Key West: Catamaran Snorkel with Seafood Boil and Open Bar

Clear water, warm sun, and supper afloat. This four-hour Sebago Watersports trip pairs snorkeling at two Key West sites with an all-you-can-eat seafood boil and premium open bar. I especially like the easy mix of activity and downtime, plus the roomy catamaran with shaded seating when your shoulders need a break from the sun.

The shrimp boil and friendly crew earn this outing extra credit. One recent birthday group found the boat not too crowded, the beginner snorkeling helpful, and the food delicious. The main catch is weather: storms can force an early return, and non-swimmers should choose a different boat trip.

Key points at a glance

• Two snorkeling stops: You may visit Sand Key or another nearby Key West site with coral and marine life.
• A full Southern-style meal: The all-you-can-eat boil typically includes shrimp, corn on the cob, potatoes, and seasoned cooking spices.
• Room to spread out: The catamaran offers spacious decks, seating, and shaded areas for passengers who want a quieter spell.
• Drinks after the water: A premium open bar serves cocktails while you relax in the sun.
• Good for beginners: Experienced English-speaking instructors provide gear and guidance for all skill levels.
• Weather matters: Rough water and storms can shorten the outing, as happened on one September trip.

From Historic Seaport to open water

Your day starts at the Historic Key West Seaport, on the Harborwalk. The meeting point is tucked along Lazy Way Lane, a short lane that can be easy to miss among the waterfront shops and bars.

From Elizabeth Street, walk down Lazy Way Lane past Yours and Mayan and Fisherman’s Café. The boat is the next-to-last shop on the right. From the end of William Street, turn left down Lazy Way Lane after passing Schooner Wharf Bar.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. That is not a suggestion I would ignore. Give yourself time to find the dock, sort your swimwear and towel, and get settled before the crew begins loading passengers.

The catamaran is a good match for this kind of day. You get more than a narrow bench and a small patch of shade. The boat has spacious decks, plenty of seating, and shaded areas, so you can switch between sun and cover as the afternoon changes.

That matters in Key West. The water may tempt you to stay outside all day, but four hours in direct sun can catch up with you quickly. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and water, even though drinks are included later.

Two snorkeling stops near Key West

The main active part of the trip is snorkeling at two prime locations. Sand Key is one possible stop, though the exact sites can change. The plan is to visit nearby waters known for coral and marine life rather than keep you in one place for the whole outing.

At each stop, premium snorkel gear is provided. English-speaking instructors are available to explain how to use it and help people who are new to snorkeling. That makes this a friendly introduction for someone who has never spent much time in the water.

I like that the outing does not treat beginners as an afterthought. A recent birthday group specifically found the snorkeling helpful for first-timers, while another passenger described the fish sightings as a highlight. You can expect the guide to offer instruction, but you still need to be comfortable in open water and able to swim.

The water is described as clear, but visibility is never guaranteed. Wind, storms, and sea conditions can change the day. On one September outing, storms arrived after the boat left, and the water became too rough to continue. The crew returned to shore, which was the sensible call, but it shows why you should not book this solely for a guaranteed reef session.

If snorkeling is your only reason for going, keep your expectations measured. You may see attractive coral and fish at two different sites, but the details depend on weather and conditions. If you see the water portion as one part of a larger half-day outing, the plan feels much more dependable.

The seafood boil comes after the water

After the snorkeling, the catamaran turns into a floating lunch table. The classic Low Country boil typically includes shrimp, corn on the cob, potatoes, and a seasoned spice blend, all cooked together.

The meal is all-you-can-eat, which makes the $89 price easier to understand. You are not paying only for a boat ride and a short swim. The price also covers two snorkel locations, gear, instruction, food, and a premium open bar.

The food received strong praise, including from a group celebrating a 50th birthday. Another passenger called the shrimp boil very good and appreciated having unlimited drinks after the snorkeling. That timing makes sense: you finish the active part first, then sit down to eat while the boat becomes a floating place to rest.

This is not a formal waterfront restaurant meal. Expect a casual Southern dish served in a setting where sun, saltwater, and boat movement are part of the atmosphere. If you want an elegant plated lunch, this is not that. If you like shrimp, corn, potatoes, and a relaxed meal with a view, it fits the day well.

Snacks are still worth bringing. The official advice includes snacks and water, and that is practical for an active outing. The seafood meal comes later in the schedule, so a small snack before departure may help if you are prone to getting hungry on the water.

Catamaran comfort and the open bar

The boat’s layout is one of the trip’s best features. You can sit in the shade, stretch out on deck, or watch Key West recede while the catamaran moves between stops. The setting gives the day a holiday feel without requiring you to spend every minute in the water.

The open bar adds to that easygoing mood. Cocktails are available while you relax after snorkeling and take in the turquoise water around Key West. The bar is included in the price, so you do not need to keep adding small drink purchases throughout the afternoon.

Use good judgment with alcohol. You are on a boat, in the sun, and possibly still warm from snorkeling. Drink water as well, use sunscreen, and do not treat the open bar as a reason to rush your first cocktail.

