The clarity of the crystalline turquoise water is amazing on most days, making it easy to see this spectacular underwater world. Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock, The 10 Best Snorkeling Spots in the Florida Keys. Barefoot Billy’s Florida Keys snorkeling shop focuses its Key West snorkeling … The Eco –Adventure and Snorkel Cruise combines the ecology of the Florida Keys with the history of the Florida Keys. Come anytime to take advantage of the clear shallow waters that make this a great place for beginners who can snorkel right from the beach to view abundant sea life. Every day is brand-new, something different every time. Find the best Snorkeling on Yelp: search reviews of 26 Key Largo businesses by price, type, or location. Snorkel Tours Private Tour 2.5 & 3.5 Hour Tours Join us for a unique snorkel experience in Key Largo's Pennekamp state park. This is one of the best spots ON Key West to go snorkeling. It’s a great place to snorkel right from shore with the crystal-clear water like glass. Conch Reef is actually eight patch reefs located in 12 to 30 foot deep water. Hiram’s Resort in Florida, 16 Kid-Friendly Airbnbs for Family Vacations in Florida, 9 Ways to Enjoy a Fall Getaway at Capt. Credit: It’s shallow—ranging anywhere from 2 to 30 feet deep—and spans more than 30 acres. Book your Trip! Hop on a boat to Coffins Patch, four nautical miles off Key Colony Beach, for some of the best snorkeling in the middle Keys. It’s the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, stretching from Key Largo to Key West as well as remote islands that are far removed from the mainland. Water depth at the reefs was 1'-10' which made seeing the coral and marine life up close very easy. FLORIDA KEYS SNORKELING A marine protected coral barrier reef runs the length of the Keys making Florida Keys snorkelling the best snorkelling in Florida and the continental USA. Best Snorkeling from Key Largo The most popular place to go snorkeling in Key Largo is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park in the US. While snorkeling … Best Snorkeling in the Keys. Florida Keys. Fort Zachary Taylor Considered by many to be the best beach in Key West, Fort Zachary Taylor is also a one of the top spots for snorkeling in Key West. @kidbaski, Credit: You’ll get a safety vest, and if you don’t have your own gear, you can rent a mask, snorkel and fins. The Looe Key Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) sits about eight nautical miles southwest of Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key. Trip destination is at the discretion of the Captain, due to winds and will be decided the morning of the trip. Compare photos, rates, and availability and save up to 30% today! To see healthy, colorful reefs and the best snorkeling in the Keys, you will need to go on a snorkeling trip. If you want to snorkel from … There are countless companies offering Key West snorkeling tours, but these two have the best variety of options. Best Snorkeling Operator I've Tried In The Keys. A group tour is an immersive way to enjoy Florida Keys snorkeling lessons from certified instructors. Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. The best time to visit the snorkeling spots in Key West is between December and May. Biscayne National Park is made up of just 5 percent land, which includes 40 small barrier coral reef islands and a mangrove shoreline. It hosts the city’s favorite beach at its … Fort Zachary Taylor state park has some of the best snorkeling in Key West. Snorkeling is a great way to observe marine life and explore beautiful rock formations. Visitors to the park can join a tour to reach the impressive diversity of fish that congregate here. Set sail on a classic, two-masted wooden schooner from the Key West Historic Seaport on the … ‘Tis the season to ditch your all-white palette in favor of something a little bolder and brighter. Key West is the best place in the US to enjoy snorkeling around tropical reefs. Located in Key West, where you can bird-watch, learn about history, visit a real fort, hike through nature trails, and, best of all, enjoy some of the best snorkeling in the Keys… One of the best spots in the continental U.S. for snorkeling can be... Dry Tortugas National Park. Visitors of Islamorada are just a charter boat ride and three watery miles from the historic Alligator Reef Lighthouse, where snorkelers can find hundreds of species of marine animals, including parrotfish, barracuda, rays, and turtles in an average depth of 20 feet. It’s a shallow area (at most 30 feet deep, at it’s shallowest – 2 feet) and spans 30 acres. There’s a wealth of sea life to enjoy, including turtles and