Is snorkeling safe in Key Largo?
Snorkeling in Key Largo is world class because the waters are protected by both John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Famous snorkeling sites include the Christ of the Abyss Statue and Molasses Reef. Key Largo’s incredibly clear water and world-famous reefs make for fantastic snorkeling any time of the day. That said, as with most diving, sunlight penetrates the deepest when it is directly overhead, typically at or just after noon.A perfect place to snorkel in the Keys is off the coast of Key Largo at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the United States. Located at the park is Christ of the Deep, a nine-foot-tall, 4,000 pound statue that’s submerged in 25 feet of water.Florida Keys 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.The only key largo snorkeling from shore is at either of the two designated beaches in pennekamp park. The beaches access an enclosed bay that has a sea grass bottom and is surrounded by mangroves.
What is the best reef to snorkel in the Keys?
Molasses Reef The reef’s abundance of marine life and relative ease of access make it one of the most popular dive and snorkel locations in the Keys. Sea Dwellers is one of several dive shops that bring snorkelers and scuba divers to Molasses Reef from Key Largo. The only Key Largo snorkeling from shore is at either of the two designated beaches in Pennekamp Park. The beaches access an enclosed bay that has a sea grass bottom and is surrounded by mangroves.John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a must-visit for any snorkeler in Key Largo. As the first underwater park in the United States, it boasts an impressive 70 nautical square miles of protected marine habitat.Clearwater Beach: It’s no surprise that one of the most popular beaches in the area offers excellent snorkeling. Dive into the clear waters and discover a world teeming with colorful sea creatures. Anclote Key Preserve State Park: For those seeking a more secluded snorkeling experience, Anclote Key is the place to be.Answer: Key West has the best snorkeling of the Florida Keys. While all of the Florida Keys offer incredible underwater adventures, Key West stands out as the ultimate snorkeling destination thanks to its easy access to the Florida Keys Reef Tract, the third-largest living coral barrier reef in the world.The only Key Largo snorkeling from shore is at either of the two designated beaches in Pennekamp Park.
Are there coral reefs in Key Largo?
The waters off Key Largo are known for stands of elkhorn and large mounds of star and brain corals. These reefs have served as an example of marine protected areas for decades. We see a number of different types of sharks in Key Largo, mainly Reef Sharks, Nurse sharks and some Bull sharks. There are however visitors to our shores that are a little larger.