Orange and purple goldfish swimming in aquarium with green plants at Butler Beach

Orange goldfish swimming in aquarium with green plants and decorations in Florida City FL

White grunt fish swimming underwater with yellow stripes and fins at Butler Beach

Orange and red fish swimming near coral reef in blue water, adventure fishing in Florida City FL

Orange and white goldfish swimming with flowing fins against black background at Butler Beach

Largemouth bass jumping out of water with fishing rod and reel visible in Florida City FL

Angler holding large silver giant trevally on fishing boat at Butler Beach with ocean and clear blue sky background

Yellowfin Tuna caught deep sea fishing in Jacksonville

Rainbow trout fishing in Jacksonville using various techniques

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Ray Chaters Premium Flats Fishing Rates

Florida Public Library, 4 Cohen Cir, Florida, NY 10921, United States

What you will be catching:

African Pompano
Agujon Needlefish
Albacore Tuna
Alligator Gar
American Angler
American Eel

Solo snorkeling adventure with personalized water sports experience
Professional charter service with single guest capacity
Competitive fishing rates available through Ray Charters

Trip Pricing and Availabilities :

Premium Snorkeling Adventure with Ray Chaters

Looking for a top-rated snorkeling experience that gets you up close with some seriously diverse marine life? Ray Chaters has put together something special here. This isn't your typical splash-around-the-shallow-reef kind of deal – we're talking about world-class snorkeling in waters where you'll encounter species that most people only see in aquariums. With just one spot available, this is as personal and focused as snorkeling gets. No crowds, no rush, just you and some of the most fascinating fish species swimming in their natural habitat.

What to Expect on the Water

This customer favorite snorkeling trip is designed for the serious underwater explorer who wants more than just pretty coral shots for Instagram. Ray knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's picked spots where the marine diversity is off the charts. You'll be snorkeling in areas where pelagic species mix with coastal fish, creating underwater scenes that change throughout the day. The single-guest capacity means Ray can tailor everything to your skill level and interests – whether you're a seasoned freediver or someone who just loves floating around watching fish. The water clarity here is renowned for good reason, giving you visibility that lets you spot fish behavior from a distance before you even get close. Pack your own snacks and water since meals aren't included, but trust me, you'll be too busy watching the underwater show to think much about food.

Gear Setup & Snorkel Sites

Ray provides quality snorkel gear, but if you've got your own mask and fins that fit just right, bring them along. The sites we hit vary based on conditions and what's been active lately, but they're all chosen for maximum fish encounters rather than just pretty scenery. We're talking about drop-offs where deeper water species cruise the edges, rocky areas where predators hunt, and spots where different water temperatures create natural fish highways. The boat positioning is key here – Ray knows exactly where to anchor so you can drift naturally into the best viewing zones without fighting current or missing the action. Surface intervals between sites give you time to talk through what you saw and get intel on what to look for at the next spot.

Species You'll Want to See

Albacore Tuna are the speed demons of these waters, and spotting them while snorkeling is something most people never get to experience. These sleek predators cruise through in small schools, usually in the early morning or late afternoon when they're actively feeding. They're fast – hitting speeds that'll make your head spin – but when conditions are right, they'll come close enough to shore for snorkelers to observe. The metallic blue and silver coloring is stunning underwater, and watching them hunt smaller baitfish is like seeing a perfectly choreographed underwater ballet. Peak season runs through the warmer months when baitfish concentrations draw them closer to snorkeling depths.

African Pompano bring serious size and attitude to the show. These disc-shaped powerhouses can reach impressive lengths and they're not shy about investigating snorkelers, especially if you stay calm and let them approach. Their distinctive profile and bold behavior make them a favorite target for underwater photographers. They tend to cruise solo or in small groups around structure, and they're curious enough that patient snorkelers often get extended encounters. The way they move through the water column – sometimes near surface, sometimes deeper – keeps you scanning constantly. Best sightings happen during transitional light periods when they're most active.

Agujon Needlefish might look intimidating with those long, pointed jaws, but they're absolutely fascinating to observe. These surface dwellers often cruise just below where you're floating, giving you a perfect view of their unique hunting style. They're ambush predators that can accelerate in an instant when they spot prey, and watching that strike happen is pure adrenaline. The way they move through the water – almost floating motionless one second, then exploding into action – shows you just how perfectly adapted they are to their environment. They're most active during dawn and dusk periods, making them regular stars of early morning snorkel sessions.

American Angler encounters are rare treats that make for the best snorkeling stories later. These masters of disguise blend so perfectly with the bottom structure that most snorkelers swim right past without noticing. But once you train your eye to spot them, finding these patient predators becomes addictive. They're ambush hunters that can remain motionless for hours, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The variety in their camouflage patterns is incredible – each individual seems perfectly matched to their chosen hiding spot. Finding one feels like discovering a hidden treasure, and observing their patient hunting strategy gives you real insight into underwater ecosystems.

Alligator Gar bring prehistoric presence to modern snorkeling adventures. These ancient fish look like they swam straight out of the dinosaur era, with their armored scales and elongated snouts creating an unmistakable profile. They're usually found in specific habitat zones where fresh and salt water mix, and spotting one is always a highlight of any trip. Despite their fearsome appearance, they're generally calm around snorkelers, often allowing close observation of their unique features. Their size can be impressive, with larger individuals creating truly memorable encounters. They're most active during warmer months and tend to prefer areas with good visibility where their hunting advantages are maximized.

