Spirit Snorkeling LLC
Spirit Snorkeling LLC
4.5
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
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.
Marathon, Florida
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Spirit Snorkeling LLC
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,081 reviews
Excellent
2,456
Very good
361
Average
94
Poor
82
Terrible
88
Ly N
10 contributions
Jul 2020
We chose right when we booked the sunset snorkeling tour at 5:30-8:00pm! 👍🏼👍🏼 Captain Mike and Mate Juan were excellent; their humor and spunk really added to the experience. You could tell they loved doing what they do. Our destination was Pirate’s Cove due to the rough water conditions, but at last minute, Captain Mike decided to make a go for the Sombrero Reef! It was teeming with marine life... our group saw jellyfish, barracudas, turtles, nursing sharks and various colorful fish. It was a safe and unforgettable experience. All 22 of us made it back home safely! 😇 *inside joke* Even at full capacity, our family of 4, along with all other families were fully comfortable and capable of practicing physical distancing. Capt’ and his mate sanitized all snorkeling gear tools after every use. They were very organized and helpful, if we needed anything, they were there. As we made our way back to the dock, we slow-cruised towards the sunset and watched its phenomenal view. ☀️⛅️Captain’s timing was perfect! I mean, this is a view you don’t want to miss out on! 🌅 He also offered to take photos of our families as we were jammin’ to his Spotify playlist. We arrived back at the dock at 8:30pm (sunset was at 8:12ish). This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and a wonderful way to end our trip to the Florida Keys.
Written August 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write an awesome recommendation, we really appreciate your feedback! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your snorkeling trip! We pride ourselves on safety, fun and exploration! Welcome to the Spirit Snorkeling and Captain Pips Family! Do you mind writing a Google and Facebook review for us?
Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @SpiritSnorkeling
Please come back soon!
Thank you,
Spirit Snorkeling
Written August 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeff G
Boise, Idaho, Usa30 contributions
Jun 2020
Captain Mike and first mat Kevin were very safety conscience and quite funny. The boat is large enough for around 40 people even with a shower for after the snorkling. We got to go out to sombrero reef on a windlless day so the ride out was very smooth. About 40 min to the reef. The sun was out when we got there and man o man is it ever pretty. Unfortunately it clouded up when we got in the water so the visibility went down but the snorkeling was still pretty good. If you can make it out on a sunny calm day you will hit gold. These guys really do a good job and for 38 bucks you can't go wrong. If you in the keys for several days you can sign up for a trip and watch the weather and reschedule to a better day if the weather sucks that day. Make sure you go out to sombrero and not pirate cove if you want big time snorkling. They won't go out there if the weather is bad.
Written June 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write an awesome recommendation, we really appreciate your feedback! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your snorkeling trip! We pride ourselves on safety, fun and exploration! Welcome to the Spirit Snorkeling and Captain Pips Family!
Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @SpiritSnorkeling
Please come back soon!
Thank you,
Spirit Snorkeling
Written June 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dona F
Albany, NY15 contributions
Jan 2020
My husband and I decided to spend an afternoon snorkeling at Sombrero Reef with Spirit Snorkeling. The day was sunny and warm but the seas were a bit rough. Our boat captain did an excellent job keeping the ride out to the reef as pleasant as possible. As a bonus, he spotted a group of dolphins playing on our way out and came to a stop so we could all watch them as they put on a show for us. It was a highlight of our two weeks here in Marathon. We continued on to the reef, our captain carefully choosing the path. Once we arrived our crew got everyone up to speed on the rules, where we could and could not safely snorkel, and began to expertly get each of the almost 40 people into the water. Our group consisted of children as young as 5 or 6, all the way up to a few folks who I am guessing have been retired for many years. Everyone received the attention and assistance they needed. The reef was wonderful and we saw many different fish and other marine critters. The swells were close to 3 feet and I swallowed quite a bit of saltwater. Not feeling great, I climbed out of the water and the crew made sure I had what I needed as I fought off a bit of sea sickness. They were kind but knew enough to leave me alone too. Once the time was up all snorkelers were efficiently brought in and the equipment stowed. We were underway for the quick return to land. Fortunately the sea sickness began to wane! The trip was wonderful and we would definitely use this company again!! But maybe on a day of calmer seas!!!
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hooray for dolphins!!!! Thank you for coming aboard Spirit Snorkeling! Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We take pride in being safe, professional, and fun! Sea sickness is no fun, but you seemed to have handled it like a champ! Welcome to the Spirit Snorkeling family! When will you be back? Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @SpiritSnorkeling #SpiritSnorkeling Do you mind writing a Facebook and Google review for us?
