Private Snorkel Charter
Miami — Virginia Key
A two-hour private charter to Virginia Key’s shallow artificial reef — USCG-licensed captain, full gear for adults and teens, and kids twelve and under join free.
Miami Tours & 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. A USCG-licensed captain sizes adult and teen snorkel gear at the dock. Kids twelve and under join free with their own properly fitted gear. The boat is yours alone, not a shared group tour.
- Duration Two hours from departure to dock-in. Reef time is captain-managed based on conditions.
- Reef Depth Approximately six feet — calm, protected Biscayne Bay water with a limestone-boulder reef structure.
- Group Size 100% private to your party. Up to 33 guests. Per-person rate scales down as your group grows.
- Starting Price From $80 per person for groups of 8+. Kids 12 & under sail free with their own snorkel gear.
Product Fit
Who is the private snorkel charter for?
This charter fits families and first-time snorkelers who want a shallow Virginia Key reef without a shared group boat. Your party boards alone — up to 33 guests with per-person rates that drop as your group grows. Kids twelve and under join free with their own properly fitted gear.
- Families & beginnersCalm six-foot Biscayne Bay water, captain-led mask and fin sizing, and mandatory life jackets for every guest in the water.
- Private groups100% private boat — your schedule, your crew, your boat. Per-person pricing from $180 for two guests down to $80 for eight or more.
- Kids twelve and underJoin free with their own traditional mask, snorkel, and fins. Ticket adults and teens only when you book.
- Not the right fitGuests who want jet skis, a full-day island combo, or a luxury yacht day — see the Island Adventure Package or Private Boat Tour instead.
The Charter Experience
What is the private snorkel charter actually like?
Your confirmation email includes marina meet-up time and captain contact. Arrive thirty minutes early. Gear is sized at the dock, the captain briefs your group, and you cross to Virginia Key’s six-foot artificial reef for a private snorkel session on calm Biscayne Bay water.
As of 2026, our Virginia Key charters run at about six feet of protected bay-side depth — beginner-friendly water where the captain stays with the vessel while your group snorkels. When conditions are unsuitable, the captain redirects within the same private two-hour window.
Dock to reef in three steps
- DockArrive thirty minutes early. Adult and teen gear is sized; coolers are loaded; the captain briefs surface entry and life-jacket rules.
- ReefShort Biscayne Bay crossing to Virginia Key. In-water time is captain-managed based on conditions that day.
- ReturnClimb back aboard when your group is ready. The captain cruises back to the dock to complete your two-hour charter.
On the Reef
What does a private Virginia Key snorkel charter look like?
Real photographs from private snorkel charter days — guests in calm Biscayne Bay water, shallow reef time, and gear sizing at the dock. Three moments below; browse the full gallery for every frame.
Your group
Biscayne Bay
Reef time
Shallow water
Reef view
Virginia Key
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Virginia Key. Your boat. Your reef.
Book your two-hour private Virginia Key charter online. Your booking confirmation shows the live total for your group size and date.
Check Availability & ReserveFree reschedule for weather. No hidden fees. Photo ID required at check-in.
Included In Every Charter
What is included on the private snorkel charter?
Every snorkel charter includes a USCG-licensed captain, round-trip fuel, adult and teen snorkel gear, in-water instruction, USCG-rated life jackets, and coolers with ice and bottled water. No hidden fees. Guests may add snacks and drinks. Glass containers are not permitted. Captain gratuity is not included.
- USCG-Licensed Captain Master Merchant Mariner credential. Briefs guests, manages the anchorage, and stays with the vessel throughout your snorkel session.
- Fuel — Round Trip Full round-trip fuel to Virginia Key reef and back, included in the per-person rate.
- Snorkel Gear — Adults & Teens Mask, snorkel, and fins sized at the dock. Children twelve and under bring their own properly-fitted gear.
- In-Water Safety Instruction The captain walks first-time snorkelers through mask and fin use, breathing technique, and surface entry before anyone enters the water.
- Coolers, Ice & Bottled Water Stocked on board before your arrival. Bring additional snacks or drinks if you would like — no glass containers permitted.
- USCG-Rated Life Jackets On board for every guest. Life jackets are mandatory during the in-water portion of the charter for all participants regardless of swimming ability.
Transparent Pricing
How much does the private snorkel charter cost?
Published per-person rates run from $180 for two guests down to $80 for eight or more. Children twelve and under join free with their own properly fitted gear. The boat is 100% private regardless of group size. Live pricing for your date appears before you pay.
- 2 Guests $180 / person
- 3 Guests $140 / person
- 4 Guests $120 / person
- 5 Guests $110 / person
- 6 Guests $100 / person
- 7 Guests $90 / person
- 8+ Guests — Best Rate $80 / person
Kids 12 & under sail free with their own snorkel gear. Captain gratuity is not included — bring cash to tip if you would like. Read our full terms, billing, and cancellation policies.
Live pricing for your exact group size is shown before you pay.
Before You Arrive
Where do we meet and what should we bring?
Marina meet-up location, arrival time, and captain contact are emailed after you book. Arrive thirty minutes before departure with photo ID and the card used when you booked. Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and water shoes. Adult and teen snorkel gear is sized at the dock.
