Ages 6+
Spend six sunlit hours wading waist-deep over white carbonate sand, snorkeling nearby patch reefs, and relaxing on a private sandbar just off Key West. Small groups (max four) make this a family-friendly, low-effort way to experience the Keys’ shallow backcountry.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Light-moderate: able to stand, wade, and swim short distances; good for families with children aged six and up.
Wildlife
History
The shallow backcountry around Key West has long been a maritime corridor—local wreckage and old navigational markers recall the island’s history as a 19th-century shipping hub.
Conservation
Operators enforce reef-safe sunscreen and no-spray rules and limit passenger counts to reduce pressure on turtlegrass nurseries and patch reefs.
Silver Tide Charters
Ages 6+
Silver Tide Charters operates out of Summerland Key, Florida, offering a range of guided fishing and boating experiences for visitors and locals alike. The company runs flats and backcountry fishing charters in four-, six-, and eight-hour formats, designed to suit families and anglers of all skill levels. Flexible departure times accommodate seasonal conditions and guest schedules, and trips emphasize time on the water targeting a variety of species in Florida Bay and nearby backcountry waters.
Specialty trips include tarpon-focused outings such as a three-hour Sunset/Night Tarpon Charter and a Double Golden Hour Tarpon Charter that pursues tarpon during prime morning and evening feeding windows. A three-hour Sunset Cruise provides a relaxed scenic option timed to begin within an hour of dusk. A Sandbar Charter is listed among offerings; details were not provided and can be requested directly.
Guests are informed promptly of any schedule changes, and tipping is appreciated but not included in charter pricing for certain trips. Trip descriptions note seasonal variations in target species and recommend that guests bring appropriate gear, sunscreen, and enthusiasm. Silver Tide Charters markets family-friendly experiences with adaptable itineraries, aiming to create memorable time on the water. Reservations are made per trip type and duration, and guests should confirm departure times when booking.
For booking, potential guests should reference specific trip summaries—4, 6, and 8 hour flats/backcountry charters, tarpon charters, sandbar options, and sunset cruises—to select duration and focus. Contact information and availability are provided at booking time. Please confirm all details before travel.
Location
Summerland Key
Charters depart from Summerland Key
Trip Durations
3–8 hours
Options from three to eight hours
Family Friendly
All skill levels
Suitable for families and beginners
Tarpon Trips
Tarpon & flats
Sunset, night, and golden hour tarpon
Reserve a 3–8 hour flats, tarpon, sandbar, or sunset cruise and confirm departure details at booking.
Bring reef-safe lotion sunscreen
Spray sunscreens are not allowed; use lotion-based reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral and comply with the operator’s rules.
Wear water shoes
Shallow sandbars can hide shell fragments and oolite pockets; water shoes protect feet during wading and snorkeling.
Pack polarized sunglasses and eyewear strap
Bright reflections off shallow water make polarized lenses essential; a strap keeps glasses secure while moving between boat and sandbar.
Check tide and weather before booking
Captain chooses sandbar based on tides and wind—low wind and outgoing tide make for calm, exposed flats ideal for wading.
Reef-safe lotion sunscreen
Protects you and the marine environment; sprays are not allowed on this trip.
Water shoes
Protects feet from shell fragments and provides traction on slippery sand and rock.
summer
Polarized sunglasses with strap
Reduces glare for spotting marine life and keeps eyewear secure during activities.
Waterproof camera or case
Captures shallow-water scenes, reflections, and close encounters with rays and birds.