Thank you,
Spirit Snorkeling
Written January 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SZH
New Orleans, LA3 contributions
Jan 2020
They trying to be funny, but they are not. Talk too much wasting time and I’m not talking about safety talk. They are rude to people. Captain himself said he’s living the dream, but still wanted tip from people after they pay $38 for this joke trip. They lied about time duration, that it takes 30 min to get to location, when it was less then 10 min. So no thanks.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BP,
We are sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy your trip out.
Please contact our office if there were any issues.
Thank you,
Captain Pips
Written January 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
World Traveler
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania3 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Staff was great but the day we went the seas were too rough, instead of cancelling the trip they took us bayside to pirates cove which was the worst snorkeling we have ever experienced. Fish and coral were limited, almost no colors as the water was murky and lots of sea grass. I would suggest waiting until the day of to check the conditions before agreeing to the trip unless you don’t mind paying $45 to float around and see nothing. As an alternative go to a local bait shop, purchase a snorkeling set for $17 and head over to Horseshoe on Scout/Summerland Key. This place was sooo cool, thousands of colorful fish as soon as you get in the water. We had a need for good snorkeling after we didn’t see anything on the trip we planned to see tropical fish - hence the $45 per person.
When we arrived for our snorkeling trip, we were unsure of what to do so I wanted to provide some information in case it helps. Think twice if pirates cove is mentioned.
On the other hand we went to Sombrero Reef years ago and it was amazing! I think that’s why it was so disappointing this time because last time was so great.
When we arrived for our snorkeling trip, we were unsure of what to do so I wanted to provide some information in case it helps. Think twice if pirates cove is mentioned.
On the other hand we went to Sombrero Reef years ago and it was amazing! I think that’s why it was so disappointing this time because last time was so great.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
imorton1385,
We are sorry the seas were too rough. We try to make the best of the trip by taking our guests to Pirates Cove!
We apologize that it wasn't the best, please give us another chance when the weather cooperates!
Thank you,
Captain Pips
Written March 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vivi B
New York City, NY14 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Captain Juan and first mate Luke were the best! Such lovely people! Joked around just the right amount, making sure we knew about all the boring safety stuff whilst still keeping us entertained. They played great music whilst we were pushing out to Sombrero Reef, short journey and we saw some dolphins and turtles too. When we got to the reef we also got a little history lesson of the lighthouse from Juan - super interesting. It’s so exciting to be in an area like that, and there were a bunch of other boats so you never felt alone or isolated. We were lucky to have amazing weather too. We are in the keys for 10 days, done 8 so far, and this was by far the best excursion we’ve done. Would recommend doing the morning session, as you’re up bright and early before any weather rolls in, and then you feel very accomplished by 12pm. I also appreciated how you could spend as little or as much time in the water as you want, they never pushed you past what you were comfortable with (but of course I was in the water as long as possible!). On the way back we got free drinks and snacks to replenish our energy after all that swimming with the fish! (Who stay right next to you when you swim by the boat, by the way)
Anyone reading this - if you have high standards for stuff like that, don’t worry, me too. And this was great!
Overall amazing experience especially for the price. Thank you guys for giving us a great day! And thank you luke for helping me with my wardrobe malfunction so the fish didn’t get more of a view than they were expecting!
Anyone reading this - if you have high standards for stuff like that, don’t worry, me too. And this was great!
Overall amazing experience especially for the price. Thank you guys for giving us a great day! And thank you luke for helping me with my wardrobe malfunction so the fish didn’t get more of a view than they were expecting!
Written August 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write an awesome recommendation, we really appreciate your feed back! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your snorkeling trip!
We pride ourselves on safety, fun and exploration! Welcome to the Spirit Snorkeling and Captain Pips Family! Do you mind writing a Google and Facebook review for us?
Thank you,
Spirit Snorkeling
Written August 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert R
1 contribution
Dec 2021
This was the worst snorkeling trip I've ever taken. None of the 30 customers on the boat saw a single fish. I wish I had read the other (1 star) reviews on here before we signed up. Our trip went like theirs did. Had the conditions been good, then I suspect it would have been a fine trip since the crew seemed friendly and competent.
However, the main problem with this trip is that this company won't cancel the trip even when they know the snorkeling will be lousy. Even when it's windy and choppy as heck, they get you all on the boat and pretend to make an attempt to go out to the reef. Then, they make a "safety" call to go to "Pirate's Cove" instead. This plan B spot is absolute garbage. It's not very protected from the wind chop so visibility is awful. I couldn't even see 6 inches in front of my face. The captain loves to remind us that he doesn't control the weather but that misses the point. The company controls our experience and they did a poor job. They should not have dragged us all out for this miserable experience. I wasted half a day of my vacation in addition to the money I paid for my family.
My advice is to NOT book ahead. If you wake up early and see the water is calm, call them (or one of the other companies) to see if they have space. If it's calm, I suspect it will be a fun trip to the reef.
