Sandbar Charter

Key West Sandbar Excursion & Private Island Hopping Boat Trip

No trip to the Florida Keys would be complete without a Key West private sandbar tour. Set course for the backcountry on your own private sandbar trip, Key West-style. Captain Zak will take you to his favorite spots. As you’ll head away from town, you’ll leave the crowds and tourist shops behind and see the Keys from the locals’ perspective.

All About Your Key West Sandbar Excursion

The best sandbars in Key West are a little way out of town. They’re only accessible by boat, so the best way to see them is to hop on a private sandbar boat trip. Captain Zak on the Casual Monday is the best in the business. Enjoy a morning or afternoon of relaxation and comfort aboard our 25-foot Hydrasport powerboat. You’ll cruise out of town towards what the locals call the “backcountry,” a string of islands and sandbars not connected to the other Keys or US 1.

A few notes about Casual Mondays’ Key West sandbar trip packages:
We visit multiple sandbars
You can combine multiple activities into one charter trip (i.e., sandbar + snorkeling,
or sandbar + Key West sunset cruise)
The precise location may change based on whether or requests (snorkeling, dolphins, etc.)
All ages welcome
We’re pet friendly
Clothing optional!

Trip Itinerary

You can book a sandbar charter in Key West for mornings or afternoons. It’s a half-day private charter, so times are somewhat flexible to meet the needs of your group.

Generally, we leave the dock at 9:00 am for the morning trip or 2:00 pm for the afternoon trip. The entire trip lasts about four hours.
• Sand bar tours start and end at Hurricane Hole Marina on Stock Island.
• Load up and leave the marina (9:00 am, 12:00 pm, or 2:00 pm)
• Head out into the backcountry (45 min)
• Sand bar time! We usually visit a few different sand bars each trip (2.5 hours)
• Head back in (45 min)

It’s about a 45-minute ride out to the sandbars. During the ride, you’ll enjoy a comfortable trip through the backcountry via Lakes Passage and Boca Grande Key. From the water, you’ll enjoy seeing parts of the Key West and Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuges and other beautiful parts of the Florida Keys’ backcountry that you’d never get to see from US 1.

We’ll pick where we go based on the weather that day or whatever other activities you might be interested in. We try to hit a few different spots so you can get a taste of the best sandbars Key West FL has to offer.

We’ll spend about two and a half hours enjoying the sandbars. Wade in the shallow, clear water while watching for stingrays and fish. Lounge on the beach, float with your favorite drink, or just enjoy some sand and sun.

Let Captain Zak know if you have a special request. Of course, we can’t make promises, but we often spot dolphins and manatees. Plus, there are some great spots to dive in for a quick swim.

We’ll retrace our steps and look for more wildlife in the Refuge on the way back. Dolphins, birds, and all sorts of other treats await.

Here are Just a Few Things You Might See During a Sandbar Tour in Key West

• The beauty of taking the best sandbar trip in Key West is that every trip is different!
• Wildlife along the way like dolphins, birds, fish, manatee, etc.
• Historic spots
• The famous Snipe Point Swing

Trips vary depending on the time of day and the time of year. For example, mornings are generally quieter—less “party in the house” and more “quiet time nature.” Mornings are great for family trips.

These quiet times are great for those looking to get away from town and just enjoy a quiet stroll on a sandbar all to themselves. You can wade for miles in the shallow sand, where you’ll see sea stars, sand dollars, conches, and maybe even a bonefish or two.

Depending on the time of year, afternoons can be peaceful too. But during busy holidays, the Key West sandbar adventures fill up with locals and visitors enjoying the sand, sun, and surf. Expect a party atmosphere with loud music and lots of wildlife—of a different kind!

What To Bring On A Key West Private Sandbar Charter

Here’s a list of a few items you’ll want to make
sure you grab before setting off on
your Key West sandbar boat charter.
• Hats
• Beach towels
• Sunscreen (please no spray on)
• Sunglasses
• Cameras (make sure they’re waterproof or safely in a secure case!)
• Alcoholic Beverages (BYOB)
• Food or snacks you might want for your trip
• Your kids and fur-kids (Yes, we’re pet-friendly!)

What Not to Bring
• More than five friends (six passengers maximum)
• Glass bottles

What’s Included When You Book a Sandbar Trip in Key West

What’s on the boat?
Here are a few items that Captain Zak keeps the Casual Monday stocked with.
• Beach umbrella
• Lillypad mat (by request)
• Pool noodles
• Cooler
• Ice
• Bottled water
• Bluetooth stereo
• Lifejackets, safety equipment, and first aid kit
• Captain Zak’s extraordinary friendly service and history lessons

A Note From Captain Zak

I’m just a guy with a boat. I love Key West and having a good time on the water— whether sandbar hopping, diving, fishing, or just enjoying one of those famous Key West sunset cruises. So let me know what you’d like to do during your stay here, and we’ll put together a sandbar cruise in Key West that you and your crew will never forget. So come on down and let me show you my backyard playground — the Fabulous Florida Keys.
Captain Zak
From somewhere warm —and yet really cool— aboard the Casual Monday

Casual Monday Charters in Key West, Florida specializes in Sandbar Hopping, Snorkeling, and Sunset Charters year round. If its your first time on the water or you're a seasoned boater we are here to ensure your comfort and safety on the water.