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 11 – 15 of 68 reviews
Nicholas Mcgeary
Kansas, US•Member since 20265.0VerifiedBest Boat Guide in the keys!!
Private Snorkel Charter (4hr / PM) • 3 adults • 1 childWe had an amazing time out on the water with Captain Matt! Our family trip included snorkeling, hanging out at the sandbar, and even a little fishing—there was something for everyone to enjoy. We actually forgot to bring towels, but Captain Matt had us covered, which really shows how thoughtful and prepared he is. The whole experience was smooth, relaxing, and a lot of fun from start to finish. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a great day on the water with family!
Response from Captainour custom charters are perfect for those who want to mix things up a bit and experience new activities on the water. thank you for coming out and thanks for the kind words
Timothy ManchesterTexas, US•Member since 20265.0VerifiedCaptain Matt was great!
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / AM) • 4 adults • 1 childMy family of 4 had a great experience chartering with Captain Matt. We visited 2 great snorkel spots for which the captain provided all the gear and ensured each passenger had proper size fittings. We finished the trip by enjoying a beautiful sandbar. Would absolutely use again and recommend to others.
Response from CaptainTimothy thank you for coming out today. I’m glad you guys enjoyed it. we definitely had wonderful weather for it Alligator Reef Lighthouse and Cheeca Rocks are both wildlly popular snorkel sites. Capt Matt Bellinger Bamboo Charters. tv
Brooke FlanaganRhode Island, US•Member since 20265.0VerifiedPerfect day on the water
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / AM) • 5 adultsCaptain Matt was an amazing host. So knowledgeable of the local area and even though the weather didn’t allow for Alligator Reef (way too windy) he ensured we got to snorkle and saw tons of fish. We toured the mangroves and caught and released some bonnet sharks. Amazing day. Highly recommend!!!
Response from CaptainBrooke thank you for having me along with your family for the afternoon. I am glad we got the boys a chance to catch a couple of sharks and that everyone enjoyed the alternative snorkel location. come on down again and let me show you all some amazing reefs on the Atlantic side of the islands. Capt Matt Bellinger
Timothy NelsonRepeat customerPennsylvania, US•Member since 2025•4 trips5.0VerifiedFamily fun fishing!
Private Snorkel Charter (4hr /AM) • 4 adultsBooked a trip to go fishing with my family and ended up with my daughter and my daughter-in-law and myself. We could not have had a better time if we tried. The captain was fantastic! Captain Eddie made sure we were all comfortable, had equipment ready to go, filleted all the fish we caught. This was an awesome experience, for anybody with a lot of fishing experience, like myself, or my daughters, who had a little experience!
Response from CaptainFirst we appreciate you trusting your family activity with us and your kind review. Capt Eddie enjoys showing guests the amazing waters of the backcountry of the Everglades. come on down anytime and we can show you other great areas for fishing and snorkeling. Capt Matt Bellinger Bamboo Charters
Matthew ShortNew Jersey, US•Member since 20265.0Verifiedgreat family trip in Islamorada
Private Snorkel Charter (4hr /AM) • 4 adults • 1 childextremely friendly captain and first mate. we had a wonderful day on the water snorkeling and floating at the sandbar. they have everything you need and provided a great day for my family. we saw tons of fish on the reef and enjoyed the sandbar after.
Response from CaptainThank you very much for coming out with us! The weather, the water sure helped me look like a rockstar. I’m glad you enjoyed the snorkeling and the sandbar is just a great way to wind down a bit and do some Chillaxing keep us in mind the next time you come down and you can always book us right here on Boat Booker. Capt Matt Bellinger Bamboo Chaarters islamorada Florida