However, the main problem with this trip is that this company won't cancel the trip even when they know the snorkeling will be lousy. Even when it's windy and choppy as heck, they get you all on the boat and pretend to make an attempt to go out to the reef. Then, they make a "safety" call to go to "Pirate's Cove" instead. This plan B spot is absolute garbage. It's not very protected from the wind chop so visibility is awful. I couldn't even see 6 inches in front of my face. The captain loves to remind us that he doesn't control the weather but that misses the point. The company controls our experience and they did a poor job. They should not have dragged us all out for this miserable experience. I wasted half a day of my vacation in addition to the money I paid for my family.
My advice is to NOT book ahead. If you wake up early and see the water is calm, call them (or one of the other companies) to see if they have space. If it's calm, I suspect it will be a fun trip to the reef.
Written December 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We apologize the conditions were not great. Our first priority is safety, so if our captains feel as though it isn't safe, we cannot take our guests out.
We hope you can venture out when the conditions are better!
Thank you
Spirit Snorkeling
Written December 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
William I
9 contributions
Nov 2020
Our group of four enjoyed going out with Capt. Mike and Firstmate Juan. What a day! We're not adrenaline junkies, so there was definitely some anxiety about going out (that's on us, not on Capt. Pip's). But what calmed us down and made it a perfect day was how professional and experienced Capt. Mike and Firstmate Juan were. They always gave clear directions; no one had any interpersonal issues (important during COVID-19); all requirements and restrictions were followed; flotation devices were clean and well kept; and so much more. As we finally got our butts to the side of the boat, I alerted Capt. Mike that some of our group members were anxious. He kept it cool, reassured us of our safety, and took note of our young one who was having the biggest trouble. He gave us some extra noodles, spoke calmly and encouragingly to our teen, and kept a sharp eye on us as we got in. When we got out, Capt. Mike paid special attention to our teen and personally came down to give him a hand up and take care of him. Professional, personable, expert. Cannot say better things about the crew! Capt. Mike, thank you again-- your kindness is the hallmark of our story.
When you plan to ride out with Capt. Pip's crew, check in to see which snorkeling area you can go out to. What we heard is that Pirate's Cove is a bit calmer than Sombrero Reef, so you may want to try for the cove if you have anxious folks with you. Nonetheless, it was a perfect day for our 2020 memory book.
When you plan to ride out with Capt. Pip's crew, check in to see which snorkeling area you can go out to. What we heard is that Pirate's Cove is a bit calmer than Sombrero Reef, so you may want to try for the cove if you have anxious folks with you. Nonetheless, it was a perfect day for our 2020 memory book.
Written November 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write an awesome recommendation, we really appreciate your feedback! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your snorkeling trip! We pride ourselves on safety, fun and exploration! Welcome to the Spirit Snorkeling and Captain Pips Family! Do you mind writing a Google and Facebook review for us?
Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @SpiritSnorkeling
Please come back soon!
Thank you,
Spirit Snorkeling
Written November 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathy S
Madison, WI4 contributions
Feb 2020
Captain Mike and Jenna were interested in the 22 of us having a safe trip and a good snorkeling experience. On the ride out we stopped to view numerous dolphins playing/feeding together. Crew helped us into the water and out again. Great music was played during the journey out and back. Water was choppy. We saw lots of fish. Learned about the old lighthouse in the area. We all received little suckers as the boat headed back to shore. They really helped remove the saltwater taste in our mouths.
Would highly recommend snorkeling with Spirit Snorkeling.
Would highly recommend snorkeling with Spirit Snorkeling.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oledoolin,
We are thrilled you had such a great time! Thank you for coming aboard Spirit Snorkeling! Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We take pride in being safe, professional, and fun! Welcome to the Spirit Snorkeling family! When will you be back? Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @SpiritSnorkeling #SpiritSnorkeling Do you mind writing a Facebook and Google review for us?
Thank you,
Spirit Snorkeling
Written February 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathy B
Coldwater, MI62 contributions
Jan 2020
This is really a great experience. We were lucky and had a fairly calm day and could go out to the reef. Our Captain Dan and Jena were great. We had plenty of time to explore the reef and Dan and Jena made sure we were all well informed and safe. The employees were all very friendly and efficient. I would highly recommend this tour. The price is very reasonable and they had nice new wet suits for rent at a reasonable price.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy,
We are thrilled you had such a great time with Dan and Jena! Thank you for coming aboard Spirit Snorkeling! Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We take pride in being safe, professional, and fun! Welcome to the Spirit Snorkeling family! When will you be back? Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @SpiritSnorkeling #SpiritSnorkeling Do you mind writing a Facebook and Google review for us?
Thank you,
Spirit Snorkeling
Written January 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience