Search
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 51 – 55 of 68 reviews
  • Christopher Galanek
    Christopher Galanek
    us
    Atlanta, GA, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great day on the water

    Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / PM) • 3 adults

    Captain Matt was excellent- friendly, experienced and knowledgeable about the area. Boat and marina from where it was launched were clean and well maintained.

    Response from Captain

    Thank you for coming out for an afternoon of snorkeling here in Islamorada. Enjoy your up coming snorkel trips in Marathon and Key West!

  • Kurt Schneider
    Kurt Schneider
    us
    North Carolina, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    All the best spots

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

    Captain Matt provided a great tour custom fit to all of our snorkeling and outdoor water adventure needs. Fun, informative, and flexible.

    Response from Captain

    I enjoyed showing you and the family the reefs that I love down here. The turtles were a great bonus. Thank you for choosing Bamboo Charters. Capt Matt

  • Jason Owen
    Jason Owen
    us
    Missouri, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Snorkeling

    2 Hour -Custom Charter (AM) • 2 adults

    Had a great time with captain Matt at alligator reef and sandbar. He was very knowledgeable and was great with kids teaching them to snorkel.

    Response from Captain

    Good times on the reef and the Islamorada sandbar are east to Put together with this sort of weather we had blue water, calm seas and not too crowded wherever we went thank you for coming out with us. I really appreciate your business. Captain Matthew Bamboo Charters

  • Mar Zee
    Mar Zee
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing Trip

    Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / PM) • 6 adults

    Matthew was an excellent captain and guide. He’s very knowledgeable about the area and provides everything you need for a fabulous day on the water.

    Response from Captain

    I’m glad everyone had such a fun time with Miss Ana’s birthday. We did have nice conditions and it made life very easy out there on the Sandbar. Next time you’re up from Key West give me a call. We’ll get you out there and show you some other things. Capt. Matthew Bamboo Charters

  • Brendan Hummel
    Brendan Hummel
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip

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

    Capt. Matt was awesome. He made my kids feel so comfortable snorkeling and fishing. Very knowledgeable and friendly we had the best day on the water!!!

    Response from Captain

    Thank you and I’m glad the weather cooperated so we got in some snorkeling as well as some fishing!