Best places to snorkel in florida keys
Florida Keys is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is a tropical paradise with many beautiful beaches and coral reefs. If you are planning a trip to Florida Keys, then you should definitely add snorkeling to your list of things to do there.
There are many different places where you can go snorkeling in Florida Keys including Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park, Biscayne National Park, and Everglades National Park. All of these areas offer different types of snorkeling experiences so it’s important to choose the right location for your needs.
This article will give you some tips on how to choose the best place for your needs when choosing a location for snorkeling in Florida Keys. Also you can get more information on Best places to snorkel in florida keys, best place to stay in florida keys for snorkeling, best snorkeling in key largo, florida keys snorkeling from shore, middle keys snorkeling, and islamorada snorkeling spots.
Islamorada snorkeling spots
Just 90 miles south of Miami, this is the perfect place to enjoy the waters around the Florida Keys. Known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World” it hosts the largest fishing fleet per square mile in the world. There is so much to do here plan a few days to take in all of the activities. This is my favorite stop to or from Key West for sure.
Are you looking for the best spots to snorkel around Islamorada? Well, look no further!
We have a list of our favorite places for snorkeling in Islamorada, and we’re here to tell you about them.
If you are planning to drive down (or up) the Keys, be sure to check out our epic list of best places you must check out. The water there is crystal clear, and it’s one of the best places in the world to see fish up close.
You won’t want to miss out on this opportunity!
Cheeca Rocks Sanctuary
This preservation area is the only one in the Upper Keys designated to protect inshore patch reefs. It is also small, only covering .05 square nautical miles, and is located southeast of Upper Matecumbe Key. Snorkeling Cheeca Rocks is a real treat. The depths range from 8 feet to 20 feet down which makes this a shallow reef also known as a patch reef. This is a short boat ride from Islamorada. Plan to see Hogfish, Green Eels, Grunts, Jacks, Parrotfish, and if you are lucky maybe you will see a turtle. Plan to see Brain and Star corals.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
This Florida state park is located on Key Largo. Depending on traffic, this is about a 30-minute drive from Islamorada. Great day trip location. The park is approximately 70 nautical miles next to Atlantic Ocean waters. Fun fact, this is the first undersea park in the United States. Here you can take a glass-bottom boat tour or get a closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling. Check out the tours offered here.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Located in the Gulf of Mexico this place offers some of the best snorkeling around. The shallow water (only 5 to 15 feet of water) makes it fun for everyone. Plan to head to Key West (about a 2-hour drive) to board the ferry or take the seaplane over to the Park. Upon arrival, you can tour Fort Jefferson or head over to explore the waters. There are designated snorkel areas and, according to the Ferry’s website, the most popular is 75 yards from the western edge of the moat wall. Here you will see a lot of marine life like tropical fish, large coral heads, seagrass, and more.
Bahia Honda State Park
About an hour’s drive south is Bahia Honda State Park. Plan to spend a day exploring the waters around this park. Swim, snorkel, or rent a kayak. Have lunch and take a nap on the beach. This is one of my favorite parks in the Keys. This is one of the best nearshore snorkeling in the Florida Keys. Just a few hundred feet from shore you will see soft corals, small coral heads, tropical fish, queen conchs, and spiny lobster… always something new and different to see. The waters are pretty shallow, ranging from 4 to 6 feet, so it’s perfect for beginners.
Biscayne National Park
About an hour north of Islamorada is Biscayne National Park. You can book a guided eco-tour through the Biscayne National Park Institute. Within sight of downtown Miami, this park preserves aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and vibrant coral reefs. You can explore a coral reef, a shipwreck, or even a mangrove while on a snorkeling adventure in the park.
Fort Zachary Taylor
This park, located in Key West, centers around a Civil War fort. They proclaim to have Key West’s best beach that allows them to offer great swimming and snorkeling. Word of caution, wear beach shoes. The shore/beach can be rocky and can hurt bare feet. Explore the fort and plan to stay for sunset. The sunset views from here are spectacular. They do offer equipment rentals, like a lof the other parks in the area,
Sombrero Reef
40 minutes south of Islamorada is Marathon. Here you can hop on a charter to head out to the Sombrero Reef. This is a spur and groove coral reef with large fingers of coral separated by narrow sandbeds off of Vaca Key. The reef is marked by a large lighthouse. The clear waters around here make this an amazing place to snorkel and explore.
