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 26 – 30 of 68 reviews
Jennifer Smith
Tennessee, US•Member since 20265.0VerifiedBoating with Matthew
Special 6 hour trip for Jennifer Smith • 6 adultsResponse from Captainthank you for recommending Bamboo Charters and hope to see you in the future. Boat Booker makes it easy for you to set up your next adventure with us. Capt. Matt Bellinger Bamboo Charters Islamorada Florida
Sarah RidgelyMichigan, US•Member since 20265.0VerifiedMay boating trip
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / PM) • 2 adultsResponse from Captainthank you very much for coming out. The weather was the hero and allowed us to have two great Snorkel session. It was also great seeing you at the Square grouper afterwards for dinner. We appreciate it. Capt. Matt Bellinger Bamboo Charters
Gregory SedgwickMinnesota, US•Member since 20255.0VerifiedFun trip
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / AM) • 3 adults • 1 childMatt is a total pro. Learned about species of all types. The boat was perfect. It’s super stable but still goes pretty fast. Got to see a lot.
Response from CaptainIm glad we were able to get ya’ll snorkeling. Finding the same pod of Dolphins was fantastic! they must of surfed our wake for at least 10 minutes while we motored across Florida Bay! Thank you for your choosing Bamboo Charters Capt Matt
Marcia MoreyNorth Carolina, US•Member since 20265.0VerifiedHighly recommended
1 Hour - Sunset Trip (PM) • 3 adultsCaptain Matt was fantastic and gave us a brilliant sunset cruise through mangroves and the open water.
Response from CaptainThank you Marcia for choosing Bamboo Charters for your Sunset Cruise. You ladies were fun to guide through the Mangrove channels here in Islamorada and end the day with a wonderful sunset.
Tom LynaughNew Jersey, US•Member since 20255.0VerifiedGreat Afternoon
Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / PM) • 6 adultsHighly recommend Bamboo Charters. Captain Matt was a professional and knowledgeable host. Had a fantastic time on the water.
Response from CaptainThanks, Tom. I appreciate the business. You guys were a blast. Stay warm this winter in Jersey and when you need to thaw out come on back down!