Bamboo Charters
5.0/5 (67 reviews)
Overseas Highway 80500, Islamorada, FL 33036, United States–
Bamboo Charters
Islamorada, FL, United States
–25 feet
6
5.0/5 (67 reviews)
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.
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.
Popular features
Pets
Drinks
Child Friendly
Snorkeling Equipment
Ice Box
Popular features
Pets
Drinks
Child Friendly
Snorkeling Equipment
Ice Box
Customer reviews
Rating
5.0
(67 reviews)
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Experience
Customers' gallery (64)
What customers say
100%
Great experience
100%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
100%
Recommended
All reviews (67)
Showing 1 – 5 of 67 reviews
Megan Schneider
Georgia, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Best trip with Matt!!
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / AM) on July 17, 2026 • 4 adults
We had an amazing time on our charter with Matt! From the moment we got on the boat, he made us feel comfortable and at ease. He was knowledgeable, fun, and made the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish.
The snorkeling was incredible, and Matt went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a great time. His positive attitude, professionalism, and easygoing personality made the trip truly memorable. If you’re looking for a fun and stress free day on the water, we highly recommend booking with Matt. Thanks for an unforgettable experience!
Response from Captain
August 2, 2026
Hey Megan! I really appreciate you coming out with us with your friends. Its easy to please our clients when we’re working with this beautiful weather, these wonderful seas and the absolutely amazing sea life that we get to encounter on every trip. Whether we are on the Sandbar here in Islamorada for all one of the many amazing reefs each trip is a walk in the park.
Thank you for your business and I’ll be here when you come on back !
Thank you again
Capt. Matt Bellinger
Bamboo Charters
Ian Scrivener
New Jersey, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Sea Turtles, Nurse Sharks, and an Amazing Day on the Water
Private Snorkel Charter (4hr / PM) on June 21, 2026 • 4 adults
We had an excellent experience with Bamboo Charters and Captain Matt. He took us to three different snorkeling spots and made sure everyone had a great time. His personality and local knowledge really made the trip enjoyable.
The snorkeling was fantastic—we saw sea turtles, nurse sharks, tarpon, and plenty of other marine life. Captain Matt was friendly, professional, and clearly knows the area well. He did a great job finding spots with excellent visibility and wildlife.
If you’re looking for a private snorkeling charter in the Keys, I would highly recommend Bamboo Charters and Captain Matt. It was one of the highlights of our trip.
Response from Captain
June 22, 2026
Ian thank you so much for choosing Bamboo Charters and boy we did have a great day the weather was perfect and I tell you what made my day was when your wife went from being afraid of a barracuda the following a nurse shark until she could touch it on the tail that made my day. I think it made hers too. It was a good one. Thank you very much and come on back anytime. Just check out Boat Booker and you can get set up with me right there. It’s very easy.
Capt. Matt Bellinger Bamboo Charters
Danelle Briske
Colorado, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Amazing day trip out of Islamorada
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / AM) on June 19, 2026 • 4 adults
We booked a half day snorkeling trip for our family of four with Bamboo charters. Capt. Matt was completely focused on our safety and providing a 5-star experience for our trip, which was the best snorkeling outing we have ever had! Capt. Matt also has a degree in marine biology and is extremely knowledgeable about the ocean and environment, which was a huge bonus for us, we learned so much! You can tell how passionate Capt Matt is about the ocean and marine environment and how much he loves what he is doing. It was an absolute privilege to have gone out with him and would recommend Bamboo charters for anyone interested in going out for any kind of water adventure, you will be in excellent hands!
Response from Captain
June 19, 2026
thank you for trusting me and Bamboo Charters with your vacation plans. It was great seeing your son’s interest in the reef life. And I’m so glad you got to see up close a couple of sharks and that Hawksbill turtle!
The weather was a huge help with the calmsea and the beautiful visibility. Come on back and we’ll show you some other great reefs. We’ve got lots of small out-of-the-way places to go.
