Best Snorkeling Spots in Key West

Millions of visitors travel to Key West, year after year. One of the most anticipated and enjoyed activities is snorkeling. Between the amazing ocean, the animals you can spot, and the incredible corals, it is no mystery why Key West is as popular as it is.

Key West is the southern and most western major key of the Florida Key archipelago. It is famous for being able to see the sunset on the water, partying, beautiful beaches, history, and of course, snorkeling.

There are several state parks and one famous national park, all located either in Key West or near Key West, making this Florida destination a must-go for all snorkelers and nature enthusiasts. Ranging from beach snorkeling and deep sea snorkeling, here you can find something for anyone regardless of their skill level.

How to Get to Key West

There are several ways to reach Key West. One of the more popular routes is to rent a car from Miami or Fort Lauderdale and have a scenic 6-to-7-hour road trip along the south Florida coast and pass through all the other keys. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Key West International Airport or take a ferry from Ft. Myers. You can also take a private boat or a greyhound bus.

Common Marine Life in Key West

Hundreds of different species of fish call coral reefs their home. Here is where they thrive, eat, swim, and where they enjoy spending their time. One of the best parts of snorkeling in coral reefs is seeing the marine life residents.

Some examples of fish you may encounter are Parrotfish, which are bright and vibrant and have blue and pink hues. Yellow snapper, which is a breed that swims together in large groups and is very common in Key West.

Barracudas are the snappers’ larger predator fish that prey on them with their sharp teeth. There are sometimes stingrays, nurse sharks, and reef sharks. Shark sightings in particular, are relatively rare because most shark species are nocturnal.

Manatees are South Florida’s most treasured and endangered mammal. You may not run into them when you are snorkeling, but you may see them right before your adventure because they tend to be found near the marinas.

Dry Tortugas National Park

One of the 63 National Parks, Dry Tortugas is an incredible spot for anyone who enjoys snorkeling. It is part of the Florida Key reef system, which is the third largest reef system in the world.

This spot is perfect for anyone, regardless of skill level. There is a range of shallow waters ranging from 5 to 15 feet. Here you can see a plethora of natural corals and incredible marine life. There are several snorkeling locations throughout the national park that are available for exploration.

How to Get to Dry Tortugas

This national park is an island located roughly 70 miles from Key West. There are several ways to get here. Either take a personal boat, a charter, seaplane or take a ferry directly from Key West.

Taking the ferry or seaplane from Key West will bring you to Garden Key, which is the second largest island of the Dry Tortugas. Here you will find Fort Jefferson, the visitor center, campgrounds, and of course, the snorkeling areas.

What to See at Dry Tortugas

The word “tortugas” translates to “turtles” in Spanish. When this fort was first discovered, there were sea turtles constantly swimming throughout the island. There are five species of turtles that you may be able to see during your time exploring, the Green turtle, Loggerhead, Leatherback, Hawksbill, and Kemp's Ridley.

Unfortunately, they are all threatened or endangered. If you are lucky enough to see one, it is illegal to disturb them or their nesting locations.

There are hundreds of different species of fish and marine life that live within the coral and seagrass. Here you can also find around 30 species of different corals that have lived in the area for hundreds and thousands of years.

About 9 of the corals native to the area are currently threatened. The coral is home to many different colorful fish, and there is also the occasional nurse shark spotting!

Sand Key Lighthouse Reef

This popular spot is an incredible reef that surrounds a historic lighthouse that was built back in 1853. It is located about 7 miles offshore in the Sand Key Sanctuary Preservation Area.

The water depth can range between 1 to 15 feet which makes it perfect for snorkelers of all skill types. It is a unique location where one is able to experience the juxtaposition of nature while also having a glance at man-made architecture right in the middle of the ocean. It is also a nice alternative to beach snorkeling while not being too deep out in the water.

What to See at Sand Key Lighthouse Reef

This reef is one of the healthiest in Key West due to its preservation status. Much of the coral one can find here will be healthy and vibrant. Due to the preservation of the reef, hundreds of different fish thrive here.

This coral reef is part of the main reef that stretches through Key West, similar to much of the reef, you will find hundreds of different colorful fishes of all different sizes. If you are lucky, maybe you will be able to find some sea turtles swimming around, and of course, there is also the occasional shark spotting.

This location is offshore, and the only way to get there is by personal boat or tour group.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

If you are looking to immerse yourself in history while breathing in the beautiful Key West nature, look no further. This state park houses an array of civil war armaments, more so than any other park in the world. It played a huge role during the Civil War as well as the Spanish-American war.

However, the charm of this location is not only for its historic purpose but also because it is also home to a beautiful snorkel location. Here you can find beach snorkeling, which is always perfect for beginners as well as any snorkel enthusiast.

What to See in Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Here you can see various types of corals and fish. Primarily coral such as Knobby brain coral and starlet coral. Within the reefs, you will definitely find small reef fish that live within the reef, but you may also find their prey–such as anglers, snappers, and barracudas.

