Reef Roamer

I got married in Islamorada in November and enlisted Mary Jo at Reef Roamer to help me plan a day trip for out of towners. She went over and above to accommodate our 40 person group. She set up a private page for us to pay online and sign up, she answered endless questions, helped me plan food and drinks special to our day, and was great to work with. She was always available and professional and I would recommend using this company for any event. we have a great day and all my guests loved the experience. Just make sure you get Mary Jo to help you!

Great experience! The sea was rough so we couldn’t go to the 2 places they stop so we stayed on one place for 2 hrs. The captain and shipmate Casey were very nice and informative.
I normally get sea sick easy but this boat ride was great even in rough seas. It’s a huge catamaran, wide and spacious. Great experience for the price compared to others. You can rent snorkeling geat. For a family of 4 it cost us about $ 160 plus tipping the shipmate.

I have been to several snorkeling trips in Key Largo within the last few years with different companies, this was certainly the worst. We were on the catamaran called quicksilver, which was very slow: we spend 2 hours (of the 4 hour trip) smelling diesel fumes out in the sun. There is very limited shade on the boat, and the boat was packed to limit. While the captain and the mate were generally nice, they smoked throughout the trip, which is unprofessional to say the least. Most boats I have taken snorkeling trips have free water, which quite necessary for a 4-​trip in summer, but not this one. Make sure you have cash to purchase water and soda. We went to two locations. The first reef was rather small, while the second one was decent. Makes me wonder why go to the first location at all?
Long story short: pay a little more get on a decent boat.

We joined the captain and first mate Kate on the sunset snorkel, what a pleasure it was! The captain was friendly and I felt completely confident that I was in good hands. Kate did a thorough job explaining safety and giving some tips for our snorkel excursion. Once we got to the reef we had a full hour in the water. The complimentary rum punch during sunset was an added bonus.
I was pleased with the experience and would recommend this company to others.

Granted conditions were not good but I’m not convinced that it would be under ideal conditions. The sail out was nice but the snorkeling sucked and it seemed the crew knew as much. We should have just gone to John Pennekamp coral reef state park for a fraction of the cost. Oh and the captain of the boat– what a curmudgeon ! Connor was effusive and we felt bad and tipped him anyway — but it wasn’t because is the snorkeling it was Christmas Eve! We saw no animals, it was windy and choppy and no one even snorkeled in the 2^nd site — which get this was in the other side of the already bad reef!

Took the Family out on the Sunset Snorling cruise with Capt. Glen and First Mate Kate on the Quicksilver March 31, 2015. The best way I can describe it is to say it was like going out with old Friends! Their warmth and hospitality were far beyond anything we expected. They both made us feel welcome and genuinely appreciated, and they had us cracking up before we even left the dock. On top of that, their knowledge and focus on safety definitely gave you confidence knowing that you were in good hands. I would not hesitate to sail with them again or to recommend them to my Family and Friends. Top notch crew, top notch boat in the turquoise waters of Key Largo, what’s not to love!

We had a great time! The Crew were amazing and very attentive. We took the snorkel tour with pennekamp park last year and the crew were cranky. We did however see more fish on the tour through pennekamp park, that may have just been because the time of year.

Wow. I have never been more upset or disappointed about a reservation made ahead of time.
My relatives came down from Connecticut and wanted to try out snorkeling. We booked a morning reservation for the day after they flew in to West Palm Beach, days in advance. We woke up at 5 am in order to make it to the reservation time at 830.
After driving 2 hours we showed up, excited to snorkel and happy to be out of the car. The girl who was at the kiosk was on the phone when we walked up. She told us that she was speaking with the «boat captain» and he had to cancel our reservation because he had to change the oil. Yes, you read that correctly, he decided that early in the morning on a Sunday, that he needed to change the oil.
So not only did they already have our money through a third party reservation, but now we had to get our refund. Mind you it’s after 830, all boats for morning trips leave by 9 and we have to call to get our refund.
Needless to say, this guy ruined our morning. The attendant was basically his scape goat and it was a pretty lame excuse. They have a nice website and pretty good prices but obviously they can’t hold up on their end of the deal which is ridiculous.
Also they point you in the direction of other snorkel sites but like I said before, everything leaves by 9 and a lot of places require reservation. I highly recommend you don’t go here.

We have enjoyed both the snorkeling and sunset cruises from Reef Roamers. The staff is helpful and friendly, and it is a great way to experience the Keys vibe. Make sure you arrive early, and pack some snacks. Drinks are available for a reasonable price.

