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”?
“Secret” means your captain is not locked into one publicized tourist sandbar. Six Fins captains choose from local backcountry sandbars, shallow flats, and protected swim areas based on wind, tide, water depth, crowding, and what your group wants that day.
The goal is not to check a famous name off a list. The goal is to put your group in the best shallow, clear, comfortable water available that day.
Is this a private charter?
Yes. The Secret Local Sandbar Escape is a private charter for your group only. No strangers, no shared party boat, and no fixed crowd itinerary.
Your captain builds the route around your group's pace: quiet family swim, photos, floating, music, paddleboards, lily pad time, or a more social sandbar day.
How long is the trip and what does it cost?
This is a 4-hour private charter priced at $1,195 for the boat for 1–6 guests. Pricing is flat rate, not per person, with captain and fuel included. A 7th guest adds $150 and an 8th adds $300 as a bareboat add-on, with the captain hired separately at $65/charter-hour and fuel at $35/charter-hour.
The Jeanneau NC 895 is most comfortable when the group size matches the day's route, gear, and swim plan. If your group is near capacity, call before booking so Six Fins can confirm the best setup.
What is included?
Six Fins provides the USCG-licensed captain, fuel, safety equipment, snorkel gear, paddleboards, floating lily pad, swim ladder, ice, cups, towels, freshwater rinse, Bluetooth sound system, and Perry Hotel pool and gym access.
You bring food, drinks, reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, phone protection, and gratuity if the captain earns it.
Can we snorkel on this trip?
Sometimes, yes. Snorkel gear is included, and your captain may add a short snorkel stop if conditions, visibility, timing, and route allow.
If snorkeling, dolphins, multiple sandbars, sunset, or several activities are important to your group, the better fit is usually the Custom Combo Charter. It is Six Fins' most popular private charter because the 6- or 8-hour format gives your group time to do more than one thing without rushing.
Can kids come?
Yes. Sandbar charters are one of the easiest Six Fins boat trips for families because the water is often shallow, calm once anchored, and fun without requiring advanced swimming or snorkeling.
Tell Six Fins the children's ages when booking so the captain can plan life jackets, boarding, water depth, and route comfort.
Will we visit multiple sandbars?
Maybe, but the standard 4-hour Secret Local Sandbar Escape is best when the goal is one great sandbar experience without rushing. If the first spot is crowded or conditions shift, the captain may move.
If your group specifically wants multiple sandbars plus snorkeling, dolphins, eco cruising, or sunset, book the Custom Combo Charter instead.
What if the weather is bad?
Your captain watches the weather and conditions. If Six Fins or the captain determines the trip is unsafe, guests may be rescheduled or refunded according to the applicable booking policy.
If the day is safe but one sandbar is not ideal, the captain may choose another protected spot.