Janet Sibbeston
Northwest Territories/Nunavut/Yukon, Canada
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Peacefulness meets comfort
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / AM) on May 6, 2026 • 3 adults
Captain Matt is the epitome of an excellent ambassador, captain and host. He is very knowledgeable about the area, he has great stories and has led an interesting life. We were immediately comfortable with him and felt like we were long list friends. This didn't feel at all like a business transaction. We felt comfortable, safe and well take care of right from the start of our combination fishing snorkeling adventure. Captain Matt was attentive yo my needs as a disabled person and we managed to have a wonderful family adventure. I would not hesitate to book a repeat trip with him whenever we are next in the area.
Response from Captain
May 27, 2026
Janet
Thank you very much for the wonderful review and I’m glad everyone had such a great time. I enjoy every day I get to show Clients this wonderful world. We have down here in the Keyes and when they’re enthusiastic and makes it that much easier to show them a great time.
Thank you again
Capt. Matt Bellinger
Bamboo Charters
Doug Adamson
Alabama, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Boating with Matthew
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / 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.
Trip availability and prices
Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
August 2026
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Number of days
1
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
Private tour: up to 6 people
US $300
Private tour: up to 6 people
Private Sandbar Charter (2hr / AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour trip starts at 9:00 AM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
US $425
Private tour: up to 6 people
US $425
Private tour: up to 6 people
Private Snorkel Charter (2 hr/AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour trip starts at 9:00 AM
US $425
Private tour: up to 6 people
US $425
Private tour: up to 6 people
Private Sandbar Charter (2hr / PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour trip starts at 1:30 PM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
US $425
Private tour: up to 6 people
US $425
Private tour: up to 6 people
Private Snorkel Charter (2hr / PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour trip starts at 1:30 PM
US $425
Private tour: up to 6 people
US $425
Private tour: up to 6 people
Private Sandbar Charter (3 hr / AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 9:00 AM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
US $550
Private tour: up to 6 people
US $550
Private tour: up to 6 people
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 9:00 AM
+3
US $550
Private tour: up to 6 people
US $550
Private tour: up to 6 people
Private Sandbar Charter (3 hr / PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 1:30 PM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
US $550
Private tour: up to 6 people
US $550
Private tour: up to 6 people
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 1:30 PM
+5
US $550
Private tour: up to 6 people
US $550
Private tour: up to 6 people
Private Sandbar Charter (4 hr / AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 9:00 AM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
US $700
Private tour: up to 6 people
US $700
Private tour: up to 6 people
Private Snorkel Charter (4hr /AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 9:00 AM
+6
US $700
Private tour: up to 6 people
US $700
Private tour: up to 6 people
Private Sandbar Charter (4 hr / PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 1:30 PM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
US $700
Private tour: up to 6 people
US $700
Private tour: up to 6 people
Private Snorkel Charter (4hr / PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 1:30 PM
+5
US $700
Private tour: up to 6 people
US $700
Private tour: up to 6 people
There are 10 people looking at this charter.
Customer reviews
Rating
5.0
(67 reviews)
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Experience
Customers' gallery (64)
What customers say
100%
Great experience
100%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
100%
Recommended
All reviews (67)
Showing 1 – 5 of 67 reviews
Megan Schneider
Georgia, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Best trip with Matt!!
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / AM) on July 17, 2026 • 4 adults
We had an amazing time on our charter with Matt! From the moment we got on the boat, he made us feel comfortable and at ease. He was knowledgeable, fun, and made the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish.
The snorkeling was incredible, and Matt went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a great time. His positive attitude, professionalism, and easygoing personality made the trip truly memorable. If you’re looking for a fun and stress free day on the water, we highly recommend booking with Matt. Thanks for an unforgettable experience!
Response from Captain
August 2, 2026
Hey Megan! I really appreciate you coming out with us with your friends. Its easy to please our clients when we’re working with this beautiful weather, these wonderful seas and the absolutely amazing sea life that we get to encounter on every trip. Whether we are on the Sandbar here in Islamorada for all one of the many amazing reefs each trip is a walk in the park.
