Board a private boat at Phil Foster Park and spend a relaxed half day exploring Peanut Island’s shallow reefs, sandy beaches, and seagrass flats. Perfect for families who want guided snorkeling, a beach picnic, and a personalized pace on the water.
Board a private boat at Phil Foster Park and spend a relaxed half day exploring Peanut Island’s shallow reefs, sandy beaches, and seagrass flats. Perfect for families who want guided snorkeling, a beach picnic, and a personalized pace on the water.
Book with Visit Palm Beach
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Visit Palm Beach · West Palm Beach, Florida
Captain Neil's Snorkel and Splash is a family-friendly boat charter operating out of Phil Foster Park. 900 Blue Heron Blvd Riviera Beach, FL 33404, launching into the warm waters off West Palm Beach and Peanut Island. On a typical outing you’ll board a stable powerboat and glide across clear, shallow water to explore Peanut Island’s shoreline, nearby shallow reefs and seagrass meadows. The trip balances mellow relaxation—floating, sunbathing, a picnic ashore—with active snorkeling among parrotfish, sergeant majors and sparse hardbottom reef structures.
The key features are simple and vivid: Peanut Island’s sandy beaches and rocky jetty, nearby coral and limestone ledges, patches of turtlegrass, and frequent rays gliding beneath the surface. South Florida’s marine geology shows fragmented reef fingers and outcrops of oolitic limestone that shelter fish and small invertebrates; mangrove fringes and the island’s groves of palms provide a clear marker of the coast. Captain Neil's excursions often include a casual beach stop on Peanut Island for a walk or swim, plus time to snorkel the shallow reef and float in calm water.
This is an easy, accessible day on the water suited for families and mixed-ability groups. Trips run three to six hours and are priced by length, with private charters that allow flexible pace and meal options on board or ashore. The meeting point is Phil Foster Park. 900 Blue Heron Blvd Riviera Beach, FL 33404, where Captain Neil’s crew handles gear and gives a brief safety orientation before casting off.
Why book this trip? It’s a compact taste of South Florida marine life without the crowds of larger charters. For snorkelers who want shallow reefs, clear water, and a relaxed schedule, Captain Neil's offers personalized attention and stops chosen for conditions and family needs. Peanut Island itself has a curious history as a mid-20th-century engineered landmass with a World War II–era shelter on the island and recreational amenities added later, making your beach break feel like a small coastal excursion with a story.
Practical notes: bring reef-safe sunscreen, a snorkel mask, water shoes for rocky beach entries, and a cooler for snacks. Expect calm waters most days but watch summer chop and brief showers. The outing supports low-impact recreation on reefs and seagrass when guests follow guidance from guides to avoid standing on habitats.
On longer six-hour charters you can linger over a swim, bring a light picnic from local markets, or time a sunset cruise back to the marina. Children five and older are welcome; groups of five pay a small additional fee. Captain Neil's small-boat format means fewer passengers, direct attention from the captain, and flexibility to chase calm water on changing wind days. Book early for weekend summer slots. Arrive fifteen minutes early.
easy.
3–6 hours.
Light to moderate mobility: able to climb a small ladder, swim short distances, and stand in shallow water.
The meeting point is Phil Foster Park. 900 Blue Heron Blvd Riviera Beach, FL 33404; the crew will brief guests and load gear before departure.
Trips range from 3 to 6 hours; pricing varies by duration. Private charter rates are listed with specific prices for each hour option when booking.
Children five and older are accepted on charters; the operator welcomes families and recommends flotation for less confident swimmers.
Yes. Guests can bring a picnic or use a small cooler; the crew can advise on best times to eat aboard or ashore.
Bring your own snorkel gear for the best fit; the operator may provide basic equipment on request—confirm at booking.
Expect tropical reef fish, rays, and often bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles in season; sightings depend on conditions.
Peanut Island was built mid-20th century from dredged material and later developed with a wartime shelter and recreational facilities.
Choose reef-safe sunscreen, avoid standing on seagrass or reef, and follow crew guidance to minimize disturbance to habitats.
Visit Palm Beach is a West Palm Beach, Florida-based experience provider offering a diverse selection of guided tours, water rentals, and charter cruises. The company operates on and around Palm Beach Island, Lake Worth Lagoon, Peanut Island, and the Intracoastal Waterway, delivering experiences that include guided bike tours, walking tours, paddle tours, jet ski rentals, catamaran cruises, and 24-hour kayak rentals. Signature offerings include the Guided Bike Tour of Historic Palm Beach Island with a friendly local guide; the Floatilla Party Cruise aboard the Hakuna Matata featuring giant floats and water games; the Hakuna Matata Catamaran Sunset Cruise; the Sip & Dip Cruise that anchors at Peanut Island for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling; and the Motunui Sightseeing Cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway. Other options include a 24 Hour Paddling Rental with flexible pick-up and drop-off, a Private Charter Guest Invite for exclusive gatherings, a Historic Palm Beach walking tour starting at the Flagler Museum, Jet Ski Rentals with guided options, and a Sunrise Paddle Tour on Lake Worth Lagoon. Visit Palm Beach emphasizes clear trip descriptions, on-water safety, family-friendly options, and staff assistance for rentals and charters. Reservations and flexible scheduling are offered for many trips. Third-party booking details, exact departure points, age or weight limits, and safety briefings are provided at booking or on the official trip listings. Local guides and certified crew members provide route commentary, safety instructions, and equipment orientation; photo-friendly routes showcase historic architecture, waterfront mansions, wildlife sightings, and scenic sunset vistas for visitor photos.
Book with Visit Palm Beach