West Palm Beach: Private Peanut Island Boat & Snorkel Tour

Peanut Island is the star here: a small tropical escape reached by boat from West Palm Beach, with time for snorkeling, swimming, and an easy walk ashore. I like the private format, which gives your group up to six people the boat to yourselves, and I like the practical extras: gear, water, ice, fuel, and a cooler are already covered.

I also like that you can bring your own drinks and snacks and play your own music through the boat stereo. The main catch is the price: $850 per group, so it makes far more sense for six people than for two, and three hours can feel brief if your group wants a long swim and a slow island visit.

Key points at a glance

• Peanut Island gets the main 90-minute visit: You have time for swimming, snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and a walk along the island.
• The boat is private for up to six people: You can set the pace and enjoy your own group rather than sharing the outing with strangers.
• Two pickup choices simplify the day: Meet at Phil Foster Park, 900 Blue Heron Boulevard, or at 141 South Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach.
• Bring your own refreshments: Water and ice are supplied, while your food, soft drinks, and other beverages go in the onboard coolers.
• Your own playlist is welcome: Connect your phone to the boat stereo for a more personal afternoon on the water.
• Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included: You do not need to rent the basic equipment separately.

Why Peanut Island makes a good three-hour escape

This tour works because it keeps the day simple. You board a private boat, ride out to Peanut Island, spend the bulk of your time around the island, then return with a short scenic stop near Palm Beach Island.

Peanut Island offers two ways to enjoy the outing. You can get into the water around the island, where the tour focuses on swimming, snorkeling, and marine life. Or you can stay mostly dry and explore the island on foot, using the walkways and shoreline viewpoints for photos.

That choice matters for mixed groups. One person may want to snorkel while another prefers a calm stroll and a look at the water. Since this is a private trip, you are not locked into a single activity for the entire visit.

The island also gives you a taste of the Palm Beach area without requiring a full-day excursion. The scenery comes from the water, the coastline, and the changing views as you move between West Palm Beach, Peanut Island, and Palm Beach Island.

Boarding at Phil Foster Park or downtown West Palm Beach

You can choose between two pickup locations: Phil Foster Park at 900 Blue Heron Boulevard or 141 South Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach.

The best choice depends on where you are staying and which part of the city fits your plans. A downtown pickup may be handy if you are already near central West Palm Beach. Phil Foster Park gives you another clear meeting point on the waterfront.

Pickup is included, and the boat comes with a captain and first mate. That is useful for a private outing because you can focus on the view, your group, and the water rather than handling the boat yourself.

The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible. Still, if anyone in your party needs specific boarding assistance, it is sensible to confirm the details when booking. The information confirms accessibility, but it does not spell out the exact boarding setup.

The first 30 minutes: a scenic ride toward Peanut Island

The trip begins with a boat ride toward Peanut Island. The first part is not just transportation. It gives you time to settle in, take photos, connect your phone to the stereo, and enjoy the views along the water.

The boat has a cooler with water and ice, so you can bring snacks and drinks without needing to arrange a separate stop. Food and drinks are not included, so plan ahead before boarding. Pack items that are easy to share and easy to keep secure on a boat.

You will also have life jackets and snorkeling gear supplied. That keeps the packing list short. You need sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and anything you want to eat or drink.

This is a good time to use sunscreen carefully. You will be exposed to sun both on the boat and around the island, and the water can make the glare stronger. Sunglasses and a towel are not minor extras here. They make the ride and the time ashore more comfortable.

Ninety minutes around Peanut Island

The central part of the experience lasts about an hour and a half. This is where the tour shifts from a scenic boat ride to an active island visit, with snorkeling, swimming, wildlife viewing, and a guided look at Peanut Island.

The snorkeling is the main draw for anyone who wants time in the water. The tour visits local snorkeling spots around the island, and the supplied gear means you can get started without arranging equipment on your own.

The available information does not promise a particular species or a guaranteed water condition. Marine life and visibility can change, so you should think of this as an opportunity to see what the area offers on the day rather than a fixed wildlife show.

I like the flexibility of the water time. You can snorkel, swim, or split your time between the water and the island. The tour is not aimed only at serious snorkelers, which makes it a better fit for families and friends with different comfort levels.

On land, walk the scenic paths and look for broad water views. The island’s coastline provides a change of pace after the boat ride, and it gives you better chances for group photos than trying to gather everyone on a moving boat.

The ninety-minute stop is generous enough for a real taste of the island, but it is not an all-day visit. If you want a long swim, an unhurried walk, and lots of time for photos, keep an eye on the clock. A private boat gives you some flexibility, but the overall tour still lasts three hours.

A short look at Palm Beach Island

After Peanut Island, the route includes about 30 minutes around Palm Beach Island. This portion is described as a photo stop, sightseeing, marine life viewing, and a scenic ride.