Thank you for your business and I’ll be here when you come on back !
Thank you again
Capt. Matt Bellinger
Bamboo Charters
Ian Scrivener
New Jersey, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Sea Turtles, Nurse Sharks, and an Amazing Day on the Water
Private Snorkel Charter (4hr / PM) on June 21, 2026 • 4 adults
We had an excellent experience with Bamboo Charters and Captain Matt. He took us to three different snorkeling spots and made sure everyone had a great time. His personality and local knowledge really made the trip enjoyable.
The snorkeling was fantastic—we saw sea turtles, nurse sharks, tarpon, and plenty of other marine life. Captain Matt was friendly, professional, and clearly knows the area well. He did a great job finding spots with excellent visibility and wildlife.
If you’re looking for a private snorkeling charter in the Keys, I would highly recommend Bamboo Charters and Captain Matt. It was one of the highlights of our trip.
Response from Captain
June 22, 2026
Ian thank you so much for choosing Bamboo Charters and boy we did have a great day the weather was perfect and I tell you what made my day was when your wife went from being afraid of a barracuda the following a nurse shark until she could touch it on the tail that made my day. I think it made hers too. It was a good one. Thank you very much and come on back anytime. Just check out Boat Booker and you can get set up with me right there. It’s very easy.
Capt. Matt Bellinger Bamboo Charters
Danelle Briske
Colorado, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Amazing day trip out of Islamorada
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / AM) on June 19, 2026 • 4 adults
We booked a half day snorkeling trip for our family of four with Bamboo charters. Capt. Matt was completely focused on our safety and providing a 5-star experience for our trip, which was the best snorkeling outing we have ever had! Capt. Matt also has a degree in marine biology and is extremely knowledgeable about the ocean and environment, which was a huge bonus for us, we learned so much! You can tell how passionate Capt Matt is about the ocean and marine environment and how much he loves what he is doing. It was an absolute privilege to have gone out with him and would recommend Bamboo charters for anyone interested in going out for any kind of water adventure, you will be in excellent hands!
Response from Captain
June 19, 2026
thank you for trusting me and Bamboo Charters with your vacation plans. It was great seeing your son’s interest in the reef life. And I’m so glad you got to see up close a couple of sharks and that Hawksbill turtle!
The weather was a huge help with the calmsea and the beautiful visibility. Come on back and we’ll show you some other great reefs. We’ve got lots of small out-of-the-way places to go.
Janet Sibbeston
Northwest Territories/Nunavut/Yukon, Canada
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Peacefulness meets comfort
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / AM) on May 6, 2026 • 3 adults
Captain Matt is the epitome of an excellent ambassador, captain and host. He is very knowledgeable about the area, he has great stories and has led an interesting life. We were immediately comfortable with him and felt like we were long list friends. This didn't feel at all like a business transaction. We felt comfortable, safe and well take care of right from the start of our combination fishing snorkeling adventure. Captain Matt was attentive yo my needs as a disabled person and we managed to have a wonderful family adventure. I would not hesitate to book a repeat trip with him whenever we are next in the area.
Response from Captain
May 27, 2026
Janet
Thank you very much for the wonderful review and I’m glad everyone had such a great time. I enjoy every day I get to show Clients this wonderful world. We have down here in the Keyes and when they’re enthusiastic and makes it that much easier to show them a great time.
Thank you again
Capt. Matt Bellinger
Bamboo Charters
Doug Adamson
Alabama, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Boating with Matthew
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / 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.
FAQs about Bamboo Charters
What the boat is like
Boat category
Center console boats
Boat type
Center console
Boat manufacturer
Parker
Boat Model
25 SE
Year built
2022
Boat length
25 ft
Capacity
6 persons
Engine model
Yamaha
Max crusing speed
38 knots
Powered by
1 x 300HP
Engine Type
Outboard
Fuel Type
Gas
Boat category
Center console boats
Boat type
Center console
Boat manufacturer
Parker
Boat Model
25 SE
Year built
2022
Boat length
25 ft
Capacity
6 persons