Bamboo Charters

5.0

(55 reviews)

Overseas Highway 80500, Islamorada, FL 33036, United States–

Meet the Captain

Bamboo Charters

Islamorada, FL, United States

–

25 feet

5.0

(55 reviews)

Trips & prices Boat info What's included Contact captain Activities

Trips & prices What's included Boat info Reviews Contact captain Activities

Bamboo Charters has been running adventure trips in Islamorada since early 2001. Snorkeling and Sandbar adventures are two of our most popular activities. We also offer Eco tours, sunset cruises and we can even stop at local waterfront restaurants and bars during your day on the water.
Our boat is perfect for the waters that surround Islamorada. “Pearl the Chubby Mermaid” was built for these adventures. She’s a Parker 25 Special Edition and is powered by a 300 horse power Yamaha outboard. There is an over abundance of shade on the boat and plenty of sunny places to work on your tan. The boat is very roomy for 6 passengers and there's plenty of space for storage of your personal gear.
Safety gear is all US Coast Guard approved and up to date. We feature Garmin Navigation and Communication electricronics. For your listening pleasure, our amazing stereo system is Bluetooth capable so that you can choose your soundtrack for the day, all day long.
Snorkeling is a huge part of our business. Capt. Matt has been running dive tours here in the Keys since 1989 so when he laid out the boat, it is set up for ease of snorkeling, as well as getting in and out of the boat on a full professional dive boat ladder unmatched by other small boat operators. We carry a full selection of Masks, Fins and Snorkels to fit from the kids on up to grandma and grandpa and everyone in between.
Capt Matt has a logbook full of wonderful shallow water reefs to explore. We also have clean comfortable towels for everyone.
Mix up activities to suit your needs and let Bamboo Charters plot a course to an outstanding experience on the water.

Customer reviews

5.0

(55 reviews)

5.0

Boat & equipment

5.0

Captain & crew

5.0

Boating Experience

Customers' gallery (52)

Great day on the water with Captain Matt

+46

What customers say

100%

Recommended

All reviews (55)

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Showing 1 – 5 of 55 reviews

Doug Adamson

5.0

Verified

New

Boating with Matthew

3 hour Private Charter (PM) on April 16, 2026 • 2 adults

Originally I had booked a snorkeling afternoon trip. Captain Matt called me the day before to let me know that based on the wind, that Alligator Reef would be too choppy, and that closer in reefs would have limited visibility. He offered an alternative near shore, but based on what I had been expecting, suggested that I may be disappointed. He offered a refund if that was my choice. His honesty and customer focus was impressive. I asked about a fishing alternative which he was able to quickly accomodate. So glad that he could. Captain Joe was a great guy to spend an afternoon with, and put us on 100 lb. Tarpon in an area void of other charters. Captain Joe even spent time back at the dock to review the videos he had taken of hookups to select still shots of the jumps, release, etc. Highly recommend, and plan to fish again with them

Response from Captain

April 19, 2026

Doug thank you for your review. Im glad we could save the day and get you out on the bay for some fishing. Capt Joe love Tarpon fishing and is very good at it. Come on back and we will show you some amazing snorkeling and relax on the Islamorada Sandbar. Capt Matt Bellinger.

Alex Howerton

5.0

Verified

New

Great day on the water with Captain Matt

3 Hour Private Charter (AM) on May 5, 2026 • 2 adults

We had a great day out on the water with Capt. Matt earlier this week. It started off by heading to the alligator lighthouse where we saw tons of fish & even a couple of sharks whilst snorkeling. We also got to see several dolphins and even went swimming near loggerhead turtles. Matt was a fun host with great storytelling and also shared interesting facts about the middle Keys.

Response from Captain

May 10, 2026

Alex thank you for the review and for choosing Bamboo Charters. The beautiful reef and wildlife made my job a breeze and the sea turtles along with the pod of dolhpins were amazing. These sort of days make my day. you can easily book simial experiences through BoatBooker in the future for more wonderful days on the water with us here in Islamorada. Capt Matthew Bellinger BambooCharters

Nicholas Mcgeary

5.0

Verified

Best Boat Guide in the keys!!

4 Hour - Private Charter (PM) on March 23, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 child

We had an amazing time out on the water with Captain Matt! Our family trip included snorkeling, hanging out at the sandbar, and even a little fishing—there was something for everyone to enjoy. We actually forgot to bring towels, but Captain Matt had us covered, which really shows how thoughtful and prepared he is. The whole experience was smooth, relaxing, and a lot of fun from start to finish. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a great day on the water with family!

Response from Captain

April 8, 2026

our custom charters are perfect for those who want to mix things up a bit and experience new activities on the water. thank you for coming out and thanks for the kind words

Brooke Flanagan

5.0

Verified

New

Perfect day on the water

3 Hour Private Charter (AM) on April 22, 2026 • 5 adults

Captain Matt was an amazing host. So knowledgeable of the local area and even though the weather didn’t allow for Alligator Reef (way too windy) he ensured we got to snorkle and saw tons of fish. We toured the mangroves and caught and released some bonnet sharks. Amazing day. Highly recommend!!!

Response from Captain

April 25, 2026

Brooke thank you for having me along with your family for the afternoon. I am glad we got the boys a chance to catch a couple of sharks and that everyone enjoyed the alternative snorkel location. come on down again and let me show you all some amazing reefs on the Atlantic side of the islands. Capt Matt Bellinger

Timothy Nelson

5.0

Verified

Family fun fishing!

4 Hour - Snorkel/Sandbar (AM) on April 8, 2026 • 4 adults

Booked a trip to go fishing with my family and ended up with my daughter and my daughter-in-law and myself. We could not have had a better time if we tried. The captain was fantastic! Captain Eddie made sure we were all comfortable, had equipment ready to go, filleted all the fish we caught. This was an awesome experience, for anybody with a lot of fishing experience, like myself, or my daughters, who had a little experience!

Response from Captain

April 19, 2026

First we appreciate you trusting your family activity with us and your kind review. Capt Eddie enjoys showing guests the amazing waters of the backcountry of the Everglades. come on down anytime and we can show you other great areas for fishing and snorkeling. Capt Matt Bellinger Bamboo Charters

Trip availability and prices

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May 2026

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Number of days

Group Size

2 adults • 0 children

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1 Hour - Sunset Trip (PM)

FREE Cancellation 3 days notice

1 Hour Trip

starts at 6:30 PM

US $300