Key West snorkeling is magical, and the Florida Keys offers amazing places to swim with sea turtles, discover tropical fish and immerse themselves in the gorgeous underwater world.
Seasoned snorkelers and newcomers alike will love the crystal-clear waters, shimmering blue isles and breathtaking aquatic landscapes that make Key West special.
About Key West
Located 90 miles from Cuba and 150 miles from Miami, Key West is a Florida paradise perfect for any aquatic getaway.
Key West is an island in the Straits of Florida, known for its beautiful beaches, boating, water sports, stunning vistas and amazing nature. It’s a hotspot for scuba diving and snorkeling thanks to the breathtaking coral reefs that lie beneath the surface of its tropical waters.
Key West is home to the world’s third-largest barrier coral reef, home to over 500 species of beautiful tropical fish like blue tang, 110 species of coral, sea turtles, blacktip sharks, common octopuses and more.
Many say that the best way to see Key West is by looking underwater. The dazzling display of marine life will make any visit the trip of a lifetime. Grab your snorkeling gear and get ready to dive into this round-up of the best snorkeling in Key West, including spots for experienced snorkelers and first-timers.
Snorkeling In Key West On Our Private Boat Tours
Join Key West Boat Trips for an unforgettable experience on your own private boat tour through Key West backcountry! Our team will help you find the best snorkeling spots and the small-group boat fleets make trips magical, guided by the experienced captains who are experts on all things Key West.
Are you ready for the Key West snorkeling experience of a lifetime? Then book your boat tour with us today!
1) Higgs Beach
Higgs Beach located on the south side of Key West, sits along 16.5 beautiful acres overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It also happens to be the only shore-accessible underwater marine park in the United States!
This spot is perfect for first-time snorkelers thanks to calm waters and clear views. Many water depths by the old pier are less than 10 feet, so it’s a great place to snorkel as a beginner in Key West.
This popular spot is the best if you want to see sea stars, brain coral, spotted rays, nurse sharks and hogfish. The underwater world surrounding the partially sunken pier makes for an unforgettable experience.
While you’re visiting, you can also enjoy volleyball, kayaking, jet skiing, exploring the Florida Overseas Heritage Trail and more! It really is a one-stop shop for Florida fun in the sun.
2) Smathers Beach
Wondering where to snorkel in Key West for beginners? Look no further than Smathers Beach! This beautiful slice of sand and sea is perfect for the beginner snorkelers that want to get their fins wet.
This popular Key West beach features warm, calm waters with an average depth of 3-8 feet depending on the area. It’s an ideal spot for casual and beginner snorkelers, filled with exciting marine life like:
Small tropical fish
Sea stars
Sea urchins
Stingrays
Crabs
Small eels hiding in rocks
Pro tip: Once you’re out of the water, enjoy lounging on the warm sand, or go for a game of beach volleyball on one of the courts! You can also rent jet skis to hit the waves!
3) Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor offers great snorkeling in Key West with breathtaking ocean views and easy access to the water. The colorful fish and coral make for beautiful scenery. The park is a popular spot among locals looking to beat the touristy crowds.
With shallow waters and mild currents, first-timers looking to go snorkeling in Key West will find the atmosphere perfect for getting a great swim. You’ll easy be able to see the ocean floor in many spots, so keep your eyes peeled for crabs and shrimp.
Good to know: You can buy a single day pass online and get full access to the park. You can also rent snorkeling gear, chairs, umbrellas and more for your convenience. Plus, there’s even an on-site cafe for you to grab a refreshing drink and lunch after a day exploring the water.
4) Dry Tortugas National Park
For some of the best snorkeling around Key West, visitors and locals flock to this national park. It’s best known for its calm waters and adorable sea turtles on Loggerhead Key. Meanwhile, on Loggerhead Reef, you can discover the secrets of the Windjammer Wreck, a ship that sank in 1875.
Dry Tortugas National Park is made up of seven islands and only accessible by ferry or seaplane. While you’re there, you can also explore former military fortress Fort Jefferson, originally built in the 19th century.
A trip to this national park promises a great time beautiful views of soft corals, sea fans and marine life.
5) Sand Key Sanctuary Preservation Area
The Sand Key Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) is marked by a famous, old lighthouse that dates back to 1853. The Sand Key area is ideal for snorkeling thanks to serene, clear waters and a variety of fish.
You can expect to find a wide range of marine life under the tides. You might catch sight of a goliath grouper, yellowtail snapper or other species popular throughout the Florida Keys.
Also near Sand Key is Rock Key, a remote dive site filled with rich coral gardens and vibrant underwater landscapes. Rock Key and Eastern Dry Rocks feature shallow waters and are great for snorkelers that want to do a bit of diving as well.
Before you visit, here are some important things to know:
Sand Key is a heavily protected area, so it features abundant marine life in a thriving aquatic ecosystem
Rock Key is teeming with fish like blue tang, parrotfish and sergeant major
Rock Key has more crevices and deeper water, so it can be better for intermediate snorkelers
Pro tip: If it’s your first time snorkeling, be sure to explore the area to enjoy beginner-friendly dives.
6) Bahia Honda State Park
Located just a short drive from Key West, the crystalline waters of Bahia Honda State Park offer a welcoming space for snorkelers of all levels. This pristine park is virtually uninhabited, leaving it a breathtaking canvas for wildlife and natural plants to flourish.
Underwater, you’ll find colorful coral reefs, angelfish, butterflyfish, turtles and stingrays. There are shallow areas excellent for new snorkelers, as well as deeper waters ideal for experienced snorkelers looking to broaden their horizons.
Before you visit Bahia Hondas State Park be sure to:
Plan ahead and make sure your snorkeling gear is well-fitted and fully functional
Read about the water depths and currents in your destination
Research water entry points and snorkel areas at each spot
Be mindful of your fins to avoid kicking coral reefs or fish
Stay inside the marked areas to keep yourself safe
Consider booking a tour for snorkeling with an experienced instructor
Pro tip: You’ll be able to have an amazing time by planning your trip early and taking note of parking, bathroom access, local restaurants and transportation routes.
7) John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Within a little over two hours’ drive from Key West, you can enjoy a breathtaking coral gardens as you hop into the cool waters at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. As the first undersea park established in the US, this park holds a special place in history.
With snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing and other water activities, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the perfect destination to admire the natural beauty and wonders of the Florida Keys. Covering 70 nautical miles, this park is a family-friendly destination that’s perfect for getting a full Florida Keys experience.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Cannon Beach, where you can marvel at artifact cannons from a Spanish shipwreck dating back to 1775!
Discover The Best Snorkeling Spots In Key West
At Key West Boat Trips, we offer small-group excursions to the most incredible Key West snorkeling spots. Let us whisk you away into a tropical paradise, where you can explore the ocean and discover underwater thrills.Our experienced team are always here to help you plan the best Florida Keys getaway. Contact us today to learn more about our boat tours!
The post 7 Spots For The Best Snorkeling In Key West – Uncover Underwater Wonders first appeared on Key West Boat Trips.
