The Florida Keys are a dream destination for snorkeling enthusiasts who want to explore the underwater wonders of the U.S. without flying to Hawaii (maybe some other time!) You can expect to see crystal-clear water, colorful fish, and vibrant reefs that rival any other place in this region. And that’s not all – the Keys also offer incredible beaches, food, and facilities that are hard to find in many other tropical locations worldwide.
But, as with any destination, it helps to have some insider knowledge of the best places to snorkel and what suits your preferences best (e.g., Do you enjoy snorkeling offshore? Do you like to snorkel from the shore near amenities? Etc.) Luckily, the Florida Keys have a great variety of excellent snorkel spots, and the information below will help you have a fantastic time in the water.
So, before you grab that key lime pie and that cold coconut, let’s look at the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys.
Is it safe to snorkel in the Florida Keys?
Snorkeling in the Florida Keys is a beautiful way to enjoy the underwater beauty of the U.S. without going to Hawaii (maybe another time!) You can see clear water, diverse fish, and healthy reefs that are among the best in this region. And when you’re not snorkeling, the Keys also have great beaches, food, and amenities that are rare in many other tropical places worldwide.
But, as with any destination, it helps to know where to snorkel and what matches your style best (e.g., Do you like snorkeling offshore? Do you prefer to snorkel from the shore near civilization? Etc.) Luckily, the Florida Keys have a lot of different snorkel spots, and the information below will help you have a great time in the water.
So, before you dive into that key lime pie and that cool coconut, let’s check out the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys.
When to Travel to the Keys for Snorkeling?
The Florida Keys are located far enough north that the water and air temperatures get more remarkable in the winter, so you may want to wear a wetsuit or wetsuit top for comfort. We prefer water temperatures above 80°F, which the Florida Keys have from May to October. See this webpage for the average water temperatures in each month of the year. That website also has information on air temperature highs and lows.
Rainfall is another factor that affects snorkeling in the Florida Keys. The webpage above also has some rain data. We pick months with the lowest chances of rain because cloudy, rainy days can ruin your vacation and lower the visibility in the water while snorkeling. Rainfall amounts are most insufficient from December to April.
You can also check websites like Windfinder.com for wind data to see which months have the lowest winds. Here is a link to the Sombrero Key Windfinder data. Low winds are always best for snorkeling. Generally, June to September have lower winds in the Keys.
One more thing, a jellyfish bloom in the late summer makes snorkeling in the Florida Keys unpleasant, mainly in August and September. We have a visitor page with information about the months people encounter them.
Also, if you travel in the winter months, ensure that the boat tour companies that can take you to the reefs are open.
The last thing to consider is hurricane season which runs from June to November. We try to avoid these months ourselves for risk of trip cancellation and getting caught in a storm, but lots of people travel then. If you do, strongly consider buying trip insurance.
All that said, we visited in May and had quite a few very windy and rainy days. The weather is becoming less predictable everywhere.
Where Is The Best Snorkeling In The Florida Keys?
Some of the best snorkeling in the Keys awaits you at Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park (near Key West), Looe Key Reef (near Big Pine Key), Sombrero Key Reef (near Marathon), Cheeca Rocks and Alligator Reef (near Islamorada), and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (near Key Largo).
The Florida Keys stretch for miles, but you can quickly drive from the northeast keys (Key Largo) to the southwest keys (Key West) in about two hours, and you’ll find plenty of snorkeling along the way.
But you need to know where to go (or where to base yourself) for the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys.
For instance, the keys at the bottom (e.g., Key West and its neighbors) and at the top (e.g., Key Largo and its neighbors) don’t usually have the best snorkeling since the reefs and conditions differ slightly. Instead, the keys in the middle (Big Pine, Marathon, Islamorada, etc.) stand out for the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys.
However, if you have travel plans to the upper or lower keys, don’t fret! There are still some gems to discover there, and we’ll also guide you through them.
You’ll also need to know the best way to access some of these spots, whether by public ferry, snorkel tour, or quickly by car, and we’ll make sure to include that information as well.
Let’s look at our picks for the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys, from the southwest (lower keys) to the northwest (upper keys).
1. Dry Tortugas National Park (Key West-ish)
Snorkeling in a national park in the U.S. is a rare opportunity. Dry Tortugas National Park in the Florida Keys is so unique.
You may have seen that one pin on the map above was a little… far west. That’s Dry Tortugas, about 70 nautical miles west of Key West. It’s a bit remote, but that makes it more fun as it becomes a little adventure (in a good way) to get there.
To reach the park, you’ll take a high-speed catamaran ferry, the Yankee Freedom III, from Key West which takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes starting at about 7am. Luckily, the ferry is very comfortable, has food available, and even has a full-on bar, so the journey is a lot better than your usual ferry.
Once you get to Dry Tortugas, you’ll dock on the main island, which has a 19th-century fort (Fort Jefferson) and is surrounded by 6 other islands which make up the Dry Tortugas National Park. You’ll have the chance to take a 45-60 minute tour of the fort, which has a fascinating history through the Civil War and today.
