Florida Keys Backcountry · Snipes Keys
Northeast of Key West in the protected backcountry. A long crescent of soft sand emerges at lower tides between mangrove islands. Shallow, clear, almost always empty — the place locals take their own boats on weekends.
Why Snipes is on the locals' list
Most Key West sandbar tours stop at the same three places. Snipes is the alternative the brochures don't list.
Snipes is off the standard tourist sandbar circuit. On a typical day you'll share the bar with one or two other private boats — or no one. The exception is a holiday weekend in season, when locals trickle in mid-afternoon.
At lower tides the Snipes sandbar emerges as a long shallow crescent between the mangroves. Soft white sand, ankle-to-knee-deep water. Walk for a few hundred yards in any direction and the water stays clear.
Snipes sits inside a triangle with Mud Keys and Jewfish Basin. A full-day private charter can hit two of the three — or all three if conditions cooperate. Tell Captain Dustin which mix you want.
A backcountry half-day from Key West
From our dock at the Perry Hotel & Marina on Stock Island, Snipes is about an hour of running across the backcountry — through the shallows north of Key West, past the mangrove channels, and out to the cluster of small keys that make up the Snipes area. The water gets clearer the further north you go.
Snipes is best at mid-tide on the way out, low tide at peak. Low tide exposes the long sand crescent and you can step off the swim platform straight onto dry sand. High tide submerges the bar and you'll wade in clear, ankle-deep water but won't get the dry-sand experience. Captain Dustin watches the tide table and times the trip around your priorities.
Walk the sand. Float in clear shallow water. Bring a paddleboard or kayak (we can rent the SUP through our excursion partner network with notice) and explore the mangrove channels around the keys. Birding is excellent — ospreys, frigates, wading birds in the shallows. Bring a cooler; we provide the ice.
Snipes is in the protected backcountry, which means it's usable on most wind directions — including the days when offshore reefs and southside sandbars are blown out. North or northwest wind is the easiest. Captain Dustin will pivot to Snipes on wind days when the original plan was something more exposed.
How Six Fins gets you to Snipes
Both options launch from our Perry Hotel & Marina dock on Stock Island. Snipes is private-charter only — no group tours run out here.
Your group only, your day at your pace. Tell us Snipes is the priority and we build the itinerary around tide timing. Up to 6 standard, 8 by arrangement. $1,195 for the 4-hour Escape; Custom Combo $1,395 (6 hours) / $1,795 (8 hours).
See private charter →Captain picks the day's best backcountry stops based on tide and wind. Snipes is one of the three regular destinations on this trip — Mud Keys and Jewfish round out the loop. $1,195 for the 4-hour trip.
See sandbar escape →Snipes Keys FAQ
Snipes Keys are a cluster of small mangrove islands northeast of Key West in the Florida Keys backcountry.
They are about 8–10 miles by boat from Six Fins' Perry Hotel & Marina dock. The destination is known for shallow clear water, a long sand crescent at lower tides, and a local-boater feel.
Snipes is off the standard tourist sandbar circuit. On many days it feels quieter than the better-known stops, with fewer boats and more room.
At lower tides, the sandbar can form a long shallow crescent between mangrove islands, giving guests clear ankle-to-knee-deep water and a real walkable sandbar feel.
The run is usually about an hour each way across the backcountry, depending on route, tide, wind, and conditions.
A 4-hour charter gives you a solid visit. A longer Custom Combo Charter gives more flexibility to add Mud Keys, Jewfish Basin, or another backcountry stop.
Yes. Snipes is one of the better named sandbars for kids because the water is shallow, the bottom is sandy, and there is usually little current at the bar.
At low tide, guests may be able to step from the boat onto dry sand. Bring sun protection, snacks, and water toys if your kids like them.
Snorkeling at the sandbar itself is limited because the bottom is sand, not reef. Nearby patch reefs may be possible if conditions and timing allow.
If snorkeling is the main goal, ask about a private snorkel charter or a Custom Combo Charter that gives the captain enough time to add a better snorkel stop.
Yes. Snipes, Mud Keys, and Jewfish Basin form a natural backcountry group. On a longer day, the captain can pick the best mix based on tide, wind, and what your group wants.
For multiple backcountry sandbars, book the 6- or 8-hour Custom Combo Charter instead of trying to rush several stops into a 4-hour trip.
Yes. Six Fins private boat charters are BYO for food, drinks, snacks, and playlist unless the page or booking says otherwise.
Six Fins provides the boat, captain, safety gear, ice, water, cooler setup, and listed onboard gear. Avoid glass where possible.
Snipes Keys can be part of the 4-hour Secret Local Sandbar Escape for $1,195. For a longer multi-stop day, the Custom Combo Charter is $1,395 for 6 hours or $1,795 for 8 hours.
Pricing is per boat, not per person. Up to 6 guests is standard, with 8 by arrangement where the charter setup allows.
Tell us your date and group size. We'll match it to the tide, pick the right stops, and have you on the water without the crowds.
Or email info@sixfinscharter.com with your date and group size.