6-PASSENGERS BOAT TOURS
TRAVELERS CHOICE SINCE 2005
⭐ 4.9 · Based on 1,750+ guest reviews
Why Choose Key West Private Charters with Dolphin Safari Charters?
Experience your Key West private boat charters aboard Vitamin Sea. Our custom adventure boat is built for small groups of up to 6 guests. At Dolphin Safari Charters, every trip is tailored to you. Wild dolphins, coral reefs, and hidden sandbars—all at your pace. This is your boat, your day, your Key West adventure.
3.5-Hour Key West Private Charters |
Dolphins, Snorkeling & Sandbars
Vitamin Sea Private Tour – 3.5 Hours (Most Popular)
ABOUT THE TOUR
Tour length: 3.5 hours
Departure: Dock A-2, The Perry Hotel Resort & Marina, 7001 Shrimp Road, Key West, 33040
Capacity: Up to 6 passengers per boat
Price per person: $699$599 per boat
A fun adventure with wild dolphins, reef snorkeling, and a relaxing stop at a beautiful sandbar — ideal for families and small groups.
⛵ Private & Flexible
Enjoy 3.5 hours with your own USCG-licensed captain and eco-guide, fully tailored to your group’s pace and interests.
Comfort & Fun
Relax aboard a spacious boat with shade, cushioned seating, music, inflatable water toys, and complete snorkeling gear.
A customized Key West Dolphin Safari Charter designed for families, couples, or friends who want an unforgettable private experience on the water.
What’s Included
Cold drinks: water, juices, sodas, sparkling water
Light snacks: cheese & peanut butter crackers, rice krispies
All snorkeling equipment provided: masks, fins, snorkels
- Comfortable shaded seating
- Expert local captain / eco-guide
🐬🌊 Mix & Match
Choose your perfect day: dolphin watching, reef snorkeling, sandbar swimming, harbor cruising, or a mangrove eco-tour. The choice is yours.
Check our Gallery page for more inspiring photos
What Makes Our Key West Private Charters Different?
When you book a Key West private charters with Dolphin Safari Charters, you’re not just renting a boat—you’re gaining a personalized marine adventure crafted around your interests. Our Key West private charters stand apart from standard boat tours in several important ways.
Fully Custom Private Charters Experiences
Every Key West private charter is different because every group is different. Want to focus entirely on dolphin watching? We’ll take you to multiple dolphin hotspots. We spend as much time as you need with these amazing creatures.
Additionally, if you prefer extended snorkeling, your captain knows hidden spots. We avoid the tourist crowds and find beautiful reefs. Craving a relaxing sandbar day? We’ll anchor at the most beautiful shallow-water sandbars in the Florida Keys.
Your Key West private charter means the itinerary is entirely yours. You decide. We deliver.
Small-Group Private Charters: Maximum 6 Guests
We limit all Key West private charters to a maximum of 6 guests. This isn’t arbitrary—it’s intentional.
Smaller groups mean everyone gets a great viewing spot for dolphins. There’s no waiting for snorkeling gear. You have plenty of space to relax. Your captain gives you personal attention.
In fact, many Key West private charters pack 12-15 people on similar-sized boats. We don’t. Your comfort and experience come first.
Expert Captains Who Know Key West Waters
Your Key West private charter captain does more than drive a boat. They share decades of local knowledge.
For example, they know where dolphins gather based on tide and time of day. They understand which reefs have the best visibility. They can point out Key West landmarks and share stories about local history.
Moreover, they adjust plans based on real-time conditions. This expertise transforms a good private charter into an unforgettable one.
Premium Equipment & Amenities
Vitamin Sea is equipped for comfort and adventure. Our Key West private charters include high-quality snorkeling gear (masks, fins, snorkels), a cooler stocked with ice, complimentary beverages (water, sodas, juices, sparkling water), light snacks, inflatable water toys, a Bluetooth sound system, and shaded seating areas. Everything you need for a perfect day is already onboard.
