Cruise mangroves, snorkel shallow waters, and explore sandbars in the Lower Keys
4, 5 or 6 hrs
Up to 6 people
Snorkel gear, ice, water
Explore the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge by boat with Captain Amy. Cruise mangrove channels, snorkel around islands, and spend time discovering the backcountry's sandbars.
Cancel more than 5 days before departure for a full refund. Cancel 24 hours to 5 days before: private charters forfeit the deposit; per-person charters receive a refund less 20%. No refund within 24 hours or for no-shows. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather.
Product ID: NBV84N
Complete and sign a waiver for every member of your party before boarding the Backcountry Discovery charter.
Do not bring or wear spray sunscreen. Leave personal coolers, bananas, red drinks, and glass behind.
Paddleboard use carries an additional charge and is not included in the listed price.
5710 Overseas Hwy, Key West, FL 33040
Captain Amy has built quite a reputation on the water around Key West, and it's easy to see why. Reviewers consistently highlight her deep knowledge of local marine life, shells, and the surrounding area, and she has a natural ability to share that knowledge in a way that feels engaging rather than lecture-y. She keeps groups small (max six people), which clearly adds to the personal feel of each trip. Families with young kids keep popping up in these reviews, and they tend to be some of the most enthusiastic. Toddlers and grandparents alike seem to have a genuinely great time, which says a lot about how she reads a group and adjusts accordingly. Wildlife sightings like dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and even a whale come up repeatedly, and while nothing is ever guaranteed on the water, it sounds like Amy knows exactly where to look. The trips themselves range from snorkeling and shelling to sandbar hangs and dolphin watching, and she seems happy to tailor the experience based on what you're after. Booking is described as easy and responsive. If you're planning time in Key West and want to get out on the water with someone who clearly loves what she does, this one seems worth prioritizing.
We absolutely loved spearfishing with Captain Amy. We would absolutely book this trip again. We are a family of five ranging from ages 8 to 50 and everyone had a blast. Capt. Amy was a pro at spearfishing and graciously shared her catch with us. The hotel restaurant cooked it up for us and it was delicious. I can't say enough good things about it; it's a must do experience.
Jennifer McMahon
June 24, 2026
We absolutely loved spearfishing with Captain Amy. We would absolutely book this trip again. We are a family of five ranging from ages 8 to 50 and everyone had a blast. Capt. Amy was a pro at spearfishing and graciously shared her catch with us. The hotel restaurant cooked it up for us and it was delicious. I can't say enough good things about it; it's a must do experience.
Jennifer McMahon
June 24, 2026
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