- Meet Location Marina meet-up location, arrival time, and captain contact are emailed after you book. Arrive thirty minutes before departure.
- Arrival Time Arrive thirty minutes before your scheduled departure. The captain and vessel are ready at the dock.
- What To Wear Swimwear, sun protection, and water shoes or sandals. No open-toed shoes permitted on the vessel deck.
- What To Bring Towel, sunscreen, and any additional snacks or drinks. No glass containers permitted on board.
- Kids Policy Children twelve and under join free. Bring their own properly-fitted snorkel mask and fins. Ticket adults and teens only when you book — do not add children.
- Swimming Ability Guests must be comfortable swimming one pool lap. Life jackets are mandatory in the water. Non-swimmers may stay aboard while others snorkel.
- Check-In ID Photo ID required at check-in. Bring the same credit card used during booking. Full details in our booking and cancellation policy.
- Weather & Cancellations Only Miami Tours and Water Adventures determines weather cancellations. Pre-departure cancellations receive a reschedule or full refund. Post-departure weather changes result in a twelve-month credit voucher.
Safety & Standards
How do you run a safe private snorkel charter?
A USCG Master Merchant Mariner commands every departure. Life jackets are on board for every guest and required in the water. Captains decide weather before launch; a pre-departure cancel is a reschedule or full refund. Florida boating equipment rules sit with FWC; captain credentialing sits with the U.S. Coast Guard.
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USCG Master Merchant Mariner Credential
Our captain holds a U.S. Coast Guard Master Merchant Mariner credential — the federal licensing standard for commercial passenger vessels. Standards maintained by the National Maritime Center (USCG).
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USCG-Rated Life Jackets for Every Guest
Life jackets are on board for every guest and are required during the in-water portion of the charter without exception. Florida boating equipment rules sit with FWC; cited in the sources block below.
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Weather-First Cancellation Policy
Miami Tours and Water Adventures makes all weather decisions. If conditions are unsafe before departure, guests receive a reschedule or full refund without exception. Full terms on our terms and cancellation policy page.
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About Our Team & Credentials
Learn more about our captains and crew on the About Miami Tours and Water Adventures page, or read what guests say on our guest reviews page. We hold a 4.9-star rating across 542 verified guest reviews.
4.9 Stars Across 542 Google Reviews
Reviews reflect guest experiences across Miami Tours and Water Adventures — luxury yacht charters, snorkeling, and water adventures on Biscayne Bay.
Aggregate rating shown in search results reflects our verified Google Business profile.
Common Questions
What do guests ask before booking a private snorkel charter?
How long does the snorkel charter take?
Two hours from departure to dock-in. Virginia Key is a short bay crossing, so the majority of the trip is spent on the water and at the reef. The captain manages the in-water portion based on conditions that day.
How deep is the reef at Virginia Key?
Approximately six feet. The reef is artificial, built from limestone boulders, and sits in calm protected Biscayne Bay water — one of the most beginner-friendly snorkel depths in the Miami area.
Is this safe for non-swimmers or weak swimmers?
Guests must be comfortable swimming a single pool lap. Life jackets are mandatory in the water. Non-swimmers are welcome to stay aboard while others snorkel — or the captain can redirect the private charter to a Star Island scenic route or Key Biscayne sandbar so everyone still has a full experience on the water.
Are kids really free on this charter?
Yes. Children twelve and under join at no charge when accompanied by a paying adult and bringing their own properly-fitted snorkel gear. They count toward the 33-guest vessel capacity. When booking, ticket adults and teens only — do not add children.
What is included in the charter price?
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. Captain gratuity is not included — bring cash to tip if you would like. Guests may bring their own snacks and additional drinks. No glass containers on board.
Where do we meet and what time should we arrive?
Marina meet-up location, arrival time, and captain contact are emailed after you book. Arrive thirty minutes before departure. Questions? Call +1 305-772-9942 or email Miamiwateradventures@outlook.com.
What is the weather cancellation policy?
Only Miami Tours and Water Adventures determines weather cancellations. If the captain cancels before departure, guests receive either a reschedule or a full refund. If conditions change after the trip begins, a voucher valid for twelve months is 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. No glass containers are permitted on board for safety reasons.
Build Your Day in Miami
What else can you add to a Miami snorkel day?
The snorkel charter pairs with other Miami water experiences on the same day or as a separate booking. Island Adventure combines boat, jet ski, and snorkel for up to 22 guests. For reef planning context, see the Miami snorkeling guide.
Miami Island Adventure Package
Private boat tour + jet ski time + snorkeling — all in one crewed session. Up to 22 guests. Captain, fuel, gear, and coolers included.
Miami Flyboard Adventure
Water-propelled flyboard session covering hovering, diving, and the core movements of one of Miami’s most high-energy water experiences.
Private Sunset Cruise Miami
A private boat around Miami at golden hour — slower, atmosphere-led, and the natural follow-on to an active morning on the water.
Ready When You Are
Ready to reserve your private snorkel charter in Miami?
Choose your date and group size when you book. Meeting details arrive by email. The boat stays private to your party for the full two-hour Virginia Key window — USCG captain, adult and teen gear, and kids twelve and under free with their own properly fitted gear.