Things to Be Careful of When Snorkeling in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys offer breathtaking snorkeling experiences much like the Caribbean, with similar reefs and marine life. Snorkelers should never go into water alone in the Keys and should always have a sheathed knife strapped to their person in case of emergency. Avoid snorkeling in murky water and in areas frequented by sport or commercial fishermen. Knowing what to watch for while snorkeling in the Florida Keys can help you enjoy a safer experience.

  1. Jellyfish

    • Moon jellyfish within the waters of Floriday Keys are mildly toxic.

      Jellyfish may look delicate but they can pack painful stings. Cassiopea, or upside-down jellyfish, have long tentacles directed upwards instead of down. Though these jellyfish that frequent the Florida Keys are not seriously harmful to most humans, they do hurt when they sting and their stings can cause rashes that last for several days. Moon jellyfish, often found within the Florida Keys waters, are almost invisible, but feature a visible four-leaf clover in the center. Their stings can cause allergic reactions, nausea, fever and chills. Those stung by moon jellyfish should seek medical attention.

    Fire Coral

    • Fire coral feature brown or yellow-green antler-like branches.

      Fire coral, within the Florida Keys, are easy to recognize due to the finger-like protrusions. Not even being coral at all, but organisms closely related to hydroids, snorkelers who brush up against fire coral will feel painful stings. Wetsuits will not protect snorkelers from these tiny colonial animals. The burning rash caused by fire coral is the most common dive injury in the Florida Keys, according to Away online.

    Fish That Camouflage

    • Scorpion fish are potentially fatal to humans.

      Some fish within the Floridian waters are hard to detect due to their camouflage capabilities. Scorpion fish are one of the most dangerous fish within the Florida Keys. This fish is often brown, reddish or yellow with white accents and hovers near and beneath rocks and coral. One sting from a scorpion fish could seriously harm a human. Lying motionless, they are easy to accidentally step on or touch. Sea urchins also blend into their habitat. The sharp spines of the sea urchins can poke through a wet suit and break off into the skin, similar to a thick thorn. Sea urchin injuries often require medical assistance, as spines are often difficult to extract.

    Sharks

    • Reef sharks populate the waters off the Florida Keys.

      Sharks are a danger for snorkelers in the Florida Keys. Snorkelers should never wear reflective jewelry while in the water or splash frequently. Avoid snorkeling at shark feeding times -- dawn, dusk and night -- suggests Florida Keys Best. Though only one Florida Keys shark fatality has been recorded, in 1952, sharks are still dangerous for snorkelers.