About Snorkeling in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys offer some of the best places in the continental United States to truly enjoy a snorkeling experience in a natural environment. The biodiversity in the subtropical waters rivals anywhere else in the world. Millions of people visit the Florida Keys every year to enjoy the wildlife, water and the beach. Snorkeling is a key part of many vacations to the chain of islands off Florida's southern coasts.

  1. Geography

    • The Florida Keys is a series of islands, or archipelago, just off the southern tip of the Florida mainland. They are surrounded by a series of waterways known as the Florida Straits, which are very shallow and teeming with marine life. Even though it is just off a major metropolitan area, the water is some of the clearest in the world.

    Benefits

    • The main benefit of the snorkeling in the Florida Keys deals with the location and its accessibility. It is one of the prime snorkeling spots that many people have the capability to drive to. With the Miami International Airport less than an hour away from the upper keys, there is easy access by air. Those wanting to get to the lower keys can take a connection from Miami to Key West or other airports in the area.

    Size

    • One of the distinguishing aspects of the keys is the fact that they are so spread out. Whether you chose to stay in Key Largo on the north end, Key West on the south end or anywhere in between, there are plenty of snorkeling opportunities. The water is clear along the 110-mile length of the island chain. Thus, there is no reason to crowd into just a few snorkeling areas. Whether with a group or on your own, the size of the keys makes snorkeling very pleasant.

    Features

    • Snorkeling in the keys opens the swimmer up to a world of tropical fish, coral reefs, submerged structures and even some shallower shipwrecks. Indeed, there are places in the Florida Keys where a swimmer can see things that simply are not available in most other locations--at least not without a certified diving certificate.

    Considerations

    • Whether you want to snorkel alone or with a group, there are many options. Numerous resorts offer snorkeling equipment that allow you to explore on your own. Bahia Honda State Park, one of the few natural beaches in the Florida Keys, offers snorkeling equipment for rent as well. For those who bring their own snorkeling equipment, they can stop at any one of the islands and find a suitable snorkeling area. Group snorkeling outings are also a popular option.

    Time Frame

    • Hands down, the best time to go snorkeling is in the warmer months. This is when the water is at its most comfortable. Though it is southern Florida, even in the winter months the water can become quite cool to the touch. Therefore, in those colder months, a wet suit may be needed in order to stay in the water for an extended time period.

    Warning

    • While snorkeling in the Florida Keys can be a great experience, there are dangers as well. The keys offer some great natural wonders but also some great dangers. There are a substantial number of sharks and jellyfish in the keys. While shark attacks are rare, they do happen. Therefore, the standard rules of snorkeling should apply. Those in the water should never be totally alone.