KEY WEST PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
Echo 3: A Private Catamaran Day That Puts Key West’s Waterways in Your Hands
A private day charter aboard Catamaran Echo 3 in Key West offering customizable shallow-water snorkeling, wild dolphin encounters, sandbar parties and dedicated crew service for your group.
Echo 3: A Private Catamaran Day That Puts Key West’s Waterways in Your Hands.
A converted 41' x 23' sailing yacht refitted for inspected USCG passenger service, Catamaran Echo 3 runs private day charters out of Uptown Key West. The operator tailors each day to your priorities—snorkel sites, wild dolphin families, sandbar parties (tide permitting) or simply sailing—so groups can shape a short, focused outing or a longer multi-activity cruise.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Spacious, inspected catamaran
Echo 3 is a former sailing yacht upgraded for USCG inspected passenger service and sized at 41' x 23'. The operator advertises private day charters that can host up to 25 guests (the vessel is licensed for 30).
Snorkeling, dolphins and sandbar time
Crews will target shallow-water snorkeling, encounters with local wild dolphin families, sandbar parties (tide permitting) and wildlife refuge tours—choosing spots based on wind and tides.
A tailored private day on the Keys
Itineraries are personalized: shorter 3‑hour charters typically allow a single focus (dolphins or snorkeling or sandbar), while the popular 4‑hour charters let you combine two activities or enjoy more sailing time.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You step aboard at the marina, and the day is choreographed to your group’s priorities—crew, boat and local knowledge funnel you to sheltered shoals for snorkeling, to pods of wild dolphins for a respectful viewing, or to a sandbar for an anchored party when tides allow. The tempo changes with trip length: a condensed 3‑hour outing focuses on one highlight; a 4‑hour private charter stretches toward two activities and more sailing time.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private charter suits best—and important limits to know.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Private day charters run 3 to 4 hours; a 3‑hour booking typically lets you target one activity, while 4 hours is most popular for combining two activities or enjoying more sailing time.
Embark at The Perry Resort and Marina in Uptown Key West; confirmation emails provide complete dock and boarding instructions.
Bring sun protection, a swimsuit, a towel, and a camera or phone in a dry bag; follow crew guidance for any extra gear required for snorkeling or water activities.
Charter rates vary by trip length and number of passengers; to see total costs select a date and enter group details—payment and confirmation follow online booking.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long are the private charters?
Private charters are offered for 3 to 4 hours; 3‑hour trips typically allow one activity while 4‑hour trips let you combine activities or enjoy more sailing time.
Where do we meet the boat?
Echo 3 departs from The Perry Resort and Marina in Uptown Key West; full directions are included in the confirmation email after booking.
How many people can I bring?
You can bring up to 25 people on Echo 3 as offered in the listing (the vessel is licensed for 30). Private charter pricing depends on passenger count and trip length.
Do guests need to sign waivers?
Yes—after booking you will receive an 'Action Required' email with a link so each guest can sign a passenger waiver online; waivers are requested for all ages.
What happens after I book?
After booking you’ll receive two emails: one with an 'Action Required' link for passenger waivers, and a confirmation email containing complete reservation and trip details from dock logistics to crew tipping guidance.
Can the crew change the itinerary?
Yes—crew will choose the best destinations based on wind and tides and may change plans for safety and optimal conditions; sandbar stops are tide dependent.