There are multiple best snorkeling spots in the Florida Keys if you want to go snorkeling. The best snorkeling spots in Florida are available by land and boat. In fact, some of the best snorkeling in the US, let alone in the state of Florida, can be found in the Florida Keys. There are several scheduled snorkeling trips available in Key West and there are excellent reef snorkeling locations that you can access by boat as well.
Jump to:
Top Places for Snorkeling in Florida Keys
When it comes to snorkeling and diving, The best months for snorkeling are April until August. Here are some best places for snorkeling in Florida keys are as follows:
Alligator Reef
Alligator Reef is one of the best snorkeling spots in the Florida Keys. And no, there aren’t any alligators here, so don’t worry. Alligator Reef really is the name of a ship that went down including nurse sharks, amberjack, parrotfish, angelfish and barracuda. Sea turtles and spotted eagle rays can occasionally be seen by lucky watchers, while dolphin sightings are common from tour boats that frequently visit the reef.
Alligator Reef has unfortunately been devastated, yet it is still a location worth seeing. This is because of both. The Keys are currently experiencing stony coral tissue loss disease and Hurricane Irma. To go snorkeling at Alligator Reef in Islamorada is to explore one of the top snorkeling locations in Florida.
Looe Key
There are many excellent places to snorkel in the Florida Keys, but we made sure to include Looe Key as one of the top choices. Over the years, this reef has developed into a major travel destination. Looe Key, which lies eight nautical miles southwest of Bahia Honda State Park, is home to a coral reef that is protected as well as a variety of marine life.
Snorkelers have the opportunity to see sea turtles, angelfish, grunts and a variety of corals including stars and elkhorn. Snapper, parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish and other smaller species are frequently found. Green finger sponge, fire coral and brain coral are a few uncommon coral formations that you might witness.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Those who are familiar with the Florida Keys are also familiar with the Dry Tortugas. Everywhere you look, colorful tropical fish and live coral can be seen. Even better, the super clean sand beaches provide easy reef access.
Thus, snorkeling in the Florida Keys from the shore has never been simpler. And that makes it excellent for people of all ages and skill levels. Keep a watch out for starfish, queen conchs and other sea animals because they are plentiful here. Fins, a mask and a snorkel are free of charge.
Molasses Reef
Molasses Reef offers excellent snorkeling in the Florida Keys. We guarantee that you will understand why this is one of the best snorkeling experiences in the Florida Keys due to the truly incredible purity of the water. When the Best snorkeling spots in Florida Keys in the waters of Molasses Reef, you might see tropical fish, elkhorn and brain coral and goliath grouper among other species.
Take a boat tour at Key Largo or at Pennekamp State Park to reach this location because it is among the best snorkeling in Key Largo especially. If you wish to visit Molasses Reef in calm weather, it is recommended that you take a private Florida snorkeling cruise.
Sombrero Reef for Snorkeling in Florida
Sombrero Reef, named after the Sombrero Key Lighthouse, is another well liked snorkeling location near Marathon Florida. Look for corals such as a pillar, lobed star, boulder, blade, fire, branching and elkhorn because this reef is home to a variety of healthy corals.
Some of the best snorkeling in the Marathon, the Florida Keys and anywhere else can be found at Sombrero Reef. Due to this, both locals and visitors find it to be highly popular. The corals match the spectacular neon colored tropical fish in this area. Just remember to be surprised and not touched.
Bahia Honda State Park
Take a journey to Bahia Honda State Park if you want to go snorkeling in some of the finest spots close to Islamorada. Act as you, You should keep close to the coast since there are fish, queen conchs, coral, coral heads and lobster just a few hundred feet offshore.
In addition to a snack bar and gift shops, the park also offers kayak rentals. There are several activities available here, like fishing, biking, walking and enjoying the beaches. The old bridge is also visible.
The Dry Tortugas of Fort Jefferson
Seven tiny islands off the coast of Key West make up the National Park known as Dry Tortugas. It’s one of the top snorkeling spots in the Florida Keys. Additionally, this area contains the historic Fort Jefferson. The seven islands that make up Dry Tortugas National Park are famous for their marine and avian life as well as for snorkeling opportunities.
Given the early surroundings and the need for campers to bring everything they need including water, wild camping is still fairly common in this area. Here, vibrant tropical fish and living coral is everywhere.
Indian Key Historic State Park
Locals and visitors frequent this historic location all the time. There are various charters that may take you here and many of them provide eco tours of the park itself. But once there, you can look into the history of the town. Just be careful to get in the water frequently. You can spend a lot of time swimming around the coral rocks that encircle the area’s perimeter.
Bottom Line
Snorkeling in the Florida Keys, you can go by land and sea to the top snorkeling locations in Florida. One of the best snorkeling spots in Florida is Alligator Reef in Islamorada where you may go snorkeling. In the Florida Keys, Molasses Reef is a great place to snorkel. Sombrero Reef offers some of the most exceptional snorkeling in the Marathon, Florida Keys and anywhere else. The Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National Park is a collection of seven little islands off the coast of Key West.
