
Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 448 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key worth booking?
Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key is a 3-hour experience in Key West, United States, from $569 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 448 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (448)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $569 per person
Looe Key Marine Sanctuary is part of the Great Florida Reef, the only coral reef in the continental USA, and the third largest barrier reef system after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and the Palancar Reef in Mexico and Belize. It is a special place for snorkeling.
What you get
About this experience
Looe Key Marine Sanctuary is part of the Great Florida Reef, the only coral reef in the continental USA, and the third largest barrier reef system after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and the Palancar Reef in Mexico and Belize. It is a special place for snorkeling.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Use of snorkeling equipment
What you'll see and do
Looe Key (Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary)
Looe Key Marine Sanctuary is part of the Great Florida Reef, the only coral reef in the continental USA, and the third largest barrier reef system after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and the Palancar Reef in Mexico and Belize. It is a special place for snorkeling. Your captain will snorkel along with you assuring your safety–though there is nothing to worry about. All of our tours are accompanied by fair weather, calm conditions, and friendly creatures. The captain will lead the way through this groove and spur seascape to reveal barracuda, rays, shark, parrotfish, blue tang to name a few. Looe Key promises to be an experience of a lifetime, and one that you will not soon forget.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Key West
Keys Boat Tours is located at the Big Pine RV Resort. Please check in at the store for a parking pass and they will tell you where to park. Our boat is next to the boat ramp and filet station.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Keys Boat Tours is located at the Big Pine RV Resort. Please check in at the store for a parking pass and they will tell you where to park. Our boat is next to the boat ramp and filet station.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Keys Boat Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Must be able to climb swim ladder back into the boat.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 448 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
448 verified traveler reviews for Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Snorkel Trip with Keys Boat Tours
We originally booked a Looe Key reef snorkel, but the wind was too strong. Keys Boat Tours called with an option to go to the bay side and snorkle along the mangrove islands. We decided to go with that and adjusted the time to hit the slack tide. Capt Brian was excellent. We rode out from Big Pine under the bridges and out to one of the bay islands. There were 5 of us. Three of us snorkled all along the mangrove island and were able to see many kinds of fish, barracuda and even a couple of small sharks. Two stayed close to the boat and snorkled with a noodle. Whatever your skill or swimming level, there's a way to enjoy the experience. Capt Brian was great, knowing where to go and knowledgeable about the area. If you are looking for a private snorkel trip, I would highly recommend Keys Boat Tours. And also check out Capt Brian's guide book, The Road to Key West. It's packed full of information about the Lower Keys.
via Tripadvisor
You DEFINITELY want to book this
My family and I went out with Captain Brian to snorkel at Looe Key and we had the most incredible time. It was a 4 hour excursion and there were 5 of us in the group. Every minute was filled with immense excitement and joy. Captain Brian himself is one of the coolest people we’ve ever met. He was so laid back, kind, and knowledgeable. The views at Looe Key were literally jaw dropping. It felt like we were inside of a big aquarium tank with the diversity of fish, corals, and colors we saw! We were lucky enough to see a nurse shark, a juvenile bull shark, hundreds of fish, a moray eel, a sting ray, conchs, etc.. It is a very happy and healthy coral reef and I still can’t believe I got to experience it first hand. I know there are other companies you could choose from to go to Looe Key, but none of them compare to Captain Brian. He even took the time to fog proof every pair of goggles so that we could have the best visibility the whole time. If you’re looking for amazing vibes, an experience you’ll talk about for the rest of your life, and a captain who’s whole goal is to ensure you have the most fantastic time, then you’ve got to book with Captain Brian.
Response from the operator: I am so glad that you enjoyed your time. We love having you g you. Thanks for taking the time to review! Capt B
via Tripadvisor
It doesn't get much better than this!
We had a wonderful Snorkel Trip to Looe Key with Capt Brian and Capt Allison. There werr 7 of us--myself, my four tee age daighters and their 2 friends. Captain Brian and Captain Alli handled everything. I felt very safe with them watching over us in the water.. they handled all the gear and it was such an easy day for me as the mom. We saw an array of sea life on reef. We saw a sea turtle a barracuda, a shark, and a plethora of beautiful tropical fish. After we got our Phil of snorkeling, took us over to picnic Island to spend some time on the sandbar. We lounge in the hammock over the water and we had a swing on the swing which was an amazing experience. I highly and without reservation absolutelyrecommend Captain brian and Captain Allison. They are wonderful people and made a day very special for us. A+ plus plus highly recommend. The only downside was that our day had to en!!! .
Response from the operator: I am glad you and yours enjoyed your time out on the water with us. That’s the goal. Thanks for taking the time to review. Capt Brian
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic Snorkeling Trip
Capt Brian is very knowledgeable about all things Keys and was a great person to talk to while resting between snorkeling stops.
via Tripadvisor
Cluster communication
I would love to share how awesome it was, but after we booked it online, the vendor emailed us and said: psych! We didn't have space after all. You're on your own. And Expedia and Trip advisor obviously isn't talking to the vendor, since they still think we went.
Response from the operator: Such a lie. We were out of town that week. We never even accepted the tour, nor did we accept payment. The word “psych” is not in our vocabulary. But, if it makes you feel good to take the time to leave a false review, that’s entirely up to you. I use to let this bother me, like with our only other one star review way back when. How that ate at me! But, it too was a booking error by TripAdvisor - not us. That said, taking your false negative review away woukd be appreciated and the right thing to do.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 157
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Key West.
How much does Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key cost?
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Prices start at $569 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Key West usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Key West is not rushed.
Is Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 448 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Key West, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key?
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Around 157 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Key West can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Key West and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Key West within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Key West?
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Key West is a boat town. The only living coral barrier reef in the continental US sits seven miles offshore, and reef trips, sunset catamarans and backcountry kayak runs are the core bookings, alongside Hemingway house and Duval history walks. Our ranking weighs boat capacity and reef site rotation, which separates the good operators from the party cruises. On Outty we rank every Key West experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Guided Bike Tour of Old Town Key West, Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset, Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Key West?
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December to April, dry season and calm reef water. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Key West?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key?
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Included: Bottled water; and Use of snorkeling equipment. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key?
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Keys Boat Tours is located at the Big Pine RV Resort. Please check in at the store for a parking pass and they will tell you where to park. Our boat is next to the boat ramp and filet station. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key?
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Across 448 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, good for families, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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