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 36 – 40 of 68 reviews
Kari SantoRepeat customer
Florida, US•Member since 2026•3 trips5.0VerifiedBoating with Matthew
Private Snorkel Charter (4hr /AM) • 4 adults • 1 childResponse from Captainthank you for coming out on the water and huge thank you for the recommendation!
Dominic ToneFlorida, US•Member since 20255.0VerifiedBest value in Islamorada boat tours
2 Hour -Custom Charter (AM) • 5 adultsCaptain Matt was great! He has an Impressive knowledge of the ecological makeup of the keys. He was attentive to our specific needs and wants and took us to a wonderful, off- the-beaten-path snorkeling area. Not only did he provide all the snorkeling equipment necessary (most places don't supply snorkels), the use of noodles made snorkeling so much easier. We were able to see lots of ocean life, including a pod of dolphin! The music was great and the overall environment was so much fun. We would recommend to families of all ages. Worth every penny!
Response from CaptainDominic, thank you for trusting your vacation day to me here at Bamboo Charters. Mother nature made it an easy day light winds good visibility on our snorkeling site and having those dolphins come by the boat that was just absolutely fantastic. Come on back anytime. Let us get you out. I want our fishing boats or do a fishing and snorkeling combination will be here again thank you very much. Capt. Matt Bellinger Bamboo Charters
Taylor BeceiroFlorida, US•Member since 20255.0VerifiedA Beautiful Saturday Indeed!!
Private Snorkel Charter (4hr /AM) • 2 adultsMy boyfriend and I had a wonderful time out on the water with Captain Matt! We booked last minute the day before and Matt was proactive in being sure to call me and see what we wanted to do so he could plan. He had everything we needed for a fun morning of snorkeling then hanging out at the sandbar. He is so friendly & very knowledgeable about marine life in the FL keys. We had a wonderful day and very thankful for Captain Matt who had plenty of ideas for us to choose from to make the most of our morning out on the water.
Response from CaptainI am glad you enjoyed the morning ! The water at alligator reef lighthouse was amazing blue And very enjoyable at 83°. The fish life there at the lighthouse always amazes so it makes it easy for me to show you a great time. Thank you for coming out. I really appreciate your business. Capt Matthew Bamboo Charters
Frank PalmerCalifornia, US•Member since 20245.0VerifiedBest choice we could have made!
Private Snorkel Charter (4hr / PM) • 5 adultsWent online to book an Islamorada sandbar trip. After reviewing all the choices decided on Bamboo Charters. Had an incredibly great time, Capt. Matt is definitely our choice when we return. Guy is incredibly knowledgeable, personable and just plain down to earth. Boat was well equipped and clean and he was a great host.! Wouldn't hesitate to recommend him or to go on another trip with him. Frank Palmer La Mirada, Ca.
Response from CaptainFrank you and your group were a blast aboard our boat “Pearl the Chubby Mermaid”. The conditions at Alligator Reef Lighthouse were no less than spectacular! I’m glad y’all enjoyed the Islamorada Sandbar to end the adventure. Come on back soon and we will get you out in the Everglades National Park and do some amazing fishing. Thank you Capt Matt Bellinger
Frank StaszeskyFlorida, US•Member since 20255.0VerifiedAugust boating trip
Private Snorkel Charter (4hr /AM) • 3 adultsWe had an amazing time! Captain Matt knows the area in and out. He made sure we had a fantastic time and took extra care on making sure everyone was safe. Marina location is great for accessing Alligator reef and several other great snorkeling/dive spots. It had great facilities, bartender was great. Would 100% recommend this charter to everyone I know! We will be back for sure
Response from CaptainFrank, thank you very much for coming out on the vacation day with me here Bamboo Charters