The sandbars you can’t find on Google.
This is the charter Mac runs for his own out-of-town friends. Four hours, your group only, our 30-foot Jeanneau, and a route built around a handful of backcountry sandbars that don’t show up on the rental-app maps because the locals like them that way.
Your captain will pick the spots that morning based on the wind, the tide, and what kind of day your group is after. Want a quiet shallow patch where the kids can dig for shells? Done. Want a deeper sandbar where the boats raft up and the music’s loud? Also done. The route is a conversation, not an itinerary.
Lunch, drinks, and music are on you — we’ll point you to provisioning. Everything else — fuel, captain, paddleboards, snorkel gear, the lily pad, the ice — is included.
The Practicals
What’s included. What to bring.
We provide
- USCG-licensed local captain
- Fuel for the day
- All marine safety equipment
- Snorkel gear & paddleboards
- Floating lily pad & swim ladder
- Ice, cups, towels, freshwater rinse
- Bluetooth sound system
- Complimentary Perry Hotel pool & gym access
You bring
- Food & drinks (provisioning recs available)
- Sunscreen (reef-safe, please)
- Swimsuit, hat, sunglasses
- A waterproof phone case if you’ve got one
- Cash for the captain’s tip if they earn it
How the Day Runs
A loose schedule.
The captain running your sandbar day.
What people who took this trip say.
"We had an AMAZING time with Captain Dustin during our recent visit to the Keys — the whole experience was seamless, from receiving a ‘prep call’ to ensure alignment on how the day would go to the boat amenities. The lilypad was a big hit! 100% will do this again."
"I took a 4-hour sandbar charter with captains Brian and Alexandra and it was the highlight of my trip in Key West! They were so friendly and accommodating. The boat was unbelievable. We got to see so many incredible sandbars I never knew existed."
Before you book.
What makes this sandbar trip “secret”?
The spots we run aren’t marked on the rental-boat maps and don’t show up in TripAdvisor lists. They’re the places working captains take their own families. We rotate based on conditions so the spots stay quiet. Depending on wind and tide, your captain may guide you to the Mud Keys, Woman Key, or other hidden backcountry gems.
Can we snorkel on this trip?
Yes — snorkel gear is included. If conditions are right your captain will drop you on a patch reef on the way out or back. Many sandbar locations feature nearby shallow reefs with tropical fish and vibrant marine life. If conditions aren’t right we’ll stick to sandbar swimming.
What’s the typical group size?
The Jeanneau seats up to 8 comfortably. Most groups are 4–6 (couples, families, small groups of friends). Bachelor/ette parties and bigger groups should look at our 30′ Beach Party Pontoon instead.
What if the weather’s bad?
Your captain calls 24 hours ahead. If it’s a no-go safety call from our end, you get a full refund or free reschedule. If you cancel for personal reasons less than 24 hours out, our standard cancellation policy applies.
Can kids come?
Yes — any age welcome. We’ve got kid-sized PFDs and the sandbars are toddler-friendly (calf-deep water, no current). Tell us ages when you book so we can plan accordingly.
How long is the trip and what does it cost?
This four-hour private charter is priced at $1,195 for up to eight guests — the ideal length to visit multiple sandbars, take photos, swim, and relax in the sun. The price is flat-rate per boat, not per person.