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Build Your Own Adventure – A Private, Customizable Island & Wildlife Tour (4, 6, or 8 Hours)

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Overview

Why settle for a standard tour when you can create your perfect day on the water? With our 4, 6, or 8-hour private charter, you decide how to spend your time—whether it’s snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, exploring historic Egmont Key, relaxing on the pristine sandbars of Passage Key, or spotting dolphins and manatees up close. No crowds, no rush—just your group, your adventure.


The 4-hour trip is ideal for a shorter getaway, offering time to explore Passage Key, enjoy a scenic dolphin and manatee tour, and snorkel in shallow, calm waters. For those who want a fuller experience, our 6- and 8-hour tours allow for even more adventure, with stops at Egmont Key, Passage Key, and Jewfish Key, plus time to visit multiple sandbars and snorkeling locations. Whether you're a beginner looking for easy snorkeling spots or an experienced snorkeler eager to explore deeper waters, we’ll customize the trip to match your interests. All trips can be adapted to end in a perfect Florida sunset!


Call us before your adventure, and we’ll make sure you get everything you want out of your trip! With a spacious, shaded boat, onboard restroom, and plenty of room to stretch out, your journey will be just as comfortable as it is exciting. Bring your favorite drinks, snacks, and a sense of adventure—we’ll take care of the rest!

Highlights

Fully Customizable Private Adventure:  This is your day on the water—whether you want to snorkel, island-hop, relax on a sandbar, or spot dolphins and manatees, we’ll tailor the trip to exactly what you want. Just let us know what’s on your must-do list!


Explore Egmont Key, Passage Key & More: On our 6- and 8-hour tours, you’ll have time to visit Egmont Key, Passage Key, and Jewfish Key, where you can snorkel shipwreck ruins, walk through historic forts, and collect shells on pristine beaches.


Perfect for Beginners & Experienced Snorkelers: Whether it’s your first time snorkeling or you’re looking for deeper water exploration, we’ll take you to the best snorkeling spots for your comfort level—including multiple stops on longer trips!


Spacious, Comfortable & Hassle-Free: No crowds, no rush—just a smooth, relaxing ride on a private boat with plenty of shade, an onboard restroom, and space to stretch out. Bring your favorite drinks and snacks, and we’ll take care of the rest!

★★★★★

"My husband and I and another couple visited AMI last week, and we had the pleasure of booking a 4-hour excursion with Passage Key Dolphin Tours. Bruce, who is the owner of the boat and company, was our captain, and he made the entire experience great from start to finish! We booked our tour online without talking over the phone, and when we boarded the boat, he asked us what we wanted to get out of our excursion and made sure we were all comfortable. The boat was very comfortable and nice—probably the nicest tour boat we've ever been on or seen around the island! We got to see dolphins and then ended up snorkeling around some underwater ruins off Egmont Key. If you don't know the history of Egmont Key, I highly recommend doing some research—it's very interesting! Bruce then took us to the beach on Egmont Key, and we hiked around the island for a couple of hours before returning to the boat. Bruce was a great guide and had plenty of fun stories to entertain us the entire time!"— Jarod E.​

★★★★★

"We booked a four-hour 'Build Your Own Tour' for our 6-year-old’s birthday, and Captain Bruce was excellent! We did beginner’s snorkeling and found sea urchins, sand dollars, and lots of shells! Saw lots of dolphins & manatees, too! Bruce was very informative and fun for our boys. We will definitely be back!"— Ashley S.​

★★★★★

"Amazing 6-hour tour with Captain Bruce & Co-Captain Destiny! We saw everything we wanted to! Shelling on Passage Key, touring Egmont Key, saw dolphins & manatees, & a fantastic eco tour my son loved! You can’t go wrong spending the day with them! Super friendly & worked super hard to make sure we had the best day!"— TJC601​

★★★★★

"We booked Captain Bruce for a 4-hour boat ride to discover nature and dolphins. We had the best time ever! We went to a sandbar to collect sand dollars—Cap't Bruce was a champ and didn't stop until he had at least 10! (not live, of course). We then saw so many dolphins—he knows how to have them follow a wake and jump! Then we went to Bird Island to see our favorite pink duckbills. It was a wonderful trip—the boat is pristine, and it was such a fun day. We can't wait to do it again."— Sharon T.​

★★★★★

"Bruce and Keiko were great. We did the 4-hour boat tour, which involved snorkeling, dolphin sightings, a trip to Egmont Key State Park, and we even had a little time left over to do some sightseeing. The snorkeling equipment was very nice, and they did a great job at telling us different facts about the island as well as educating us on a lot of different Florida-related subjects."— Aj G.​

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does “private tour” mean?

    This means your group will have the entire boat to yourselves—no sharing with strangers! Your experience is completely customized to your interests, whether you want to focus on wildlife watching, island-hopping, snorkeling, sandbar exploring, or simply relaxing on the water. Just let us know what you’d like to do, and we’ll craft the perfect day for you!

