KEY WEST SNORKELING
Snorkel in Key West
Key West has the best snorkeling in Florida. Surrounded by one of the largest coral reefs in the world, Key West provides tons of places to snorkel in crystal clear water and see tropical fish, sea turtles, and living reef. Snorkeling is one of the most popular things to do in Key West. Many charter companies offer beautiful boat trips to spectacular snorkeling areas near Key West, such as Dry Tortugas National Park.
Key West Snorkeling Tours & Boat Trips
Key West is a nature lover’s paradise. A short boat trip through the Key West National Wildlife Refuge allows you to snorkel in sponge gardens and isolated coral reefs. Companies like Danger Charters combine snorkeling trips with complete nature tours where you can go kayaking through mangroves, sail a 65 ft. schooner, and enjoy Key West’s beautiful bird watching. Getting out on the water for a snorkeling and sailing adventure is an essential part of every Key West Vacation.
Best Places to Snorkel in Key West
The wonders of Key West are found when you enter the water. To find the best snorkeling, you need to know where to go. Here are some of the best spots to snorkel in Key West.
Key West Marine Park
This park has nice beaches and the most easily accessible snorkeling on Key West. Higgs Beach, a free access public beach, is the site of an old dock that harbors tremendous sea life. Be sure to snorkel near the dock at Higgs beach for a good chance to see special tropical fish.
Sand Key Lighthouse
Just a short boat trip away, the Sand Key Lighthouse has one of the healthiest reefs near Key West. This area provides great visibility and is one of the top Key West boat trips for snorkeling.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach
Located on the Southwest tip of the island, Fort Zachary Taylor Beach has a man-made breakwater that harbors beautiful fish. Be careful snorkeling here as strong currents are common.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas is the ultimate Key West snorkeling spot. The park is 70 miles west of Key West across the open seas. The boat trip is spectacular, and you can also get there by ferry or sea plane.
Once you arrive, you snorkel in perfect 5 to 15-foot clear water, through old ruins and pristine coral reef. Dry Tortugas is the site of Fort Jefferson Monument, where visitors explore the interesting history of this area. Guests snorkel the Moat Wall and the Wharf Ruins. Dry Tortugas is well worth the trip.
Thanks for reading about Key West’s best snorkeling spots. We enjoy sharing the wonders of Key West with our guests.
