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Caribbean ports/Key West/Tours

All-Inclusive Sandbar Safari with Dolphin Playground Encounter

4.8 (701 reviews)5 hKey WestSightseeingWildlife & natureFits a typical call
Fits your day

Back at the ship by about 1:40 pm, 1 h 50 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 50 min to spare.

Safety margin
7 am8 am9 am10 am11 am12 pm1 pm2 pm3 pm4 pm
8:20 am – 1:40 pm
Ship in portGetting ashore (20 min)Safety margin (1 h)All aboard 3:30 pm
  1. 8:00 am
    Ship docks in Key West20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
  2. 8:20 am
    Leave the pierAbout 10 min to the start point
  3. 8:30 am
    Earliest tour startTour runs 5 h. Latest sensible start: 9:20 am.
  4. 1:30 pm
    Tour ends10 min back to the pier
  5. 1:40 pm
    Back at the gangway1 h 50 min before all aboard
  6. 3:30 pm
    All aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours

Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.

Our verdict

This tour fits a typical Key West call (8:00 am–3:30 pm). It runs 5 h; ashore by 8:20 am, you can start by 8:30 am and be back at the gangway around 1:40 pm — 50 min to spare on top of a 1 h safety margin.

Rule of thumb: it keeps the safety margin as long as all aboard is 2:40 pm or later. Even a short 7:00 am–2:00 pm call works.

The operator lists a meeting point in town rather than at the pier, but Key West is small: anywhere in the centre is within about 10 min of the ships on foot or by a short taxi ride, so we count 10 min each way.

Among the 350 Key West shore excursions we track, this is one of the longer ones (the median runs 3 h); 85% of them fit a typical call.

Computed from the tour's published duration, the distance from the cruise pier to its start point and the typical Key West call. Adjust your ship's times above to recheck.

About this tour

Embark on a journey like no other. This tour takes guests on an amazing journey from Key West to a secluded sandbar & then to the dolphin playground in the Florida Marine Sanctuary for some dolphin watching.

With picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico and expert guides providing insights into the history & ecology of the area, guests can relax at the sandbar while our crew fills your cups with unlimited draft beer, wine & mimosas. Next, we will venture out future into the Sanctuary to get closer than ever to our dolphin pods. The tour includes complimentary lunch (menu below) & unlimited draft beer, mimosas & wine.

Our professional crew will make this a trip of a lifetime that you'll cherish for years to come. This trip is perfect for families, couples & solo travelers seeking a unique & unforgettable experience in the Florida Keys.

Max 60 per group English

What's included

  • Unlimited soda
  • This trip includes unlimited draft beer, mimosas & selection of wine.
  • Assortment of Water Toys - Toss a football, grab a snorkel or enjoy any of the multiple water toys at the sandbar
  • Secluded Sandbar – Relax on a picturesque sandbar with stunning turquoise waters.
  • Lily Pad Included - Float effortlessly as you sip on your favorite beverage on one of our lily pads
  • Knowledgeable Guides – Learn about local wildlife and ecosystems from expert guides.
  • Restroom on board
  • Dolphin Playground – Watch dolphins play in their natural habitat up close.
  • The menu includes Fresh Local Cuban Sandwiches Fried Chicken Tenders Veggie Wraps, Fruit & Veggie Trays Cheese & Cracker Platters Pita & Hummus Platters Beverages, Draft Beer & Wine
  • Swim, Snorkel, or Sunbathe – Enjoy water activities or simply lounge in the sun.

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Towels & Sunscreen

Itinerary

  1. 1
    Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
    This trip is a unique and exciting experience that takes guests on an adventure into the Florida marine sanctuary. The sanctuary is a protected area of the ocean that is home to a diverse range of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and various species of fish. The highlight of this trip is a visit to a secluded sandbar, where guests can enjoy a secluded and peaceful experience. The sandbar is surrounded by crystal clear waters and offers stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty. In addition to the sandbar experience, guests will also have the opportunity to visit the dolphin playground. This is an area of the ocean where wild dolphins are known to frequent, and guests will have the chance to get up close and personal with these intelligent and playful creatures. The dolphins are accustomed to human interaction and often approach the boat to say hello, giving guests a unique and unforgettable experience.
    3 h
  2. 2
    Stop 2
    Jewfish Basin is a unique and exciting experience that allows visitors to explore one of Florida's most beautiful natural areas. Jewfish Basin is a shallow and protected bay located in the Florida Keys, known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning sunsets, and abundant marine life. When visitors stop at a sandbar on a tour of Jewfish Basin, they will disembark from the boat onto a shallow area of sand that is surrounded by clear blue waters.
    2 h
  3. 3
    Key West
    Our tour leaves from the Historic Seaport in Downtown Key West
    Pass by without stopping
  4. 4
    South Beach, Key West, Fl
    This trip passes by South Beach
    Pass by without stopping

Meeting point and getting there

Start point
Our check-in location is at 201 William Street, Key West FL 33040. We are attached to the waterfront brewery. Please arrive 45 minutes prior to departure to check in which will provide enough time to go through our check in procedures.
Our check-in location is at 201 William Street, Key West FL 33040. We are attached to the waterfront brewery. Please arrive 45 minutes prior to departure to check in which will provide enough time to go through our check in procedures.
From the cruise pier
About 10 min by taxi
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point

Good to know

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you can rebook or get a full refund.
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please arrive 60 minutes prior to departure to check in which will provide enough time to go through our check in procedures.

Traveler reviews

4.8
701 traveler reviews
5
89%
4
5%
3
3%
2
0%
1
2%

Read all 701 reviews

Operated by Sunset Watersports. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.

from $150 per person
Fits a typical callCheck dates & book
5 h
Typical Key West call: 8:00 am–3:30 pm
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
English

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