Islamorada
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $300
Captain
Bamboo Charters
Islamorada, United States
50+ reviews
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.
Charter
Rating
5.0
68 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Experience
All reviews (68)
Showing 1 – 5 of 68 reviews
Ian Scrivener
New Jersey, US•Member since 20265.0VerifiedSea Turtles, Nurse Sharks, and an Amazing Day on the Water
Private Snorkel Charter (4hr / PM) • 4 adultsWe 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 CaptainIan 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 BriskeColorado, US•Member since 20265.0VerifiedAmazing day trip out of Islamorada
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / AM) • 4 adultsWe 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 Captainthank 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 20265.0VerifiedPeacefulness meets comfort
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / AM) • 3 adultsCaptain 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 CaptainJanet 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 AdamsonAlabama, US•Member since 20265.0VerifiedBoating with Matthew
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / PM) • 2 adultsOriginally 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 CaptainDoug 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.
Megan SchneiderGeorgia, US•Member since 20265.0VerifiedBest trip with Matt!!
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / AM) • 4 adultsWe 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 CaptainHey 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