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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 21 – 25 of 68 reviews
  • Amanda Hasseltine
    Amanda Hasseltine
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Highlight of our trip

    Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / AM) • 6 adults • 4 children

    This trip was the highlight of our trip. The captain was incredibly knowledgeable, personable, safety conscious and great with kids. We had 4 kids with varying interests and the captain was able to organize a trip that checked all their boxes. It was truly worthwhile!

    Response from Captain

    Amanda, thank you very much for coming out with your family, the kids were great and seem to enjoy catching those barracudas and doing some snorkeling. i’m really glad they got to see the turtles as well. Thank you for coming out. I really appreciate it. Capt. Matt Bellinger Bamboo Charters

  • Jane Osterndorf
    Jane Osterndorf
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great charter

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

    This was our best charter to date in Islamorada. Captain Matt was great, we had a perfect day on the water. The boat was well equipped and comfortable. We did some snorkeling and saw tons of fish and a turtle. Highly recommend and can’t wait to go out again.

    Response from Captain

    I’m so glad you enjoyed the charter you booked with BoatBooker! We had wonderful conditions and seeing a sea turtle while snorkeling is always a fantastic experience. Come on back anytime and let’s explore some new reefs.

  • Katie Blackston
    Katie Blackston
    us
    Georgia, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    great day trip!!!!

    Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / AM) • 4 adults

    We had the best day with Captain Matt! He took us snorkeling at Alligator Reef where we saw so many fish in crystal clear water. On our way back we found some dolphins and Matt git them to swim with our boat! It was the perfect in the keys!

    Response from Captain

    Katie the Dolphins surfing our wake was amazing as always and I am glad it happened at the end of the adventure as it’s a hard act to beat! Alligator Light is always a crowd pleaser and I’m glad y’all enjoyed it. Capt Matt Bellinger Bamboo Charters Islamorada

  • Jay Zaleski
    Jay Zaleski
    us
    New York, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Trip with granddaughter

    Private Snorkel Charter (4hr /AM) • 3 adults

    Captain Matt was fantastic. We had a wonderful time out on the water, knowable, snorkeling, fishing and swimming. Hit all the marks. Highly recommend using Bamboo Charter and we be going with them the next time we in the Keys.

    Response from Captain

    J thank you for your business today I enjoyed showing you and your granddaughter the Reef here in Islamorada. The next time you’re here the keys, I’ll have to show you some other pretty special reefs. Capt Matt

  • Lila Garrett
    Lila Garrett
    us
    South Carolina, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    August boating trip

    Private Snorkel Charter (2 hr/AM) • 5 adults
    Response from Captain

    Thanks for coming out with Bamboo Charters I appreciate it. Keep us in mind for your next adventure here in the Florida Keys.