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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 16 – 20 of 68 reviews
  • Jeff Arey
    Jeff Arey
    us
    Arkansas, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing Day!

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

    Captain Matt was amazing! He certainly knew the area and all the right places to take us! And he knows all the History of this beautiful part of the world!

    Response from Captain

    Jeff you and your wife were a blast! You made the my day a breeze when you said “We are looki for a chill day, show is some beautiful sights and maybe some snorkeling” You requested what comes so easy here on the waters that surround Islamorada. Thank you for sharing a day of your Keys Vacation with me. Capt Matt Bellinger Bamboo Charters

  • Teresa Johnson
    Teresa Johnson
    us
    Nebraska, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Beautiful Cruise

    2 Hour - Private Charter (PM) • 4 adults

    We had such a good time seeing Islamorada from the water. Captain Matt drove us around the bay and told us many interesting facts about the area. We were so happy that we decided to take the cruise. It was a perfect afternoon and I would highly recommend seeing the area from the water.

    Response from Captain

    Thank you for coming out on the Chubby Mermaid! Yall were easy, next time lets try some Snorkeling! I appreciate your business. Capt Matthew

  • Beth Bauer
    Beth Bauer
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing time, Great captain

    2 Hour -Custom Charter (AM) • 4 adults

    Very knowledgeable and accommodating captain. Beautiful fish and coral at 2 different spots. Great morning on the water.

    Response from Captain

    Beth thank you for coming out with Bamboo Charters. The reefs amd fish life here is amazing and makes my job a breeze. Capt Matt

  • Iddings Zachary
    Iddings Zachary
    us
    Laramie, WY, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Snorkeling at Alligator Reef Lighthouse Was a 10 out of 10

    Private Snorkel Charter (4hr / PM) • 5 adults • 3 children

    Captain Matt was super friendly, knowledgeable and fun to be around. We have been snorkeling many places in the past, this was the best hands down. Matt also shared info about the local ecosystem which was cool. I would book Matt, and this trip again in a heartbeat.

    Response from Captain

    Zach, thank you for the kind words on your review the blue blue water and the beautiful lighthouse made having fun easy. I just had to get you out there and back. Glad you guys came out with us. Can’t wait to see you down here again. You can go right here through the Boat Booker portal and get another ship. Set up anytime you like. Thank you again Capt. Matt Bellinger

  • Ashleigh Stallkamp
    Ashleigh Stallkamp
    us
    Ohio, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Captain, fantastic trip

    2 Hour -Custom Charter (AM) • 3 adults • 1 child

    We went out with Captain Matt for a short trip and he was incredible! Water was beautiful and he is incredibly knowledgeable about the islands. He was great with our 4 year old daughter and she’s still talking about him. Highly recommend to anyone in the area!

    Response from Captain

    I enjoyed showing you and your family my little slice of paradise. I don’t think the weather could’ve been any better or the water any bluer. I wish we could’ve shown y’all one of the crocodiles but the Manatee family with a little baby was pretty darn cool. Thank you again for coming out Capt. Matt Bellinger Bamboo Charters