Spirit Snorkeling, Marathon

The man the last commenter spoke about died. His boat left without doing a head count and just left him in the water.

We found a man lying unconscious in the reef (from another boat). Other people in our boat performed CPR for a long time until He was rescued and air lifted to Miami (not sure of his condition). The current on the reef was terrible. I, an experienced snorkler, had difficulty in the water and found myself using the inflatable life jacket. I was exhausted from swimming back the boat after all the commotion (already being in the water I did not know yet of the unconscious man). I was terrified. This trip is not for beginners or those who cannot swim (as their website says). I asked for a refund and they did not respond to my request. If you an a trip with them please be careful. Use your life jacket and swim with a buddy.

Went out on the Spirit last week and had a horrible time. We asked before paying what the conditions were on the reef and were told the seas were 2 feet and visibility was great. NOT TRUE! As we went out the seas were getting worse, one man got sick over the side and he was used to boats. When we got to the reef the seas were at least 5 feel and visibilty was bad. I went in for about 5 minutes and realized the conditions were not for anyone but a VERY strong swimmer. Others got out of the water right away also. I also ended up being seasick, something which never happens to me, because the boat was being thrown around in all different directions. I spoke to a Bahia Honda boat operator the next day and he said they didn't even go out the day before because of the conditions. Spirit should have been honest too and not gone out that day but I guess the almighty dollar rules with this company. I would say "Stay Away" from this outfit. Go to Bahia Honda or Pennecamp where they will tell the truth and not just take your money. I have emailed Spirit 3 times since our horrible experience and they don't even have the courtesy to respond.

My family of five took the afternoon snorkeling tour on the Spirit cat and it was amazing. The Captain and 1st Mate were exceptional. They really understand working in a service environment and made the outing enjoyable while keeping everyone safe. The reef was beautiful and we were surrounded by colorful fish of very variety. We saw several large barracudas that swam away when noticed and stayed at a safe distance. The boat has a fresh water shower and snacks/drinks if you need them. We chose to take our own gear but there was plenty available on the boat. Parking was a bit tight at the launch point so arrive a bit early. This was one of our best days in the Keys.

What a great experience! Sometimes, boat operators can be kind of snotty, but we felt so welcome on Spirit Snorkeling. The staff was so kind, from booking with Renee, to the first mate John, to the Captain! They made everybody feel comfortable and were always with helpful advice. Even novice snorkelers would feel comfortable. Just an awesome experience that made everyone on board feel great! We even saw a family of dolphins and the Captain stopped the boat--very special!

We had a wonderful time on the Spirit Catamaran. Very nice captain and crew. The trip was enjoyable and the snorkeling at Sombrero reef was great! We would go back to this business without hesitation.

We had a wonderful experience snorkling at the sombrero lighthouse reef with Captain Nancy.It was the first time either of our two children had ever tried snorkling and the crew was patient, helpful, and attentive. Each child on board was invited to help steer the boat. Cold drinks and chips were available for purchase at very reasonable prices. Our five year old was even given a raft with a window to use when she no longer felt like swimming. We can't wait to go again next time we're in Marathon.

What a fantastic trip! Not only was the price about $5 cheaper than other area snorkeling trips, but the experience was fantastic! They took us out to Sombrero Reef and were surrounded by many schools of fish as soon as we left the boat. Further swimming above this shallow reef revealed many species of fish, two sea turtles and a shark. All this to the sound of calypso music coming from the boat. Capt. Bill and Sandy were helpful and cheery, and the boat ride to and from the reef was wonderful... we even saw dolphins! If ever in the area, PLEASE utilize them... its MORE than worth it!

We have gone out with the folks at Spirit many times and always have a very enjoyable time. The staff is helpful, courteous and maintain a very safe environment for every one on board.