Bamboo Charters
Bamboo Charters
Bamboo Charters has been running adventure trips in Islamorada since early 2001. Snorkeling and Sandbar adventures are two of our most popular activities. We also offer Eco tours, sunset cruises and we can even stop at local waterfront restaurants and bars during your day on the water.
Our boat is perfect for the waters that surround Islamorada. “Pearl the Chubby Mermaid” was built for these adventures. She’s a Parker 25 Special Edition and is powered by a 300 horse power Yamaha outboard. There is an over abundance of shade on the boat and plenty of sunny places to work on your tan. The boat is very roomy for 6 passengers and there's plenty of space for storage of your personal gear.
Safety gear is all US Coast Guard approved and up to date. We feature Garmin Navigation and Communication electricronics. For your listening pleasure, our amazing stereo system is Bluetooth capable so that you can choose your soundtrack for the day, all day long.
Snorkeling is a huge part of our business. Capt. Matt has been running dive tours here in the Keys since 1989 so when he laid out the boat, it is set up for ease of snorkeling, as well as getting in and out of the boat on a full professional dive boat ladder unmatched by other small boat operators. We carry a full selection of Masks, Fins and Snorkels to fit from the kids on up to grandma and grandpa and everyone in between.
Capt Matt has a logbook full of wonderful shallow water reefs to explore. We also have clean comfortable towels for everyone.
Mix up activities to suit your needs and let Bamboo Charters plot a course to an outstanding experience on the water.
Bamboo Charters has been running adventure trips in Islamorada since early 2001. Snorkeling and Sandbar adventures are two of our most popular activities. We also offer Eco tours, sunset cruises and we can even stop at local waterfront restaurants and bars during your day on the water.
Our boat is perfect for the waters that surround Islamorada. “Pearl the Chubby Mermaid” was built for these adventures. She’s a Parker 25 Special Edition and is powered by a 300 horse power Yamaha outboard. There is an over abundance of shade on the boat and plenty of sunny places to work on your tan. The boat is very roomy for 6 passengers and there's plenty of space for storage of your personal gear.
Safety gear is all US Coast Guard approved and up to date. We feature Garmin Navigation and Communication electricronics. For your listening pleasure, our amazing stereo system is Bluetooth capable so that you can choose your soundtrack for the day, all day long.
Snorkeling is a huge part of our business. Capt. Matt has been running dive tours here in the Keys since 1989 so when he laid out the boat, it is set up for ease of snorkeling, as well as getting in and out of the boat on a full professional dive boat ladder unmatched by other small boat operators. We carry a full selection of Masks, Fins and Snorkels to fit from the kids on up to grandma and grandpa and everyone in between.
Capt Matt has a logbook full of wonderful shallow water reefs to explore. We also have clean comfortable towels for everyone.
Mix up activities to suit your needs and let Bamboo Charters plot a course to an outstanding experience on the water.
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating
Customers' gallery (67)
What customers say
All reviews (68)
We had an excellent experience with Bamboo Charters and Captain Matt. He took us to three different snorkeling spots and made sure everyone had a great time. His personality and local knowledge really made the trip enjoyable. The snorkeling was fantastic—we saw sea turtles, nurse sharks, tarpon, and plenty of other marine life. Captain Matt was friendly, professional, and clearly knows the area well. He did a great job finding spots with excellent visibility and wildlife. If you’re looking for a private snorkeling charter in the Keys, I would highly recommend Bamboo Charters and Captain Matt. It was one of the highlights of our trip.
Ian thank you so much for choosing Bamboo Charters and boy we did have a great day the weather was perfect and I tell you what made my day was when your wife went from being afraid of a barracuda the following a nurse shark until she could touch it on the tail that made my day. I think it made hers too. It was a good one. Thank you very much and come on back anytime. Just check out Boat Booker and you can get set up with me right there. It’s very easy. Capt. Matt Bellinger Bamboo Charters
We booked a half day snorkeling trip for our family of four with Bamboo charters. Capt. Matt was completely focused on our safety and providing a 5-star experience for our trip, which was the best snorkeling outing we have ever had! Capt. Matt also has a degree in marine biology and is extremely knowledgeable about the ocean and environment, which was a huge bonus for us, we learned so much! You can tell how passionate Capt Matt is about the ocean and marine environment and how much he loves what he is doing. It was an absolute privilege to have gone out with him and would recommend Bamboo charters for anyone interested in going out for any kind of water adventure, you will be in excellent hands!
thank you for trusting me and Bamboo Charters with your vacation plans. It was great seeing your son’s interest in the reef life. And I’m so glad you got to see up close a couple of sharks and that Hawksbill turtle! The weather was a huge help with the calmsea and the beautiful visibility. Come on back and we’ll show you some other great reefs. We’ve got lots of small out-of-the-way places to go.
