Starfish Catamaran Snorkeling Tour from Marathon – my FAVORITE!

Most snorkeling trips in the Florida Keys are pretty tame and tend to depart from either Key West or Key Largo. The Starfish Catamaran snorkeling tour to Sombrero Reef is one of the coolest boat trips I’ve done in the Keys, and it’s very unassuming when you first consider going. Departing from Marathon, the Starfish takes on the incoming Atlantic Ocean like it’s a weakling lake, blasting across the waves of the Straits of Florida until you get to the Sombrero Reef. This snorkeling tour is not just fun because of the beautiful Florida Keys wildlife when you’re underwater, but because of the journey.

Have you done a snorkeling tour to Sombrero Reef, or have you been out on the Starfish Catamaran? This unique boat tour is one of my favorites and I’m happy to recommend it. If you have any questions about this particular tour or need other recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help others plan an awesome Florida Keys trip!

Why Choose the Starfish Sombrero Reef Snorkeling Tour?

Adventure. That’s why. When people ask me what the ONE TOUR they have to do in the Florida Keys is, I recommend doing the Starfish snorkeling tour. I know that there are so many boats and there are so many beautiful places to visit and there’s so much history, but the Starfish catamaran from Marathon is my legit favorite.

Yes, the snorkeling at the Sombrero Reef Marine Sanctuary is beautiful and one of my top picks for getting to enjoy wildlife in the Florida Keys, but the ocean-going adventure is, I think, one of the most unique water experiences. The Starfish takes you under the Old and New Seven Miles Bridges and then blasts out to the Sombrero Lighthouse. This may not seem like something that’s that different or thrilling, but the speed and soaking wet splashness of the ride really is awesome.

When you board they tell you not to bring anything that you don’t want to get wet and that’s very smart advice. The way the Starfish is constructed, as it hits oncoming waves, they splash over the front and flow through the main area of the boat, soaking the people and everything it the way. It’s so much fun! For sure this is one of the best things to do on Marathon or the Middle Keys.

Tips for the Starfish Snorkeling Tour from Marathon

To prepare for your adventure on the Starfish Catamaran snorkeling tour, be sure you’ve eaten something in advance. You DON’T want to bring snacks with you onboard because they’ll get soaked. If you’re traveling with a drybag, you could bring some simple snacks that don’t make trash with you. Leave your dry towels in your car, because there’s no point in bringing them. The ride back to Marathon from the Sombrero Reef is more calm typically than the ride out, but it’s still a very open boat experience.

When it comes to the actual snorkeling experience, be sure you’re ready with your camera. I love this reef! It’s beautiful with so much color and life. There are some deep crevasses you can peer into, and lots of open space to explore. Don’t forget to snap an in-the-water selfie with the Sombrero Key Lighthouse, which is the tallest light in the Florida Keys.

Gear to Bring on the Sombrero Reef Snorkeling Trip

Before you head out for your snorkeling tour on the Starfish catamaran, be sure you’ve applied your reef-safe sunscreen. Traditional sunscreens cause a lot of damage to marine ecosystems, so make sure you have one that’s not going to cause harm. The boat crew will provide you with snorkeling gear, but if you want to bring your own, you can (I do).

On the boat itself, you only need to bring your photography gear for underwater shots. Do NOT bring a telephoto and all the things you would for other types of wildlife tours. You’ll just need your underwater casing or your phone in a VERY GOOD waterproof case (we recommend a 15 meter rating). You can bring a GoPro if you like, but make sure you’ve got an extender with a strap.

Parking for the Starfish Catamaran on Marathon

There is parking right at the dock for the Starfish catamaran. In front of the dock or just west of it you should have no problem parking. Arrive to the marina plenty early just in case it is a busy day and parking ends up being tricky, but it shouldn’t be too bad. Remember that there are some fishing charters that go out from here too and they tend to leave earlier in the day, so if you can do an afternoon tour, the parking situation for the Starfish catamaran shouldn’t be bad. I feel like this is solid advice for most of the marinas on Marathon, as this is a big Florida Keys fishing destination.