Catamaran Echo - Downtown — Local services in Key West

As part of our visit to Key West, my wife and I got to experience this tour. Booked as both a dolphin and snorkeling tour, the only real disappointment we had is the dolphins would not come say hi during the tour. Despite that, we both absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed the tour and the ride. Joe, our captain and his teammate, Marisa, were absolute professionals. Right at the start, Joe told us about our boat and what to do if we ran into any problems. He never talked down to us or made us feel like uncomfortable, it was more like I need to tell you these things for your information and safety. Marisa was constantly checking with everyone aboard if we needed food or beverage.

When we got to the snorkeling area, my wife and I really appreciated their explanation for how to exit the boat safely and how to handle the snorkeling gear. They also distributed noodles which I was tempted to refuse at first, but found out what a help they were stabilizing me and keeping me afloat while I looked down into the water. We also got to see a couple of partially sunken vessels that had come to rest in the waters off of Key West. It was both cool and eerie at the same time.

In the snorkeling area, we got to see tropical fish and what almost looked like pottery on the sea floor as well as some circular black objects. Joe and Marisa explained these were sponges and a type of coral. The water was a little murky due to moderately high surf in the area, but at the same time was so warm. I didn't see them personally, but apparently five manatees were spotted near our boat.

What really sealed the deal for my wife and I was how relaxed, low key and fun the trip was. No one was loud or rowdy (which we've had before), and the food and drink selection on our way back to the dock made for a nice relaxed ride.

Truly, we cannot recommend this boat, crew and tour highly enough. Professional, kind, conscientious and at the same time, with fun and laughter. We are so...

My highest recommendation for a Key West on the water excursion.

The Echo, billed as the “Upscale Cat”, lives up to the moniker. This is no oversized “cattle boat”. It is a clean, comfortable 28 passenger rated catamaran, but they book a maximum of 14 guests per cruise.

We selected their morning “Dolphin Encounter” dolphin watch and snorkeling cruise.

When checking in we were greeted in the friendliest manner possible by Captain Jake and First Mate Stormy. Both their demeanor for the totality of the cruise and their capabilities could not have been any better.

Realizing that actually seeing dolphins is always a gamble, we did not expect to see any, but naturally hoped that we would. Upon arriving at the “dolphins playground” luck was with us.

Five dolphins were actively cavorting in waters around the Echo upon our arrival. There was even a baby swimming along with them! We were all gratefully amazed!

Our next stop was a spot to snorkel. The supplied snorkeling gear including fins was top notch. Careful instructions were given and proper fitting of the mask was stressed.

We were able to see a variety of fish, coral and more through the clear water as Jake and Stormy maintained watch over us.

After snorkeling there was an assortment of fresh fruit, snacks and beverages-beer, wine, soft drinks, water-as much as we wanted. (Pre-snorkeling non-alcoholic beverages were offered.)

The cruise back to the marina was scenic and relaxing. Jake and Stormy happily answered any questions the guests posed.

Based upon this excellent experience, I highly recommend any cruise offered by the Echo!

Their website is user friendly making it easy to select and book the cruise excursion of your choice. There is even the option to add a gratuity before the cruise if you so desire.

When in Key West, do yourself a favor and take a trip on the “Upscale Cat” Echo! I’m looking forward to other cruises they offer next time I...

We were disappointed by this cruise. The company sent us a last minute notification stating “Your reserved vessel has been upgraded and departs from a NEW location!” We had our suspicions that this could have been updated prior to booking tickets... This new location was much further from the originally advertised and totally changed our plans as well as method of arrival, requiring an Uber ride vs. a short walk. When we called to inquire about canceling based on this inconvenient change, we were given a hard time about booking last minute (there were tickets available online) as well as booking through a third party vendor (we just googled it and followed the prompts). We were persuaded to stay on the cruise and ensured that the boat would return a few minutes early so that we could get on the free shuttle back to the original departure location.

The cruise itself was fine. It was advertised to be limited to 14 guests but we had 18 so there wasn’t enough seating for everyone. The “Black Beach” sun deck was nonexistent. Staff kept us safe which is most important! They also kept our drinks full which was great. The cheese/snacks were nothing to write home about and limited. Sunset was beautiful.

After the cruise, a number of us passengers watched as the shuttle drove away at 7pm on the dot, despite knowing a ship was returning at 7. Yet another pricey Uber was required.

Overall, we were unimpressed with the customer service for the price we paid. Maybe try...