colorful fish, along with a Spanish shipwreck … Our ultimate printable guide to Sea Garden Reef snorkeling in the Florida Keys have snorkel dive descriptions, maps, lodging recommendations and contact information. "The visibility was the best I’ve ever seen underwater We wanted to introduce our teenage boys to scuba diving without the expense and time of certification and truly the best money we spent Thank you Snuba of Key..." "All of the guides were very helpful and made a wonderful experience for everyone including those who might have felt nervous about going on a Snuba trip for the first time." By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. These simple and spectacular Southern cakes deserve a comeback. The fact that the Florida Keys are rich with the kind of shallow-water coral reefs suitable for snorkeling should come as no surprise, as so many of the islands are made out of fossilized coral. The best keys snorkeling in Florida is actually not where most people think (it surprised us). Discover everything from parrotfish and schools of yellowtail snapper to lobster and a variety of hard and soft corals. When planning your trip, be sure to include some of these top spots to jump in and enjoy it. The Florida Keys are famous for their fantastic snorkeling opportunities. If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. These coral reefs are among the most beautiful … Think falling in love, that’s snorkeling Key West! Snorkeling the crystal-clear waters around the historic fort makes for the perfect day trip, and camping at historic Fort Jefferson allows for a number of unique adventures underwater, even night snorkeling. Florida has an abundance of snorkeling spots, but the Florida Keys are a gem for snorkelers. It has one of the best developed reef walls in the Keys. If you’re an ocean lover and are looking for a snorkelling adventure in the United States, consider a trip to the Florida Keys. Its coral reef houses some of the most extensive life-forms you might ever witness. We’ll send you our newsletter with travel destinations, deals, and more! Half Day Snorkel Trip on Reefs in the Florida Keys. You will always see fish there. There are 3 man made rock islands where the fish have created an ecosystem. One of the favorites among snorkelers in the Florida Keys. The Middle Keys is also known as Big Pine, Matecumbe, and Vaca Keys. From gin-clear North Florida springs to vibrant, colorful coral reefs in the Florida Keys, here are 10 of the best spots to snorkel in the Sunshine State... Biscayne National Park One top spot to snorkel is close to the hustle and bustle of Miami , and that’s Biscayne National Park , where offshore excursions bring visitors to coral reefs, shipwrecks, and ecologically vital mangrove habitat. For those who stay visit Islamorada, Cheeca Rocks is another great snorkeling option. Snorkeling and looking for cute creatures in Key Largo, FL. The 8 Best Hotels for Snorkeling & Scuba in the Florida Keys. Best time to snorkel in Key West. It’s the perfect place for beginners and families with kids, as tours are available with experienced guides who conduct a “how to snorkel” class right on the boat. Lying on the Florida Reef, the world’s third-largest coral barrier reef, it provides countless outstanding snorkeling spots. But it’s perhaps most proud of its quirkiness. Sombrero Reef is considered the very best reef in The Keys. There’s also a scenic nature trail with shady trees that traverses through a variety of ecosystems, including some beautiful deserted beaches while offering the opportunity to watch for all sorts of shorebirds. These experiences are best for scuba & snorkeling in Key West: Key West Florida Reef Half-Day Snorkeling Excursion; Key West Full-Day Power Adventure: Sailing & Watersports Package; Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip by Catamaran from Key West; Half-Day Cruise from Key West with Kayaking and Snorkeling; Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Cruise The Best Keys Snorkeling The Middle Keys Are Amazing! Get our latest advice & deals in your inbox! Accessed by ferry or seaplane 70 miles from Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park offers the ultimate snorkeling day trip. It takes some work (and a boat) to reach the reefs and shipwrecks off of Elliott Key, an island within Biscayne National Park, but it’s well worth the effort. The large coral formations of Sombrero Reef are set against a backdrop of intense blue water and dotted with brightly colored tropical fish and other sea life. Each snorkeling site in the Florida Keys offers the opportunity to view wildlife and, sometimes, man-made sights as well. There is