Went out for 12:30 4.5 hour tour. Apparently the 9am tour only had one jellyfish sting, but for our tour basically everyone who snorkeled got stung. For me, the stings weren’t that painful but for others it was more painful and caused swelling. I was stung about 5 times but again, that was like 5 ant bites. Know before you go. We spent very little time at second location as most did not snorkel because of jellyfish and water visibility (which was limited)

When I called to make a reservation two days ago I was told when and where to show up by a very friendly employee on the phone. I wish I would’ve gotten her name. It would’ve been most helpful after I drove from Ft. Lauderdale to their location in Key Largo (between 90 minutes and two hours), excited for my snorkeling trip this afternoon.
I arrived exactly where I needed to be and approached the desk, and when I couldn’t find anyone to help me, I called them. The lady that answered the phone today said she didn’t have anyone booked for the trip, and they called to let everyone who had reservations know that trips for the day were cancelled. Everyone except me. I explained when I called and what I was told, but no resolution. I was very disappointed that I drove round trip approximately 4 hours, incurred the cost of gasoline and tolls, only to find out I had essentially been stood up.
The reason they get two stars instead of one is because the lady this afternoon was genuinely apologetic and I could tell she felt terrible about the mixup. It was not unnoticed, I truly appreciate her concern. But unfortunately it doesn’t make up for my time and effort to give the company my business when they cannot even provide a telephone call.
My advice: be proactive, call them the day of your trip. While it seems like the burden should fall on the business, and I realize mistakes happen, it would have saved me time and trouble had I just taken care of it myself.

The crew was friendly, helpful, and very accommodating. Sam went out of her way to make sure we had a great time. We had our 16 year old and two year old along for the trip and Sam made sure we had all to right gear so our two year old could snorkel with us. It was a great trip and well worth the price!
We had a full hour to snorkel. The boat ride to the reef and back was about twenty minutes each way. We will definitely do this again when we visit the Keys next year!

To ensure that we could go on the 1230 trip, we called first and were told that we would have to wait to see if 6 people signed up, but if that wasn’t possible we would be referred to another company at noon so we would still be going out for the same trip. We waited. More than 6 people signed up so we paid for the trip, and waited to board. We waited, and waited some more. At 1240, we were called to the kiosk and told that the boat had an engine problem and wouldn’t be going out. We asked about the other boat and were told that it wasn’t able to either as it is being prepared for a coast guard inspection. So-​We were left with the option to go to the other company, wait 2 more hours to go on a shorter and more expensive trip. Never again reef roamer.

I visited this location because I purchased a groupon and my experience is bittersweet.
The lady at the check in desk is snappy and somewhat rude when it comes to filling out the waivers and providing the printed out groupons.
However, the minute we stepped onto the ship it was a different story! The captain and first mate were so nice and informative regarding everything. They work for tips, so don’t be stingy — they deserve it!
My only complaint was my personal experience… The day was beautiful and the water was perfect! However, I jumped into the water and immediately had to turn around and get out due to the herds of jelly fish that were EVERYWHERE. It got to the point where everyone on the boat with the exception of about 5 people were just sitting there because they had either got stung or were too scared to jump in. Mind you, this was only 5 – 10 minutes after we arrived so we had to sit on the boat for about 30 – 40 minutes doing absolutely nothing. Other then that, over 20+ people got stung by them and they were good about providing ammonia or advice to relieve the pain. I know these guys are aware of the jelly fish situation considering they’re out on the water everyday so I felt cheated because I would’ve liked to have been informed.
The experience would’ve been perfect otherwise but I definitely feel like I wasted my money, gas and time driving down to key largo to snorkel. I’ve even snorkeling in Miami a handful of times and this has never been a problem.

So the weather was less than favorable and they have the unfriendliest lady verbally assaulting the grouponers for not bringing the printed groupons and demanding cash but once my bf and i were aboard the Reef Roamer things changed. The captain and the first mate were very different from Helen the Barracuda (i don’t know if thats her name, i just think her name should be Helen the Barracuda since she has the charm of a car salesman born in the 9^th circle of hell).
Choppy weather and angry barracuda lady aside we had a blast and saw many flourescently coloured parrot fish and sea fans to contrast the murky water. You have to wear a vest and look like an oceanic dork but you can’t beat the equipment rental included if you don’t happen to own flippers and a good mask. I’ll definitely go again, thats how nice it was. I set aside Helen, she’s probably a part owner since the captain was getting an earful as we were departing and i have reason to believe it was that angry lady complaining about how everyone was late for the 9am snorkel. Calm down Helen. Life isn’t that horrible.
This is a great morning activity and a refereshing getaway if you want to get out of the city and get oceanic.

We had a great time this week on the Reef Roamer. We purchased a groupon and even though we barely made it by 9 am they let us on the boat which was very kind of them. They called out to make sure we would make it on the morning ride. They were all very friendly and wasted no time.
Loved that they serve beer and drinks on the boat for a great price ($ 3 — beers $ 2 — sodas).
Would recommend to anyone.