Flexible Departure Times
Unlike scheduled group tours, private charters in Key West can depart at times that work for your schedule. Morning departures offer calmer seas and great lighting for photos. Mid-day charters provide warm water temperatures perfect for extended snorkeling. We work around your Key West itinerary, not the other way around.
Your Boat. Your Day. Your Key West Private Charters
Proudly serving Key West, Stock Island, the Lower Keys, and the surrounding waters.
Departing daily from Perry Marina, 7001 Shrimp Road Key West, FL
Popular Key West Private Charters Itineraries.
While every private charters is customized, here are some favorite combinations our guests love:
The Dolphin & Reef Explorer
Start with dolphin watching in the backcountry channels and mangrove areas where dolphins love to hunt and play. After 45-60 minutes with dolphins, head to a protected coral reef for snorkeling among tropical fish, sea fans, and colorful coral formations. Perfect for families with kids or first-time snorkelers.
The Ultimate Sandbar Day
Cruise out to one of Key West’s stunning sandbars where the water is waist-deep, crystal clear, and perfect for swimming. Anchor up, break out the inflatable toys, relax in the water, and soak up the sun. Many guests bring their own beverages and snacks to enjoy a true “beach day” experience on the water.
The Photographer's Dream
Designed for guests who want amazing photos and videos. Extended time for dolphin encounters, sunset lighting, aerial drone shots (bring your own drone), and GoPro-worthy snorkeling footage. Your captain will position the boat for the best angles and give you time to capture every moment.
The Anniversary/Proposal Special
Celebrate special moments with a private charter designed for romance. Cruise to a secluded sandbar or beautiful reef, enjoy champagne (BYOB), take romantic photos, and create memories that last forever. Many couples choose Key West private charters for proposals, anniversaries, honeymoons, or vow renewals.
What Makes Key West Private Charters Worth It?
Many visitors ask: “Are Key West private charters worth the cost?”
The answer is yes. Here’s why.
**Compare the options:**
Group tours pack 40-100 people on one boat. You wait in line for snorkel gear. You compete for viewing spots. The schedule is fixed.
Key West private charters are different. You get the boat. You get the captain’s full attention. You set the schedule. There’s no waiting, no crowds, no compromises.
**The real value:**
When you book Key West private charters, you’re not just renting a boat. You’re buying memories. You’re giving your family an experience they’ll talk about for years.
Most guests tell us their Key West private charter was the highlight of their vacation. Not Duval Street. Not the restaurants. The private charter.
That’s the difference.
What to Expect on Your Key West Dolphin Watching Tour.
Most of our private charters in Key West include a combination of dolphin watching, snorkeling, and sandbar time, but the exact mix is up to you. Bring your own food and beverages if you'd like (we provide coolers with ice), or keep it simple with our complimentary drinks (sodas, juices, sparkling waters, bottled waters) and snacks. The boat has a Bluetooth speakers for your music, plenty of shaded seating, and all the equipment you need for the fun day on the water.
Your captain adjusts the itinerary based on weather and water conditions. They also consider your group's expectations. For instance, some groups want non-stop action. Others prefer a more relaxed pace with time to swim. That's the beauty of Key West private charters—it's your day, your way. No compromises.
Know Before You Book Your Key West Private Charters.
Ready to reserve your Key West private charters? We offer two duration options to fit your schedule and budget. Our 3.5-hour private charters (regularly $699, special price $599 through December 21st) is our most popular choice, providing plenty of time for dolphins, snorkeling, and sandbar relaxation. For groups wanting an extended experience, our 4.5-hour half-day charters (regularly $995, special price $845 through December 21st) offers even more time to explore multiple locations at a leisurely pace.
Private charters in Key West book quickly, especially during peak season (December through April; July-August), or on weekends. We recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and time. Last-minute bookings are sometimes available—call us at (305) 747-0453 to check availability.
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Key West Private Charters Pricing & Group Size
Our private charters pricing is per boat, not per person, accommodating up to 6 guests. Whether you have 2 people or 6, the price remains the same. This makes private charters surprisingly affordable when split among a group—often comparable to individual tickets on crowded tour boats, but with a dramatically better experience.
Weather Policy for Private Charters
Key West weather is generally excellent year-round, but thunderstorms can occur in summer, and occasional cold fronts affect winter months. If weather conditions aren't suitable for your private charter, we'll work with you to reschedule or provide a full refund. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities.
We’re featured on Key West Tourist as one of the area’s top dolphin and charter experiences.
Our 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and Google consistently mention our knowledgeable captains, comfortable boats, and the personal attention that makes our private charters special.
We’re not just a charter company—we’re ocean enthusiasts who want to share our favorite places with you.
Private Charters Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes the Vitamin Sea Key West Private Charters different?
A: This is your own boat, reserved only for your group. You set the pace—whether that’s dolphin watching, snorkeling, exploring the sandbar, or just relaxing. No strangers on board, just your family and friends.
Q: Can we customize the trip?
Yes. Every private charter is fully customized.
Want more dolphins? More snorkeling? More sandbar time? Just let the captain know.
Q: How many people can joint he charters ?
A: The Vitamin Sea is a spacious boat licensed for up to 6 guests, keeping the experience intimate, comfortable.
Q: Is the private charters good for kids and families?
A: Absolutely! Families are at the heart of what we do. We provide properly sized life vests for children, and our small-group setting means your family gets the attention and space to relax. Parents often tell us their kids call this the highlight of their vacation.
Q: What is included in a private boat charters in Key West?
Our private charter includes your USCG-licensed captain, high-quality snorkel gear, cooler with ice, bottled water, sparkling water, juices, sodas, light snacks, and all required safety equipment. Each trip is customized — choose dolphin watching, snorkeling the Key West reefs, relaxing at a sandbar, or a mix of everything.
Q: What should I bring?
A: We recommend: swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a smile 😎. We’ll take care of the rest: snorkeling gear, waters, sodas, and a welcoming crew. If you forget something, don’t worry — we’ll do our best to help.
Q: Where do we depart from?
All private charters depart from the Perry Hotel Marina, Dock A-2:
7001 Shrimp Road, Key West, FL 33040.
Q: How long is the private charters?
Our regular Key West private charters is 3.5 hours, and we also offer an extended half-day option at 4.5 hours. You get more time for dolphins, reefs, and sandbars depending on your style.
Q: Can we watch dolphins on a private charters?
Yes. Dolphin watching is one of our specialties. We take you to natural dolphin habitats near Key West — no feeding, no cages — just wild dolphins in their own environment.
Q: Is snorkeling included in the private charters?
Absolutely. We provide high-end snorkel gear and bring you to clear, shallow reefs where you’ll see colorful fish, coral formations, and calm water perfect for all experience levels.
Q: Do we need experience for snorkeling?
No experience needed. Your captain will guide you, and the spots we choose are calm, shallow, and beginner-friendly.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: Life happens — we get it. If you cancel 5 days before your charter, you’ll receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 5 days are non-refundable. However, you can purchase Tour Protection and easily cancel your charter up to 3 hours prior to your departure. If weather conditions prevent the trip, we’ll gladly reschedule or issue a full refund.
Q: What if the weather is bad?
A: Your safety and comfort always come first. If the weather isn’t suitable for being on the water, we’ll reschedule your trip or provide a refund. We keep in close touch with you so there are no surprises, only great memories.
Do you offer private dolphin watching tours?
A: Yes! While our small-group dolphin tour is perfect for most guests, we also offer fully custom private charters in Key West where you can create your own itinerary with dolphins, snorkeling, sandbars, or all three. Learn more about our regular dolphin watching and snorkeling tour.
Own the Ocean for a Day
Wild dolphins, reef snorkeling - just your crew and a captain who knows all hidden spots.
Own the Ocean for a Day
Wild dolphins, reef snorkeling - just your crew and a captain who knows all hidden spots.
Private Charters
Private Sandbar
Vitamin Sea Private
Dolphin Watching
Private Sandbar
Snorkeling