  • What if we don’t see dolphins or manatees?

    While nature is unpredictable, we have an over 95% success rate in spotting dolphins and manatees. Our expert captain knows exactly where to go for the best chance of encounters, and we’ll do everything we can to ensure an unforgettable experience! Plus, since this is a custom tour, there’s plenty more to enjoy—snorkeling, island exploring, and shell hunting—so there’s never a dull moment on the water!

  • Can we bring our own cooler and adult beverages?

    Absolutely! You’re welcome to bring your own snacks, drinks, and adult beverages to enjoy during the trip. We just ask that you avoid red wine or anything that may stain the boat’s carpet or seats.

  • What should we bring?

    We recommend bringing:  

    • Polarized sunglasses (for better wildlife spotting)  
    • Non-spray sunscreen (to keep the boat safe)  
    • Water shoes & towels (especially if you plan to explore)  
    • Food & drinks (or a small cooler)  
    • A hat & light jacket (for sun protection or cooler weather)  
    • A camera or phone (for capturing incredible moments!)  
    • Your excitement!
  • Can we visit multiple islands and sandbars?

    Yes! If you book a 6- or 8-hour tour, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Egmont Key, Passage Key, and Jewfish Key—each offering something unique. The 4-hour tour is plenty for just visiting Egmont Key. From snorkeling historic ruins to collecting shells on pristine beaches or swimming in crystal-clear sandbars, you get to choose your own adventure!

  • I have a group of 7. Can we just pay for an extra person?

    Due to Coast Guard regulations, our boat is strictly limited to 6 passengers per trip. If you have a larger group, please contact us to discuss possible accommodations.  

  • I have a child under 3—do they count toward the 6-person limit?

    Yes. Every passenger, regardless of age, counts toward the 6-person limit. Even an infant is considered a passenger under Coast Guard regulations.  

  • Is this tour safe for kids and older adults?

    Absolutely! Our boat is stable, comfortable, and designed for all ages—from toddlers to grandparents. There’s plenty of shaded seating, an onboard restroom, and life jackets in all sizes to keep everyone safe and at ease. Since this tour is fully customizable, we can focus on activities that match your group’s comfort level—whether that’s relaxing on sandbars, exploring islands, or just enjoying a smooth, scenic cruise.

  • What happens if the weather is bad?

    Let’s be honest—Captain Bruce isn’t a fan of bad weather either! If the conditions aren’t safe or enjoyable, we won’t head out. In the event of an operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you’ll receive a full refund or credit—no hassle, no worries. We’ll do our best to reschedule if you’d like, but if Mother Nature isn’t cooperating, we’ve got you covered!

  • I get seasick easily—will this be a problem?

    We totally get it—no one wants to spend their dolphin adventure feeling queasy! The good news? We don’t head out into the open ocean. Our route stays within the calm, protected waters of the intercoastal waterway, where the ride is smooth and easy. Plus, if the waves are acting up, we’re not heading out either—our captain prefers a relaxing cruise over a bumpy ride! If you’re still a little unsure, the shaded open-air seating and fresh sea breeze help most guests feel completely comfortable. Many of our visitors who worry about seasickness end up having no issues at all!

  • What’s the difference between the 4, 6, and 8-hour tours?

    The main difference is how much time you have to explore!

    4 hours: A great half-day option! You’ll have time to see dolphins & manatees, visit a sandbar (like Passage Key), and enjoy some snorkeling or shell hunting.

    6 hours: A bit more time means you can visit Egmont Key & Passage Key, spend longer at each stop, and explore multiple sandbars or snorkeling spots.

    8 hours: The ultimate adventure! You’ll have time to island-hop between Egmont, Passage, and Jewfish Key, snorkel at multiple locations, and enjoy a full day of wildlife, sightseeing, and relaxation.

    No matter which option you choose, your trip is completely customized to what you want to do!

  • Can we snorkel on this tour?

    Yes! If you’d like to add snorkeling, just let us know. We’ll take you to calm, clear-water locations where you can spot colorful fish, sand dollars, sea urchins, and more! Snorkeling can be included in any of our 4, 6, or 8-hour tours, but longer tours allow for multiple snorkeling stops.

  • Can we do a mix of activities on this tour?

    Yes! That’s the best part of a Build Your Own Adventure tour! You can mix and match activities like:

    • Wildlife watching (dolphins, manatees, birds)
    • Island hopping (Egmont Key, Passage Key, Jewfish Key)
    • Snorkeling & shell hunting
    • Exploring historic sites & ruins
    • Relaxing on sandbars

    Just tell us what interests you most, and we’ll create the perfect itinerary!

Price:

4 hours - $550 per private charter

6 hours - $750 per private charter

8 hours - $899 per private charter

Ages:  All ages welcome. Up to 6 passengers.

Duration:  4, 6, or 8 hours