmers or weak swimmers?
Some guests even book the snorkel adventure without knowing how to swim. Everyone wears a life jacket, and an instructor is in the water with you to keep you safe, highlight the marine life and give you tips. If you’re not a strong swimmer, practice in a pool beforehand, or choose our Sandbar Adventure: the water is much shallower, so you can practice snorkeling and feel safer. There’s no coral there, but you may spot shellfish, and there’s a spot where stingrays like to hang out. It’s a great first step.
Are kids really free on this charter?
Yes. Kids 12 and under ride free when booked with at least 2 paying guests and bring their own properly fitted snorkel gear. A child can be the second paying guest. Include any paying child in the paid booking headcount; do not include free children in that headcount. All children count toward vessel capacity.
What is included in the charter price?
A USCG-licensed captain, round-trip fuel, snorkel gear for adults and teens, in-water instruction, USCG-rated life jackets, and coolers stocked with ice and bottled water. Gratuity is not included. We suggest 15–22% of the charter price for your captain, based on service. You are welcome to bring snacks and drinks.
Where do we meet and what time should we arrive?
Your exact marina, arrival time, and captain contact are emailed in your booking confirmation. Arrive 30 minutes early. Running late or have questions? Call or text (305) 772-9942 or email info@miamitoursandwateradventures.com.
What is the weather cancellation policy?
Only MTWA or your captain makes the weather call. If we cancel before departure for safety, you get a full refund or a new date. If weather interrupts your trip after departure, a pro-rated credit or voucher (valid 15 months) may be issued. See our full terms and cancellation policy.
Can we bring food and drinks on board?
Yes. The boat carries coolers with ice and bottled water. Guests are welcome to bring additional snacks and drinks.
Explore More Adventures
What pairs well with the Private Snorkel Charter?
Pair the reef with another Miami water day, on the same day or as a separate booking. For reef planning tips, see our Miami snorkeling guide.
Miami Island Adventure Package
A private boat tour, jet ski time, and snorkeling in one crewed session. Up to 22 guests, with captain, fuel, gear, and coolers included.
Miami Flyboard Adventure
A coached flyboard session: hover, dive, and fly over the water on one of Miami’s most high-energy adventures.
Private Sunset Cruise Miami
A private boat around Miami at golden hour. Slower, dreamier, and the perfect follow-up to an active morning on the water.
Ready to Cast Off?
Reserve the Private Snorkel Charter in Miami
Choose your date and group size, and the boat is yours for two hours at the reef. Kids 12 and under ride free when booked with at least 2 paying guests and bring their own gear.
Minimum 2 paying guests per booking (a child can be the second paying guest).
Reserve Your Charter Ask a Question