Frequently Asked Questions

Click the "Check Availability" button on any tour to go directly to the operator's booking page. All bookings are processed securely through FareHarbor, a trusted booking platform used by thousands of tour operators worldwide. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.

We strongly recommend booking at least 24-48 hours in advance, especially during peak season (December-April) and holidays. Popular tours like sunset cruises and snorkeling trips can sell out days ahead. Some tours accept same-day bookings if space is available.

Yes. All payments are processed through FareHarbor's secure checkout system with SSL encryption. Your credit card information is never stored on our site. FareHarbor processes millions of bookings annually and is trusted by tour operators worldwide.

Yes, you'll receive instant email confirmation with your booking details, meeting location, and contact information for the tour operator. We recommend saving this email and bringing it (digital or printed) on the day of your tour.

Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before the scheduled departure. Specific policies vary by operator and are clearly displayed on each tour's booking page. Check the cancellation policy before booking.

Tour operators prioritize safety above all else. If weather conditions are unsafe (high winds, lightning, rough seas), the operator will contact you to reschedule or offer a full refund. Light rain usually doesn't cancel tours — the Florida Keys often have brief showers that pass quickly.

Contact the tour operator directly using the information in your confirmation email. Refunds are typically processed within 5-7 business days back to your original payment method. For weather cancellations made by the operator, refunds are automatic.

• Sunscreen — reef-safe is preferred (and required in some areas)
• Sunglasses with a strap so they don't fall overboard
• Hat for sun protection
• Towel (some tours provide them)
• Swimsuit worn under clothes
• Light cover-up or dry clothes for after
• Camera (waterproof recommended)
• Cash for tips (15-20% is customary)
• Motion sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness

Most snorkeling tours include mask, snorkel, and fins in the price. The tour description will specify what's included. If you wear prescription glasses, consider bringing your own prescription mask or contact lenses.

This varies by tour. Many tours include snacks, water, or even full meals. Some allow you to bring your own cooler with food and beverages. Check the tour description or contact the operator directly. Note: Glass containers are typically not allowed on boats.

• Glass bottles or containers
• Illegal substances
• Valuables you can't get wet
• Bananas (many fishing captains consider them bad luck!)
• Drones (prohibited in many areas without permits)

Meeting locations vary by tour and operator. Your confirmation email will include the exact address, often with GPS coordinates and parking instructions. Common meeting points include marinas at Key West Historic Seaport, Stock Island, and various locations throughout the Keys.

Most marinas have parking available, though it may be limited or paid. Your confirmation email will include parking details. In Key West, consider using the Park 'N Ride at Old Town Garage or arriving early to find street parking. Rideshare services are also widely available.

Arrive at least 15-30 minutes before your scheduled departure. This allows time for check-in, safety briefings, and boarding. Tours depart on schedule and cannot wait for late arrivals.

Many tours welcome children of all ages. Tour descriptions list minimum age requirements if applicable. Some tours offer family-specific departures. Young children may need to be held by a parent during certain activities.

Accessibility varies by boat and tour type. Contact the tour operator directly to discuss specific needs — many are happy to accommodate guests with mobility challenges. Some larger vessels have accessible features while smaller boats may have limitations.

Take motion sickness medication (like Dramamine or Bonine) 30-60 minutes before departure. Ginger candies can also help. Stay on deck with fresh air and keep your eyes on the horizon. Consider shorter tours or trips in calmer backcountry waters if you're very sensitive.

Yes, tipping is customary and appreciated. Captains and crew work hard to ensure you have an amazing experience. The standard tip is 15-20% of the tour price, similar to restaurant service. Cash is preferred as it goes directly to the crew.

Gratuity is typically NOT included in tour prices unless specifically stated. Check the tour description for details. Even on tours where a gratuity is included, additional tips for exceptional service are always welcome.

Key West sandbar tours range from $85–$178 per person for shared group trips to $375–$980 for the full boat on private charters.

Private charters become cost-competitive with shared tours once you have 4+ people splitting the boat price.

Private sunset boat charters run $375–$450 for 2 hours (up to 6 guests). Combo sunset + sandbar trips cost $450–$700 for 4–6 hours.

The 6-hour Sandbar | Snorkel | Sunset combo is $700. The Tiki Boat sunset sandbar trip runs $525. Shared sunset sails start around $50–$89 per person.

Shared tours ($85–$178/person) run on fixed schedules with other guests — typically 6–15 people per boat. Better for solo travelers and couples.

Private charters ($375–$980/boat) depart on your schedule, let you choose your sandbars, and allow BYOB coolers. For groups of 4–6 splitting the cost, private charters often run $62–$130 per person — comparable to or cheaper than a shared tour.

Quick math: a $525 private charter split 6 ways = $87.50 per person, with full flexibility.

Morning (9–11 AM departures): Calmer water, better underwater visibility, cooler air temperatures, less crowded sandbars. Best option for snorkeling add-ons.

Afternoon (1–3 PM): Works well, though trade winds pick up in summer afternoons. Good for visitors who want a later start.

Sunset (4–6 PM departures): Best for photos and ambiance. Private sunset sandbar charters run 2–4 hours and cost $375–$700. Evening water temperatures are warmest. Peak demand — book in advance.

November–April (peak season): Best weather — lower humidity, calmer seas, water temps 72–78°F. Highest demand, especially December–April. Book private charters 1–2 weeks ahead.

May–October (shoulder/summer): Warmer water (84–88°F), fewer crowds outside school breaks. Afternoon thunderstorms are common but usually brief. Tours run in light rain since you're swimming anyway.

Tours run year-round. Operators cancel for safety in rough conditions (high winds, lightning) and typically issue refunds or reschedule.

Most sandbar tours run 4 hours — the standard length for reaching backcountry sandbars, spending 90+ minutes swimming, and returning. Options by duration:

• 2–2.5 hours: Sandbar Express trips — $375–$449 for the boat. One or two sandbar stops.
• 4–5 hours: Standard sandbar tours — $85–$800 depending on shared vs. private. Most popular length.
• 6 hours: Combo tours (sandbar + snorkel + sunset) — $550–$700.
• 8 hours (full day): Comprehensive charters — $600–$980. Multiple sandbars, snorkeling reefs, dolphin watching.

The Sandbar Express on a Boston Whaler ($449, 2.5 hrs) is a popular speedboat option. For a more relaxed experience with more shade and deck space, catamaran-style vessels on longer trips are the better fit.

Choose morning if: you want calm water, better snorkeling visibility, cooler temperatures, and more time for exploring multiple sandbars. Morning tours have 70 sandbar options in the data vs. 12 evening options.

Choose sunset if: you want the best photos, warmest water temperature, and a more social atmosphere. The 6-hour Sandbar | Snorkel | Sunset combo ($700) covers both. Standalone sunset sandbar charters run $375–$525 for the boat.

Most tours include: licensed captain, life jackets, and one or more sandbar stops. What varies by operator:

• Snorkel gear — included on the Snorkel & Sandbar Quickie ($583) and Sandbar & Kayak Eco Adventure ($130)
• Kayaks or paddleboards — available on eco-adventure tours
• Dolphin watching — included on the Sandbar & Dolphin Adventure ($130, 5 hrs)
• Cooler with ice — standard on most private charters (you bring the drinks)
• Bottled water — typically included on shared tours

Always check the specific tour listing for exact inclusions before booking.