KeyZ Charters — Attraction in Islamorada

A Science Rich, Truly Memorable Eco Tour with Capt. Samantha at KeyZ Charters (March 30, 2023)

On March 30, 2023, my wife, daughter, and I—two physicians and a medical student—experienced an unforgettable day with KeyZ Charters and Capt. Samantha. With our science-based lens, we remain deeply impressed—this tour still feels fresh in memory 2½ years later. From the outset, booking was effortless—Capt. Samantha was easy to reach, promptly answering questions and thoughtfully tailoring details to our preferences. On arrival, the boat was already fully cleaned and prepped. She had cold drinks waiting for us, and the vessel featured sturdy, easy-to-use ladders for seamless water access. Tour Highlights: • Snorkeling at Alligator Lighthouse reef: Bright coral formations, tropical fish, and sea turtles—this site was a surprisingly interesting snorkeling encounters. • Inland waterways eco-tour: Capt. Samantha navigated through mangroves, guiding us to observe manatees, porpoises, birds, and fish undisturbed in their natural habitat. • Alligator sighting: We spotted an alligator sunning itself—an unexpected encounter for us. • Insightful ecology narrative: Her marine biology background added depth—she shared data-driven ecological context, making every sighting more meaningful. • Top-quality gear: All snorkel equipment provided was clean and well maintained—no need to bring our own. • Comfortable setup: The boat’s couch-style seating, shade from the hard top, and functional ladders all contributed to a relaxed and hassle-free experience. The tour’s private nature allowed a personalized pace—every question was met with enthusiasm, and conservation-minded practices were woven into the experience. To summarize: • Flawless planning & communication: From March 30 booking details to execution, Capt. Samantha was professional and attentive. • Prepared & comfortable vessel: A clean boat equipped with cold drinks and easy-entry ladders. • Hygienic, high-quality gear: Everything we needed for snorkeling was ready and in great shape. • Ecological expertise meets adventure: Her science-informed storytelling made wildlife encounters more impactful. • Personalized, eco-conscious tour: Wildlife viewed respectfully, with educational context and thoughtful pacing.

If you’re seeking a fun, informative, and environmentally respectful Florida Keys experience, I strongly recommend KeyZ Charters with Capt. Samantha. Our day remains a cherished...

I went on an eco-tour with Jenna for two hours to photograph manatees and dolphins. After spending some time in Florida, I knew manatees were a long shot, to put it mildly, but I was hopeful. I learned a lot from Jenna about the different mangrove species and how they help protect boats and the keys during storms. Going around, we saw dolphins and they followed us in the boat wake and jumped It was amazing, I've only seen that in the movies! We also saw a bunch of pelicans, terns, frigate birds, egrets and numerous fish. I got some great shots, and Jenna was really cognizant of moving the boat so that I could get good shots with my camera, and was patient with me when I needed to store it/clean the lens. I'm planning a trip back to the Everglades/the Keys next year and will definitely be contacting them again about looking for manatees. Check out KeyZ Charters, they're gonna do a...

We booked a sunset cruise with KeyZ Charters out of Robbie’s, and it was an absolutely unforgettable experience. Captain Kristi was warm, personable, and incredibly knowledgeable about the local waters and wildlife. She guided us from the open ocean to serene mangrove backwaters, where we spotted a wide variety of bird species, jellyfish, and even a few manatees.

This wasn’t just any cruise—it was a special trip to honor my mother by spreading her ashes at sea. Captain Kristi was not only accommodating but genuinely compassionate. She took us to a peaceful, unencumbered spot with a breathtaking view of the sunset—exactly what we had hoped for.

Thank you, Capt. Kristi and KeyZ Charters, for making a deeply personal moment both meaningful and beautiful. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thoughtful and memorable experience...