When you are done snorkeling, you might see the beautiful and famous scrub-jay bird that lives throughout the state park.

Cortell Key

Cortell Key is a great location for those snorkelers that enjoy snorkeling a bit more out in the ocean. It is located about 9 miles from Key West, inside the national wildlife refuge. You will need either a personal boat or charter boat or a tour to get here.

It is a bit different from other snorkeling locations and a perfect place to find more exotic animals. It is definitely one of the more exciting snorkeling locations.

What to See in Cortell Key

The marine life here is unique in comparison to other snorkeling locations in Key West.

Most visitors come here in hopes of seeing stingrays. However, you may also be able to see dolphins and maybe even a shark. Yet, even if you don’t see these crazy creatures, you will still be able to see the colorful reef fish that are happy to call coral reefs their home.

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park is a lovely nature reserve. Here you will find gorgeous beaches with clear waters. Perfect for easy-to-enjoy beach snorkeling. There are a variety of other activities available at the park, such as camping, cycling, scuba diving, and kayaking.

You can also enjoy a hike to see the views of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge. A popular state park for those visiting the Florida Key. Due to its shallow waters, it may not be best for advanced snorkels, but it is perfect for beginner and casual snorkeling.

What to See in Bahia Honda State Park

The water ranges between 4 to 6 feet, where you can see different tropical corals, vibrant reef fish, conchs, and lobsters. The waters are shallow, so you may see smaller reef fish and other gorgeous creatures that thrive within the corals.

Looe Key

If you are looking for another offshore snorkeling experience, Looe Key offers spectacular reefs. It is located slightly away from the Bahia Honda State Park. You can book a private group tour or private charter to take you out into the ocean.

What to See in Looe Key

Here you have the chance to spot exciting marine life! Maybe you’ll see different rays, barracudas, or maybe even a shark. There are also a variety of coral housing the incredible fish

Honorable mention

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

This snorkeling spot is actually located in Key Largo. It is a gorgeous state park full of the famous Florida mangroves, several tours, and they have many different activities available. If you are driving down to Key West from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, this is a perfect stop along the way.

The park is loved by locals, and the park offers a variety of different ocean activities. They offer glass bottom boats, kayaking, paddleboarding, and scuba tours. They also offer deep sea-snorkeling tours and beach snorkeling. The park itself is relatively large, it covers around 70 nautical square miles, which is one of the several reasons this place is worth a visit.

General Tips For Key West Snorkeling

The Florida Keys have a generally warm climate, and during the summer months, it ranges in the high 90F. With that being said: never forget your sunblock! The sun and the heat are no joke, and you do not want to end your beautiful vacation burned out and feeling sick.

Do not feed or disturb the wildlife. Several animals in the Florida Keys are unfortunately listed as either threatened or endangered. This is especially true for the turtles, and during the turtle nesting months, which range from May to October, many nests are protected, and you can be fined for disturbing the nests.

Do not touch the coral. This is twofold, sometimes, the coral can irritate your skin. Most times, you can accidentally damage and kill the coral. Please be mindful of your fins, and if you are traveling with children, make sure they avoid touching the coral.

It is always great to make sure you have your own personal first aid kit because you never know what you may encounter on your adventures! If you need help assembling your very own, here is an informative guide on how to create your own personalized kit.

Snorkeling Gear

Depending on which location you pick will depend on what gear you will need to bring with you.

Regardless, one needs a snorkel, a snorkel mask, and fins, depending on the depth of the water. If you decide to enjoy beach snorkeling at one of the state parks, they may provide rentals at a fee, but you may forgo wearing fins depending on your comfort.

If you decide to take a private tour or charter, many companies provide all the snorkel gear already for you, do not forget to check on the tour guides' website and see what they provide.

During the summer months, a wetsuit or drysuit may not be needed. However, a wet or dry suit will aid with sun protection and protect you against ocean irritants. Dry suits do help you stay afloat.

Hurricane Safety in Florida

Between the months of June 1^st and November 30^th, the Key West enters its hurricane season. It peaks around the summer months of August and October. If a hurricane were to approach, the National Hurricane Center provides frequent updates, usually around a week or more away. Even with a hurricane warning, sometimes the hurricane can shift away at the last minute.

If there is a hurricane approaching Key West, there are times that the county announces an evacuation order, and visitors should definitely evacuate. The Florida Keys are susceptible to flooding, especially for any hurricane over a category 2.

Evacuate early because massive traffic jams may occur if you wait too long. Do not evacuate if the storm is starting! If you cannot evacuate on time, there are designated hurricane shelters on the island. During hurricane season, it is important to stay up to date with updates and potential hurricane watches or warnings. One of the best resources you can take advantage of is the National Hurricane Center.

And the best word of advice, if you are ever in doubt if it is safe to snorkel, it’s best to stay out of the water.

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