Looe Key
This has become a major destination for snorkeling enthusiasts throughout the world. Located on Big Pine Key, you can book with a captain or plan a snorkel trip while visiting Bahia Honda. Either option offers you the ability to explore Looe Key. You will see Elkhorn and Star coral, plus a multitude of other marine life.
Long Key State Park
This state park offers 965 acres to explore on Long Key. Just a quick drive from Islamorada, you can snorkel the shallow waters and see the beautiful marine life in the seagrass covered bottom along this Florida reef.
Alligator Reef Lighthouse
The lighthouse is 4 nautical miles east of Indian Key and Islamorada. The reef offers snorkelers the opportunity to see more than 500 species of marine life. You will snorkel around and under the lighthouse in beautiful clear water.
Molasses Reef
Located north in Key Largo, this spot is more known for diving. But, there is snorkel only charters available. When the weather allows, this is a great place to snorkel. It is considered to be one of the most visited coral reefs in the world. Just six miles offshore, it sits on the edge of the barrier reef.
Indian Key State Park
Only accessible by boat, you can head over from Islamorada. You can head over to this historic spot, and take a snorkel tour with one of the many local charters that run eco-tours to the park. Fun fact, this was the first county seat of Dade County. The local charters offer many options for boat tours in and around Indian Key.
Hen and Chickens
This protected reef is extremely popular and a great place for beginners to snorkel. The reef is filled with purple coral, Christmas tree coral, star, brain, sea fans, and many more species. While snorkeling plan to see brightly colored tropical fish. Located off of Plantation Key, this is a quick 10 minute drive north of Islamorada.
Founder’s Park
Located in Islamorada, this park is a great place to have a picnic and play on the beach. Swim out and see all kinds of marine life. This 40-acre park is the center of all community events in Islamorada. Located bayside at mile marker 87.
Davis Reef
The shallow portion of Davis Reef is a great place to snorkel. An easy boat trip over from Tavernier, you will see all kinds of marine life, soft and hard coral, and a ledge filled to the brim with tropical fish. Just 15 minutes north of Islamorada, this location is a must see spot. The famous Buddha statue is found here as well as moray eels and sea turtles.
Crocker Reef
Located near Davis Reef, this is another spot to check out while visiting Islamorada. Here you will see beautiful coral formations and a small canyon and turtles, barrel sponges and eagle rays have been spotted here.
Best places to snorkel in florida keys
The Florida Keys are a beautiful, unique part of the world. If you’ve never been, we’d love to see you there!
The best way to experience the Keys is by boat—and if you’re a snorkeler or scuba diver, we have some great spots for you.
The Florida Keys are home to an incredible variety of marine life, so it’s no wonder that they’re also famous for their underwater exploration opportunities. Snorkeling in these waters is an absolute must-do when visiting this region.
There are many different types of snorkel trips available here, including sunset cruises with snacks and drinks included, as well as day cruises and full-day excursions. You can even go on excursions that take place at night!
The best places to snorkel in Florida Keys include:
Fort Zachary Taylor (Key West)
Fort Zachary Taylor is a well-known spot for snorkeling and fishing. The crystal waters give way to abundant marine life under the waves. This is a great spot for all skill levels. The beach also offers huts to rent and picnic tables. It is the perfect place to set up for the day for some fun in the water and sun.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo)
This underwater park is a first and a very cool way to spend your afternoon underwater. They offer a glass bottom boat tour and also have a large indoor aquarium. However, the best way to see the underwater creatures and sights is by scuba diving or snorkeling.
Sombrero Reef (Marathon)
This reef has crystal blue waters and the perfect depths for great snorkeling. There are so many tropical fish and other marine life right in clear view. There are also some canyons and sea caves to explore if you are feeling adventurous.
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is made up of just 5 percent land, which includes 40 small barrier coral reef islands and a mangrove shoreline. Its coral reef houses some of the most extensive life-forms you might ever witness. To access snorkeling here you’ll have to have a boat or join a tour. Boats leaving from the jetty at the visitor center will bring you to the reefs, vibrantly colored fish and shipwrecks off of Elliott Key, an island in the park, but the reward is well worth the effort.
Key Largo Dry Rocks (Key Largo)
This spot is most well-known for the Christ of the Abyss statue. This statue of Jesus Christ is nine-feet tall with arms outstretched towards the surface. You’ll be stunned at the tropical fish swimming around this incredible statue.
Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary (Big Pine Key)
These waters are an incredible sight to see. There are all sorts of beautiful, colorful tropical fish everywhere. The waters are protected, however snorkeling and scuba diving are allowed to explore all the natural untouched wonder these waters have to offer.
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park is home to some of the most popular campsites in the country, just steps away from some of the best snorkeling spots in the Florida Keys, but you don’t have to spend the night to enjoy them. 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.
Long Key State Park
If you’re looking for a place to snorkel along the scenic Overseas Highway, at mile 67.5 in Long Key State Park you’ll find exceptional flat shallow waters to enjoy just offshore. 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.
Alligator Reef Lighthouse
Historic Alligator Reef Lighthouse is a three-mile charter boat trip away from Islamorada and offers the perfect place for snorkelers to discover all sorts of marine life, including parrotfish, barracuda, rays and sea turtles. The main snorkeling ground is right beneath the lighthouse, with its steel foundations serving as the home for so many tropical fish, you might think you’re swimming inside of an aquarium. 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.
Cheeca Rocks, Islamorada
For those who stay visit Islamorada, Cheeca Rocks is another great snorkeling option. One of the favorites among snorkelers in the Florida Keys. 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. You’re likely to encounter schools of grunts, all sorts of beautiful angelfish, wrasse and parrotfish. The coral reefs thrive here with abundant fire, star and brain corals, as well as spectacular sea fans that some of the smaller reef fish use to hide.
Florida Keys snorkeling from shore
Snorkeling off Tampa Bay or the Panhandle is fine, but most Florida-bound snorkelers head directly to the Florida Keys. From a chain of coral islands off the eastern coast of Florida protected by the federal government to the southernmost point in Key West, shore-based excursions along the Florida Keys offer a great introduction to snorkeling.
A good place to start is in Key Largo, with its shallow waters and wide variety of marine life. Snorkelers can see everything from turtles, eels, barracuda and grouper to sea fans and corals. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, try exploring one of many shipwrecks off Key Largo’s coast; many have been turned into artificial reefs that are teeming with marine life.
If you prefer a beach break instead of a boat tour, head north to Tavernier where you’ll find plenty of opportunities for shore-based snorkeling excursions that let you explore coral reefs without having to get wet!
Biscayne Bay
Biscayne National Park has two locations for shore snorkel excursions. At Convoy Point, the park’s only mainland unit, and snorkelers explore rocky coral waters and a mangrove coast. Nine miles east, the Elliott Key separates Biscayne Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. The swim beach just north of the island dock is the best spot to stage shore snorkeling trips, allowing visitors a glimpse of the diversity of marine life in shallow protected bay waters. Water shoes are recommended; equipment rentals are not available at the park, but the visitor center loans out “Diver Down” flags to mark your snorkel location. Elliott Key is reachable by private boat or by charters and scheduled trips offered by the Biscayne National Underwater Park company.
Key Largo
Most snorkelers visiting John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park head out to sea leaving the park’s beaches relatively free of crowds. Near the park’s entrance off U.S. 1, Cannon Beach on Largo Sound is just a hundred feet from the site of 1715 Spanish shipwreck with visible underwater artifacts. As its name suggests, Far Beach is farther east and sheltered by land on three sides. Snorkel trips from both beaches reveal a multitude of marine creatures living in sea-grass beds, which are essential for life on coral reefs. Snorkeling is allowed from other shore areas as long as a “Diver-Down” flag is visible to boaters.