Captain Matt is the epitome of an excellent ambassador, captain and host. He is very knowledgeable about the area, he has great stories and has led an interesting life. We were immediately comfortable with him and felt like we were long list friends. This didn't feel at all like a business transaction. We felt comfortable, safe and well take care of right from the start of our combination fishing snorkeling adventure. Captain Matt was attentive yo my needs as a disabled person and we managed to have a wonderful family adventure. I would not hesitate to book a repeat trip with him whenever we are next in the area.
Janet Thank you very much for the wonderful review and I’m glad everyone had such a great time. I enjoy every day I get to show Clients this wonderful world. We have down here in the Keyes and when they’re enthusiastic and makes it that much easier to show them a great time. Thank you again Capt. Matt Bellinger Bamboo Charters
Originally I had booked a snorkeling afternoon trip. Captain Matt called me the day before to let me know that based on the wind, that Alligator Reef would be too choppy, and that closer in reefs would have limited visibility. He offered an alternative near shore, but based on what I had been expecting, suggested that I may be disappointed. He offered a refund if that was my choice. His honesty and customer focus was impressive. I asked about a fishing alternative which he was able to quickly accomodate. So glad that he could. Captain Joe was a great guy to spend an afternoon with, and put us on 100 lb. Tarpon in an area void of other charters. Captain Joe even spent time back at the dock to review the videos he had taken of hookups to select still shots of the jumps, release, etc. Highly recommend, and plan to fish again with them
Doug thank you for your review. Im glad we could save the day and get you out on the bay for some fishing. Capt Joe love Tarpon fishing and is very good at it. Come on back and we will show you some amazing snorkeling and relax on the Islamorada Sandbar. Capt Matt Bellinger.
We had an amazing time on our charter with Matt! From the moment we got on the boat, he made us feel comfortable and at ease. He was knowledgeable, fun, and made the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish. The snorkeling was incredible, and Matt went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a great time. His positive attitude, professionalism, and easygoing personality made the trip truly memorable. If you’re looking for a fun and stress free day on the water, we highly recommend booking with Matt. Thanks for an unforgettable experience!
Hey Megan! I really appreciate you coming out with us with your friends. Its easy to please our clients when we’re working with this beautiful weather, these wonderful seas and the absolutely amazing sea life that we get to encounter on every trip. Whether we are on the Sandbar here in Islamorada for all one of the many amazing reefs each trip is a walk in the park. Thank you for your business and I’ll be here when you come on back ! Thank you again Capt. Matt Bellinger Bamboo Charters
FAQs about Bamboo Charters
What are the trip rates for Bamboo Charters?
- US $300 per group - 1 Hour - Sunset Trip (PM) (1 hour)
- US $425 per group - Private Sandbar Charter (2hr / AM) (2 hours)
- US $425 per group - Private Sandbar Charter (2hr / PM) (2 hours)
- US $425 per group - Private Snorkel Charter (2 hr/AM) (2 hours)
- US $425 per group - Private Snorkel Charter (2hr / PM) (2 hours)
- US $550 per group - Private Sandbar Charter (3 hr / AM) (3 hours)
- US $550 per group - Private Sandbar Charter (3 hr / PM) (3 hours)
- US $550 per group - Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / AM) (3 hours)
- US $550 per group - Private Snorkel Charter (3hr / PM) (3 hours)
- US $700 per group - Private Sandbar Charter (4 hr / AM) (4 hours)
- US $700 per group - Private Sandbar Charter (4 hr / PM) (4 hours)
- US $700 per group - Private Snorkel Charter (4hr /AM) (4 hours)
- US $700 per group - Private Snorkel Charter (4hr / PM) (4 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Bamboo Charters?
