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Bamboo Charters
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

Bamboo Charters

Bamboo Charters

Islamorada
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $300

Rating

5.0
68 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Experience

All reviews (68)

Showing 46 – 50 of 68 reviews
  • Erin Lackey
    Erin Lackey
    us
    Illinois, US
    •
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing!

    2 Hour - Private Charter (PM) • 5 adults • 3 children

    Captain Matt was so generous and helpful to our family. He was kind, funny and SO great with our kids! I would give this trip way more than 5 stars if I could!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Response from Captain

    Erin thank to you and the family for a great day on the water! Alligator Reef Lighthouse and the waters around it are truly amazing. I Look forward to having y’all aboard on your next trip to Islamorada.

  • Joe Isbell
    Joe Isbell
    us
    Texas, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great time

    2 Hour - Private Charter (PM) • 3 adults

    Captain Matt was awesome. He has so much information about the water, things on the island and was a great communicator. If your looking to go out on a boat in the Keys, captain Matt won’t disappoint.

    Response from Captain

    Thank you very much for the kind words. I really appreciate your business come on back anytime. We can do some more snorkeling on some other races but also get you out there and do some fishing in the back country. Thank you again for the business. We appreciate it.

  • Lisa Carbaugh
    Lisa Carbaugh
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Perfect day in paradise!

    Private Snorkel Charter (4hr /AM) • 2 adults

    Can’t say enough great things about Captain Matt- he was so knowledgeable and totally agreeable to everything we wanted to do. Our day spent out on the boat was the best day of our whole week!

    Response from Captain

    I’m so glad you and the family had a great adventure with me. As usual the real rock star of the day was Alligator Reef lighthouse and the weather. I look forward to seeing all again soon Thank you Capt Matthew Bellinger

  • Ryan O'shea
    Ryan O'shea
    us
    Wisconsin, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Matthew was terrific!

    Private Snorkel Charter (4hr / PM) • 4 adults

    Matthew accommodated all our preferences and requests. He was very knowledgeable and awesome with our kids and their questions. I highly recommend booking with Bamboo for a great experience. Thank you

    Response from Captain

    Ryan and family, thank you for coming out with me for the an afternoon. I’m glad you all enjoyed the adventure. Tell Crocodile boy we will find him a big one on your next visit!

  • Matthew Brenkle
    Matthew Brenkle
    Repeat customer
    us
    Colorado, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great knowledge and care!

    2 Hour - Private Charter (PM) • 5 adults • 3 children

    Made sure we had a great experience with young snorkelers, seeing turtles, sharks and lots of fish. Shared extensive knowledge of the ecosystem we were seeing. Thanks Matt!

    Response from Captain

    Your boys were very enthusiastic about their trip today that makes my job that much easier. The second Reef with Snorkel today even though it’s much smaller than the first one is usually packed with a good life. I loved seeing those turtles at the end of the trip. Thank you very much for coming out. I appreciate your business. Capt Matthew Bamboo Charters