Key West’s snorkelling scenes are among the best in the world. Tucked within North America’s only coral barrier reef and surrounded by shallow, calm Caribbean waters, it is the perfect location for a swim alongside schools of colourful fish.
Whether you’re looking for a close encounter with a dazzling display of marine life or interested in a glimpse into history at one of the many shipwreck remains, Key West has you covered. Grab your snorkelling gear and get ready – the crystal-clear waves and deep blue sea world are full of surprises for you to discover.
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Dry Tortugas National Park
Remote sanctuary with an abundance of marine life
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Dry Tortugas National Park is situated at the southwest corner of the Florida Keys reef system, 70 miles over the ocean from Key West. Thanks to its remote location, the underwater world at this park brims with an astounding variety of wildlife, from majestic corals to queen conches to myriads of tropical fish.
There are multiple designated snorkelling sites throughout the park with shallow waters suitable for swimmers of all levels, making it an ideal destination for the whole family. When you’re done exploring the beautiful undersea, dry off on the brilliant white sand beaches or enjoy a tour of the park’s historic fort – one of the largest 1800s masonry forts in the country.
Phone: +1 305-242-7700
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Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Easily accessible and crystal clear waters
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Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, perched at the tip of Key West where the land slants into the ocean, offers the perfect conditions for snorkelling. The water is clear with high visibility, and the rocky formation at the shore attracts a variety of colourful fish. Easy access to the beach means no tours are necessary, and you can simply wade out to the blue waves with your favourite fins.
The park also features lots of other wildlife, such as shorebirds and sea turtles. For history enthusiasts, the fort itself is a symbol of national history and showcases one of the largest collections of Civil War armament in the world, making it a nice perk to add to the trip.
Location: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to sundown
Phone: +1 305-292-6713
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Bahia Honda State Park
Dive in from the beach or take a boat tour
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Bahia Honda State Park lies 35 miles east of Key West, on an offshore island known for its palm-lined beaches, turquoise waves, and balmy sea breezes. Snorkelling right off the soft sands is easy and safe for beginners, and the park provides convenient gear rentals.
For an excursion to deeper waters reaching up to 70 feet, you can opt for a boat tour going out to the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. A spectacular reef system at the sanctuary offers a different world of wonder, teeming with ocean life in a rainbow of colours.
Location: 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to sundown
Phone: +1 305-872-2353
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Cottrell Key
Mangrove island with unique variety of sea life
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Cottrell Key is a mangrove island northwest of Key West. Its location on the Gulf side of the keys creates a calm wave pattern in the area, allowing for great snorkelling opportunities for swimmers of all levels. The patch reef full of soft sponge coral attracts a different variety of fish than many other spots around Key West, as well as a collection of unique conches.
The island itself is home to many sea birds, turtles, and island forests. So, kick back on the beach after emerging out of the water – you might just find more natural life ready for you to discover.
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Sambo Reef
Incredible diversity of fish and beautiful corals
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Sambo Reef is located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Divided into 3 reef regions separated by sandy terrain, the system features distinct eco-structures that foster different marine life in each area, drawing a complex variety of Florida fish. Surgeonfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, and myriads of others are frequently spotted residents, whereas starfish, sand dollars, and sea urchins can be found near the shore.
The corals themselves are also an unforgettable sight to see. Hosting one of the last living elkhorn corals in the lower keys, Sambo Reef is a precious natural exhibit not to be missed.
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Sand Key Lighthouse Reef
Colourful reef surrounding an active lighthouse
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The pristine Sand Key Lighthouse Reef encircles its namesake lighthouse southwest of Key West. One of the healthiest reefs around, it is the home of large schools of tropical fish as well as various other marine life, including sea turtles and sharks. The sandy bottom with cliff-like grooves makes a striking sight on its own, perfect for closer explorations on a scuba dive.
The lighthouse dates to the 1800s and is still in service. The vintage red iron will stand out beautifully in pictures, adding to the bright colours found both above and beneath the water.
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Avanti Dutch Wreck
Brilliant seaworld centred around a historic shipwreck
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Avanti Dutch Wreck, also known as the Windjammer Wreck, is located on Loggerhead Reef within the boundaries of the Dry Tortugas National Park. One of the most famous shipwrecks in Florida, it is the site of an underwater extravaganza loaded with brilliant aquatic life. Its shallow depth at just over 20 feet marks it as an excellent choice for both snorkellers and novice divers, and some parts of the wreck will even be exposed for swimmers to see at low tide.
The ship Avanti sank in 1907 and was discovered in 1971. An archaeological treasure doubling as a marine exhibit, this site is a true mecca for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Phone: +1 305-242-7700
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Higgs Beach
Extensive marine wildlife just a step away from a soft sand beach
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Higgs beach offers some of the best off-beach snorkelling in Key West. Thanks to an old pier serving as a breakwater, this area is a haven for large schools of tropical fish, as well as other wildlife such as rays and barracudas. The seagrass beds also attract lots of Queen Conch – Key West’s mascot.
The surrounding grounds of Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park are packed with convenient amenities, including picnic tables, tennis courts, and children’s playgrounds. Look no further if you’re looking for an ideal weekend with the whole family, with a sunny beach to sunbathe on after a fun day in the water.
Location: 100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, USA
Open: Daily from 6 am to 11 pm
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Smathers Beach
Vast beach with calm waters ideal for first-timers
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Smathers Beach is a large public beach conveniently located right off Highway A1A. The sugar white sands stretch for an impressive expanse of 2 miles, and you can snorkel wherever you like from its long shore. With a shallow depth and gentle currents, it is a safe spot for swimmers of all levels, especially kids who are eager for their first snorkelling experience.
Other activities to opt for at Smathers Beach include swimming, kayaking, and volleyball. If you have a full day to spare, plan ahead and turn your snorkelling adventure into an unforgettable beach holiday.
Location: 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, USA
Open: Daily from sunrise to sunset
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Eastern Dry Rocks
Explore bright corals, fish, and shipwrecks
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Eastern Dry Rocks lies within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary about 7 miles southeast of Key West. Home to both sandy and coral reefs, it features breathtaking underwater canyons as well as a diverse variety of marine life. Common species sighted here include parrotfish, angelfish, conches, and larger fish such as hammerhead sharks and barracudas.
The area also boasts many shipwrecks buried in sand and coral. Teeming with corals and historical artefacts alike, these historic remains are a treat to the eye, making Eastern Dry Rocks a coveted destination for both snorkellers and scuba divers.
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