Long Key
At Mile Marker 67.5 on the Overseas Highway, Long Key State Park is known for its flat, shallow waters. Snorkel from shore near the park’s long, narrow campground that stretches out just a few feet east of U.S. 1. Showers and restrooms are in the campground. Ranger programs offered during the winter season have included snorkeling programs in the past. On the other side of the island, Lime Tree Bay Resort has snorkeling for resort guests off two sandy beaches fronting on the Gulf of Mexico.
Bahia Honda And Key West
Bahia Honda State Park, south of the Seven Mile Bridge, has some of the best shore snorkeling in the Keys thanks to shallow seas extending out a few hundred feet from shore at a maximum depth of 6 feet. Watch for corals, tropical fish, living sponges and crustaceans are commonly sighted. At the southwestern-most tip of Key West, the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is open for snorkeling. Tropical fish and living corals inhabit this region where the Gulf of Mexico merges with the Atlantic Ocean.
Best place to Stay in Florida Keys for snorkeling
If you’re looking for a vacation that’s packed with adventure, look no further than the Florida Keys. The region is blessed with North America’s only living coral reef, which means you can snorkel and dive right off its coastline. It’s also home to the third largest coral reef system in the world—and it’s just waiting for you!
Many hotels can help you arrange dive and snorkel trips, but these properties were chosen for their convenience and ease of getting to the boat. They’re also close by some of the best snorkeling spots in the area, so your time on land isn’t wasted getting there. And finally, they have instructors who know what they’re doing when it comes to diving and snorkeling—so step out of your hotel room and step onto a boat with some of the best instructors around!
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Who says snorkeling has to mean roughing it when it comes to accommodations? Settle in at the historic 1940s Cheeca Lodge & Spa with its lush gardens, waterfall pools and West Indies-style rooms that include private sunbathing lanais and hot tubs looking out over the ocean. Cheeca’s Family Snorkel Package includes two nights, one snorkeling excursion for up to two adults and two kids and a tropical-inspired buffet breakfast. Singles and couples can take advantage of Cheeca’s water sports staff to help them choose trip options like the two-hour snorkeling cruise.
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
81801 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL 33036
800-327-2888
Dove Creek Lodge
Dove Creek lies just a few miles from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, America’s first underwater park and part of the Keys’ National Marine Sanctuary, world famous for its diving and snorkeling. Sign up for the lodge’s Snorkeling Package, which gives you three nights and two days of snorkeling that includes unlimited use of glass-bottom kayaks, plus three nights in a one-bedroom suite complete with mini-fridge and screened porch. After a full day of snorkeling, you’ll have worked up enough appetite to enjoy Snapper’s Waterfront Saloon and Restaurant next door to the lodge.
Dove Creek Lodge
147 Seaside Ave.
Key Largo, FL 33037
800-401-0057
Islander Resort
At the Islander, you can rent snorkel gear from Islander Watersports for the day and check out sites in front of the resort along the shallow water flats, sea grass beds and ocean bottom. The swimming area roped off with buoys is calm enough that you can see a variety of fish, from mangrove snappers to Florida spiny lobsters. It’s a short hop from snorkeling back to your 1950s villa-style room right off the beach, where you can relax on your screened-in lanai with patio furniture and ceiling fan. If you’ve worked up a thirst, belly over to the poolside Tiki Bar.
Islander Resort
Mile Marker 82.1
Islamorada, FL 33036
305-664-2031
Ocean Pointe Suites
Snorkel right off the pier, private beach and swimming cove at the Ocean Pointe, or rent a kayak and explore farther offshore. If you book the resort’s Reef Snorkeling Trip, they’ll throw in a one-room or two-room suite for one night, a snorkeling excursion to two reefs, one hour of kayak use and cocktail coupons. Upon your return to your suite, you can relax on your private balcony with either an ocean or a mangrove view or stroll the grounds and check out the private boardwalk and marina.
Ocean Pointe Suites
500 Burton Drive
Tavernier, FL 33070
800-882-9464