The catamaran is also useful for people in a mixed group. One person can snorkel while another prefers to remain on deck. The shaded seating gives non-snorkeling passengers somewhere comfortable to wait, though the activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

The atmosphere appears to lean social rather than loud or party-focused. A June outing was described as not too crowded, with a wonderful crew and plenty of fun. Group size can vary, so I would not promise an uncrowded boat every time. Still, the open layout should feel less confining than a small vessel.

The crew makes a difference

A good boat crew matters here because the day combines safety, instruction, food service, and drinks. The strongest praise has gone to the crew. One passenger called them great, while another described the crew as very friendly and pleasant.

That is especially important for new snorkelers. You want clear instructions before entering the water and someone available if your mask, fins, or breathing technique cause trouble. The provided guides serve all experience levels, so the trip is not reserved for confident swimmers who already know the routine.

The instruction is in English. If you need guidance in another language, the available information does not promise that.

The crew also has to make practical calls when the weather changes. On one outing, storms made the water too rough to continue, and the boat went back to shore. That may disappoint you, but returning safely is more important than forcing a snorkeling stop in poor conditions.

Is $89 a fair price?

At $89 per person, I consider this a reasonable package if you plan to use most of what is included. A separate catamaran ride, snorkeling gear rental, guided instruction, seafood meal, and several drinks could quickly add up if purchased one at a time.

The value is strongest for people who want a single organized outing. You do not need to arrange a separate reef trip, find lunch afterward, or buy drinks during the afternoon. The four-hour length also leaves part of the day open for Key West sightseeing.

The value is weaker if you do not drink alcohol, dislike seafood, or plan to stay on deck without snorkeling. You are still paying for the complete package, including the open bar and meal. Likewise, someone seeking serious underwater exploration may prefer a more specialized snorkeling or scuba trip rather than a social catamaran outing.

Gratuity is not included. Plan to tip separately if the crew gives you good service. Bring a card or cash according to your normal travel habits, though no specific payment method is provided here.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Key West schedule is still shifting.

What to pack for four hours

Keep your packing simple, but do not arrive empty-handed. You should bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• Water and snacks
• A passport or ID card
• A waterproof camera, if you want photos from the water

Wear swimwear under your clothes if possible. That makes the transition from dock to water easier and avoids a changing-room hunt once you are aboard.

A waterproof camera is worth considering because the snorkeling is one of the trip’s main attractions. Use a secure strap or waterproof case. The supplied information does not promise photography equipment, so bring your own if underwater pictures matter to you.

Sunscreen deserves special attention. Reapply after snorkeling and before settling in with food or drinks. The catamaran offers shade, but shaded seating does not remove the need for sun protection.

A passport or ID card is listed among the items to bring. Keep it protected from water and easy to access at the meeting point.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to a couple, family, or small group that wants several Key West pleasures in one outing. You get sea views, guided snorkeling, a filling meal, and drinks without spending the day moving between separate bookings.

It is also a strong choice for a celebration. The 50th birthday group had a good fit for the format: beginner-friendly snorkeling, a friendly crew, shrimp boil, and drinks afterward. The boat gives a group something active to do together, followed by an easy meal.

You should look elsewhere if you are a non-swimmer. The outing is specifically not suitable for non-swimmers, even though you can spend time on deck.

I would also hesitate if your schedule cannot handle weather changes. A four-hour trip may return early if storms or rough water interfere. That is not a flaw unique to this boat, but it is part of booking any snorkeling outing in the Florida Keys.

Final call: book it if you want variety

Book this Sebago Watersports trip if you want an approachable half-day on the water rather than a narrowly focused snorkeling expedition. The combination of two possible reef stops, helpful instructors, a well-liked crew, shrimp boil, open bar, and shaded catamaran seating gives you plenty for $89.

Skip it if you need guaranteed snorkeling conditions, cannot swim, or have little interest in seafood and cocktails. For everyone else, this looks like a practical way to sample Key West from the water while keeping the mood relaxed and the planning simple.

FAQ

How long is the Key West catamaran trip?

The activity lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing your date.

What is included in the $89 price?

The price includes an all-you-can-eat seafood boil, premium open bar, snorkeling at two locations, premium snorkel gear, and guidance from experienced instructors.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is on the Harborwalk at the Historic Key West Seaport, along Lazy Way Lane.

How do I find the meeting point?

From Elizabeth Street, walk down Lazy Way Lane past Yours and Mayan and Fisherman’s Café. The meeting point is the next-to-last shop on the right. From William Street, turn left down Lazy Way Lane after passing Schooner Wharf Bar.

What food is served?

The meal typically includes shrimp, corn on the cob, potatoes, and a seasoned spice blend cooked together as a Low Country boil.

Is the trip suitable for someone who has never snorkeled?

Yes. Experienced English-speaking instructors provide guidance, and the activity is designed for all experience levels. You must still be a swimmer.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.