American Eel sightings add an element of mystery to every snorkel session. These serpentine fish are masters at staying hidden during daylight hours, making any encounter feel special. They prefer rocky crevices and structured areas where they can remain concealed while still monitoring their surroundings. When you do spot one, they're usually partially hidden with just their head visible, watching for prey opportunities. Their ability to squeeze into incredibly tight spaces makes them fascinating subjects for patient observers. Night diving or low-light conditions increase your chances of seeing them active, but daytime encounters happen often enough to keep you scanning every crack and crevice.

Time to Book Your Spot

With only one guest per trip, this

Learn more about the animals

African Pompano

Part of the jack family, these silver beauties are built for speed and put up a serious fight. Adults typically roam between 30-250 feet over sandy bottoms, though juveniles hang closer to shore with those distinctive diamond shapes and long trailing fins. They're fast swimmers that cover huge distances, always on the hunt for crustaceans and small fish. What makes them fun to target is their attraction to anything shiny and moving - they'll slam jigs and lures with serious attitude. The current record sits at 50 pounds from Daytona Beach, so there's always potential for something special. They're not the best table fare, but the fight more than makes up for it. My go-to trick is using bright jigs with erratic retrieves - these fish can't resist chasing down something that looks like it's trying to escape.

Agujon Needlefish

These long-beaked predators are found in shallow waters and surface areas, typically running 35 inches but capable of reaching 5 feet. With that distinctive needle-like jaw packed with sharp teeth, they're perfectly built for snatching small fish and zooplankton. You'll spot them cruising near reefs and shallow edges, especially when they're feeding in schools. While many anglers consider them bait thieves, they're actually fun targets if you know what you're doing. The flesh is edible but has an odd green tint that puts most people off, so catch and release is common. They're not picky eaters but can be tricky to hook properly. Here's the key: use sharp hooks and give a good jerk when you feel them bite - they're notorious for mouthing bait without getting hooked. Shiny spoons and jerkbaits work great, just be careful handling them. That beak is razor-sharp.

Albacore Tuna

These bullet-shaped speedsters are some of the most prized fish we target. Running 20-45 pounds and 18-25 inches, albacore never stop moving - they need constant motion to breathe. You'll find them in deep subtropical waters, traveling in massive schools up to 19 miles wide, which makes for some serious action once we locate them. The meat is what sets them apart - it's the only tuna that can be sold as "white meat" with that firm texture and mild flavor everyone loves. Best fishing happens during their spawning season from March through July. We troll with cedar plugs and tuna feathers about 50-90 feet behind the boat. Pro tip: land that first fish quick and keep it tight - if it gets away, the whole school usually follows it out of there.

Alligator Gar

These prehistoric giants are the ultimate freshwater trophy, reaching 4-6 feet and 100+ pounds. With their dinosaur-like armor scales and alligator-shaped heads full of razor teeth, they're living fossils that can breathe air and water. You'll find them in deep river bends, backwaters, and lakes throughout the southern states. Late summer during hot, dry weather is prime time when they move into shallow areas adjacent to deep pools. What draws anglers is the sheer size and prehistoric nature - it's like hooking into a living dinosaur. The fight is powerful but different from other fish since they're fairly passive until hooked. Use large baits like carp, buffalo, or gizzard shad on 5/0-6/0 treble hooks under bright bobbers. Key tip: rig your bait about 6 inches below the float and be patient - they study their prey before committing. Remember, these are catch and release only in most areas.

American Angler

This flat, prehistoric-looking bottom dweller is one of the strangest fish you'll encounter. Averaging 39 inches and 26 pounds, they can grow massive - the record hit over 70 pounds. They live deep, usually 1,200 feet or more, buried in soft sandy bottoms waiting to ambush anything that swims by. What makes them unique is how they "walk" along the bottom using their fan-like pectoral fins, and they use the spines on their head to mimic smaller prey. The meat is actually quite good - white and firm when cooked - though many folks get put off by their appearance and occasional parasites. To catch one, you need big live baits like mackerel or herring dropped right to the bottom. Drag your bait slowly across the seafloor - when they strike, they mean business. Handle with extreme care when boarded - those massive jaws can do serious damage.

American Eel

These slime-covered, snake-like fish are true bottom dwellers that spend their time buried in mud and under cover in streams, lakes, and rivers. Running 1-4 feet and 8-17 pounds, they're smaller than other eel species but still put up a surprisingly strong fight. You'll find them in freshwater throughout the eastern states, from the Atlantic coast inland to the Great Lakes and Mississippi system. They're most active in warmer months since they go into a hibernation-like state when water drops below 40 degrees. What's interesting is their life cycle - they actually migrate to saltwater to spawn. The slimy mucus coating makes them tough to handle, but the meat is considered a delicacy in many places. Best fishing is at night using natural baits fished on the bottom near structure. Pro tip: use smaller hooks than you'd think and expect a slow, deliberate bite - they don't rush their meals.

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