About this tour
When Ben from our team tried Island Girls Excursions' sandbar cruise, we found ourselves on a spacious 52-foot catamaran drifting toward shallow turquoise waters and a proper sunset. The four-hour run takes you out from the Florida Keys to a genuine sandbar where you can wade, float, and paddleboard in clear water — the kind where you can see your feet. It's a stripped-back day on the water with snacks and drinks flowing, a crew who know their stuff, and plenty of space to either chill or get active. Not flashy, but solid.
Highlights
- Shallow sandbar with genuinely clear water and paddleboard access
- Catamaran feels roomy — cushioned seating, room to move around
- Sunset views from the water, drinks in hand
- Floating noodles and floats provided; no faffing with hire
- Crew stayed attentive without hovering
- WiFi on board if you need to touch base
- Wheelchair-accessible boat and all deck areas
What to expect
You'll meet the crew at their departure point — allow time for parking and check-in. The sail out is gentle; the catamaran's size means minimal rocking. Once anchored on the sandbar, about an hour in, you're in waist-deep water that's genuinely see-through. Some of our group paddled; others floated with noodles or waded. The crew keeps snacks and water moving, and as afternoon tips toward dusk, everyone naturally drifts toward the railings to catch the light. The sail back is unhurried. Pacing is relaxed throughout — no rushing between spots, no packed itinerary. The main surprise is how peaceful it feels even with a full boat.
Good to know
This works for groups of mixed energy levels — active types get paddleboarding, relaxation-seekers get a gentle float and sunset. The boat's stability and space mean it doesn't feel cramped, and the crew are genuinely safety-conscious.
Alcoholic drinks aren't included, which stings a bit on a sunset cruise — you're paying for water and soft options. No towels supplied, so bring your own or plan to dry naturally. Sunburn is real; reef-safe sunscreen matters. Bring a light cover-up or rashguard if you're fair. The ride out can be bumpy if the ocean's choppy, though the Keys are usually calm. It's an hour or so on the water before the sandbar; expect some tummy queasiness if you're prone to seasickness. Group size caps around 40–50; early booking helps if you want calmer crowds. Best in late afternoon for the sunset timing.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.