Imagine gliding through crystal-clear waters, surrounded by vividly colored fish, coral formations, and maybe even a few sharks. That’s precisely what you get with the Small Group Key West Snorkel Adventure. For about four hours, you’ll explore two different underwater locations, all with a maximum of 19 fellow travelers—making this a more intimate and personalized way to see what lies beneath the waves around Key West. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour costs $75 per person, making it a reasonably priced way to enjoy some of the best snorkeling the Keys have to offer.
What we love about this experience is how it balances personal attention with ample time in the water—almost an hour at each stop, according to reviews—and the chance to witness a variety of marine life, from colorful fish and coral to sharks and barracudas. Plus, the small group size means you’ll avoid the crowds and get more tailored guidance. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that this tour is best suited for swimmers with some snorkeling experience, especially if you’re aiming to spot more active marine creatures like barracudas or sharks. If you’re comfortable in open water, this could be a fantastic outing. It’s especially ideal for travelers who want a more relaxed, less touristy vibe and value genuine marine encounters.
Key Points
- Intimate Group Size: Limited to 19 travelers, ensuring more personal attention.
- Two Destinations: Spend about an hour at each site exploring diverse underwater environments.
- Experienced Guides: Friendly staff who are praised for their professionalism and ability to make everyone comfortable.
- Good Value: At $75, you get roughly four hours of snorkeling, including gear and guidance.
- Booking and Cancellation: Book 19 days in advance on average; free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
- Family Friendly: Most travelers, including kids, can participate, especially those who are comfortable in water.
A Deeper Look at the Experience
The tour begins at 261 Margaret St in Key West, a central location near public transportation, which makes it convenient for most travelers to join without hassle. The mobile ticket system simplifies the booking process, and once you’re there, the real adventure begins.
Snorkeling for about two hours at each site means plenty of time to get comfortable in the water, observe marine life, and take photos. This is a significant advantage over shorter, more rushed excursions. One review describes it as “like swimming inside an aquarium,” with “lots of healthy-looking coral and clear water,” which hints at the quality of the underwater scenery. Expect to see a variety of fish, and depending on conditions, possibly sharks, barracudas, and even jellyfish.
Planning more time in Key West? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Itinerary and Key Locations
While the specific reefs or sites aren’t named, the reviews give us clues. One guest remarked about “seeing lots of fish and jellyfish” and “mostly barracudas,” suggesting the sites are rich in diverse species. Another guest felt like they “swam inside an aquarium,” implying excellent visibility and vibrant marine life. The fact that the tour covers two locations means you’ll experience different underwater environments, which adds value and variety to your day.
What’s Included and What to Expect
- Guides: The staff are described as “friendly and professional,” offering reassurance, especially for those new to snorkeling or nervous about the open water.
- Time in Water: Almost an hour at each stop gives you ample opportunity to explore, float, and observe without feeling rushed.
- Marine Life: Expect healthy coral, colorful fish, and possibly larger creatures like sharks, according to some reviews.
- Group Size: Small groups help keep the experience relaxed and allow guides to give more personalized tips.
Considerations for Participants
This tour might not be ideal if you’re a non-swimmer or uncomfortable in open water, as one review notes it’s best for experienced swimmers. Plus, weather plays a role—poor conditions can lead to cancellations or rescheduling, so keeping an eye on the forecast is wise. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before, which provides peace of mind in case weather turns bad or plans change.
Who Will Love This Tour?
If you’re someone who prefers small, intimate outings over crowded boats and want plenty of time in the water, this tour will suit you well. Families with kids who are comfortable swimmers will appreciate the friendly staff and relaxed pace. Experienced snorkelers looking to explore multiple sites with knowledgeable guides will find it especially rewarding. It’s also a good choice if you’re seeking value—more time, fewer people, and a reasonable price.
Why This Tour Is a Solid Choice

The Small Group Key West Snorkel Adventure offers an authentic, relaxed way to enjoy the undersea world of the Keys. It’s a straightforward, well-organized trip that emphasizes quality interaction with marine environments and personal attention from guides. The fact that visitors repeatedly praise the professionalism of the staff, combined with the generous time in the water, makes it stand out among many snorkeling options.
You’ll love the views of thriving coral reefs, the variety of marine life, and the chance to get close to nature without feeling like just another face in a crowd. Plus, the flexible cancellation policy adds peace of mind—something not always available on outdoor excursions.
Final Thoughts
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a more personalized, less hurried snorkeling experience. It’s perfect for families, small groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy having a guide to point out marine highlights. It’s also a great pick for those who value authentic encounters with the sea rather than just ticking a box.
The reasonable price, combined with the high praise for guides and the quality of the underwater experiences, makes this a worthwhile choice. Just remember to book in advance—this tour fills up around 19 days ahead on average—and ensure you’re comfortable in open water for the best experience.
FAQs

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately four hours, with about two hours spent snorkeling at two different sites.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and children who are comfortable swimmers will enjoy it too. It’s praised for guides making kids feel at ease.
What is included in the price?
For $75 per person, you get guided snorkeling at two locations, gear, and the small group experience. Confirmations are received upon booking.
Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a new date or a full refund.
Is this tour good for experienced snorkelers?
Yes, one review suggests that the tour is best for strong swimmers and those with snorkeling experience, especially if aiming to see active marine life like barracudas.
How accessible is the meeting point?
The meeting point at 261 Margaret St is near public transportation, making it easy to reach from most parts of Key West.
To sum it up, the Small Group Key West Snorkel Adventure offers an excellent balance of personal attention, quality marine encounters, and value. It’s suited for anyone who enjoys relaxed, intimate tours and wants to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Florida Keys comfortably. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a curious beginner, this tour provides a genuine chance to connect with the sea in a friendly, manageable setting.
More Tour Reviews in Key West
More Key West experiences we've covered
- Key West: Shark and Wildlife Viewing Catamaran Tour
- Reef Snorkel + Sandbar & Sunset Sail
- Key West: Fun Full Day Beach Pass Watersports and activities
- Discover the Marquesas Keys Private Experience
- Kayak + Guided Snorkel & Morning Sail hosted by Honest Eco
- Sails to Rails Museum Admission
- Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours
- Private Sunset Sail in Key West Florida
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum Admission
- Private Key West Fishing & Sandbar or Snorkel Charter
- Creative Soul Scavenger Hunt Key West
- Key West Art History Private Tour
