Snorkeling Excursions

What Is Not Included?

Meeting Location

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Advance purchase is strongly recommended, as trips often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please buy your tickets well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express. However, feel free to "walk up" at anytime as we accept cash at the counter if there is still space available on the trip you're interested in.

What happens if it rains?

Safety is always our first measure here at Robbie's. The Captain will determine whether the boat is to leave the dock and if it is storming at the time of departure, the captain may postpone the trip if it looks like the weather will stop soon, or cancel the departure and suggest going on a later trip. If the issue is only a shower, again it is the captain’s call, but we have been known to go in a little rain. We do have an enclosed wheelhouse where you can store everything you want kept dry. If we are at the reef and a storm comes up the captain may chose to move to another area or head home depending on the storm. If the trip is canceled due to weather, you will be able to reschedule or get credit for a future event.

Are children allowed?

We love having children of all ages on the boat. We have had children of all ages and abilities enjoy our trips. It is up to the parents’ discretion as to whether the trip is appropriate for their child. Please note that if a child stays on the boat for the course of the trip, an adult needs to remain on board with them.

Is the trip suitable for pregnant women?

Pregnant women shouldn't have a problem, as we are lucky enough to have calm waters most of the time here in the Florida Keys. We even had a captain work on the boat during her entire pregnancy. Many pregnant women enjoy floating weightless in the water. Please note that it is up to the individual and their symptoms at the time whether they will be comfortable on the boat and at sea for the activity, and you should consult your doctor if you have any questions.

How far will the boat go out?

The boat will usually go 1-3 miles from the shore. Land will always be in sight.

What type of gear should I bring if I want to use my own?

If you would like to bring your own gear you may ~ All of the gear is included in your admission price.

Do I need a full priced ticket even if I am bringing my own snorkeling gear?

Yes. You can feel free to bring your own snorkeling gear, but you will still need a full-priced ticket. Additionally, you will need to wear one of our buoyancy vests while snorkeling, though it is optional whether you fill it with air or leave it deflated.

What types of food and beverages are available?

We have soda, water, Gatorade, and chips for $ 1.00 ~ Beer is only $ 2.00.

What do I need to bring?

All you need to bring is your own food and drinks, and for the daytime trips, sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a hat to protect you from the sun! Keep in mind that hard liquor and glass containers are not allowed on board.

What is not allowed on the boat?

Please do not bring any glass bottles or containers on board the boat. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and illegal substances are also not allowed.

May I bring alcohol on board?

Sure, you may bring beer or wine coolers, but liquor is not allowed on board. No glass bottles or containers are allowed either. If you do not want to lug around a cooler, the Captain has beer, water, and soda available for purchase.

Should I tip the crew?

Your mates work very hard to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Tips are highly appreciated! Most people tip 20% of their trip's ticket cost.

Can I bring an ice chest or cooler?

You may bring your own personal ice chest or cooler, but we have drinks on board for purchase so that you can just jump on board and let us do all the leg work!

Is smoking allowed on the boat?

Smoking is not allowed inside the cabin, but it is allowed on the outside deck areas.

Is there parking close to the meeting location?

Yes! We have free parking at our marina - you should have no problem finding a space when you arrive.

Do I need to know how to swim?

It is recommended that you know how to swim. The crew will train you on the finer points of snorkeling, but they cannot give swimming lessons. Ultimately, whether you can swim or not, you need to be comfortable in the water.

What is the difference between a day trip and sunset snorkel?

During our day trips we go to two locations for 45 minutes of water time at each location. During our sunset snorkel trip, available during the summer only, you snorkel at one location. The amount of water time depends on the time of sunset and varies, as the days get longer or shorter. After snorkeling, you receive a champagne toast as you watch the sunset on the way back to the dock.

Will there be a guide snorkeling with us?

No, we do not put guides in the water. You are given detailed snorkel instruction as well as a briefing on where to go, what you will see, and how far away you can safely get from the boat. The crew remains on watch at all times in case a snorkeler were to need assistance with anything from finding their friends/family to how to defog their mask at the reef.

How old should my children be to snorkel? Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit. Children’s ages have nothing to do with their ability to snorkel. We have had 3 year olds do great and 12 year olds that did not want to get in the water. It is at the parents’ discretion and how they feel their children will do in the water.

What kind of wetsuits do you have available if the water is chilly?

We have 3mm Shorty wetsuits for an additional fee ($10). This gives you good protection on the core of your body giving you the extra warmth to stay in the water for your full amount of time should our water get chilly. Wetsuits are only available for rent at the start of the trip.

Are the waters safe?

Yes. The waters are safe. The Keys have some of the most visited waters in the world. This is a plus to people coming to see our sea life. They are very used to people being in the water; they will not bother you but they will not disappear when you get in the water either.

Will I see sharks in the water?

It is a possibility that you may get to see a shark. The most common shark is a nurse shark. They remain on the bottom, but usually try to stay away from people. Nothing at our reefs will hurt you. We would not be in business if it were dangerous to be out there.

What can I expect to see at the reef?

Even in our shallow water, you can see hundreds of tropical fish, turtles, stingrays, eels, goliath grouper and more. Remember nothing out there will hurt you. We bring hundreds of people every month to visit our reefs.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

We are able to accommodate wheelchairs, but need advance notice to set up a special ramp that will enable a wheelchair to board the boat easily. Please click on the "Contact Robbies" link to inquire about arranging wheelchair accommodations. Keep in mind that the bathroom on board is not wheelchair accessible and a handicapped passenger will most likely need assistance to use the bathroom.

Is there shade on board?

Yes, there is a cabin that one can go to to escape from the elements!

Should I tip the crew?

All the mates work for tips. 15% to 20% of the cost of the trip is customary depending on the level of service.

Are there showers on board?

We do have rinse showers on board the boat. These are open showers, not private. We carry a limited supply of water on board in order to allow all the snorkelers to rinse the salt off themselves at the end of the trip.

Are there life jackets on board? Am I required to wear one?

Yes, there are life jackets on board and the captain will go over where they are and how to wear one should it become necessary. You do not need to wear one during the trip. Every snorkeler is required to wear a snorkel vest in the water and we do carry extra floatation that you can use upon request.

Will I get seasick?

That varies from person to person. If you are worried that you might get seasick, there are plenty of over the counter remedies. Please read all the instructions for using any remedy. The boat is a catamaran and is more stable than a monohull boat.

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes! Please click on the "Contact Robbies" link to ask for more information on gift certificates.

Can I do a private charter?

Sure, we are happy to schedule private charters for large groups. Please click on the "Contact Robbies" link to inquire about setting up a charter for your party.

Robbie's of Islamorada