Whats the best snorkel charter in Key Largo
We know that this is a question asked by many first time visitors to key largo.There are many snorkel charters in Key Largo that provide the needs for everybody.
When booking your snorkel charter in Key Largo there are a number of factors to be considered.
Things you should consider
The size of the boat you will be traveling to the reef and the number of people on it
The location the snorkel boat is going to and the length of time spent at the reef
The snorkel operators commitment to environmental protection and the safety equipment of the boat
There are 3 sizes of snorkel charter boats in key largo
Head boat (Coast Guard safety inspected)
These are the larger boats and are licensed for up to 40 people and often referred to as cattle boats
Pros –
These boats will often be a little cheaper if you are a small family group with costs starting at around $60 per person.
You will often be able to get deal on sites like Groupon for small groups.
Most advertise heavily so they make minimum numbers to ensure that they can run
The boats have good stability in rougher weather so can continue to run trips in higher seas, guaranteeing your tour will run in all but the worst weathers.
Cons –
During high season these boats will often be at full capacity. There will be a lot of people in the water snorkelling with you so you may see limited wildlife.
They have a set schedule and will usually go to the same spots each trip.
Most of the operators provide a one stop only for up to one hour
If you or you family get sea sick there is no option to return back to shore early, you have to stick it out!
Private Charter (Coast Guard safety Inspected)
These boats are generally smaller wide bodied stable boats that are built for snorkeling and scuba diving.These are inspected for safety at least annually by the Coast Guard and if defects are found they cannot run until they are rectified. They are licensed to carry less passengers normally around 15 to 20
Pros –
You get the boat for just your group
You Get personal service
If you have a big family it may work out more cost effective than getting on a head boat and probably less stressful.
You have a say in where you want to go given the needs of your group
These boats often leave earlier than the other boats as they do not have to wait for latecomers ensuring that they get to the reef when its empty. This is particularly good on morning trips as you can often get a whole hours snorkel on an empty reef teaming with wild life.
You can return early if you get seasick
Cons –
Due to the size they may only provide Private Charters to ensure that minimum numbers are met to make it financially viable for the operator to run the trip.
Often seen as expensive for small groups as you need to charter the whole boat
Private charter (6 Pac, not inspected)
These boats are generally the smaller narrower private boats that are able to carry up to 6 passengers.
Pros –
You get the boat for just your group
You get personal servce
You can return early if you get seasick
Cons –
Due to the size they usually only provide Private Charters to ensure that minimum numbers are met to make it financially viable for the operator.
Often seen as expensive for small groups as you need to charter the whole boat
These boats are not regulated by the coast Guard and do not carry the additional safety equipment such as life rafts as the inspected vessels do.
Below is a list of the primary snorkel operators in Key Largo.
Boats are Corinthians or Newtons with a capacity around 40 persons
Large Newton with a capacity around 38
Large Corinthian with 40+ seats available
Has 3 Island Hopper boats available for private charter. Each boat has a licensed capacity of 22 but only takes up 12 Snorkelers to ensure a great experience
World Cat boat, has a capacity of 6 passengers for private charter
There are other dive operators that let snorkelers onto thier dive boats. However some of the sites they go to are not always appropriate for snorkelling especially with young families.
Snorkel Location and time spent at the reef
The Key Largo reef has some great places to snorkel and some not so good places. When comparing snorkel companies be mindful that some operators only do one stop and some do two.
The benefits of doing 2 stops is that often the first stop is to ensure everybody gets used to the snorkel equipment and the second stop is the main event. So you get a more advanced snorkel on the second stop where there is likely to be more wild life.
Snorkel operators commitment to protecting the environment that they operate in.
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has a set of environmental standards called ‘Blue Star operator’
This is awarded to snorkel operators who have attained a level of training of their teams and know how to protect the reef.
Blue Star operators will always give you a brief on the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary prior to letting you in the water and will often be more knowledgeable than other tour operators.
You should only choose an operator that has this accreditation, a list of them and the standards can be found here
We hope that this has gone some way to helping you decide who you will go snorkeling with!