SloPugs

Hello~

I was wondering if anyone has experienced "Mike's Sailing Charters" based in Marathon (or any other private sailing charters that offer snorkel trips). I would be taking my family of 4 (kids 10 & 13). We all swim, but are complete novices to snorkeling and sailing. We are also debating a half day or full day trip (it would be a private charter so we could do what we want, including hanging out at a beach for hours if we get sick of sailing). Any advice or tips on undertaking such an adventure?

buckeyemom

No advice on this particular charter, but make sure the captain is licensed and the boat has passed a Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary Safety Inspection. The Captain should produce his license upon request and the Coast Guard/Auxiliary will put a sticker on the boat stating it passed the safety inspection.

cd

SloPugs
Not familiar with Mikes or sailing in Marathon but we owned a sailboat for seven years on the Great Lakes. Our experience has been that children love snorkeling and beaches but they get bored of sailing. The adults loved laying on deck with drink in hand enjoying the peace of no motor and just watching the water but unless there was activity the kids would beg to drop anchor so they could swim. So maybe 1/2 day of sailing to a place to snorkel would fill the bill. Also check to see if they offer refreshments. Your kids will want something to drink and snack on.

cd

PS explain to your children that heeling is normal for a sailboat...it's the way they navigate and it will NOT tip over.

GoTravel

There is a huge difference between lake sailing and sailing in the ocean and the keys are nearly impossible. A charter sailboat will draw about 6-7 feet of water and the keys are extremely shallow. You will not be able to get close to shore but will be able to anchor in some great places. I've sailed and have done extensive power boating in the keys and while I prefer sailing, powerboating in the keys will give you much more flexibilty. Also, sailboats are notoriously slow and if your family does get sick, it will take you quite a while to get back to the marina. How about trying a couple of hours on a powerboat and if that works, then try the sailing?

SloPugs

Thanks everyone for all the advice! This is the web site if anyone is interested: http://sailing.qserve.net/ I am leaning toward 2 half-day trips: the snorkel-sunset cruise option, and the "Island exploration" 3.5 hr. trip. They take you to an isolated beach and let you hang out as long as you like (we are expert at hanging out) so we don't have to be sailing the whole time. I agree and think a full day of sailing, especially for kids & beginner's like us would be a lot, and that two 1/2-day excursions would be more enjoyable.

Candy210

We took the kids snorkeling out of Looe Key last June. But, it wasn't a sailboat. The boat stopped at three different reefs. It was fabulous(except for those that got seasick). Tons of beautiful fis, sealife, etc.It also had some scuba divers on board.It was out of Looe Key Dive shop. We stayed in Marathon, but drive there . The day trip lasted about 6 hrs.

SloPugs

For anyone who is interested in chartering a boat out to the reef: we had an awesome time with Mike's Charter's in Marathon http://sailing.qserve.net/ They were very friendly and professional, and our whole family had a great time! We chartered 2 trips, a 3 hour sunset/snorkel trip, and a 3-1/2 hour snorkel trip out to Sombrero light. It was perfect! Jeanette, Mike's partner was especially helpful, and both were great with our kids. They had a really nice trimaran (only 5 months old). I would highly recommend Mike's Charters.

Shatzy

Just returned from Florida where we found Mike's Sailing Charters at www.miamibaytours.com. The Half Day Sail was delightful! Captain Mike and his wife Jeanette informed us they had re-located to Key Biscayne and no longer operate out of the Florida Keys. My wife and 2 daughters didn't want to get off their beautiful sailboat. They were kind, courteous and made us feel as friends, rather than customers. We had the boat to ourselves, saw dolphins, pelicans and fishing birds. Enjoyed a stop at a scenic anchorage where the girls could swim without the worry of currents and waves. It's a great way to see South Florida without the crowds. We wish Captain Mike and Jeanette all the best and will definitely sail with them next year!

Shatzy

Mike's Sailing Charters has purchased a new sailing catamaran they call "Waterworld"! This well-equipped multi-hull is located in Tavernier, Florida Keys. Their Christmas email informed us that they are offering scuba, snorkeling, sunset cruises as well as live-aboard excursions with unlimited diving. Check out their website www.sailsouthflorida.com and try out their new floating dive operation. We enjoyed each trip and will return again this March!

jeanetter3280519

The Mike's Sailing Charters we went with was in Tavernier and we were thrilled to sail aboard their new "Waterworld" catamaran. It was just us 4 and our kids snorkeled, my husband and I got the chance to scuba dive and the sailing was awesome in itself! Captain Mike and Jen were hospitable, informative and just a pleasure to share the entire day with. I'd definitely recommend this charter company as they are as unique as you will ever find!