3hr Sightseeing Tour and Peanut Island Sandbar Tour

This 3-hour private boat tour promises a well-rounded taste of West Palm Beach’s stunning waterways, luxurious homes, and vibrant marine life. Led by a licensed captain, it offers a relaxed yet comprehensive experience that combines sightseeing, snorkeling, and a splash of local history—all tailored to your group. The most notable feature? Spending at least an hour anchored off Peanut Island’s beach, where you can snorkel in a lively underwater lagoon accessible by boat only.

What we really like about this tour is how flexible it is. You’re not locked into a rigid schedule; the captain encourages you to spend more time swimming or exploring the coast from the water, making it perfect for families or groups of friends eager for a personalized adventure. A minor consideration is the price—at $700 per group for up to six guests, it’s an investment, but one that delivers quality, intimacy, and plenty of memorable moments.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate a balanced mix of marine exploration, scenic cruising, and a peek into some of Florida’s most exclusive coastal neighborhoods. It’s ideal for those wanting a stress-free, authentic taste of the Palm Beaches without overextending their schedule.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary allows for customized time spent snorkeling or sightseeing.
• Accessible marine life: shallow waters at Peanut Island make snorkeling suitable for all ages.
• Luxury scenery: view multi-million dollar homes, mega yachts, and celebrity residences.
• Educational and fun: learn about the area’s history, notable residents, and marine environment.
• All-in-one experience: combines sightseeing, wildlife spotting, and beach relaxation.
• Private tour: exclusive experience for your group, led by a professional captain.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Booking and Price Point

At $700 for a private tour accommodating up to six guests, this experience offers a solid value, especially considering the personalized service and inclusions like a cooler, ice, bottled water, and a custom itinerary. Booking tends to be made about 17 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. For families or groups seeking a private, intimate outing on the water, it’s a worthwhile spend, with reviews emphasizing the professionalism and friendliness of the captain—most notably, Captain Matt, who received glowing praise for his knowledge and engaging style.

Meeting Point and Duration

The tour begins at Lake Park Harbor Marina, a convenient location in West Palm Beach. The entire experience lasts around three hours, making it a perfect half-day escape that doesn’t interfere with other plans. The boat used is private, meaning only your group will be on board, adding to the relaxed, intimate feel.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Peanut Island Park

The star of this trip, Peanut Island, is a man-made paradise created during the development of the Lake Worth inlet. It’s only accessible by boat, which makes this private tour especially appealing. Once anchored, you’ll spend at least an hour relaxing on the beach or exploring the shallow snorkel lagoon, where vibrant marine life flourishes just beneath the surface. Reviewers love how shallow the waters are—no full snorkel gear needed—just goggles and towels, making it accessible for everyone, including kids.

The underwater scene is described as an “underwater oasis” with thousands of colorful fish, sea stars, and other marine creatures. The shallow waters allow for easy swimming, and the marine life is so abundant that some guests have been within arm’s reach of manatees, sea turtles, and rays during the season (December through March). As Ron_P noted, “We learned all kinds of interesting facts on our tour before enjoying the water,” highlighting how Captain Matt’s commentary enriches the experience.

Scenic Waterway Tour

After the island stop, the tour continues with a leisurely cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway, passing by some of the most expensive homes in the country, including those of celebrities like Sylvester Stallone. You’ll get a glimpse of the opulence and learn about the area’s history and residents, from past to present. Many guests appreciate how the captain points out key landmarks such as West Palm Beach’s downtown, Mar-A-Lago, and the Blue Heron Bridge.

Wildlife and Marine Life Viewing

A frequent highlight is the chance to see manatees, especially during the peak season, along with sea turtles, rays, and other marine creatures. The proximity of these animals during the tour is a big plus, providing an almost personal connection with nature. Nancy_L remarked, “Captain Matt provided us with a memorable sightseeing tour and fun was had by all in the waters of Peanut Island,” emphasizing the engaging storytelling of the guide.

What Makes It Stand Out?

• The customizable nature of the tour means you can spend more or less time snorkeling, sightseeing, or relaxing.
• The boat itself is equipped with a cooler, ice, and bottled water, ensuring you stay refreshed.
• The shallow waters at Peanut Island make it perfect for all ages, especially if snorkeling isn’t your thing but you still want to see marine life.
• The view of luxury homes and mega yachts provides a glamorous backdrop, making the trip feel like a slice of Florida’s elite lifestyle.

Practical Details

Travelers should note that gratuities are not included (industry standard is 15-20%), and guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks and adult beverages (excluding red wine). The tour is fully private, so it’s tailored to your group’s interests, whether that’s more snorkeling, sightseeing, or simply soaking up the scenery.

The boat boarding process involves a water-level ladder, so mobility considerations are worth noting. Weather plays a role—poor weather cancels the trip, but a full refund or rescheduling is offered.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect if you’re seeking a personalized, relaxed day on the water in West Palm Beach. It suits families with children, groups of friends, or couples who appreciate the option to customize their outing. It’s also ideal for marine life enthusiasts eager to see manatees or those wanting a combination of sightseeing and beach time without the crowds or rush of larger tour groups.

If you’re drawn to luxury scenery and waterfront homes—including celebrity estates—and want to learn about the area’s history from a knowledgeable captain, this tour checks all those boxes.

Final Thoughts

For those looking for a well-rounded, private adventure in West Palm Beach, this 3-hour tour is a stellar choice. The blend of marine exploration, scenic cruising past multimillion-dollar homes, and the chance to snorkel at Peanut Island offers genuine value and an authentic Florida experience. It’s especially suited for travelers who prioritize flexibility and personal attention.

While the price tag might seem high at first glance, the exclusive nature of the tour, guided by a captain praised for his friendliness and knowledge, makes it worthwhile. It’s a great option for travelers who want to combine relaxation, wildlife viewing, and luxury scenery into a single memorable outing.

In short, if you want a cozy, customizable water adventure that hits all the highlights of West Palm Beach, this tour delivers—making it a solid investment in your Florida vacation memories.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the shallow waters and relaxed pace make it perfect for families, especially since full snorkel gear isn’t required.

How long do we spend snorkeling at Peanut Island?
You’ll spend at least one hour anchored at Peanut Island, enjoying the underwater scenery and marine life.

Can I spend more time exploring other parts of West Palm Beach?
Yes, the captain encourages customizing your time—whether that’s swimming, sightseeing, or relaxing on the boat.

What should I bring?
Bring towels, goggles, snacks, and adult beverages if desired (excluding red wine). Sunscreen isn’t permitted on board.

Are there any hidden costs?
Gratuities are not included but are appreciated. Bring extra drinks or snacks to enhance your experience.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, poor weather cancels the trip, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people can join?
Up to six guests can join in this private experience, making it intimate and exclusive.

This West Palm Beach tour offers an engaging mix of natural beauty, luxury, and local flavor—perfect for anyone seeking a memorable, personalized day on the water.