less boat traffic along these keys which makes it safer to snorkel. Find 20 or more of the best Snorkeling Tours in Key West, Florida all in one place. Tropical fish float by in abundant schools while the … These experiences are best for scuba & snorkeling in Key West: Key West Florida Reef Half-Day Snorkeling Excursion; Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip by Catamaran from Key West; Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Cruise; Half-Day Cruise from Key West with Kayaking and Snorkeling; Key West Full-Day Power Adventure: Sailing & Watersports Package Please fill out highlighted fields and click "Compare Prices" to continue. Here are the top ten spots for snorkeling in the Keys. Florida Keys snorkeling is a popular activity among locals and visitors alike. One of the best places to snorkel in the continental U.S., it’s home to the country’s first undersea park which includes the water west of Key Largo and the beach. ... Snorkeling and looking for cute creatures in Key Largo, FL. Can you spot all of them? # 8. Fit with barbecue stations, picnic areas, volleyball nets, a pier and public showers - you could spend hours on end at this beach. South of Key Largo and northeast of Islamorada Key, the snorkeling at Conch Reef is one of the most popular dives in the Florida Keys. 10 Best Snorkeling Spots in the Florida Keys John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a National Historic Landmark that offers some of the clearest blue waters for snorkeling and diving in Key West. Florida experiences optimal weather during these months which … The best place to consider is what is known as the Middle Keys. The best time to visit the snorkeling spots in Key West is between December and May. Best Times For Wildlife Viewing In Florida Keys While seeing life “under the sea” is a crucial Keys attraction, don’t forget about all animals above ground. The reefs of the Keys enjoy the distinction of being the only tropical coral reefs in the contiguous states, as well as the third longest barrier reef in the world. Florida Keys snorkeling is a popular activity among locals and visitors alike. Easily one of the most recognizable diving and snorkeling spots in the Florida Keys, John Pennekamp Coral... MIDDLE KEYS. If you are looking for the best underwater experience, the Keys offers definitely the best snorkeling in Florida with colorful coral reefs, lots of tropical fish species, turtles, rays and often nurse sharks around. While visiting the remarkable island paradise of Key West, Florida, you don't want to overlook your opportunity to explore the splendid marine habitat of the shallow shipwrecks and coral gardens.Our friendly staff will convey you out to some of the best Key West snorkeling tours locales in this marvelous aquatic wonderland. From first-timers to life-timers, Key West is made for snorkeling. You’re likely to encounter schools of grunts, all sorts of beautiful angelfish, wrasse and parrotfish. Buy tickets with Viator. The reefs of the Keys enjoy the distinction of being the only tropical coral reefs in the contiguous … Many of the best places to snorkel in saltwater require a boat to access, but not all of them. Everyone knows that if you’re looking to snorkel, there’s only one thing to do, head to the Florida Keys.Here, the gorgeous turquoise waters are home to the third longest barrier reef in the world and the only tropical coral reefs in the United States. Best time to snorkel in Key West. If you are dead-set on snorkeling in the Keys during the winter, then be sure to read through this TripMemos post on wintertime swimming in Florida. Tip: should you look for snorkeling in the Pacific Coast in America, check out where to snorkel in California! Spread across 70 nautical miles, snorkelers can see all sorts of tropical fish, sea turtles and even shipwrecks. Get a fun and comfortable introduction to snorkeling on this tour in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, known for its beautiful reefs and marine life. It is a unique water tour experience that covers some 13 miles of the Florida Keys in and around the island city of Islamorada. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first underwater preserve in the United States protecting the Florida Keys barrier reef, the … John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo, Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, Big Pine Key, Southern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. See the ocean reef and marine life with a personal trip catering to your needs. Get ready for fun in the sun on this dolphin watch and snorkeling adventure off the coast of Key West. We'll send you our newsletter with travel destinations, deals, and more! To see healthy, colorful … The glistening blue waters of Fort Zachary Taylor State Park are an inviting sight to behold for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike, and it’s an ideal place to become acquainted with the Keys’ marine life. Some of the best snorkeling on the Gulf Coast, Point of Rocks is located at the south end of Crescent Beach in the heart of Siesta Key. Coffins Patch reef is named after a shipwreck that happened in the 18th century. With calm, shallow water and lots of sea life to observe, snorkeling at Point of Rocks is one of the best outdoor activities to do on your family vacation. The island once staged a fake war against the United States using conch fritter bombs, threatening to become its own country. The Keys are known for their many reefs and Sombrero Reef is one of the best. We did the 12:30pm trip and were all extremely happy with our experience. Approaching by … Snorkel trips are to the coral reefs at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where the Christ of the Abyss is located and the National Marine Sanctuaries. Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip by Catamaran from Key West. This shallow-water snorkeling tour in Key Largo specializes in creating great snorkeling experiences for first-time snorkelers, kids, and families. The only landbased snorkeling is the Pennekamp and Bahia Honda parks in the Middle Keys, but there are inferior sites with little to see. In basic terms it is actually an “artificial” reef. Atop the reef, you can often see jacks and barracudas swimming about. The crystal-clear aquamarine waters that surround its historic 19th-century fort are filled with abundant colorful fish, queen conch, starfish, living coral and more. Call, 305-289-0614 prior to trip to find out where we will be snorkeling that day! For a Resurrection Day celebration where the required attire is a bathing suit rather than your Sunday best, you can snorkel with Jesus in the Florida Keys this Easter. One of the best spots in the continental U.S. for snorkeling can be found in Key Largo at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This place is considered by many the most amazing snorkeling area in the Florida Keys. These keys are in the middle of the other popular Keys and that is why it got its name, Middle Keys. It’s home to myriad tropical fish, coral, and marine animals, and it’s where the Spanish ship Ignacio sunk in the 18th century. It is possible to reach Key West by boat or plane. Key West is in a unique location at the southernmost point of the US that places it closer to Havana than Miami. The shallow water makes swimming here easy for beginners, and sea life is abundant. Some of the key innovative features incorporated into this product allow you to avoid the re-inhalation of CO2 whilst exploring underwater. … There are 1000s of varieties of marine sea life to be delightfully viewed in the warm, clear Caribbean waters surrounding Key West. Located 70 miles away from Key West, this spot … © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. The patch reef is about halfway between the keys and the barrier reef, bringing the opportunity to marvel at many different types of fish, green eels and occasionally a sea turtle too. Best reef for a long day of snorkeling. They are located in the waters off Islamorada (Matecumbe Key), Marathon (Vaca Key), and Big Pine Key. Submerged about 25 feet in the sea in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the 4,000-pound Christ of the Deep – sometimes called Christ of the Abyss – is a bronze statue by Italian sculptor Guido Galletti. This pub crawl covers watering holes of Duval Street, where visitors will find many of Key West's best bars and nightlife venues. … this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. The trendy haircuts you’ll be seeing everywhere next year. We visited Grecian Rocks and another shallow reef and had a very relaxed experience that was perfect for snorkelers. and privacy policy. Unlike some of the reefs nearer to shore, that tends to have cloudier green water with lower visibility, this area experiences a constant flow of strikingly clear blue water for outstanding visibility. The water at Sombrero Beach is a bit deeper than at most beaches in Florida Keys, so it’s best for confident swimmers. The Florida Keys is blessed with having North America’s only living coral reef right off its coastline. That’s why there are many Key West snorkeling tours to choose from. Fort Jefferson also offers snorkel tours with complimentary fins, mask and snorkel provided. 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