But after that, it’s time for some snorkeling! And we’re looking for some of the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys.
There are several main spots to snorkel in and around the island; most of them are right on the beach and great for beginners. You’ll still see plenty of fish and be able to glide through the beautiful clear water having a wonderful time (and the beach itself is fantastic as well).
But, if you’re more of an intermediate or advanced snorkeler, you’ll find the best spots about 50-75 yards (the water isn’t that deep, but it takes a few minutes to swim out) from the beach on the island’s far west side. You’ll find several surprisingly healthy mini-reefs with tons of fish and a lot to explore with dolphins and sea turtles often seen here. Ask one of the ferry guides to point you in the right direction if you’re an experienced snorkeler, and this sounds like your thing.
You can easily spend a couple of hours snorkeling at Dry Tortugas, making it the best in the lower Keys and some of the best in the Florida Keys.
After plenty of snorkeling and beach time, you’ll board the ferry mid-afternoon and head back to Key West. It all makes for a great day!
2. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park (Key West)
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is another good option for the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys if you are in Key West.
As the name implies, it’s a state park, which means it’s well kept with some facilities like snorkel rentals, drinking water fountains, bathrooms, showers, fort exploration, and food and drinks. This won’t be your most secluded snorkeling (if that’s what you’re looking for). Still, this makes it easy for the park to be a great day trip for snorkeling and relaxing on a beautiful beach, hiking, fishing, swimming, and anything else you might want from a prime tropical spot like this.
The best snorkeling is just off the beach (no boat or tour needed) around the various rock piles you can see from the sand since that’s where most fish will gather. It’s a great spot for snorkelers of all skill levels since it’s deep enough for a nice swim but not so profound that you need to be an advanced snorkeler.
If you don’t have your own fins, it’s a good idea to have water shoes (we like the ALEADER Men’s Mesh Slip-On Water Shoes [Amazon] for men or the same ALEADER shoe version for women [Amazon]) here since it can get a little rocky in the water here. And make sure to shuffle your feet through the sand if you’re walking in the water to avoid stepping on any resting stingrays since the area is an excellent spot for these unique animals to get a little rest.
The state park charges $6 for a vehicle entry and 50 cents for each passenger after the driver, which is well worth it if you’re craving a little extra snorkeling during your stay in Key West.
3. Looe Key Reef (Big Pine Key)
As we head northeast into the middle keys, we will encounter some fantastic snorkeling, and Looe Key Reef off of Big Pine Key definitely meets that standard. It’s a contender for the top spot in any list of the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys.
The downside is that since it’s on the edge of the barrier reef, it is offshore (so a boat is needed). It is more profound with a bit more current (less experienced snorkelers should have a life jacket and a snorkel guide), but that also means there’s much more to see. You have a higher chance of seeing more significant marine life like nurse sharks, grouper, dolphins, sea turtles, and plenty else. It’s a snorkeling paradise!
This is a snorkel spot where it’s essential to have a good snorkel tour, not only because you need a boat to get there, but also with it being a larger open-water area; local knowledge goes a long way toward finding the best spots to jump in.
Our favorite guide company in Big Pine Key is Keys Boat Tours, which offers an excellent private tour of Looe Key Reef (here on Viator). Captain Brian goes above and beyond to ensure every group has a fantastic time, and his knowledge of the reef system seems unmatched, which goes a long way toward a beautiful day. He does a great job with novice snorkelers as well.
Private snorkel tours are always my favorite, though the price may initially put you off. However, if you can include even three snorkelers in your group, you pay less per person than many shared-boat snorkel tours in Hawaii.
Once you get out to Looe Key Reef, not only are you likely to be amazed by the amount of sea life, but the coral reef itself is alive and pretty well thriving, which is an incredible rarity today worldwide. Looe Key Reef is unique and absolutely some of the best Florida Keys.
4. Sombrero Key Reef (Marathon)
Like Looe Key Reef above, Sombrero Key Reef is one of the best snorkeling spots in the Florida Keys, with unique topography, a perfect depth for snorkeling, lots of healthy coral, and more fish than you can imagine. It’s another snorkeling heaven.
I really like the underwater topography here since there are a lot of channels and little canyons of coral and rocks that you can swim through in relatively shallow water (6-10 feet) or sometimes a little deeper up to around 20 feet (perfect if you want to get a little diving in). The coral and sea life are abundant (even teeming) and in good shape, and the water visibility is usually much better here than closer to shore.
Like most of the best spots in the Keys, you’ll need a tour and boat to get there (even worthwhile just for the snorkel guide), and we like Rob over at Attractions4us, who puts on a grand time to Sombrero Reef on his comfortable catamaran (here on Viator).
Not only does Rob make the day fun, this tour is actually per-person. Most snorkel tours in the Keys are on private boats, which are great if you have more than a couple of people to share the cost, but if you only have one or two people, the shared tour is much more economical.