- GPS Garmin
- VHF Radio Garmin
- Chart Plotter
- Depth Finder
- Sonar
- Anchor
- Wheel Steering
- Life Jackets
- Bimini Lots of shade
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Shower
- Bow Sundeck
- Bathing Platform
- Audio System
- Outside Speakers
- Ice Box
- Fishfinder
- Baitwell
- Rod Holders
What add-ons can be available with Bamboo Charters?
- Snorkeling Equipment
- Fishing Equipment
- Drinks
Which kinds of activities does Bamboo Charters offer?
- Boat & Yacht Tours
- Sunset Dinner Cruises
- Island Hopping
- Booze Cruises
- Snorkeling & Diving Tours
- Eco-Tours
- Sandbar Tours
Your operator
I first experienced the Florida Keys up close in 1981 during my SCUBA certification dives. Over three days, I made eight dives and was instantly hooked! I worked as a Divemaster and later as a PADI SCUBA Instructor during my summer breaks from college. In 1989, I moved to Islamorada and began teaching SCUBA full-time. Two years later, I bought the dive operation from my boss. We had two boats for diving and snorkeling, and I used a skiff to explore Florida Bay and Everglades National Park. In 1998, I sold the dive operation to my staff and started an adventure charter service. We offered private charters featuring fishing, snorkeling, sandbar trips, and sunset cruises. Today, I operate four boats providing private adventures ranging from 2 to 8 hours, with many activities to choose from. All trips are run by myself and my team of professional captains. My favorite adventure combines eco-touring and snorkeling. We start by exploring mangrove islands in Florida Bay, learning about this fascinating ecosystem. Then, we head to a nearby shallow reef or Alligator Reef Lighthouse for snorkeling. With many shallow reefs close to our marina in Islamorada, there's plenty to see. We can also visit the Islamorada Sandbar for a swim or stop at one of the excellent waterfront bars for fresh seafood and drinks. To cap off the trip, we can catch the stunning sunset over Florida Bay. For fishing, whether in the bay or on the reef, there's a wide variety of fish to catch. My favorite moments are teaching kids to reel in snappers, jacks, groupers, and other reef fish. When they're ready for a challenge, we can target barracudas weighing up to 20 pounds.
I first experienced the Florida Keys up close in 1981 during my SCUBA certification dives. Over three days, I made eight dives and was instantly hooked! I worked as a Divemaster and later as a PADI SCUBA Instructor during my summer breaks from college. In 1989, I moved to Islamorada and began teaching SCUBA full-time. Two years later, I bought the dive operation from my boss. We had two boats for diving and snorkeling, and I used a skiff to explore Florida Bay and Everglades National Park. In 1998, I sold the dive operation to my staff and started an adventure charter service. We offered private charters featuring fishing, snorkeling, sandbar trips, and sunset cruises. Today, I operate four boats providing private adventures ranging from 2 to 8 hours, with many activities to choose from. All trips are run by myself and my team of professional captains. My favorite adventure combines eco-touring and snorkeling. We start by exploring mangrove islands in Florida Bay, learning about this fascinating ecosystem. Then, we head to a nearby shallow reef or Alligator Reef Lighthouse for snorkeling. With many shallow reefs close to our marina in Islamorada, there's plenty to see. We can also visit the Islamorada Sandbar for a swim or stop at one of the excellent waterfront bars for fresh seafood and drinks. To cap off the trip, we can catch the stunning sunset over Florida Bay. For fishing, whether in the bay or on the reef, there's a wide variety of fish to catch. My favorite moments are teaching kids to reel in snappers, jacks, groupers, and other reef fish. When they're ready for a challenge, we can target barracudas weighing up to 20 pounds.
What the boat is like
Which kind of activities are offered
Which amenities are available onboard
What's included in the trip price
What’s allowed on the boat
What additional terms you should be aware of
Security deposit is not required
A refundable deposit is not required by the charter operator.
Fuel is included
Fuel is included in the price of the rental.
How cancellations work
Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
How you can pay
Reserve with a 15% booking deposit, pay the captain the rest
When the captain confirms your trip, BoatBooker charges your credit card a 15% booking deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
PayPal
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