Captain
Matthew Bellinger

Member since December 2024 Islamorada, United States
Background
I first experienced the Florida Keys up close in 1981 during my SCUBA certification dives. Over three days, I made eight dives and was instantly hooked! I worked as a Divemaster and later as a PADI SCUBA Instructor during my summer breaks from college. In 1989, I moved to Islamorada and began teaching SCUBA full-time. Two years later, I bought the dive operation from my boss. We had two boats for diving and snorkeling, and I used a skiff to explore Florida Bay and Everglades National Park. In 1998, I sold the dive operation to my staff and started an adventure charter service. We offered private charters featuring fishing, snorkeling, sandbar trips, and sunset cruises. Today, I operate four boats providing private adventures ranging from 2 to 8 hours, with many activities to choose from. All trips are run by myself and my team of professional captains. My favorite adventure combines eco-touring and snorkeling. We start by exploring mangrove islands in Florida Bay, learning about this fascinating ecosystem. Then, we head to a nearby shallow reef or Alligator Reef Lighthouse for snorkeling. With many shallow reefs close to our marina in Islamorada, there’s plenty to see. We can also visit the Islamorada Sandbar for a swim or stop at one of the excellent waterfront bars for fresh seafood and drinks. To cap off the trip, we can catch the stunning sunset over Florida Bay. For fishing, whether in the bay or on the reef, there’s a wide variety of fish to catch. My favorite moments are teaching kids to reel in snappers, jacks, groupers, and other reef fish. When they’re ready for a challenge, we can target barracudas weighing up to 20 pounds.
Techniques
I really enjoy snorkeling the shallow reefs of Islamorada. When it’s slick calm on the Atlantic I love going out to Alligator Reef Lighthouse at sunset and watching the sunset while snorkeling at the base of the Lighthouse. But introducing people to this amazing environment and the ecosystem that exists nowhere else on earth Florida Bay, the Everglades national Park and the reefs of the Nearshore Waters of Islamorada are teaming with life. teaching kids about the environment as well as teaching the kids to Fish in this environment is very rewarding to me as well.

Hey, I'm Captain Matthew Bellinger

Islamorada, United States
Background
I first experienced the Florida Keys up close in 1981 during my SCUBA certification dives. Over three days, I made eight dives and was instantly hooked! I worked as a Divemaster and later as a PADI SCUBA Instructor during my summer breaks from college. In 1989, I moved to Islamorada and began teaching SCUBA full-time. Two years later, I bought the dive operation from my boss. We had two boats for diving and snorkeling, and I used a skiff to explore Florida Bay and Everglades National Park. In 1998, I sold the dive operation to my staff and started an adventure charter service. We offered private charters featuring fishing, snorkeling, sandbar trips, and sunset cruises. Today, I operate four boats providing private adventures ranging from 2 to 8 hours, with many activities to choose from. All trips are run by myself and my team of professional captains. My favorite adventure combines eco-touring and snorkeling. We start by exploring mangrove islands in Florida Bay, learning about this fascinating ecosystem. Then, we head to a nearby shallow reef or Alligator Reef Lighthouse for snorkeling. With many shallow reefs close to our marina in Islamorada, there’s plenty to see. We can also visit the Islamorada Sandbar for a swim or stop at one of the excellent waterfront bars for fresh seafood and drinks. To cap off the trip, we can catch the stunning sunset over Florida Bay. For fishing, whether in the bay or on the reef, there’s a wide variety of fish to catch. My favorite moments are teaching kids to reel in snappers, jacks, groupers, and other reef fish. When they’re ready for a challenge, we can target barracudas weighing up to 20 pounds.
Techniques
I really enjoy snorkeling the shallow reefs of Islamorada. When it’s slick calm on the Atlantic I love going out to Alligator Reef Lighthouse at sunset and watching the sunset while snorkeling at the base of the Lighthouse. But introducing people to this amazing environment and the ecosystem that exists nowhere else on earth Florida Bay, the Everglades national Park and the reefs of the Nearshore Waters of Islamorada are teaming with life. teaching kids about the environment as well as teaching the kids to Fish in this environment is very rewarding to me as well.
Verified

My Listing

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(20 reviews)
Islamorada
 2 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $300

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 20 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (22)
Great Trip Catered to Us
Great Trip Catered to Us
Great Trip Catered to Us
+19
Customer rating
20
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Customers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
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5 of 20 reviews
Dominic T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best value in Islamorada boat tours

VERIFIED   NEW  2 Hour -Private Charter Morning on June 29, 2025
Captain Matt was great!ย  He has an Impressive knowledge of the ecological makeup of the keys.ย  He was attentive to our specific...
Dominic T. recommends Bamboo Charters
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William M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Bamboo charters

VERIFIED   NEW  3 hour Private Charter Afternoon on June 22, 2025
Matthew was very accommodating in adjusting our schedule for a possible storm coming. He is full of information on various...
William M. recommends Bamboo Charters
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Frank P.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best choice we could have made!

VERIFIED   4 Hour - Private Charter Afternoon on March 20, 2025
Went online to book an Islamorada sandbar trip. After reviewing all the choices decided on Bamboo Charters. Had an incredibly...
Frank P. recommends Bamboo Charters
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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful
  Matthew Bellinger Captain replied

Melanie B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Trip Catered to Us

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour - Private Charter Afternoon on June 20, 2025
We had a great time! We did a variety of things - swam at the lighthouse, snorkeled in a different area, and enjoyed a more...
Melanie B. recommends Bamboo Charters
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Joe I.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great time

VERIFIED   NEW  2 Hour - Private Charter Afternoon on July 1, 2025
Captain Matt was awesome. He has so much information about the water, things on the island and was a great communicator. If...
Joe I. recommends Bamboo Charters
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