My fiancé and I had a great time snorkeling aboard the Reef Roamer’s catamaran and it has been one of my best memories to date! It was an amazing time and it’s worth every penny. For such a wonderful experience, it was a super deal.
Captain Hans and his firstmate Allan were both great! They were very welcoming and both are very knowledgeable. Allan was really helpful with suggestions on where to dine and what to see around the area. He’s been helpful with tips on snorkeling and what we could look for when we’re in the water. Being on board with Hans and Allan was comforting, they’re both skilled seamen.
My fiancé and I have been snorkeling for years and Allan taught us something that we’ve been amazed with — How to have your mask never ever fog. For a long time, I’ve just been spitting on the inside of my goggles and it would still fog up. I’m so glad I don’t have to do that anymore.
Drinks and snacks were for sale on board but are cash only (they take credit for the cost of the trip and snorkeling gear if you need it). You can bring your own stuff and I suggest bringing a small cooler with a drink or two. We brought beef jerky with us along with a small cooler. After a full afternoon of snorkeling, we were thirsty and hungry but the beef jerky did fine until we were able to get to dinner.
Be prepared to use the ocean as your bathroom so «go» before you go on board and I suggest not having a big meal just before a trip, just for generally being limber and ready for an adventure. Call them to reserve your spots ahead of time. This could be a really romantic and adventurous thing to do with someone special. My fiancé and I happen to be aboard with everyone else who were a couple near our age so it worked out for us.
Be honest when they ask if you have never been snorkeling before or if you don’t know how to swim. I can’t see how any of us could drown (but any idiot will take up that challenge), it was very shallow water and unless you’re weighed down somehow, you should be floating with minimal effort on your part. But not to worry if you have never been or don’t know how to swim. Soak up the sun, enjoy the sea breeze, love life!

I have never snorkeled in my life, but my friend wanted to take me while I was visiting Miami. We showed up the morning of and booked our spot for a Sunday morning snorkel trip. The 9am trip snorkels for about 1 hr at 1 site and returns around 11:30am. Sounded great for a noob. It cost about $ 27 plus $ 8 to rent goggles, flippers. You are required to wear a safety vest. They have other trips, including a longer afternoon trip to 2 sites and an evening champagne cruise. Accepts credit cards.
They have their safety spiel down pat, complete with jokes. There were 3 crew members who were attentive and encouraging. We rode out into the ocean for aobut 30 – 40 min. We were the only boat out there that morning. They advised us to stay in front of the boat where the reefs were and not behind the boat with the rocks. They did not get in the water, only staying at the back of the boat to keep an eye on all the snorkelers. They really watched everyone to be alert for any sign of trouble. I took their «panic by the boat, not out at the reef» advice very seriously and only lasted about 15 min in the water, straying off the rope once. It was super scary to be out in water, not be able to see the ocean floor, and having to breathe out my mouth with the goggle gear. My friend was encouraging, telling me I had great form, but I think I need to start in a kiddie pool.
There are drinks for sale on the boat which were offered after snorkeling and on the ride back to shore. I learned that I get seasick and vomited about 10 min into the ride back and then 1.25 hrs later arriving back in Miami. Thinking back, I often get sick on anything other than river ferries and kayaks. I think I’m going to stay off boats forever. And snorkel in a swimming pool. And only do land entry. But this company was great!

I am a Scuba Diver. However, my mom is my dive buddy and she lives in Michigan. I only Snorkel sometimes because my fiancée has problems with her ears. Also, when I have to pay, snorkeling is nice because it is quite a bit cheaper. I own all my own dive gear, but it always costs a pretty penny to go on a dive trip.
We came down for a quick Birthday celebration and stayed at the Suites at Key Largo by the Key West Inn. Great place to stay for the price, check out my review. Well, the Reef Roamer is right down the road. You could walk there if you wanted. We opted to drive because we had to head back to Tampa after snorkeling, but figured the info was helpful to the rest of the Unilocalers trying to make trip plans.
Reef Roamer was great. The crew was friendly and knowledgeable. The told us about some other the other nearby dive sites, some of which I had been to before (like Molasses Reef). They had decent gear, even though we had our own, my fiancée used their flippers and was more than happy. The reef they took us to was great. Depth between 1ft and 2ft, perfect for snorkeling. Saw some barracuda, squid, trumpet fish, and tons of other fish that swarm Pennekamp like parrotfish. Out of all my times scuba diving, I have never seen squid swimming around. I saw a whole school of squid. It was really cool. The barracuda was also one of the biggest that I have even seen.
There was maybe 2 ft waves and some current, but the parked the boat down current, so it was a little more difficult to get out to the good snorkel portion of the reef, but a very easy swim back to the boat. The latter/​stairs to get back onto the boat was so easy. Everything was so much easier than scuba diving (which is a good thing for my fiancée and a MEH! thing for me).
Nevertheless, the colors were brilliant and anything that has to do with the water makes me very happy. It was a great birthday and for all those that are uncomfortable with diving but still want to see the natural underwater beauty of Pennekamp, Reef Roamer is a good bet.

My sister bought a Groupon through this company, but we also paid for one of the tickets at regular price and it still seemed quite affordable. The lady that manned the booth when you arrive was quite bursque, however the actual boat crew were very friendly and outgoing, and made it a great experience.
We had plenty of time in the water and a big area to explore, though there were at least 3 other boats with snorkelers at the same spot, so we kept running into each other.
The reef destination was amazing though, the visibility was really clear, and we saw a ton of different fish — Ive been snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, Aruba, etc. and this was by far the best «views» I’ve seen so far!