And, even though this is a shared tour, it’s limited to 6 people, so the chaos of big groups won’t be there, and you’ll still get plenty of guide help should you need it.
5. Cheeca Rocks (Islamorada)
If you want a great snorkeling spot in the middle Keys, you should check out Cheeca Rocks, a short boat ride from Islamorada. What makes this place even more impressive is that you might be able to combine it with Alligator Reef (described below), depending on which tour you choose, and experience two of the best snorkeling sites in the Florida Keys in one trip.
The water here is ideal for snorkeling (around 6 to 20 feet deep), and you will have the chance to see a lot of sponges, coral, fish, and maybe even a sea turtle or nurse shark. It’s also closer to the key and the barrier reef further out, so you don’t have to spend too much time getting there.
I recommend the private boat with Captain Sam (Samantha) at KeyZ Charters (here on Viator) for tours. The best thing about this tour is that you’ll visit Cheeca Rocks and Alligator Reef, depending on the weather and time. This is the only way to do two of the best snorkeling sites in the Florida Keys on this list, so it’s a significant advantage, especially with a fun and knowledgeable guide (a marine biologist).
The tour can accommodate up to 6 people, so you might want to bring some friends or family members to share the cost per person (or not — it’s up to you). Still, in any case, you’ll see a lot of marine life at two of the best places in the Keys, which are more accessible than many of the other spots on this list. Sounds like a win-win situation.
What are some safety tips for snorkeling in the Florida Keys?
Snorkeling in the Florida Keys is a beautiful way to enjoy the underwater beauty of the U.S. without going to Hawaii (maybe another time!) You can see clear water, diverse fish, and healthy reefs that are among the best in this region. And when you’re not snorkeling, the Keys also have great beaches, food, and amenities that are rare in many other tropical places worldwide.
But, as with any destination, it helps to know where to snorkel and what matches your style best (e.g., Do you like snorkeling offshore? Do you prefer to snorkel from the shore near civilization? Etc.) Luckily, the Florida Keys have a lot of different snorkel spots, and the information below will help you have a great time in the water.
So, before you dive into that key lime pie and that cool coconut, let’s check out the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys.
Snorkeling in the Florida Keys is generally safe if you follow some basic guidelines and precautions. Here are some safety tips for snorkeling in the Florida Keys:
- Always snorkel with a buddy or a group. Stay away from snorkeling alone, even if you are an experienced swimmer. Having someone to watch your back and help you in an emergency can make a big difference.
- Use proper equipment and check it before you go. Ensure your Snorkel mask, snorkel, and fins fit well and are in good condition. If you rent equipment, scrutinize it and ask for assistance if needed. Wear a life jacket or a snorkel vest for extra buoyancy and visibility.
- Know your limits and abilities. Don’t snorkel in areas beyond your skill level or comfort zone. Avoid strong currents, deep water, or rough waves. If you feel tired, cold, or unwell, leave the water immediately.
- Respect marine life and the environment. Don’t touch, feed, or harass any animals or plants you see while snorkeling. Keep a safe distance from coral reefs, as they are fragile and can be easily damaged by human contact. Don’t litter or leave anything behind in the water.
- Follow the rules and regulations of the area. Before snorkeling, check for any restrictions or requirements for your chosen spot. Some sites may require a permit, a fee, or a guide. Some areas may also have designated zones for snorkeling or diving. Look for signs, markers, or flags that indicate where you can or cannot snorkel.
- Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards. Watch out for boats, jet skis, or other watercraft that may not see you or respect your space. Be careful of sharp rocks, coral, or sea urchins that may cut or sting you. Be alert for jellyfish, stingrays, or other creatures threatening your safety.
- Have fun and enjoy the experience. Snorkeling the Florida Keys is a beautiful way to explore the underwater world and see amazing sights. Remember to relax, breathe normally, and appreciate the beauty of nature.
How Do I Book Snorkel Tours And Boats In The Florida Keys?
I hope you find the links above to the snorkel tours in the Florida Keys useful, as they are the ones that I have had the best experiences. They should help you have a fantastic day at any location for the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys on this list.
Remember that most snorkel and dive tours in the Florida Keys are with private boats, so the cost is higher though if you have a few people in your group, they can be very reasonable. But, you can also find shared tours here and there, which significantly reduce the cost for a couple (though if you can, private times are always the best).
If you want to learn more about other snorkeling tours (or any other tours while you’re in the Keys — there’s so much to do), I like to use Viator and have always had great experiences booking tours for many things through their site.
Conclusion
You can find some incredible snorkeling in this part of America, but you need to be aware of a few things before you go to find the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys.
Usually, the best snorkeling is in the middle keys (Big Pine Key, Marathon, and Islamadora in this list), though there are some hidden gems in the lower- and upper-key areas (like Key West and Key Largo, respectively) if you know where to look.
With the information in this article, you’re ready to enjoy some of the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys that others might miss. So, turn on some Jimmy Buffett, grab your flip-flops, and get ready for some fantastic snorkel time in the blue waters of the Keys. Life is good!