It gives the tour a pleasant finish. You have already had your active time around Peanut Island, and now you can sit back for views from the water. Keep your camera ready, since the ride itself is part of the sightseeing.

This stop is shorter and less activity-focused than Peanut Island. Do not book the tour expecting a second long beach visit. Think of it as a final look at the Palm Beach setting before returning to your pickup point.

What the private format changes

The boat holds a private group of up to six people. That is the most important factor in judging the price.

At $850 for the entire group, six people would pay about $142 each if the cost is divided evenly. For four people, the figure rises to about $213 per person. For two, it becomes $425 each. The private format has real value for a full group, but the cost is harder to justify for a couple unless privacy and personal control matter more than the per-person price.

A private tour also helps with the mood of the day. You can bring your own playlist, share your own snacks, and spend more time with the people you came with. There is no need to adapt to another group’s music, swimming pace, or photo stops.

The tradeoff is that you are paying for the whole boat, not just individual seats. If your group is small, compare the total cost with other West Palm Beach boat options before booking.

The crew and the feel on the water

Live Free Diving provides the captain and first mate. Their role covers the boat operation, the outing’s schedule, and support during the snorkeling portion.

The crew has been praised for creating a safe, upbeat atmosphere and for explaining the marine life seen along the way. The boat itself has been described as clean, organized, and well maintained, which matters when you are carrying towels, coolers, snorkeling equipment, and personal items in a limited space.

You should still listen closely to the crew’s safety instructions. Life jackets are included, but you decide how much time to spend in the water, so honest communication about swimming comfort is important.

The tour is offered in English. If your group needs another language, this experience may not be the right fit.

What to pack for a comfortable afternoon

The official packing list is short, but each item has a job:

• Sunglasses for glare on the water
• Sunscreen for the boat and island time
• Swimwear if you plan to snorkel or swim
• A towel for the ride back
• Drinks and snacks, since food and beverages are not included

Water and ice are supplied in the onboard cooler. You can bring your own refreshments and keep them cold, but choose containers that travel well and do not create a mess on the boat.

A phone is also worth bringing if you want to use your own music. The boat stereo can connect to your phone, so you can choose the soundtrack for the ride. Keep the phone protected around water, especially if you plan to use it for photos.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and life jackets. You do not need to bring separate rental gear unless you have personal equipment you prefer to use.

Who will get the most from this tour

I would recommend this outing to a group of friends or family members who can fill most of the six available spaces. The price becomes much more reasonable when shared, and the private setup lets everyone enjoy the boat together.

It also suits groups with mixed interests. Strong swimmers can spend more time snorkeling, while others can explore Peanut Island on foot or stay aboard for the views. The combination of water time and a walk makes the day less one-note than a pure snorkeling trip.

This is a good choice if you want a short, active break from West Palm Beach and prefer a private boat to a larger shared excursion. It also works well for people who like bringing their own snacks and music.

You may want a different plan if you want a full-day island outing, a long beach stay, or a trip built around a specific animal sighting. The schedule is compact, and the main island visit lasts about 90 minutes.

Practical booking details that matter

The tour lasts three hours, with starting times depending on availability. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your West Palm Beach plans are not fully settled.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. That gives you some protection when weather or other plans may affect your schedule, although you should still check the current booking terms before paying.

Pickup and drop-off are available at the same two locations: Phil Foster Park or 141 South Flagler Drive. The tour is private, wheelchair accessible, and conducted in English.

The listed price includes the boat, captain, first mate, snorkeling equipment, cooler with water and ice, life jackets, and fuel. It does not include food or drinks, so the simplest plan is to buy those before boarding.

My verdict: book it for a full private group

Book this Peanut Island tour if you can bring several friends or family members and want a relaxed private day with real water time. The strongest points are the 90-minute island visit, the choice between snorkeling and walking, the included equipment, and the freedom to bring your own refreshments and music.

The price is the deciding issue. At $850, it is not a casual budget activity for two people, but it can be a fair group splurge when divided among six. I would choose it for a small celebration, a family outing, or a friends’ day when having the boat to yourselves matters.

Skip it if your main goal is the lowest possible per-person cost or a long, unhurried visit to Peanut Island. For everyone else, this is a tidy three-hour way to get on the water, see the Palm Beach coast, and enjoy one of the area’s most accessible island escapes.

FAQ

How much does the Peanut Island boat tour cost?

The tour costs $850 per private group of up to six people. The per-person cost depends on how many people share the booking.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts three hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where can I meet the boat?

Pickup is available at Phil Foster Park, 900 Blue Heron Boulevard, or at 141 South Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach. Drop-off is available at the same locations.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included with the boat trip.

Are food and drinks included?

No. You need to bring your own food and drinks. The boat provides a cooler with water and ice for storage.

Can I play my own music?

Yes. You can connect your phone to the boat stereo and play your own playlist.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers reserve now and pay later booking.