Spirit Snorkeling of Marathon – provide daily snorkel trips to Sombrero Reef & Pirate’s Cove. We also have daily sunset celebration trips and if weather permits we will snorkel. Specializing in families, our friendly crew will take you on a fun filled adventure to the either the Sombrero Reef Marine Sanctuary and Lighthouse or to our special location on the Florida Bay—Pirate’s Cove. Trip destination is at the discretion of the Captain, due to winds and will be decided the morning of the trip. Call, 305-289-0614 prior to trip to find out where we will be snorkeling that day! Phones open at 7am. Marathon, Key Largo, Islamorada and Key West have some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the Florida Keys.
Sombrero Reef is the third largest barrier reef in the world and this beautiful 30 acre coral reef ranges from 2–30 feet deep with thousands of tropical fish. The Sombrero Lighthouse was built before the Civil War and today still helps mariners navigate the Keys. Coral Reefs are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on earth. They are second only to the tropical rain forests in the number of species they harbor, and indeed are sometimes called “The Rain Forests of the Sea”. You haven’t really seen the Keys until you’ve seen our under water areas.
If the weather is too rough to go out to Sombrero Reef our dedicated crew will take you over to Pirate’s Cove, where the water is generally much calmer. Here you will see many species of tropical fish, under water plant life, lobsters and even sea horses. The water is quite shallow, making it a perfect spot to snorkel. Even sightseers enjoy our trips as many species can be seen from the boat. We take no scuba divers, we only go to shallow water snorkeling locations and Back Water Eco tours.
Our boat is a 34’ Coral Island Power Catamaran that is 24’ wide, making it extremely stable and comfortable. It is the largest, fastest and most fun, and is USCG certified & inspected. There is plenty of spacious seating both in the sun and shade, with a marine head (bathroom) on board and also a fresh water shower. There are two large swim platforms, which make for easy access to and from the water.
OUR TRIPS – Snorkel Trips depart promptly at 9am, 12pm and 5pm (sunset dependent). Each trip is roughly 3 hours in duration.
WE PROVIDE – Mask, Snorkel, and Snorkel vest. All of which are required to be used to Snorkel with us.
SUNSET CELEBRATION – boat departure times will vary. Please call office for schedule, 305-289-0614. Sunset trip includes a champagne toast with cheese, sliced meat and crackers. (Only sunset cruise, no snorkeling during day light savings time.)
We do not allow full face snorkeling masks on our boat.
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE – water, snacks and sodas onboard the boat. Prescription mask rentals. wetsuit rentals. underwater cameras. Spirit coozies, t-shirts, tank tops, hats and more are available at check in.
YOU CAN BRING – towel and sunscreen, windbreaker, sunglasses, and small hand held cooler with ice (no glass bottles please). A desire to have a great time and an unforgettable experience! You may bring alcohol on board, but it cannot be consumed until after you Snorkel--safety first!
ASK US ABOUT – sunset cruises, private charters, weddings.
RESERVATION POLICY – Please call our reservations line at 305-289-0614 to book your trip. Credit card required at time of reservation. Please bring the card with you when you come to check in for your trip. We accept Visa, MasterCard & Discover. Please come to check in for your snorkel trip 1 hour before departure time.
CANCELLATION POLICY – Reservation deposits for our Florida Keys snorkeling trips are fully refundable 12 hours or more before reservation begins.
Due to insurance reasons, all non-swimmers are required to stay on the boat at all times and not enter the water.
Captain Mike has lived in the Florida Keys since July 2014. Before becoming a captain aboard Spirit Snorkeling, Mike came down on a one week scuba vacation and the mirror reflection of the water by Sombrero Reef captured him. His favorite thing about his job is meeting new people of all walks of life. Mike explained that he loves that "his office has no windows" and he is able to hang with "his fish friends all day".
CAPT MIKE'S FAVORITE SONG - Pirate Looks At Forty by Jack Johnson and Dave Matthews Band
CAPT MIKE'S FAVORITE FOOD - Mahi Mahi
CAPT MIKE'S FAVORITE PLACE IN THE KEYS - Sand, Sun and Water
CAPT MIKE'S MUST SEE IN THE KEYS - Skydive in Sugarloaf
FIRST MATE JENA
First Mate Jena has lived in the Florida Keys since November 2014. Before becoming first mate, she was in the healthcare field. She decided to move to the keys because she was sick of living on the West Coast where it rained all the time! Her favorite thing about her job is that she is able to meet a lot of people and make connections. If she is able to make even the smallest impact, it brings her joy and happiness. Jena explained that she "still can't believe that she lives in the keys" and "still gets so excited and giddy to go to the reef!"
Kevin moved down to the Florida Keys in August 2012. Before becoming Mate aboard Spirit Snorkeling, he was retired and traveling. He decided that he never wanted to see snow again, since he lived up North. Kevin's favorite thing about his job is meeting new people and playing in the ocean. He explained that he "couldn't ask for a better boss" and his "office view is beautiful."
Mary Grew up in Ft. Lauderdale and brought a friends sailboat down to marathon around 2013. She used to come down with her dad and decided to bring her own boat and stay!
Before becoming our reservation specialist, Mary was a retired clown and professional body artist. She fell in love with everything at captain pips as soon as she was hired and felt "home".
Mary feels “lucky to get to be a postive part of anyones visit to the florida keys! Especially teaching them to "take it keysey" and preserving our paradise!”
