Is snorkeling worth it in Key West?
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park: Shallow Reefs for Beginners and Families. Located in the heart of Key West, Fort Zachary Taylor snorkeling is one of the best spots for beginners and families. The shallow waters here are calm, offering easy access to vibrant fish, sea turtles, and small coral formations. While Key Largo and Key West are the most popular spots, by far the best snorkeling is to be found between these two keys. There are a bunch of lesser known snorkel locations that are wonderful. They are located in the waters off Islamorada (Matecumbe Key), Marathon (Vaca Key), and Big Pine Key.Where is the best free snorkeling in Key West? For free snorkeling, Fort Zachary Taylor and Higgs Beach are excellent options. At Higgs Beach, the remnants of an old pier create an artificial reef where you can spot small fish and crabs.One of the most popular to visit is the Sand Key Lighthouse, perched in the water and known for excellent snorkeling in its vicinity. The Key West Lighthouse, right in town, dates back to 1848. Here, dive into the rich maritime history with a visit to the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum.Fort Zachary Taylor Beach Tucked inside Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, this is arguably the best beach in Key West for snorkeling. The shoreline is rockier than others, but the clear waters and coral formations make it ideal for spotting tropical fish.
When not to go to Key West?
Low season in Key West runs from September through November. September and October see the most rain and the highest chances for storms. By November, rains and the potential for tropical storms decrease. When should you avoid Key West? Hurricane season (June-November), particularly August and September, presents the highest risk of tropical storms. However, many visitors still enjoy Key West during these months due to lower prices and fewer crowds, just with the understanding that weather can be unpredictable.Part of the Florida Keys archipelago – and sitting at the southernmost point of the USA – the island of Key West is the perfect place for a relaxing beach break. Expect year-round sunshine, dazzling blue Atlantic Ocean, and white-sand beaches lined with palm trees to help you immediately kick back and relax.The cheapest month to board a flight to Key West is usually May. Make use of the ‘Whole month’ tool if you have flexible travel dates. Browse fares for an entire month and find a flight to EYW that suits your budget and schedule. Fly to Key West in July if you want to be there when it’s busy.Can you camp or sleep on the beach in Key West? No, but some parks near Key West offer camping options, so it’s best to decide on one’s preferred type of camping in advance. Dry Tortugas National Park offers primitive camping on Garden Key.And yes, you can swim year-round in Key West! In this article, we’ll break down Key West weather, including an overview of our weather patterns and a monthly breakdown of what you can expect, share some travel tips, and provide you with a guide to what’s going on in the Keys during the best weather months.
Is it safe to walk at night in Key West?
Yes, Key West is generally considered safe to walk around at night, especially in well-populated and tourist-friendly areas like Duval Street and the Historic Seaport. The island has a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, and the nightlife spots are usually busy with both locals and tourists. Which is better for vacation – Key Largo or Key West? If you’re looking for the quintessential Florida Keys experience – Key Largo is your best bet. If you’re looking for eclectic entertainment, spirited bars, and parties that roll all night long – Key West is certainly for you.Choosing the best area mainly depends on your interests and the Key West experience you desire: Old Town: Ideal for easy access to attractions, vibrant nightlife, and historic charm. New Town: Offers a quieter, residential atmosphere and is home to about 75% of Key West’s residents.Answer: Absolutely! In our opinion it is one of the most underrated things to do in Key West. Key West is located on the 3rd largest living coral reef in the world and the largest in the United States.Choosing the best area mainly depends on your interests and the Key West experience you desire: Old Town: Ideal for easy access to attractions, vibrant nightlife, and historic charm. New Town: Offers a quieter, residential atmosphere and is home to about 75% of Key West’s residents.
When to avoid Key West?
If the weather makes a difference to you, August through September is also the worst time to visit Key West. It is not only hot and humid during these months, but you are also in the middle of Key West’s hurricane season. Fall is the low season in Key West and the best time to visit for travelers looking for fewer crowds, lower priced accommodations, and travel incentive flight pricing. The beginning of September offers the annual Key West BrewFest with tastings and pairings on the beach and at venues around the island.