How long is the trip?

The shared sandbar trip is a four-hour captained charter departing and returning to Ocean's Edge Resort and Marina.

What is the meeting location?

Meet at Ocean's Edge Resort and Marina 5950 Peninsular Ave Key West, FL, 33040 Slip 612—arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in.

Is there a minimum/maximum group size?

The cruise runs with a maximum of six people and requires at least four total guests to depart.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Water is included and guests may bring snacks and beverages; follow the captain’s guidance on what’s allowed aboard.

Are there restrooms at the sandbar?

No—there are no restroom facilities on the sandbar; use the marina restroom before departure.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear a swimsuit, sun protection, and water shoes; bring a dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, towel, and any personal snacks or drinks.

Shared Sandbar Trip in Key West — Swim, Relax & Socialize on Florida Keys Sandbars

Shared Sandbar Trip is a relaxed captained boat outing that launches from Key West and delivers short escapes to a clear, shallow sandbar in the Florida Keys. Departing from Ocean's Edge Resort and Marina 5950 Peninsular Ave Key West, FL, 33040 Slip 612, this four-hour shared charter is ideal for couples, solo travelers, and small groups who want uncomplicated time on the water without renting an entire boat.

The trip’s high point is a broad ribbon of white sand set in waist- to chest-deep, turquoise water. On calm days the bar becomes an island of bright sand edged by seagrass flats and small coral outcrops; the shallow depth makes it perfect for floating, wading, and picture-perfect group shots. The surrounding seascape is classic Florida Keys: low mangrove islands, slow-moving tidal channels, and regular visits from bottlenose dolphins and diving brown pelicans. Route and sandbar choice vary with tide and weather, which keeps every outing slightly different.

Aboard the captain-driven vessel you’ll find a casual social atmosphere—guests mingle on deck between swims, trading travel tips and local recommendations. Water is included; you’re welcome to bring snacks and beverages for a makeshift picnic on the sand or the boat. The operator runs this per-person option with a six-person maximum and a four-guest minimum to depart, making it a friendlier price point than private charters while still avoiding crowds.

Practicalities matter: check-in is ten to fifteen minutes ahead and the boat follows a short, predictable itinerary—cruise out, anchor at the sandbar, enjoy free time, and return to the marina. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and a towel; board shoes or water socks help when stepping over shell beds, and a lightweight wind layer is useful on breezy afternoons.

This experience showcases why Key West’s nearshore waters are special—clear shallows that highlight seagrass ecosystems and provide safe, shallow swimming close to shore. It’s also an accessible taste of Florida Keys boating for visitors who prefer meeting fellow travelers to private solitude. If you want a relaxed half-day on the water with easy swimming, sun, and socializing, the Shared Sandbar Trip delivers a simple, well-executed slice of Keys life.

Expect sun and salt: no restrooms at the sandbar—use the marina before departure and bring a dry bag for phones. The captain monitors tide and wind; shallow bars can vanish at high tide and shift after storms, so flexible plans are part of Keys boating. Photographers will appreciate polarized lenses to cut glare and waterproof cases for swims. Because the trip mixes strangers, keep valuables locked in the car or in a zippered bag. Reservations require at least four total passengers to operate; check the operator’s schedule, cancellation policies, and weather when you book.

About Reel Paradise Charters

Reel Paradise Charters operates out of Key West, Florida, offering a range of guided boat experiences across the Florida Keys and nearby islands. The company specializes in five primary trips: Sandbar Escapes, The Coastal Pursuit, Dry Tortugas Getaways, Sunset Cruises, and Custom Boat Charters. Each trip focuses on hands-on time on the water — snorkeling, swimming, fishing, and sandbar visits — with captains guiding guests to the region’s best spots.

The fleet navigates waters around Key West and the Dry Tortugas, providing access to coral reefs, shallow sandbars, and scenic coastal routes. Custom Boat Charters can be tailored for snorkeling, fishing, sandbar visits, or private excursions to Dry Tortugas National Park. Sunset Cruises emphasize coastal views and evening comfort, while Sandbar Escapes and The Coastal Pursuit highlight active exploration and unique on-water challenges.

Safety and local knowledge are central to the operation. Captains use local expertise to choose routes, tide-appropriate sandbar stops, and productive snorkeling and fishing areas. Trips include instruction and guidance suited to mixed-experience groups, and captains prioritize guest comfort and enjoyment.

Reel Paradise Charters is featured on The Adventure Collective, where trip summaries, sample itineraries, and booking information are available. Prospective guests are encouraged to review the featured descriptions to select the right charter. The business serves visitors and residents in Key West who seek guided, water-based experiences that showcase the natural marine environments of the Florida Keys. Booking details, availability, and seasonal recommendations appear in the feature and directly through Reel Paradise Charters' listed reservation channels for planning.